USB microphones have become all the rage among the PC computer user community as they provide a big boost in sound quality not only for game live streaming but also for video calling and podcasting.
Basically, if you’re looking to improve your quality and stream like a pro, a microphone is a relatively easy area to improve; the only problem is choosing the one that best suits your needs in a market full of solutions in an endless number of shapes and sizes.
What was previously limited to musicians or professionals who spent their hours composing music, has now been extended to other areas such as Youtubers or Influencers who want to take the greatest care of the quality of their shows by direct.
It’s not just the type of microphone to consider, but polar recording models, connectivity, software and hardware compatibility, and more, and it can be intimidating for those new to the subject.
We’ve rounded up the best live podcasts and microphones on the market, along with buying tips that outline the key aspects of choosing one or the other.
If you’re new to streaming, you might want to take a look at our selection of related articles to get you started:
The best microphones for podcasts and streaming
Blue Yeti X: the best overall
The Blue Yeti X is our top pick right now, and it’s not hard to see why. As well as having a premium design that wouldn’t be out of place on a live stream, the Blue Yeti X is an extremely versatile complete kit.
Consisting of a four capsule capacitor array and a variety of models including cardioid, stereo, and omnidirectional microphones to easily handle any recording situation.
It is true that it does not have the 1/4 inch audio input of the Samson G-Track Pro, but where the Yeti Blue X really stands out in the software section. Vo! Blue CE is integrated directly into the Logitech G Hub.
This not only allows you to select a range of audio presets to make your voice more harmonized for streaming, but you can also change advanced settings related to noise, compression, etc.
There is also the World of Warcraft edition which offers a ton of features suited to this WoW game including a voice modulator that makes you sound like classic characters and a ton of HD sound samples to use for your shows. .
Samson G-Track Pro: ideal for musicians
The Samson G-Track Pro is the strongest choice for musicians who want to record both vocals and instruments, with not only a range of polar patterns to suit podcasts, broadcasts and live performances, but also a 1 / 4 inch.
This means that you can essentially plug in an additional microphone, a second audio source, or better yet, any instrument without having to invest in an additional audio mixer.
Most of the controls you’ll see are on the mic itself, making it much easier to adjust levels on the fly, but it also means that no dedicated software is available for this. G-Track Pro.
If you want to further customize the audio, you will need to use software like Audacity or filters in the OBS software.
The only real downside is the price, as it currently positions itself as the most expensive of those featured here. However, the difference is not very significant and it will compensate you if you intend to take advantage of the additional audio input.
Trust the Fyru GXT 258
Trust Gaming may not be as well established as Blue or Samson in the audio arena, but the company produces a wide selection of accessories for PCs and gaming environments, including the latest Fyru GTX 256 microphone. .
Micro USB might not have the catchiest name, but it does have built-in LEDs to make up for it. It is true that it does not affect the sound part, but if you are a podcaster or broadcast live, it is a great plus. The more LEDs, the better, right?
Visual side aside, the Fyru GTX 258 It offers robust audio recording capabilities, with four polar models to choose from, and the audio quality is solid as well, although it can be a bit limited for those in the know.
In any case, it is the device that offers the best quality / price ratio, with a price that remains below the double digits. If the use you are going to make of it is for semi-professional environments or for someone who is taking their first steps in the diffusion Yes
HyperX SoloCast
The brand specializing in a multitude of devices for game enthusiasts, has now opened this new line of microphones with video editors, streamers, gamers and others in mind. podcasters looking for a sound quality micro USB.
It’s a plug and play device, with some very practical aspects that will appeal to those who spend hours in front of the microphone, like the mute sensor that activates with a light touch on the top. An LED indicator lets you know you’ve turned it off.
Although it includes a base as a stand, the HyperX SoloCast is compatible with a wide range of articulated arms, which is essential if you want to have a free and uncluttered office table. The length of its cable is 2 meters.
When it comes to quality, it is inferior to Samson or YETI, brands with a great tradition in the audio section, but it is certified by TeamSpeak and Discord and guarantees compatibility with OBS, Xplit, Streamlabs OBS and many others. audio management programs.
If you are looking for ease of use, this model guarantees it from the first moment of installation and use. Now don’t expect any advanced adjustments in sound frequency management as it doesn’t include any type of manual control.
Buying Tips
Figuring out which microphone best meets your expectations can be difficult, especially if you’re new to your live broadcasts, so let us walk you through some of the key features to consider.
The most important feature when buying a microphone is the polar diagram available. If you only want to broadcast or record for one person, a microphone with a cardioid polar pattern should be sufficient.
But those who want to record live musical performances or podcasts of two or more people will need an option with multiple polar patterns, ideally two-way and omnidirectional.
The next thing to consider is how you want to connect the microphone. The two main options are USB and XLR. We focus on USB connected microphones in this report because they offer compatibility
This makes them ideal for beginners, but XLR has key advantages such as compatibility with both physical and non-virtual audio mixing consoles. If you plan to handle different audio tracks, think about your choice.
If you are looking to expand your audio setup in the future, XLR may be the way to go. Granted, it’s rare to find physical audio equipment that is compatible with American microphones and more if you start looking in professional environments.
You will also need to decide what type of microphone to choose; condenser or dynamic. Most USB microphones are condenser microphones, allowing multiple speech patterns to be handled with excellent capture quality.
While condenser microphones are arguably the more versatile of the two, dynamic microphones, on the other hand, offer superior noise filtering (most microphones used by musicians at concerts are dynamic).
In general, they also sound warmer than condenser mics. The downside is that dynamic USB microphones are rare, but not unheard of, and most require XLR connectivity to be used.
Also, as with most technologies, we recommend that you stay away from the cheapest microphones that you will undoubtedly find on the net. With the increasing popularity of streaming and podcasting in recent years, some are looking to capitalize on the moment with shoddy solutions.
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