Many people think that the main thing in the streaming process is the video: its quality and the overall setup appearance. It’s vital indeed, but apparently, the essential part of your stream is your audio.
People won’t be watching your live show if your picture looks fantastic, but no one can hear you or hear you badly. So let’s jump into the article and pick the best microphone for streaming in 2021 so your audience is stunned by the audio quality.
How to Choose a Streaming Microphone
When it comes to microphones for live streaming, there are two things you need to pay attention to:
- The type of cord used for connecting a mike to your computer;
- The polar pattern type of the microphone.
(No worries, I’ll explain what are those later in the article)
There are also other characteristics that influence the price of a microphone for streaming, but in my opinion, these two are the most important ones.
Microphone’s Connection Type
Long story short, this is the way your microphone is connected to a computer. There are two options available:
- XLR cord
- USB cable
XLR-corded Microphones
XLR cord will give the best quality possible. On top of that, there is almost no latency while you’re live. But make sure this is something that you’re looking for (spoiler alert: most of the streamers don’t need such mics for streaming).
The XLR-corded microphone cannot be connected to a desktop or a laptop right away. For hooking it up with your computer, you’ll need to buy separate gadgets (an audio mixer or USB audio interface), which is an additional investment in your setup (the prices start at $50).
Microphones with USB cables
USB cables are fantastic since you can plug them into your computer and go live right after unpacking your mic: no additional wires, capture devices, or mixers. Easy-to-use solution for those who are looking into buying a great microphone without spending a fortune. Budget-wise, even though some USB-corded streaming microphones can be expensive, they turn out to be cheaper since you don’t need to buy any additional gear as for the XLR ones.
Microphone’s Polar Pattern
A polar pattern is a way a microphone captures the sound. In easy words, there are different “paths” for the sound to be captured.
Here are the different types of polar patterns:
- Cardioid pattern – it picks the sound from the front and a little bit from the sides. Works best for solo-streamer;
- Bidirectional pattern – it picks the sound from the front and back, which makes it a great option for interviews;
- Omnidirectional pattern – it picks the sound from all the directions, great for musical bands and chores;
- Stereo pattern – it works the same way as the omnidirectional one but creates two audio tracks. It captures the sound similar to the human ear.
Depending on the type of live streams you’re going to have (Q&A, interviews), you might consider different polar patterns. Note, some microphones allow you to change the polar pattern depending on the show type you’re going to host.
This knowledge is more than enough to understand what microphone you’re looking for and why the price may vary. Let’s see what are the best microphones out there.
Best USB Microphones For Streaming
Blue Yeti X
The picture is taken from Amazon
Blue Yeti is an excellent choice for streaming. It’s considered one of the best mics for streaming because of its price and audio quality.
Pattern Types: Cardioid, Omni, Bidirectional, Stereo.
Elgato Wave:3
The picture is taken from Amazon
The choice of many professional streamers! The best USB mic for streaming comes with software that allows you to control everything about your audio and create top-tier live shows.
Best XLR Mic For Streaming
Remember, with XLR microphones, you can produce professional live shows, but you need to have a USB audio interface or an audio mixer to connect your microphone to your PC. Consider these microphones if you are a tech-savvy user who wants to take it up a notch.
Shure SM58
The picture is taken from Amazon.
This is a legendary microphone used by professional singers and will be the best choice for those who’re singing in their streams. And even if you don’t sing, this option will be an awesome investment in your setup. This microphone captures the sound amazingly and cuts all the unwanted sounds very well.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Shure SM7B
The picture is taken from Amazon
Shure SM7B is one of the top streaming microphones with an air suspension system that will help you have a professional sound, reducing all the unnecessary sounds, so is Shure SM58.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Rode Procaster
The picture is taken from Amazon
An excellent option for streaming with 2-4 people. It’s not a cheap streaming microphone, but it’s definitely worth it when it comes to live interviews or podcasting.
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Best Budget Mics For Streaming Under $100
The microphones I shared above are the best ones, but as all of us know, the price we need to pay to get “the best” sometimes doesn’t fit our pocket. If you’re not ready to invest heavily in your setup yet, you’re welcome to check the microphones below.
These microphones will be a great choice for those:
- Who’re just starting their live streaming journey;
- Who’re streaming with in-builts microphones for a while and feels like there is room for improvement.
Razer Seiren Mini
The picture is taken from Amazon
The best budget mic for streaming. Those who’re just starting their broadcasting journey and looking for a budget microphone with outstanding audio quality should definitely look into this option. It’s a decent mic for a streaming start.
Pattern Type: Supercardioid
Pro tip: Supercardioid type of pattern picks fewer sounds from the sides than the usual cardioid one, making it an even better solution for your stream. Less of the side noise will get into the stream.
Blue Snowball Ice
The picture is taken from Amazon
Another legendary piece of gear that will cost you only up to $60 and level up audio in your stream a tonne. It comes with a nice small tripod, so you won’t need to think of any additional gear.
Pattern Type: Cardioid
HyperX SoloCast
The picture is taken from Amazon
Another good mic for streaming – HyperX Solocast. It’s a little bit more expensive (around 60 bucks), but it’s totally worth its price. It has a mute button on the top of it, which can come in handy once you’re playing a video in your stream or having a broadcast with multiple guests.
Pattern Type: Cardioid
Summary
Now you know all the best streaming mics for creating a professional broadcast. Go to YouTube and check the video with examples of sound recorded with different microphones (Alpha Gaming has really great videos for streamer mic setups).
If you still wonder what mic do streamers use – don’t 🙂 It totally depends on your budget and goal. Make sure to listen to the audio from microphones you consider buying and make your own choice.
I hope that this article will help you with your decision. If you use any other microphone that can be a great option for others, please share those in the comments below – I’ll be happy to update this article.
Content creator at BeLive
I move around a little for my cooking show. Would a lapel mic be better for me??
Hi Jenn! Definitely yes! The only thing to pay attention to – make sure that your clothes don’t cover your mic. In the beginning, I was trying to hide my mic and put it under the t-shirt. I ended up having those rustling sounds being recorded. I’d also recommend taking off all the necklaces that might touch the microphone 🙂