You can always do with slightly poor video quality, but if you are not heard clearly then the game is lost. A good microphone makes you sound like a pro and makes you stand out from the crowd of gamers. Here we will talk about some great microphones which you should consider for streaming, gaming, or podcasting.
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Shure SM 7B
Features
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Type: Dynamic
- Connectivity: XLR
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Controls: 3 Frequency Controls Flat, Bass Roll-off, and Presence Boost
Pros
- Very natural sound
- Crystal clear, rich lows
- Exceptionally smooth highs
- Low cut and high boost filters
- Ease of use
- Works without external shock mount and pop filters
- Good sound isolation, not as hot as condensers
- Cheaper than high-end condenser mics
Cons
- Gain Hungry and may need a preamp (booster)
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Shure SM 7B is the age-old, gold standard for streaming, podcasting, or gaming. This is the model that all professionals yearn to get and then proudly display. This is a premium dynamic microphone and is built like a tank. The quality of the audio is extremely good and easily far above the average.
This cardioid microphone needs an XLR cable and an audio interface to connect and thus requires a bit more initial budget. But if you want to be a pro, then an audio interface is not only a good to have but a must-have. It ups your game significantly. It makes it a much more versatile piece of equipment.
The Shure SM7B offers the artist three frequency responses:
- Flat: This will be appealing to professionals who would like natural audio reproduction.
- Bass Roll off This slightly highlights the lower frequencies.
- Presence Boost: Gently amplifies the mids and the treble.
This microphone provides clear vocals and off-axis rejection helps to mitigate any unwanted background. This makes it a perfect choice for home studios where studio-quality soundproofing might not always be possible.
Given below are three audio interfaces for varying budgets. Out of these Scarlett Solo is perhaps the most popular.
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Shure MV 7
Features
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional Cardioid
- Type: Dynamic
- Connectivity: XLR & USB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Controls: Touch panel (mic gain, headphone volume, monitor mix)
Pros
- Excellent dynamic mic for vocals
- USB (digital) and XLR (analog) connections
- Shure Motiv app provides real-time EQ and basic controls while recording
Cons
- No included mic stand or mount
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Shure MV 7 is the younger brother of Shure SM 7B. It costs lesser than its big brother but you can be absolutely sure of the audio quality and build, as long as it is from Shure. This dynamic microphone is positioned for podcasters and you can hook it up via both XLR cables and USB. Pretty flexible!
It has a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern and provides outstanding vocal clarity. On a blind test between SM7B and MV7, professional audio artists have found it challenging to identify which one is the more premium model.
Rode PodMic
Features
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Type: Dynamic
- Connectivity: XLR
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Controls: NA
Pros
- Clear, relatively uncolored signal
- Built-in damping and pop filter tames plosives
- Hinges on the mount allow for flexible positioning
Cons
- No built-in audio filters
- The integrated clip could be more flexible.
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Challenging the Shure, Rode has come up with its version targeting this audience. Rode Podmic is a much more affordable one than the Shure SM 7B or MV 7 but that does not mean it lacks quality. Rode is known for audio quality and the Podmic is no exception. It is a Dynamic Cardioid pattern microphone, built like a tank.
From the time it is launched, the Podmic has taken the industry by storm and is being used by many professionals. It provides fantastic value for money. This could be the first mic for any aspiring gamer, podcaster, or streamer. It needs XLR connectivity, so you will need an audio interface.
Blue Yeti
Features
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, Bidirectional & Omnidirectional
- Type: Condenser
- Connectivity: USB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Controls: Headphone Volume, Pattern Selection, Instant Mute & Gain.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Very simple to use, plug-and-play operation
- Comes with an integrated audio interface
- An ideal option for content creators, streamers, and podcast hosts
Cons
- Its integrated audio interface is somewhat limiting in terms of sound quality
- Lack of DSP presets not for those seeking EQ/compression baked into the signal.
- No pop filter or adapter for standard mic stand.
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Blue Yeti is perhaps the most commonly seen USB microphone on YouTube. It has a distinct look of an upright standing microphone with a large head. Unlike the Shure SM7B, MV7, and Rode Podmic, this is a condenser microphone and thus more sensitive to pick up the minutest of sounds.
It is a more affordable microphone using USB connectivity. It has cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional polar patterns. This makes it a great option to just plug and play. With superb clarity, ease of use, and being in the affordable bracket, it is a no-brainer why this one is used by so many. Brilliant value for money.
Rode NT USB
Features
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Type: Condenser
- Connectivity: USB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Controls: Headphone Volume
Pros
- Crisp, clear, DSP-free mic signal
- Zero-latency monitoring mode
Pros
- Fixed pattern
- No gain knob
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Rode has always been one of the top manufactures of audio equipment, and Rode NT USB is no different. It is a USB connecting Condenser microphone. Like all condenser microphones, it is more sensitive than dynamic ones and picks up the small background noise. It is always good to have some sound treatment done in the room where you use a condenser microphone.
Rode NT USB comes with its own built-in windshield and pop filter – Rode never disappoints. Comes at a very affordable range and it gives tough competition to the more established Blue Yeti. A great choice for streamers, podcasters, and gamers.
Elgato Wave 3
Features
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Type: Condenser
- Connectivity: USB
- Frequency Response: 70 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Controls: Headphone Volume & Mic Audio Mix
Pros
- Solid, clean audio signal
- Low-latency monitoring
- Easy-to-operate onboard level controls
- Built-in stand
- Free software for blending various audio sources when streaming
Cons
- No switchable mic patterns
- No pop filter included
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Elgato is again a well-known name in the gaming, streaming, and podcasting world. Their products are targeted to make life simple for this target group and the Elgato Wave 3 is not an exception. It is a condenser microphone with USB connectivity. Basically, simple to use – plug and play. It hosts a Cardioid polar pattern and comes with clip guard technology to ensure clear high undistorted signals.
Elgato Wave 3 comes at a similar price bracket as the Blue Yeti. It is affordable, easy to use, provides great sound quality, and is from a company that is known to deliver the best products for streamers, gamers, and podcasters. You cannot go wrong with this.
Audio Technica AT 2020 +
Features
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Type: Condenser
- Connectivity: USB & XLR
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Controls: Headphone Volume
Pros
- Pretty great deal for the price
- Good recording sound quality
- It’s sturdy and can handle some rougher handling
- Despite its simplicity, it has a wide variety of use
Cons
- It could use some additional features
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Audio Technica is an established name in the audio industry. They boast of having some of the best equipment which has withstood the test of time and is used even today. The AT 2020+ is a condenser microphone with dual connectivity of XLR and USB. It is one of the best microphones available in the market at that price range.
The AT 2020+ houses a Cardioid Polar Pattern with remarkable vocal clarity and depth. Being a condenser, it is more sensitive than dynamic microphones and can pick up the most minute vocal nuances. A brilliant microphone.
Few other considerations
Dynamic microphones can be gain hungry. So having a signal booster could be a good addition. These little tools help to boost the vocal signals and at the same time ensures that the sound signals are not distorted.
Given below are three popular ones. Out of these, the cloud lifter has been the first choice for most.
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All of the above are great choices. If you have the budget, you can cut the chase and go for Shure SM 7B. Or if you are just starting and want to take it slow, start with a less expensive one and then gradually move to the gold standard. Trust me you will have a few of these over a period of time.
If you want to know more about Polar Patterns and Home Studio Set Ups, do check these links.
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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