If you are a YouTube gamer, you need to ensure that your videos are top quality. It is not always about the image quality; the sound is also a critical feature. This is regardless of whether you are doing it professionally or just for fun.
This is where the best microphone for YouTube gaming comes in handy. A good microphone enhances the audio quality of your content making it clearer and helps your audience to be more inclined to keep on listening. It is tricky to choose the perfect mic. Here is a buying guide that can help you as a YouTuber to pick what is best.
Best Microphones for YouTube Gaming & Streaming
1. Razor Sieren Elite USB Microphone
This is one of the most enhanced microphones for YouTube. It delivers unmatched recording capabilities. It is easy to set up and use to ensure that your audience enjoys superior content. It has an ideal frequency response; 15Hz- 22 kHz. It is suitable for vocals, voice-overs, podcasts, streaming or even duets.
Features
Four recording patterns
The Razor Sieren USB Digital Microphone comes with four distinct recording patterns. You can easily switch up to any of them to suit your recording needs.
No latency output
The microphone for YouTube comes with zero latency output once you plug it in. This allows you to accurately monitor all your recordings.
Aluminum base
It comes with a durable aluminum base that acts as a stabilizer. You do not even need a stand since you can comfortably sit it on your home or studio laptop during recording.
USB plug Mac and PC compatible
All you need to set up this microphone is a USB cable. It can work well with PCs and Mac hence convenient for You Tube videos.
Headphone amplifier
The Razor Sieren USB Digital Microphone comes with a built-in headphone amplifier. You can use it with all 3.5mm headphones. This makes it a more convenient mic for use.
2. Blue Microphones Yeti Professional
With various pattern modes, the Blue Yeti Professional USB Microphone is designed for outstanding recordings. It allows you to have total control over the videos that you are creating. It comes with instructions to guide you on how to use it. You can use it for podcasts, interviews, instrumental music, vocals and even conference calls.
Features
Mac and PC compatible
The Blue Yeti USB Pro Microphone works well with Windows. You can also use it with MacOS 10.10 or higher.
Four pattern modes
The microphone allows you to use four pattern modes to record. The cardioid mode is best for vocals, podcasts and game streaming. The omnidirectional mode is for picking sound equally from all directions. The stereo mode enables you to capture a realistic sound image. The bidirectional mode is ideal for interviews since it can record from the front as well as the rear.
Tri-capsule array
It comes with three condenser capsules so that you can be able to use it in any situation. This makes it convenient for you especially if you are an active YouTuber.
Innovative design
The Blue Yeti USB Microphone comes with a stylish design for comfort during recording. It has a hinge so that you can adjust it as you want. You can also fold it which makes it highly portable. If you want to create field recordings, all you need to do is remove it from its base.
Easy set up
It is quite comfortable to set up this microphone. You only have to plug it into the computer port. You can easily control everything, from the headphone volume to the microphone gain.
3. Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Studio Condenser Microphone
This microphone is created for home projects, live applications and performances. It is affordable and it ensures that there is minimal noise when you are recording. It guarantees consistency and quality.
Features
Cardioid polar pattern
The Audio- Technica AT2035 Microphone comes with the Cardioid polar pattern. It minimizes the pickup of sounds from the microphone’s sides and rears. This allows you to achieve your desired sound quality.
Pop filter
The microphone features a pop filter. It ensures that there are no “plosives” in your recordings. They can be annoying and they also alter the quality of your video content.
Large diaphragm
This is another quality that makes this the perfect microphone for YouTube. It ensures the production of smooth and natural sound. It also minimizes the noise.
XLR Cable
The Audio Technica also comes with a 10ft. XLR Cable. It allows you to comfortably connect the mic with the interface or mixer.
Protective pouch
The microphone comes with a protective bag that enables you to keep it safe at all times. It also comes in handy whenever you want to transport it.
4. Blue Snowball USB Microphone
The Blue Snowball USB Microphone is best for use when recording music, live chats and even podcasts. It comes with an ideal sleek design for comfortable use. It has a LED light that glows red every time you are powering it. You can have it to record quality YouTube videos that will captivate your audience.
Features
PC and Mac compatible
The Blue Snowball USB Microphone is compatible with your Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Vista, Windows XP and even Mac 0S X. This means that you can use it with a variety of computers without experiencing any problems.
Switchable mic patterns
You can easily switch your microphone patterns to suit various recording modes. These include the cardioid mode that is suitable for podcasts and sung vocals. There is also the cardioid mode that has -10dB PAD that allows you to better capture loud sounds. The Omnidirectional mode allows you to record sound equally regardless of the direction where it is coming from.
Adjustable tripod
The Blue Snowball USB Microphone is accompanied by an adjustable stand. It makes it easy for you to position the mic as you want depending on where the sound source is. This delivers the best sound quality.
Plug and play design
With its design, you do not need any software to set it up. All you have to do is plug it in your computer using a cable, that is part of the package, and you are good to go.
5. Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone
The Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone is versatile and ideal for podcasts and voice-overs. You can also use it for recording your songs and other musical performances. It is multicolored and it works well with all types of mainstream recording applications. It promises ultra-low noise at all times.
Stereo headphone (with zero latency)
This Condenser Microphone features a stereo headphone with zero latency. It gives you total control over your microphone input. The mic’s body also has dials that enable you to adjust your monitoring level.
Pop filter
This microphone for YouTube also comes with a premium pop filter. You can comfortably position it at an ideal distance from its capsule so that your audience hears no plosives while singing or speaking.
USB connectivity
You can use an USB cable to connect this world class studio microphone to your apple device. The setup is absolutely hassle-free.
Stand mount
It also has a quality stand mount with a 3/8” thread and desktop tripod stand. You can comfortably sit it on a tabletop as you record.
Storage pouch
The Rode NT-USB USB Condenser Microphone comes with a storage pouch. You can use it to store or carry the mic whenever you are moving with it.
6. Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone
You should try the Samson Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone. It is engineered for professional audio reproduction. It has two different recording patterns cardioid and omni. It comes with a USB cable and a carry bag. It perfectly clips to your laptop so that you can record quality voice audio for your youtube gaming videos. It is also suitable for web casting and streaming.
Features
Plug and play design
It comes with a plug and play design that makes it easy to use. You do not need any drivers; only your USB cable. It is compatible with your Mac or PC.
Custom compact design
It comes with a modern design that enables you to clip it to your laptop. You can also sit it on your desk for comfortable usage.
Switchable patterns
This Samson Microphone comes with cardioid as well as Omni polar patterns that can be switched. The omnidirectional pattern allows you to record sound in a room regardless of whether you are webcasting or recording vocals. All you have to do is pick the most appropriate one depending on what you are creating.
High quality sound
With a 20Hz- 18KHz frequency response, this microphone for YouTube assures you of quality audio specs. It makes it ideal and dependable.
7. Shure MV88 iOS Stereo Condenser Microphone
The Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone is designed to capture clear and quality sound. It is compatible with all iOS devices that are packaged with Lightning connectors. You can use it to record YouTube home videos, podcasts and chats.
Features
Mid-side architecture
The microphone for YouTube comes with mid-side architecture. Combined with a frequency response of 20Hz- 20,000Hz, it guarantees you of phase-perfect recording.
5 DSP modes
This is the mic for YouTube that you need especially if you are a singer or instrument player. These five DSP preset modes (singing, flat, speech, loud, instrument) ensure quality sound production.
Cardioid and bi-directional patterns
The microphone has the cardioid and bi-directional recording patterns. This allows you to record in different modes.
Durable construction
This microphone comes with an all-metal construction. This allows you to record even during the worst environments.
Lightweight
The Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone comes 0.16 ounces.
Perfect microphones for YouTube are not easy to come by. With millions of manufacturers who come with different feature combinations, it is easy to get confused once you get to the market. Ensure that the mic you choose fits your recording needs. Some are designed for singing and instruments while others are for gaming, interviews and podcasts. If it is quality and durable, you can buy it as long as it is within your planned budget.
8. Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone
If you are looking for a reliable mic for YouTube interviews, this is it. It is extra durable and it is designed to work with all apple devices. Installation and use are easy hence you can expect little problems. You can use it for voice-over and even YouTube gaming.
Features
Flawless recording
With noise cancellation, this microphone records clean and clear sound. You are safe to use it for YouTube podcasting or even your own vocals.
Compatible jack
The Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone has a TRRS Compatible jack (3.5mm). All you have to do is plug it into your apple device and you can then clip it on your top, shirt or dress. With it, you do not require any additional plugs or even batteries.
Extension cord
You will get a free 79” extension cord that is Velcro wrapped once you purchase this microphone. It allows you to move around your room or studio as you record your YouTube videos without necessarily unplugging the mic.
Storage case
The last thing you need to worry about is how to carry or store the microphone. It comes with a storage bag designed for that.
Long lasting
The Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone is extremely durable. It comes with quality metal clips and wind muff that will make this one of the best YouTube mics that you will ever have.
9. Saramonic SmartMic Mini Flexible Condenser Microphone
Are you looking for the best smartphone-compatible microphone for YouTube? You should give the Saramonic SmartMic Mini Flexible Condenser Microphone a chance. It is compact and designed for high quality audios. It has a frequency range of 35Hz 18 KHz and it doesn’t require any batteries.
Features
Shotgun design
It comes with a unique shotgun design. It minimizes any unwanted sounds from the sides and back, ultimately increasing the quality of your YouTube videos.
Compatible with iPhones
The Saramonic SmartMic Mini Flexible Condenser Microphone is compatible with iPhones and iPads. It easily plugs into normal 3.5mm audio jacks. It comes with increased sensitivity for exceptional sound recording.
Flexible head
The microphone features a flexible head that you can comfortably turn in any direction. This allows it to capture sounds from all directions.
Compact and lightweight
With 0.32 ounces, this is the lightest microphones for YouTube that you can get. It makes it easy to store and carry.
What to consider when buying a YouTube Gaming Mic
Purpose
Why do you need the microphone? This depends on the type of videos that you wish to create. They could be general vlog posts, voice-overs, gaming, or interviews. It dictates the type that is best for you. You can go for lavalier, camera or USB microphones.
Budget
The price of the microphone for YouTube that you intend to buy should be reasonable. The last thing you need is one that you cannot afford. As you consider its price, factor in the features that it comes with. It would be pointless to buy a mic that has inadequate or unhelpful qualities since you might not be able to create the best videos.
Extra Accessories
Some microphones for YouTube come with additional features like stands and pop filters. Some of them are sold separately while others come as part of the package that you purchase. The price of each varies. If it comes with the extra gear that you will need, you should definitely go for it.
Polar patterns
You should also consider the polar pattern of the microphone for YouTube you are just about to purchase. It determines the shape of its field of sensitivity or the directions from which it can accept or ignore sounds. It is better to choose a cardioid mic if you are just going to record your voice, then you shouldn’t get unwanted sounds coming into the mic from elsewhere.
Frequency response
This is the range of frequencies that your microphone for YouTube can pick up. The frequency response ranges from high to low. For vocal microphones, you can go for one with 80Hz-15 kHz. Those that start at 50Hz are also good.
Whether you are looking for a YouTube mic for gaming or streaming, we have something for you.