The Internet has become an excellent source of income for many users. One of the popular destinations is streaming. With the development of the popular Twitch platform, the number of people who want to find the best microphone for the stream has increased. But it turns out that the choice is not so simple.
For what?
Stream is a stream of data. Now this name is received by live broadcasts, which are conducted on popular platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. Thanks to the development of this direction, a variety of different ways to stream has appeared.
In addition to the game broadcasts, which have long been popular, there is a simple communication with the audience. Thanks to the streams, musicians, artists and dancers were able to express themselves, who thus find their audience.
Over the past year, ASMR, an autonomous sensory meridional reaction, has become no less popular. This type of broadcast helps viewers to relax and prepare for bed.
Each type of streaming may require different technical equipment. Therefore, before choosing the best microphone for the stream, you need to decide on the direction.
The choice
Which microphone to choose for the stream? Of course, the easiest way is to turn to the top streamers of any platform for help. Very often in the channel description they indicate the model of equipment. On their broadcast, you can easily determine how good the microphone and its sound are.
After that, it’s enough to choose options 5 - 10 suitable, although most streamers use only a couple of models - the most popular and high-quality. It will be enough to consider their technical characteristics.
We'll have to deal with the categories to which this or that model belongs. It is important to understand the difference in studio, vocal and simply universal microphones.
When choosing a model, you will have to find out how much the microphone costs for the stream. You need to understand how much you are counting on and what you can get for a certain price. In extreme cases, you can consider popular manufacturers, since most often their products occupy top ratings.
Broadcast Analysis
So, almost all the top streamers can already afford expensive equipment. Live broadcasts, in addition to powerful hardware, also require high-quality related equipment. Most often, a beginner streamer acquires a microphone and a webcam.
For professional streamers, all this is the most expensive and the best. But in reality, the high price is not always justified. Often, even budget models can become indispensable. If the analysis of the broadcasts showed that most of the top streamers acquired expensive microphones, and their cost is too high for you, you can look at less popular users.
Specifications
A high-quality microphone for a stream can cost from 2 thousand rubles or more. Among even the most budget models, there are great options. But you need to understand what kind of broadcasts you are going to conduct.
Sufficient sensitivity for a good model is -32 dB ... -80 dB. You also need to understand how you are going to connect it. For the first streams, a USB device is also suitable. It does not require additional power and copes with conversational streams.
Typically, models with additional power are needed for musicians. But in addition to this, you also have to purchase a sound card, vocal processors and more.
The optimal frequency range is considered to be 20 - 20 000 Hz. It is better to choose models with a flat frequency response (frequency signal).
It is worthwhile to understand that some functions that microphones are equipped with may not be needed at all. Therefore, you need to choose the best option.
Device categories
When choosing the best microphone for a stream, you need to understand their categories. The fact is that there are universal options that can be suitable for amateur music streams, gaming and conversational.
Studio microphones are usually chosen by the person who records videos on YouTube and works with voice acting. Models can be of different shapes: with a buttonhole, desktop, etc.
Other criteria
For many users, one of the important criteria is a famous manufacturer. On the one hand, this is a justifiable decision, but in the pursuit of economy it is absolutely irrational.
However, if you still care about a popular manufacturer, you should pay attention to:
- Sennheiser.
- Blue
- Audio-Technica.
- Razer.
- Rode.
- Samson et al.
An important criterion is the cost of the device. It is immediately worth noting that you can find the best budget microphone for a stream. Of course, there are not many of them, but for the initial broadcast, such options are indispensable. Some of them may even be the best option for many years.
On average, the cost of good models for streams can be from 5 to 15 thousand rubles. But in this case, you can find options both cheaper and more expensive.
Rating
It is impossible to make an objective rating of microphones for a stream, as vocalists need one model, gamers need another, and studio students need a third. But it so happened in the environment of streamers that there are the most top-end options that most use.
If we talk about popularity, then the top three can be arranged in the following order:
- Blue Yeti Pro (or the regular version) is the famous and most versatile microphone that can be used for games, and for conversations, and for vocals.
- The Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Plus is another versatile studio model with high-quality voice or vocal recording and USB connectivity.
- The Shure SM7B is a popular model among high-end streamers, a very expensive but high-quality microphone for recording voice and vocals.
Of course, the rating can be replenished with other models, but this trend is now on streaming platforms. It is this trio that is the leader. Moreover, the models are also arranged in increasing prices. Therefore, the Blue Yeti is definitely a favorite for many.
Overview
In addition to the aforementioned three, you can find some more excellent models that will definitely find their audience. Each model has its own characteristics that can characterize it. There are clear leaders in studio recording, there are excellent options for streaming games, and there are good microphones for vocals and acoustics.
The top ten were:
- Blue Yeti.
- Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Plus.
- Shure SM7B.
- Samson C01U PRO.
- AntLion ModMic.
- Razer Seiren X.
- Samson Meteor Mic.
- Rode NT1A.
- sE Electronics X1A.
- BEHRINGER C-1.
Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti Pro
This model is the most popular among streamers. Many do not hesitate to buy it immediately, as soon as 26 thousand rubles appear. Some prefer the regular version of Blue Yeti, which costs the buyer 14 thousand rubles. The difference between the models is that the Pro version received a proprietary XLR, supports 24 bit / 192 KHz, updated its appearance and acquired proprietary software.
If you need a model only for streaming, then it is better to choose the usual version, since the “Pro” seems expensive. The option is better for studio recording and voice acting.
Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Plus
This is a studio microphone with a USB connection. It is very sensitive, so it is better to have good sound insulation, as it will pick up all the rustling around. It is considered an ideal choice for home recording vocals and instruments.
The model comes with a case and a tripod. On the case there is an indicator, a headphone jack and a volume control. For 14 thousand rubles, the model has no drawbacks.
Shure SM7B
This is a dynamic model for voice recording. Many consider it the best vocal version. Often it can be seen on radio stations. Therefore, it is not surprising that the cost of such a microphone is about 30 thousand rubles.
This option is often found among untwisted streamers, as they have the finances to acquire the Shure SM7B. But in fact, you can save and buy the cheaper option.
Samson C01U PRO
Universal model for only 9 thousand rubles. However, it is considered a studio. Practically in no way inferior to more expensive models. Best used for voice recording during live broadcasts.
The main advantage of this option is in Plug and Play technology. It does not need additional amplifiers or sound cards. Although the latter will never be superfluous and significantly affects the sound quality.
As time has shown, many users have noted its reliability, robust housing and overall stability. Included is a tripod, as well as a long cable. Despite the fact that the cost corresponds to the quality, many people recommend paying and purchasing, for example, Rode NT1A.
AntLion ModMic
Lapel microphones are less popular. They are often considered less quality, although such an opinion is reckless. Everything, of course, depends on the model.
The AntLion ModMic microphone is considered convenient and relatively cheap - only 4,500 rubles. It is easy to attach to clothes or headphones. After connecting, you can immediately use it without installing additional software or drivers.
Operating frequency from 100 Hz to 10 kHz. This is the best option for a beginner streamer. But professional broadcasts, and especially vocal ones, are definitely not this case.
The peculiarity of this option is that AntLion ModMic does not pick up the sounds of the mouse and keyboard. Although this option is clearly inferior to desktop models.
Razer seiren x
The manufacturer always keeps the brand and puts on sale a top-end headset and other computer accessories. This time, the microphone was also excellent. The option is less common among streamers, although some still prefer it.
There is a model of 8 thousand rubles. In addition to good voice recording quality, the microphone has a special design. It has a stable stand that can change position. This is a great USB microphone for streaming, as it also does not require additional installation of utilities. It can be connected and immediately used.
Samson meteor mic
Usually users do not trust compact models. After all, it is impossible to put a powerful "stuffing" in them. But this model attracts many with its appearance. For 6 thousand rubles, the streamer will receive a spectacular-looking microphone with good voice recording.
The device operates with a frequency of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This is quite enough for the initial streaming. By the way, some streamers use it for vocal broadcasts. Although for such a price you can find a better option.
Rode nt1a
Great studio option. For only 14 thousand rubles, the user receives a high-quality model, which, moreover, is universal. Although the trend indicates that it is the vocalists who prefer this option at the initial stage.
The model makes the sound clear, without distortion. It works well with acoustics. One of the main advantages is the equipment. The manufacturer equips the microphone with an anti-shock suspension, a pop filter, a removable cable and a cover.
sE Electronics X1A
Universal studio microphone. It works well and without complaints. The main feature is the cost. For only 7 thousand rubles, the user receives a good semi-professional option for voice recording.
Some users have noted this model as the best microphone for the stream. He copes well not only with conversational broadcasts, but also with musical ones. Does not distort vocals and instrument sounds.
BEHRINGER C-1
This is the cheapest studio microphone. For only 4 thousand rubles you can get an excellent voice recording. This option is by far the most successful for those who want to purchase the most budget model for streams.
Of course, BEHRINGER C-1 has many shortcomings, but for 4 thousand rubles this is undoubtedly the best microphone for a stream. For vocals, it is better to choose the previous one, paying 2 thousand rubles, but for the initial streams, this model is just perfect.