Streaming media is multimedia delivered and consumed continuously from a source, with little or no intermediate storage in network elements. Thus, streaming refers to the delivery method of content rather than the content itself.
Over the past few years, live streaming has been a lucrative business for gamers and vloggers, and other personalities in streaming sites like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and even TikTok. Livestreaming is the real-time delivery of content during production, much as live television broadcasts content via television channels.
If you are a newbie in the streaming world, you might be wondering why it’s worth investing in solid equipment like a mic to build a quality streaming channel.
I’ll cover that in more detail below so keep reading, but in case you are in a hurry here are my top picks.
Top Picks for the Best Streaming Microphones
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Low Budget  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best in Pop Shield  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
So why do people love streaming content or even create podcasts, and why is it worth investing in a good streaming mic? Well, here are some reasons to consider.
You can build a personal connection
It is different building a connection through written content than visual or audio. When your audience reads through blogs or articles, there can be much room for interpretation. By streaming or doing a podcast, you can provide more context and allow your facial expression, gestures, and even body posture to do the talking.
It is easy to get started
Podcasting does not require much equipment or even experience. You can easily use your smartphone, edit through video editing apps (free!) and upload it. Podcasting and live streaming are easy to do, so many people do them. It does require a good mic for streaming though, so you’re in the right place!
You can use it as an alternative to Video
It is no secret that video marketing has been the focus of the past years. However, the beauty of podcasting and live streaming is that you can create both audio and video podcasts, which gives listeners options to pick from.
It increases traffic generation
Like any form of content, podcasting can help you reach out to new audiences for your business as it builds familiarity. Listeners tend to subscribe to a podcast they like so they can regularly listen. As long as you are consistent, your audience is likely to continue listening.
It Improves conversation
It might sound a little strange as a podcast or live streaming is a one-sided medium, but it can help you improve conversion. Podcasting or live streaming regularly helps you build effective relationships with listeners, and to them, it gives the feeling they know the person on the podcast.
People tend to listen to podcasts and live streams because they have something in common with the speaker or the brand. When the relationship is great, it builds trust, and listeners then want to be associated with you.
It is highly engaging
With so much information online, it is easy for your audience to feel overwhelmed. However, there is plenty of written content on the web, so audio information makes a nice little change. It also leaves enough room for you to convey your message highly interactive, which written content might not always provide.
You can build more brand authority
It does not matter if you are the first in your industry to create a podcast (or a live stream) or the latest in a long line of brands adopting the method. Podcasts and live streams can help you build up your authority. When you give people more ways to consume your content and hear from the experts in your team, you become the go-to people listeners want to hear from and talk to.
It may seem simple but when your viewers see that you are using a high quality cardioid microphone on your stream, it makes it feel like you are taking your job seriously as a streamer.
It adds additional income for you
When you start podcasting and live to stream, you will realize you love doing it, and it is much fun. Although, it is also a nice way to make some extra money for your business if you are successful and publish engaging episodes regularly. The podcasting and live streaming industry are so big that the Interactive Advertising Bureau predicts the industry’s revenue will reach over £500 million this year.
It makes for Great Brand Awareness
The great thing about podcasting is that the level of branding can be pretty subtle. You will have your logo in the artwork, or if you are creating a video podcast or live stream, the logo can be on the video itself. You will probably mention your company name in the intro and outro as well, and as podcasting is not a sales tool, listeners will remember you without feeling like they are being sold to.
In streaming or podcasting, there is the equipment you need to be successful in this career path. This article will focus on the last (and one of the most important) audio equipment you need – the microphone. While there are so many brands, styles, and designs out there, worry not because we have done all the research and work for you!
Like what we mentioned, choosing a microphone for your streaming needs is crucial for your streaming activity. Continue reading the sections below to know more about the different microphone brands and which one will best suit your needs.
The Best Streaming Microphone Reviews
SAMSON G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone (SAGM1UPRO) – Best Overall Streaming Microphone
Key Features
- Voltage: 100V
- Polar patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional
- Connectivity: USB
- Frequency response: 50Hz-20,000Hz
- Features: Dual track recording, instrument input, zero-latency monitoring, gain, mute, and headphone volume controls
There is a reason why the SAMSON Technologies SAMSON G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone with Audio Interface is considered by streamers across the industry as the overall best microphone to use while streaming. First, it provides excellent sound quality that has a sturdy base. Next, this microphone also has three polar patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional) instead of other types of microphones in the market, which only have one!
Other powerful features of the SAMSON Technologies SAMSON G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone with Audio Interface are its crystal-clear audio sound quality that is at par with even the most expensive streaming microphones out in the market. You will also be impressed with the playback recording quality of this microphone.
Another quality that streamers appreciate about the SAMSON Technologies SAMSON G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone with Audio Interface is that it is cost-efficient! It provides value for your money with all the fantastic features that this streaming microphone offers.
Pros
- Awesome sound quality
- Sturdy design
- Audio interface functionality
Cons
- Not easy to set-up
Blue Yeti Nano Professional Condenser USB Microphone – Best Low Budget Streaming Microphone
Key Features
- Voltage: 5V
- Polar patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz
- Features: 48kHz sample rate, zero-latency monitoring, mute & headphone volume controls
The Blue brand is known in the audio industry to manufacture and produce good quality streaming microphones, and their Blue Yeti Nano Professional Condenser USB Microphone is no exception.
Let us dive deeper into the great features of the Blue Yeti Nano Professional Condenser USB Microphone. First, it produces excellent audio quality for the price point. This is mainly due to its dual condenser. Second, this streaming microphone is significantly smaller, which makes it more portable! But do not underestimate this small but powerful streaming microphone because of its powerful features. Lastly, users love how easy it is to set up. Its plug-and-play feature allows you to be streaming in no time!
Pros
- Compact and portable design.
- User-friendly.
- Cost-efficient as compared to other streaming microphones in the market.
Cons
- Lesser features as compared to other streaming microphones.
Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone – Best in Pop Shield
Key Features
- Voltage: 5V
- Polar patterns: Cardioid
- Connectivity: USB
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz
- Features: Side-address, on-mic mix control, pop shield, tripod, zero-latency stereo headphone monitoring
There are many reasons why people love the Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone in Black. You get a studio-quality sound with professional tones, which is why people go for this streaming microphone.
Besides its excellent cardioid audio, the Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone in Black features an advanced interior shock capsule. That allows it to quieten or even avoid the clacking of keys, thumps on the table, and more. It is a convenient selling point for those who will be streaming PC games.
Another unexpected bonus of the Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone in Black is a clip-on pop shield. That helps to avoid those irritating, hard ‘p’ sounds that can ruin a recording. Because you usually have to pay for a shield separately, getting one in the box is pretty fantastic.
Pros
- Brilliant audio quality.
- The pop shield is included.
Cons
- Only has the cardioid radius.
- The tripod is subpar when it comes to quality.
Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic with Blue VO!CE Effects – Best in Flexibility
Key Features
- Voltage: 5V
- Polar patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo
- Connectivity: USB
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz
- Features: Blue Vo.Ce, zero-latency monitoring, Smart knob controls
Yet another Blue brand in the microphone business. The bestseller in the long line of Blue’s microphone line-up is the Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic with Blue VO!CE Effects.
To start with the fantastic features of the Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic with Blue VO!CE Effects? The first is that it boasts powerful and unquestionable audio sound quality. Next, it sounds great in action, and it also impresses four polar patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo). Lastly, it also boasts of a lighter and less chunky build.
One of the coolest features of the Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic with Blue VO!CE Effects is its LED-illuminated ‘smart knob’ and Blue’s Vo!Ce software. The former shows off audio volume in real-time for easy adjustments on the fly, while the latter provides filters, noise reduction, and sound effects.
Pros
- Superb audio sound quality.
- Flexible Blue Vo!Ce software included.
- LED lighting indicates volume.
Cons
- Noisy buttons.
Zalman Zm-Mic1 with 3.5mm Gold Plated Splitter Cable – Best for Newbies
Key Features
- Voltage: 2V
- Polar patterns: Cardioid
- Connectivity: 3.5mm
- Frequency response: 100Hz-16,000Hz
- Features: three mini-clips, lightweight, low pow
Newbies in the streaming industry may not have the best budget for all their streaming needs. Fortunately, you have the Zalman Zm-Mic1 with a 3.5mm Gold Plated Splitter Cable, which hits all the right buttons for any newbie streamer.
Let us look at the different features of the Zalman Zm-Mic1 with a 3.5mm Gold Plated Splitter Cable. First, it is lightweight and portable. It uses very little power, which is guaranteed to last long enough for you to stream until the wee hours of the morning. Its audio quality is also decent. It can even be compared with more expensive streaming microphones out in the market.
The Zalman Zm-Mic1 with 3.5mm, Gold Plated Splitter Cable is an excellent purchase for those wanting to dip a toe into streaming or recording without spending lots of cash.
Pros
- Very cost-efficient.
- Produces better sound quality as compared to other streaming microphones in the market.
Cons
- Smaller range frequency.
- Tends to pick background noise.
Razer Seiren X: Supercardiod Pick-Up Pattern – Condenser Mic – RZ19-02290100-R3U1 (Renewed) – Best Compact Streaming Microphone
Key Features
- Voltage: 5V
- Polar patterns: Super-cardioid
- Connectivity: USB
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20,000Hz
- Features: built-in shock mount, mute button, zero-latency 3.5 mm headphone monitoring port
A feature that many streamers find useful in a streaming microphone is something small and compact. Fortunately for you, the Razer Seiren X Supercardiod Pick-Up Pattern Condenser Microphone does the trick! It is so small and compact that the size is comparable to that of a soda can!
Aside from its small and compact size, here are the other powerful features of the Razer Seiren X Supercardiod Pick-Up Pattern Condenser Microphone. First is its built-in shock mount, designed to dampen vibrations to hear a crystal-clear and smooth audio quality. Next, it also boasts of a super-cardioid polar pattern which reduces background noise. You get all of these features and more for a cost-efficient price.
Pros
- Boasts of a portable and compact design.
- Has an excellent cardioid performance.
Cons
- Limited polar patterns.
- Picks up keyboard noise.
AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 330 (AM330) – Best Multipurpose Streaming Microphone
Key Features
- Voltage: TBC
- Polar patterns: Unidirectional
- Frequency response: 50Hz-18,000Hz
- Features: Broadcast-quality clarity, all-metal body, built-in pop filter
Let us face it, when it comes to microphones, we all want a multi-functional one. One of the reasons why streamers invest in the AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 330 is its multipurpose features, making it perfect for your streaming and podcasting needs! One of their powerful features is its three-pronged connection dangling from the end. Let us dive deeper into its other powerful features.
The AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 330 boasts a rich audio interface with a boom arm or stand. It also has a narrow frequency response range of 50Hz to 18KHz and solid metal construction that makes most gaming market mics feel flimsy by comparison. With a single mute control on the underside of the capsule, you could not call it fiddly or complex to use, but for a mic with ‘Streamer’ in its name, it is hard to discern where the concessions are intended purpose. Most streamers will find a USB mic setup a better solution for its sheer simplicity, but those who also have music projects and low-latency tracking on the mind are served a happy medium here by AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 330.
Pros
- Boasts of rich and low latency audio.
- Suitable as an all-around multipurpose microphone (which includes streaming and podcasting).
Cons
- Requires an audio interface and boom arm
Important Features to Consider When Looking for the Best Streaming Microphone
Before we get into the products, however, you must remember these few things:
Frequency Response
The term frequency response means the range of voice frequencies your microphone can pick up. It is measured in Hz and kHz from the lowest frequencies to the highest. Typically, the golden standard for frequency response is from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Anything lower or higher than these spectrum extremes is pretty much useless, as the human voice cannot produce such frequencies.
Polar Pattern
A polar pattern, also known as directional property, is the inherent sensitivity to the direction of audio waves. Simply put, a polar pattern means the ability of a microphone to pick up your voice from different angles. The three polar patterns you need to know are cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. You can choose according to the polar pattern you need for your streaming activities.
Conclusion
- Best Overall Streaming Microphone: SAMSON G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone (SAGM1UPRO)
- Best Low Budget Streaming Microphone: Blue Yeti Nano Professional Condenser USB Microphone
- Best in Pop Shield: Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
- Best in Flexibility: Blue Yeti X World of Warcraft Edition Professional Streaming USB Mic with Blue VO!CE Effects
- Best for Newbies: Zalman Zm-Mic1 with 3.5mm Gold Plated Splitter Cable
- Best Compact Streaming Microphone: Razer Seiren X: Supercardiod Pick-Up Pattern – Condenser Mic RZ19-02290100-R3U1 (Renewed)
- Best Multipurpose Streaming Microphone: AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 330 (AM330)
