When Choosing the Best Mic for Streaming – A Must Read Before You Buy

There are many things we consider when buying a pair of new microphones. Like the sound quality, price, brand, adaptability, comfort.

But apart from these factors, the type of microphone we choose may depend on the kind of work that we are using it for such as for gaming, streaming, recording, etc. Every microphone has its own purpose.

Types of Microphone and the Best Ones

However, with so many brands and so many different microphones available in the market, choosing the best mic for streaming based on your needs can sometimes become difficult and confusing. Here is a list of some microphones and the different purposes that they can be ideal for. Check them out –

Dynamic Microphones

The microphone is an all-rounder. It is sturdier and more reliable when it comes to playing live, recording vocals or playing instruments (like guitars) at high level or swinging around here and there. For when they fall on the floor, you can sure that they will be okay.

Speaking of the technical part, dynamic microphones have a moving coil magnetic diaphragm that is capable of producing audio signals and handling high sound producing levels (SPL).

Characteristics of the Dynamic Microphone:

• Requires no power supply
• Has a simple and sturdy design
• Is relatively inexpensive

Best Dynamic Microphones

#1 – The Shure SM57

This is an industry standard dynamic microphone and is a must-have in every studio. You can be sure that any album you own can use these affordable microphones.

The Shure SM57 is very affordable. Not just that. It is also very durable. These microphones can be used for recording percussive instruments such as guitar amplifiers, snare drums, and vocals.

#2 – Sennheiser E835

The E835 is built of solid metal housing and is noted for its great feedback rejection, noise isolation and high SPL. The frequency recording range is a tad bit wider and it comes with a microphone clip that makes recording easier while travelling.

The Sennheiser E835 is great for both semi-pro recording at home and vocal stage presence.

#3 – Audio-Technica ATR2100 – USB

Though it is a favorite among many audiophiles, the Audio- Technica ATR2100 is a favorite among microphone gamers. This dynamic microphone comes with USB connectivity. But apart from that, you can connect the microphone via XLR.

Apart from that, the microphone also comes with a built-in headphone output and a stand that makes it suitable for home recording.

Condenser Microphone

The condenser microphone is considered the best for recording vocals or acoustic guitars. It is very sensitive to subtle sounds like breathing and popping and is perfect for capturing subtle nuances on acoustic guitars or pianos.

The condenser microphone uses a conductive diaphragm that vibrates with sound pressure and uses capacitance for creating audio signal. This microphone can get easily distorted at high levels and hence is not ideal for recording instruments like the guitar amps up close.

Characteristics of the Condenser Microphone

• Is extremely sensitive at all frequencies
• Requires power supply
• Is vulnerable to structural humidity and vibration

Best Condenser Microphones

#1 – SE X1

This professional condenser SE X1 microphone comes with an affordable price tag and is great for recording studio quality vocals or acoustic instruments.

It’s made up of toughened steel grille that is sturdy and protects the gold-sputtered capsule, hand-built large diaphragm and electronics inside.

#2 – SE Electronics SE2200A IIC

Whether you are a home recording artist, a producer or an engineer, this microphone should definitely be considered in your rig.

It has the ability to eliminate coloration from the signal and that’s why the SE Electronics SE2200A IIC is a favorite among producers and musicians.

Ribbon Microphones

This type of microphone is generally used for recording connoisseurs and those who want a vintage sound to their recording.

The best thing about ribbon microphones is that they can record an entire room with beautiful clarity. The ribbon microphone can also record higher notes such as the woodwind or strings and relay more ambient sounds.

This is ideal for those who want to record a wide range of acoustic instruments.

Characteristic of the Ribbon Microphone

• Is extremely sensitive
• Is preferable for recording more vintage vibes
• Great for choirs, vocals, strings, pianos, and woodwind
• Can record multi-instruments in a single room

Best Ribbon Microphones

#1 – MXL R144

If you are looking for a microphone with a near professional performance and an affordable price point, then set your eyes on this one.

The MXL R144 comes with a Figure-8 polar pattern and a 1.8 micron aluminum ribbon that makes it very sensitive. It is ideal for recording super clear sound of instruments like acoustic, as well as for broadcasting and vocal recording.

It also comes with a 56 db sensitivity, load impedance of over 1500 ohms and 250 ohm impedance. All which help to add to the solid capabilities and qualities.

In addition, the MXL R144 comes with ribbon length of 47mm and is capable of great SPL ability, true side rejection and accurate directivity.

#2 – RODE NTR

The Rode NTR is capable of recording high quality sound in different environments. It comes with a 2-directional polar pattern and a 1.8 aluminum ribbon that gives it great sensitivity. It is ideal for recording and broadcasting.

It has an internal system capable of mount shocking and has the ability to handle high SPL. And its 20Hz to 20 KHz range and 200 output ohms impedance makes it a good technical proof when it comes to great qualities and abilities.

And if none of the above is what you are looking for, then here are a few more names of microphones meant for gaming

Microphones for Gaming and Streaming

It’s true that microphones for gaming and streaming is not like those studio-level ones. Nevertheless audio quality matters a lot. Here are a few names out of the best –

#1 –CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser

It produces a rich and warm sound of your voice that is required for communication in gaming. The CAD U37 has a cardioid shape that isolates your voice from the background noise. So if you are in a room, you don’t have to worry about using a hotkey to speak into. Apart from that, the CAD U37 also comes with a little stand and a USB enabled plug-in device.

#2 – Blue Yeti USB Microphones

This microphone comes with three capsule type condensers that gives way to better quality sound. In addition, users also have complete control on gain, zero latency, mute, etc.

The Blue Yeti is compatible with any device and it comes in different modes like cardioid, stereo, bidirectional, omni or bidirectional.

Conclusion

That enough said about microphones and their types. I hope you understood what the difference between them is and can by now sort out which one you need from the rest. You can easily sort out and compare the prices when buying.