If you’re looking to stream, record, or create gaming-related videos for YouTube, your first step is to pick an excellent USB or XLR microphones. These microphones will provide an extra layer of high-quality audio, sound quality, noise reduction, and control required to be an effective content creator – features you’ll not come across on your regular game headset. Many alternatives are available on the market, and we’ve tested the most well-known USB and XLR microphones to determine the top-of-the-line.
We’ve divided our selections into the top microphones for streaming, the most suitable for recording voiceovers or podcasts, and the most affordable alternative. There’s an additional category for XLR mics since these are different kettles of fish. We’ve also picked an excellent connectable microphone that beats those included in most gaming headsets and is equally valid.
Even the most potent gaming headset is its Razer BlackShark, which boasts a very clear mic to provide a comprehensive solution, but isn’t able to compete with a dedicated microphone. These headsets were designed from scratch to record your voice in the exact sound it makes in the real world as is possible. Plus, they’re becoming more affordable and affordable as many are priced below the $100 mark and eliminating the hassles necessary to set them up.
XLR microphones remain the most popular choice for those who do not want to sacrifice audio quality, but the increasing popularity and use of plug-and-play USB microphones mean there’s no need for an engineer in audio to make the switch as they eliminate the need for separate interfaces.
Blue Yeti X
The Yeti X offers four recording pattern modes that allow you to pick the one that best fits your needs. A cardioid is an excellent podcast option since it lets you record sound before the microphone. Stereo mode functions as one would expect it to record sounds from the two channels simultaneously to create a more realistic impression that the listener is present in the same room. The omnidirectional mode can record 360-degree sound. The microphone will record the bidirectional recording from the rear and front regions.
HyperX SoloCast
From the creators of several of the top gaming mice and the best gaming keyboards is the HyperX SoloCast, a cute mic that has exact recording capabilities. Even without any onboard controls, except for a touch-sensitive mute switch, The SoloCast’s detailed and balanced sound profile is much more comfortable to listen to than the low-end gaming microphone I’ve tried previously.
The only recording option is available, cardioid, and it’s the only one you’ll need to use for gaming purposes. I love how adjustable the stand is. In addition to the standard tilt adjustment, it can also pivot the entire microphone in a lateral direction and allow it to be placed under the monitor in case you’re tight in desk space.
Shure MV7 Podcast Microphone
Aspiring streamers require a powerful microphone that can be adjusted to adjust the microphone’s performance to suit their needs. This Shure MV7 podcast microphone is capable of the job and comes with USB and XLR connections that let you be ready to play games or dive into the week for long-running streaming sessions.
One of the most impressive features of this Shure MV7 is its touch panel controls. You can adjust gain, volume monitoring mixing, headphone volume, and mic muting without going through the menus displayed on the screen. They also give the microphone an elegant appearance, constructed entirely of metal for extra durability.
You’ll need to install the ShurePlus MOTIV app to maximize your time. This allows you to adjust the various parameters related to the quality of your audio and will enable you to apply filters. When combined with the mic’s remarkable sound quality and pickup, the software allows you to sound professional, even in an uninviting home.
HyperX Cloud Alpha S
Although HyperX Cloud Alpha S HyperX Cloud Alpha S does not have the same potent audio as a standalone mic, it’s an impressive headset that can meet all communications requirements. In addition to having an anti-noise microphone, its custom drivers also provide fantastic sound that helps bring any game’s good explosion to life.
HyperX is becoming a popular choice for gaming peripherals, and very few from its line-up have as many features than it is the Cloud Alpha S. Its wired connectivity won’t be popular with everyone; however, it allows it to be universally compatible with most well-known consoles (and PCs) and makes it simple to start up in a matter of seconds.
Elgato Wave: 3
Wave: 3 Wave: 3 is more of a tool for streamers than a generalist gaming microphone. It’s designed to work with Elgato Stream Deck. Elgato Stream Deck controller utilizes Wave Link, a Wave Link desktop app that allows users to manage multiple audio sources. Maybe not the features you’d use when you play games using the webcam.
However, even if you do not stream, many of Wave 3’s other features translate to daily usage. It’s great to listen to for a start, but ultimately, it’s an additional user-friendly USB microphone, not a professional microphone equipped with An XLR plug.
HOW WE PICKED THE BEST GAMING MICROPHONES
What exactly is what is a “gaming microphone”? It’s often simply a regular microphone targeted at gamers. You can certainly put “gaming microphones” to the many things advertised to people who play with a gamepad regularly, such as chairs and energy drinks. There are, however, some features that gamers could enjoy more than your typical bear. Here are some things we considered when selecting the top gaming microphones.
Audio Capture: As of now, many of our everyday electronic devices, like webcams, have microphones built into them. Your smartphone, laptop, or perhaps even your home gaming console can record your voice. However, anyone who’s attended the Zoom meeting will attest that the clarity from these microphones is not ideal. A high-quality game microphone, especially one on the lower end of the price spectrum, will perform better than the Zoom microphone. A good gaming microphone won’t just record action and voice with clear clarity but can also capture music.
Noise-Cancellation: It’s a boisterous world. Even if you’re near a railyard, There are numerous everyday noises, including meowing cat sounds to “brrr” of air conditioning. When recording, you’ll need to maximize your surroundings, and excellent gaming microphones should be able to cut out some annoying noises.
Usability: Since nearly every gaming microphone can be used in conjunction with Mac, Windows, and Mac, connecting to your computer or notebook shouldn’t be too difficult. Once clicked, it won’t be able to disconnect easily, especially if the device connects using Bluetooth. In addition to connectivity, you’ll need an instrument that can alter everything from audio to polarity patterns on the fly.
Quick Shopping Tips
The polar pattern of a microphone describes the space around it in which it receives sound. Specific gaming microphones have multiple Polar patterns, while others might only have one.
The cardioid is The most commonly used polar pattern and is ideal for recording one person’s voice. Cardioid microphones form narrow cones around one side, meaning that the microphone is focused on a specific zone and blocking out the other. Variations — like super cardioid, or even hyper-cardioid, which is more extreme, reduce the polar pattern more, capturing audio from a smaller zone.
Bidirectional, as the name suggests, creates two polarized fields on either side of the microphone. This is a great option to record two voices at once. However, it’s best to use separate microphones to record several voices whenever possible.
They are different from cardioid microphones that listen to all directions and are ideal for recording ambient sounds and noises in the room, like reverb or chatter from loud instruments. They are not as useful for streaming and gaming; however, if you need them, you can utilize an omnidirectional microphone to record several voices nearby.
USB gaming microphone or studio mic?
While gaming microphones that use USB are, they’re only one option for gamers who stream, compete, or the home recording enthusiast who likes to play Fortnite in the background. Another option is studio microphones that require access to an audio device. When properly utilized, studio mics provide better quality and flexible recordings.