Good audio is a critical part of video. In fact, data show that viewers will watch a video with poor video quality longer than they will one with poor audio quality. In this article, we are going to highlight the best microphones for YouTube. Keep in mind that these microphones can be used while gaming or on video calls (such as Zoom, etc.) as well! If you want to see all of our microphones click here.
A good microphone, used properly, can make for a more enjoyable viewing experience for your audience. This translates to longer views, more views and more subscribers.
A real quick upfront comment that some of these microphones only can connect via a USB Audio interface. That’s because many of these microphones have an XLR connection and do not have a USB/Micro USB connection. Meaning that the microphone cannot directly connect to your computer. The most popular audio interface is the FocusRite Scarlett. There a few varieties so be sure to make consideration for the future before purchasing. As an example, this one has just one XLR connection, whereas this one has two connections. This is important if you want to host a podcast with a guest.
Shure MV7-W
The Shure MV7-W would be a great addition to your YouTube studio or home office. Boasting an impressive 4.8-stars on Amazon with over 5,400 reviews! One of the main advantages, besides exceptional audio, is the fact that it has both USB and XLR connectivity. This means that you can enjoy the benefits of the audio interface when at your desk, but also enjoy the portability with the USB connectivity. Some of the other key advantages are that it’s got a built-in headphone output which can be used for audio monitoring while recording. Additionally, this mic has touch controls to adjust gain, monitoring volume and microphone muting.
Review of Shure MV7-W
RODE PodMic Broadcast Microphone
The RODE PodMic Broadcast is another excellent choice for high quality audio. 4.8-stars on Amazon with nearly 4,000 reviews! This is a great permenant fixture to your desk with it’s XLR connection. That said, you’ll need an audio interface device in order to connect this to your laptop or desktop. If portability is important you’ll either want to look for an option with USB connectivity or be prepared to take the audio interface device with you as you’re on the go.
Review of RODE PodMic Broadcast Microphone
Blue Yeti USB Microphone
The Blue Yeti is one of the most recognized names in the computer microphone space. 4.7-stars rating on Amazon with ALMOST 51,000 reviews! Insane! Connects only by USB to your computer without the need for an external audio interface. The mic has volume controls and a easily acccesible mute button. It also has a “pickup pattern” switch which allows you to change the how audio is picked up directionally. Meaning that this microphone can pick up audio from both sizes of the microphone so you can have two people sitting around the microphone and it will pick up audio from both directions if in the bidirectional mode. Or if you want audio from just one direction, simply switch it to the omni mode!
Review Blue Yeti USB Microphone
HyperX QuadcastS
The HyperX QuadcastS is one of most aesthetic microphones on the market with it’s customizable RGB lighting. It looks amazing on your desk! It features a tap-to-mute LED status indicator and four options for directional pick up patterns (stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional). Connects to your computer via USB. 4.7-star rating with nearly 44,000 reviews! Quite impressive!
Review of Hyper X QuadcastS
Audio-Technica AT2020
This microphone is actually the one I have on my desk! It’s a great XLR microphone with exceptional audio quality and a professional sound. This is a meant to be a permenant fixture on your desk and is solely meant for 1 user because of it’s onmidirectional pickup pattern. Meaning it only picks up audio from one just direction and cannot be used my multiple people simultaneously. This mircophone has nearly 16,000 reviews and has a 4.7 star rating on Amazon!
Review Audio-Technica AT2020
In conclusion, all of the above microphones are a great addition to your home office or YouTube studio. Each of these microphones would perform exceptionally for YouTube videos, streaming, gaming and for video conferencing. You’ll just need ot decide if you want to record audio on the go without the need for an external audio interface. The audio enterface offers some nice advantages, but isn’t the most portable.
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