From Podcasts to Game Streams: The 5 Must-Have Microphones in 2023
Everyone streaming today knows that quality is everything.
When you are live it's unforgiving and you must have the right equipment behind you to ensure a successful LIVE stream.
However, there is more to it than just fancy overlays and good images. Audio plays a significant part. Not everyone has the time to watch streams or podcasts, so audio comes to the fore.
So today's blog will also fall in the category of the Top 5 game streaming mics too as some of these mics we have picked are able to cross over into being effective in other areas.
How to get good audio quality
A top-drawer microphone is a good place to start and with many companies now entering the fray, there is price pressure with plenty to choose from and that's what we call a buyer's market!
Choosing a streaming microphone
There are many things to consider but we'll keep this section to five main characteristics you need to judge when looking for the best value microphones for streaming.
Frequency response
This boils down to what voice frequencies the model you choose can pick up. Everything is measured in Hertz (Hz) and Kilohertz (kHz) and measured again from the lowest to highest frequencies. The sweet spot for frequency response is between 20 to 20,000 Hz. Frequencies outside this spectrum are no good for what you want, as we simply can contort our voices to those extremes.
Condenser Against Dynamic
Microphones are one or the other. The difference between the two is the makeup of the microphone. There is a marked difference in which the mic will convert sounds into a controlled electric signal.
There isn't a significant difference or preference between them and they tend to be similarly priced so it comes down to the most critical functions for what you want it to do.
- Condenser mics: They are sensitive microphones, therefore producing crisp, clear sounds. However, the downside is this sensitivity lends them to not be as durable. In general, they are better for studio use.
- Dynamic mics: They usually require minimum setup and are more robust than condenser mics. They are less sensitive toward noise and therefore are more forgiving with the sound they produce and can be used outside or for areas with more noise. The only downside is they don't pick up the higher frequencies so well.
Polar pattern
Polar patterns are commonly known as directional property which has intrinsic sensitivity to audio wave directions. In English, your microphone can pick up your voice or other noise from alternative angles.
There are three main patterns:
- Omnidirectional
- Bidirectional
- Cardioid
Connection method
USB and XLR are the two most common forms of mic connection when you are streaming, but there are vast differences between the two.
An XLR mic does not connect to a PC directly. You will require an audio interface or a mixer to plug in the mic, however in the long run you'll have more sound control and be able to get the best quality.
In addition, an XLR cable tends to be stronger than USB and therefore will last you longer. So overall you can expect XLR mics to be at the top end of the market for price.
There are also TS/TRS/TRRS microphones on the market.
For those of you that don't know this refers to a mic that plugs into laptops, tablets and Smartphones but doesn't tend to reach the quality of an XLR. So, they are better for people mobile-streaming.
Pop filter
Pop filters are a great addition if you are looking to cut out airflow noise when recording.
Mainly used in a studio setting the filter's main job is to act as noise protection when airflow hits the mic.
So let's take a look at the 5 must-have microphones in 2023. In no particular order of price or power these five are all solid contenders, so let's dive in!
Blue Yeti X Professional USB Microphone - Black
The Blue Yeti X range has been raved about all year and can be found in almost all the top five or top ten ranges for mics for various reasons and we see a strong 2024 coming for them.
This is what you get with this model:
- Vocal effects through Blue VO!CE-enhanced voice modulation with HD audio
- Greater focus and clarity with a custom four-capsule condenser array
Personalise your mic with customisable lighting - Plug 'n play on both PC and Mac
- A High-resolution LED meter helps you see your voice level
- Multi-function smart controls for, mic gain, headphone volume blend and mute
- Covers all pickup patterns: Omni, bi-directional, cardioid and stereo
- Deeper control of microphone settings using Logitech G HUB integration
- 2 Year Warranty
BLUE VO!CE Creates the best-in-class for Creating and Streaming
This is Blue Yeti's flagship mic.
This is used for professional gaming, podcasting, YouTube™ productions and Twitch™ streaming. The Blue VO!CE takes enhancements to the next level using voice modulation as well as HD audio producing the finest clarity ever and your audience with lots of enhanced effects.
Complete with a Smart Knob that illuminates multi-function real-time precise controls allows freedom in real-time to adjust the voice and gives you ultimate control over your stream.
JBL Quantum Stream Dual-Pattern USB Microphone - Black
JBL are one of the world's finest manufacturers to do with everything audio so it should come as no surprise they are in the mix.
This is what you get:
- Dual 14mm electret condenser
- Universal mounting
- High 96kHz sampling
- RGB ring indicator light
- Voice monitoring
- Two voice pick-up patterns are selectable
- RGB ring indicator light
- Durable metal casing and design
- 1 Year Warranty
Rely on JBL to deliver premium voice streaming
With this model, you'll be getting sounds crystal clear. Through the dual 14mm electric condenser coupled with capturing 96kHz rates for sampling, this is perfect for streaming. Two voice pick-up patterns are selectable.
With this addition, you can switch between cardioid and omnidirectional with JBL's Quantum Streams. So you get the one voice coming through loud and clear and then you can pick up more than the one voice and will even work on LIVE performances.
Blue Yeti 3-Capsule USB Microphone
We couldn't help but put another Blue product on the list. For a Top 5, you have to have a minimum of two of their current entries; they are just really good!
- The leading USB microphone for professionals
- Improved Blue VO!CE broadcasting vocal effects
- Multiple pattern selection - Omnidirectional, bidirectional, cardioid and stereo
- Unique positional design
- Gain control, zero-latency headphone output and mute button
- Plug 'n play - PC and Mac compatible
- 2 Year Warranty
One of the Best USB Microphones on the Market
Create supreme recordings on your laptop with Blue's best-selling Microphone. Using their tri-capsule tech, Their Yeti range gives premium, studio-quality sounds, for music, audio for video, podcasts and situations that require multiple microphones.
Ideal for the home or on the road, you'll get premium recordings every time.
RØDE PodMic - Dynamic Podcasting Microphone
How could we leave out RØDE, a stalwart in the microphone business since the 20th century?
Always a force to reconned with, and here's what they've got:
- Broadcast-grade dynamic microphone
- Balanced, podcasting-rich sound, perfect for live streaming, singing vocals and speeches
- Internal pop filter as standard comes with shock and integrated swing mount
- Robust metal construction
- XLR connectivity and connection
- 2 Year Warranty
Some of the Main Features
This microphone is optimised for varying speech applications and delivers a real kick of broadcast quality sounds through their capsule.
The internal pop filter is up there with the very best and minimises plosives, with a long-lasting casing, this microphone will stand the test of time (even though those time-frames are much shorter today!).
The PodMic's smooth and rich sound with the internal pop filters doing their job coupled with internal shock mounting make it a dream to podcast with.
HyperX QuadCast S microphone
Not as commonly known but they know what they're doing!
- Frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz
- Three 14mm condensers
- 16-Bit Bit-rate
- Uses four distinct directional patterns
- Internal pop filter with built-in shock mount
- 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch adapter
- Gain dial, for easy mic sensitivity adjustment
This microphone is not out of place on this list.
With its customisable RGB lighting, a reliable manufacturer and unblemished sound quality, this could be in any professional setup. With the QuadCast S’s shock mount that's built-in and the pop-filter of the highest quality, it's the closest in terms of sound quality to rival the Blue Yeti without the need to pay for add-ons.
If you are more into aesthetics rather than the professional side, there's plenty on the market, but if you are into having a premium RGP gaming setup, you should be looking at grabbing this mic as this would be in any 2023 audio gear guide.
SUMMARY
The world of podcast microphone recommendations and streamer microphone comparisons is extremely subjective. But if you do more thorough research on the five we have listed you will see a whole range of spec on each one that could sway you into thinking 'That's the one for me!' So we hope that gave you more in-depth info on what has been flying off-the-shelves so far this year and good luck with getting the best you can for your podcast, live stream, vocals or anything else.
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