In addition to being a private violin teacher and having a degree in music from USC, Alecia started writing music-related articles and product reviews six years ago and has enjoyed this experience greatly. She likes to learn new instruments and write new compositions in her free time.
Marcus has a vast experience in digital audio and sound design. Thanks to his knowledge, he actively helps musicians with technical problems, improving their audio quality and promoting their tracks so that thousands of listeners can enjoy really good music.
Last updated: September 21, 2024
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People think you can go for any mic when it comes to content creation for YouTube. But that is not the case.
You have to consider your precise demands and requirements depending on the type of content you are creating. For example, whether you want to record HD videos with high-quality audio or stream live.
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There are various aspects you must take into account when buying the best mic for YouTube. You must look for the right type of mic, its polar patterns, and proximity effects.
To help you make a sound buying decision. We have reviewed some of the best available on the market for this purpose. We will share other details you must consider when buying such a device.
The Blue Yeti is the best mic for YouTube, and we were highly impressed by the features that it has to offer. This USB mic is very easy to set up, and you can conveniently connect it to your PC or Mac in one go. The mic is an ideal choice for recording, gaming, streaming, and podcasting. It is also an ideal option for studio use if you are into that.
The condenser mic has different voice effects with four different pickup patterns. You can pick colors according to your desktop setup. Connect it with your headphones or the system itself, and installing this mic is pretty simple. Thanks to the custom 3-capsule array, this mic can produce clear sound for your high-quality YouTube videos. The Blue Voice software will enable you to elevate your recordings by adding various sound effects with advanced modulation.
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It is a highly versatile mic for a wide range of applications. It comes with flexible cardioid, bidirectional, Omni, and stereo patterns. Blue Yeti is the right option for you, from singing to streaming and anything else. You can use it with your musical instruments, vocal recording, gameplay, or streaming. No matter what your purpose is, the Blue Yeti will serve you well.
Its versatility is one of its best features, making this mic the best option for anyone to try. It has a positional design, meaning you can use it with any sound source. You can control what you want to focus on with different polar patterns.
The only thing we think this mic lacks is that it doesn’t come with an XLR connection. If you are into music recording, a mic with an XLR connection can bring out the best in your instrument. Still, you can do a lot with this mic without any additional enhancements. It is a highly versatile mic with all the instructions to set up the mic according to your requirements.
This mic has a classy look and will make your setup look highly modern. The sleek design of this mic gives it a unique look, and the best part is that you don’t have to go through a lot to set it up. An ideal choice for singing, your mic will also be on display, so its looks are going to be important. And this is where the Rode Procasters hit the bull’s eye.
This mic is an ideal choice for various singing applications. The wired mic will deliver exceptional performance without missing or blurring any recording part. Wired mics are still the best in this department. This microphone comes with an XLR connection, so you can use it with different musical instruments. It has a cardioid polar pattern to focus more on the sound source. It comes with low self-noise to deliver exceptional recording results.
As it is a cardioid mic, you will be better off using it for singing applications only. It won’t provide the best results when you are looking to stream or gaming. The mic will be a good choice if you are podcasting or for dictation as well. But it will not provide you with the best results for other applications. Studio or home recording with this mic will also provide you with the best results.
We loved that this mic has a unique look and will stand out in your videos. Setting it up is pretty simple and comes with an XLR connection. So, whether you are singing or using any musical instrument, this mic will deliver the performance you expect. We think that its unique low self-noise feature is the one that makes it stand out of the crowd. There are a few mics available on the market that come with these features that you can use for YouTubing, especially in this price range.
It could have been a better option if it came with more polar patterns. It would have allowed you to use this mic for a wide range of applications. But if you are not singing or playing any musical instruments, it still does a pretty fine job. However, we still think that this is a slightly expensive mic that should have come with more features.
Audio-Technica brings you its cardioid condenser mic with an XLR connection. It means that this mic is an ideal option for the studio as well as home recording. It is one of the best options that you can consider because you won’t have to pay much for it. Still, it works well for streaming and podcasting too. But the mic is better suited for singing and music recording because it comes with a cardioid polar pattern.
There are not many mics available in this price range that come with a quality XLR connection. Therefore, we loved this mic for this price as it will work very well for your singing and music recording applications. However, it can still deliver quality if you want to stream or podcast. Therefore, if you are looking for true value for money and don’t want to overspend, this mic is the best option for you.
The noise level of this mic is pretty low and turns out to be only around 20 dB. You won’t have to worry about background noise when using this mic. This mic features a wide dynamic range and high SPL handling, so you can use it for different purposes. It comes with an extended frequency response and a period transient. Therefore, the mic will ensure better isolation of the sound source without any background noise, significantly enhancing your audio quality.
The price-to-performance ratio that this mic has to offer is unmatched. If you are looking for quality but don’t want to spend much while still looking for a mic that is versatile enough for various applications, this is the right option for you. It might come with only cardioid patterns, but this mic is for multiple applications, along with singing and music recording.
However, we still think that this mic could have been a much better option if it came with special features to reduce background sound even further. You will notice that the mic picks up some background noise at higher volumes, and you will have to use some background soundproofing equipment for the best results.
This mic is one of the unique options you can explore if your looks matter to you. But how it looks is not the only thing that it can deliver. It is a highly versatile mic that works well for different applications. From gaming to podcasting, you can use it for various purposes, and it is one of the best mics for YouTube that won’t break your wallet.
With a unique snowball look, this mic comes with a cardioid condenser mic capsule. It means that it will be an ideal option for streaming as well as singing. But we think it could have come with a special low background noise feature that enhanced the overall performance. This is the only thing that this mic is not able to achieve that well and you might experience a few background noises, especially when you turn up the volume.
Therefore, we don’t recommend this mic for high-quality music recording and singing. If you are looking to use this mic for these purposes, you will have to properly soundproof the room where you are using this mic you will have to soundproof the room if you want to use this mic for these purposes. One thing that makes this mic pretty handy is its highly adjustable desktop stand. This stand enables you to set the mic in any direction you prefer. You can get it closer to the sound source for better results.
Its looks are the main feature that makes this mic look different from its competitors. But its price is another feature that distinguishes it from its competition. You can record or stream in style with its classic design, a unique look, and it doesn’t take up much space on your desk.
This mic is certainly a great option for recording as well as communication. But keep in mind that this is not the ideal option if you are looking for a mic that can help you in singing and music recording. Furthermore, this mic is Discord and Skype certified and works well for interviewing and game streaming using various applications. You will be heard loud and clear on a wide range of VOIP platforms.
For the price point, we think that the mic does a fair job. This is certainly not the right option for singing or music recording, but you can do a lot more with this unique-looking mic for YouTube. It could have come with better background noise-proofing features, but in this price range, it still isn’t a bad deal by any stretch of the imagination.
If you are looking for a premium quality mic and budget is not your concern, consider Shure SM7B. This mic is for the pros and works well for podcasting, broadcasting, recording, and other purposes. Whether you are looking for a quality mic for home or studio applications, you don’t need to look elsewhere with this one. It is one of the best options for recording in high quality for unmatched performance.
The mic comes with an XLR connection and is one of the good YouTube microphones. It means that you can use it for voice and music recording. It comes with a wide range of frequencies, so it can handle low and high sounds. It has a wide range of frequencies, so it can handle low and high sounds. You won’t have to worry about any background noise because it has a filter. The sound this mic will reproduce will have warmth, which is certainly the right option for professional YouTubers.
It works for singing, streaming, and a bunch of other applications. It comes with a close-talk windscreen along with a foam windscreen. This mic’s unidirectional polar pattern and dynamic cartridge ensure the neutral reproduction of sound from the source. This mic comes with air suspension shock isolation to reduce any mechanical noise. It will also handle breathiness well and will only focus on speech or music.
We loved the fact that this mic comes with advanced electromagnetic shielding. Therefore, it can defeat any gum generated from the computer systems and other studio equipment in proximity. These are some of the features that make this mic truly unique. Therefore, these features make it the best option to go for if you want the best audio results in your YouTube videos.
If you are a professional YouTuber, we highly recommend this mic. That is why it comes with such a big price tag. If you are a budget shopper, consider going for another option we reviewed in this guide. The Shure SM7B is not for starters, but if you want to up the ante and make high-quality YouTube videos, this one is the right option.
If you are looking for a mic that you can use on the go, then consider buying the Zoom H1n. This portable sound recorder is lightweight, and you can conveniently carry it wherever you are. It allows you to use it for different purposes. You can use it for interviewing or podcasting, overdubbing, and dictation.
It has a streamlined body with a matte finish and is encased in a protective enclosure. The inbuilt stereo condenser comes with a 90-degree x/Y format, and you can access all the controls with a single button. The mic has intuitive and localized menus that enable you to operate it conveniently. You can also control the playback speed and can benefit from voice-emphasizing filters.
This is a mic for YouTube recording that is a great option for anyone looking to use a recording device on the go. If you do a lot of interviews on the go or have to do a podcast while traveling, this is the mic you need to have with you. It has a lightweight design, so you won’t have to endure a tough time carrying it with you all along. It has all the controls that are easy to access and operate with a single button.
This microphone for YouTube is a highly portable option you can use on the move. It is lightweight and works more like a recorder than a mic itself. The recording device is an excellent choice for interviewing and podcasting on the move, and you can conveniently use it for your desktop applications. But this is not the right option that you can use for streaming and gaming purposes.
It is a highly specialized recording mic for dictation and interviewing. Therefore we don’t recommend it if you do a lot of streaming and gaming. Journalists and podcasters who have to do a lot of interviews can certainly benefit from this device. It does come with several controls that are easy to access with just a single click. So, if you’re looking for the best mic for YouTube that you can use in the field, this is the right option.
What stands out?
A top choice for recording on the go
Lightweight and sleek design, which is easy to carry
Easy to access controls
Available in three different colors
What cons did we manage to find?
Not the right choice for desktop applications
Things to Consider
We have developed this buying guide to shed some light on some specific points that you need to keep in mind when buying the best mics for YouTube. We will provide you with a list of frequently asked questions that people ask so you won’t have to deal with them when making your purchase decision.
Features To Consider Before Buying A Mic For Youtube
There is a wide variety available on the market, and not everything suits every purpose. Therefore, you need to identify your needs to get the best bang for your buck.
You must identify your requirements before looking for the best option available on the market. This way, you won’t regret your buying decision later on.
Here are some essential features you must consider when buying the best mic for YouTube.
Type of Youtube Channel
The type of mic you need will depend entirely on the videos you want to create. The Blue Yeti is the right option for you if you wish to game streaming. But this mic is a good option for different other options as well.
However, to create a more realistic vlogging channel, you should consider going for a mic with an XLR connection. You can consider going for the Shure SM7B or any other mic we reviewed above.
Type of Mic
Of course, the market has a wide range of mics available. But not all of them serve all purposes. There are two types of mics that you can consider; condenser and dynamic mics.
Condenser Mics
These mics are recording tools that feature sensitive vibrating diaphragms for capturing sound. They are highly versatile, and you can use them for recording anything from any sound source. These mics include the likes of Rode Procaster, Audio Technica AT2020, and Blue Snowball iCE.
Dynamics Mics
They convert sound signals into electrical signals using electromagnetism. They work best for live performances, especially those featuring a loud sound source. These include the likes of Shure SM7B and Zoom H1n.
Polar Patterns
Cardio polar patterns are considered to be the best polar pattern for YouTubers. It works well for various applications, including streaming, podcasting, etc.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t opt for other mics with different polar patterns. It entirely depends upon the specific purpose you’re using the mic for.
For a more versatile option, you can consider the Blue Yeti, which comes with multiple polar patterns. Otherwise, you can consider going for Rode Procaster, Audio Technica AT2020, Blue Snowball iCE, Shure SM7B, and Zoom H1n if you are specifically looking for cardioid polar patterns.
Cardioid polar patterns are great when you close the mic to the sound source. And, of course, when you are streaming, gaming, or podcasting for Youtube, this is precisely what you want to get the best audio quality.
Proximity Effect
Proximity effects play a significant role when making Youtube videos. You will place your mic close to the sound source.
Moving the mic closer to the sound source will give you a more significant base boost. This can create a lot of problems in the final recording.
However, you can use this feature to shape the sound in a better way. Therefore, you need to look for a mic that allows you to control the proximity effect efficiently, so you don’t end up messing up the sound of your video.
You can use a high pass filter to lower the EQ or control it with a shelf. Some mics come with switchable filters to reduce this effect. You can consider Shure SM7B to control the proximity effect in our YouTube videos.
Price
Different mics are suitable for different budgets. If you are a professional YouTuber, you should consider investing in equipment built for the pros.
Such a mic will provide you with various settings that you can use to produce high-quality content. But if you are a beginner, consider going for a low-end product to get the hang of the equipment first.
Once you’re fully equipped with using the various settings of the mic, you can consider going for a mid-tier or high-tier option.
Most vloggers consider using a cardioid microphone. This mic is a unidirectional instrument that is an ideal choice for recording the human voice. of course. You can consider going for other mics with different polar patterns as well. But that entirely depends upon what sort of sound you want to record.
If you are thinking about what mics YouTubers use initially, we highly recommend you go for a budget option like the Blue Snowball iCE. You still get plenty of options to explore using this mic, but it still wants to break your wallet. Later, you can consider using more specialized mics for various purposes.
Mrbeast uses Rode VideoMic Go. This mic comes with a cardioid polar pattern and is not very heavy on the pocket. It still is a pretty decent mic that has a robust construction.
Our Verdict
The best mic for YouTube is the Blue Yeti, which is a USB mic with multiple polar patterns. It is a highly versatile mic that you can use for a wide range of recording applications. This mic also comes with a wide range of voice effects that you can use to enhance your videos.
I’ve been struggling to find the right microphone for my YouTube channel, and this post has been so helpful! I appreciate the in-depth reviews and the side-by-side comparisons. I’m definitely going to look into getting the Rode NT-USB, it seems like a great option for my needs. Thanks for taking the time to write this post!
Great post! As a YouTuber myself, I’ve been on the hunt for a good quality microphone for a while now. The Rode NT-USB studio microphone really caught my eye, especially since it’s both affordable and high-quality. I’ll have to give it a try for sure. Thanks for the detailed review!
Great review! I’ve been struggling to find the right mic for my YouTube channel. After reading your review, I think I’m going to give the Rode NT-USB a try. Can you do a follow-up review on how they hold up over time?
I’ve been struggling to find the right microphone for my YouTube channel, and this post has been so helpful! I appreciate the in-depth reviews and the side-by-side comparisons. I’m definitely going to look into getting the Rode NT-USB, it seems like a great option for my needs. Thanks for taking the time to write this post!
Great post! As a YouTuber myself, I’ve been on the hunt for a good quality microphone for a while now. The Rode NT-USB studio microphone really caught my eye, especially since it’s both affordable and high-quality. I’ll have to give it a try for sure. Thanks for the detailed review!
Great review! I’ve been struggling to find the right mic for my YouTube channel. After reading your review, I think I’m going to give the Rode NT-USB a try. Can you do a follow-up review on how they hold up over time?