The competition in the content scene is getting higher and higher as more people move into the growing industry. From podcasts, to YouTube creators and live streamers, regardless of your profession or intent you will need a high quality microphone to suit your needs.
When it comes to your standard microphone for at a desk you will be looking at either a USB mic or an XLR mic. USB microphones plug straight into your computer or device, and are usually plug and play.
As technology advances over time USB microphones are becoming even better, and providing audio of a crisp quality that is more than good enough for video or stream content.
There are many popular brands and mics that you may be familiar with already, this is greatly because of their ease of use, support, and popularity amongst creators. USB microphones plug directly into your computer or device and transfer audio that way, making them great for travel and use with laptops.
When picking the microphone that you want to use for your content there are different features and functions that you want to keep in mind.
Polar patterns refer to how sensitive the microphone is in a directional manner, meaning it affects where the noise it receives is picked up from. It is common for many popular usb mics to feature a cardioid polar pattern as it focuses on the vocals from directly in front of the device, helping to eliminate the sound from behind the device and reduce the impact of noise to the sides. Because of this, the microphone will feature a front and back, so you will need to make sure to be talking into the correct side. Most mics will inform you as to where you need the audio to enter the microphone, some may even be in the top.
Condenser vs Dynamic Microphones
Microphones use what is known as a transducer to convert the audio it picks up into the digital form it outputs. Amongst gamers, YouTubers and Twitch streamer the two most popular types are the dynamic and condenser variations.
With each transducer type comes different resulting effects of the method used, typically in dynamic microphones the sound will be quieter and you will need to speak directly into it for the best quality sound. These tends to be the go to option for many podcasts, and is even often used by bigger streamers to prevent the surrounding noises from impacting their content.
A lot of content creators also use condenser microphones, which work better in studios or in an audio treated environment. The bright side of condenser microphones is that they will pick up the audio better from a distance, so you don’t need to have the device in your way and can place it a small distance from your mouth. If you want to have more free space and aren’t worried about background noises then the condenser microphone may be better for your needs.
Blue Yeti Pro
The Blue Yeti Pro is one of the more versatile microphones available, it provides four different pattern modes which alter the way and direction the Yeti microphone picks up the audio around it. These modes are stereo, omni-directional, cardioid and bi-directional.
The cardioid mode is the commonly used option for podcasts and streaming, it records the audio space from directly in front of the mic in an effort to cancel out background noise whilst producing great quality sound.
Bit Rate: 24-bit Sample Rate: 192 kHz Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Omnidirectional, Stereo Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz Transducer Type: Condenser
HyperX QuadCast
HyperX made a statement when they created the QuadCast, blessing the device with rich versatile features great for streamers and podcasters, making it ideal for gamers. A great addition to the microphone is the simple knob that can be used to switch between the four polar patterns included in the one device.
The pattern options are visually represented on the device to show and remind the user of how each setting will affect the way the mic picks up the audio. There is also a gain control option found on the base of the microphone and a mute switch that is easily activated and deactivated quickly with simple tap.
Bit Rate: 16-bit Sample Rate: 48kHz Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Bidirectional, Stereo, Omnidirectional Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz Transducer Type: Condenser
Audio Technica AT2020USBi
The AT2020USBi is a bit different from the conventional USB microphone, at the base if features a Micro-HDMI output that you can use with two different connectors, one is the standard USB connection which you can use to connect the device to your computer or laptop, and the other is a lightning cable connector for iOS devices.
Bit Rate: 24-bit Sample Rate: 96 kHz Polar Patterns: Cardioid Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz Transducer Type: Condenser
Samson G-Track Pro
You can take advantage of three polar patterns with the Samson G-Track Pro through the easy to use switch located near the top of the mic base. Also featured on the front of the sleek device are three knobs that you can use to adjust the microphone, headphone and instrument volume. Slightly above these volume controls is a master mute button which allows you to quickly and seamlessly mute your device if needed during a live stream.
Bit Rate: 24-bit Sample Rate: 96 kHz Polar Patterns: Cardioid. Bidirectional and omnidirectional Frequency Response: 50Hz – 20kHz Transducer Type: Condenser
Razer Seiren Elite
Unlike most USB microphones the Razer Seiren Elite takes full advantage of a dynamic capsule. This capsule aids in removing the background humming noises from surrounding electronic equipment making it an effective addition to your gaming setup. In typical Razer fashion the Seiren Elite is aesthetically appealing with a clean black design and easy to use gain and volume adjusters that can be changed on the fly.
Bit Rate: 16-bit Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz / 48kHz max Polar Patterns: Cardioid Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz Transducer Type: Dynamic
Blue Snowball
Within the YouTube scene the Snowball mic by Blue has built a solid reputation for the quality it provides while remaining at a fairly low price point. There are two main polar patterns that the mic offers, the typical cardioid and omnidirectional.
Omnidirectional pattern picks up sound from around the device in 360 degrees, this can be useful for picking up multiple audio points or voices from around the mic, however for use with content creating this mode will increase background noise and typing sounds. If you don’t plan on using this feature, and only need the basic cardioid mode then you can choose to get the Snowball Ice instead.
Bit Rate: 16-bit Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional Frequency Response: 40Hz – 18kHz Transducer Type: Condenser
Rode Podcaster
The most popular USB microphones tend to use condenser transducers, however the Rode Podcaster offers something a bit different as it is a dynamic mic. These describe the methods as to which the device picks up the sound.
Dynamic microphones are typically better for use with streams or in locations without audio or studio treatment, making it great for Twitch live streams and YouTube gaming content that may feature rather high levels of background noise or humming.
Bit Rate: 24-bit Sample Rate: 44Hz – 96 kHz Polar Patterns: Cardioid Frequency Response: 40Hz – 14kHz Transducer Type: Dynamic
Blue Yeti
The standard iteration of the Blue Yeti is also a formidable device when it comes to USB microphones, it also comes with different colour options which you can select from to give you the best matching aesthetic to your setup. The mic features an easy to press mute button on the front, as well as a headset volume control for on the fly adjustments.
Bit Rate: 16-bit Sample Rate: 48 kHz Polar Patterns: Cardioid, Omnidirectional, Stereo and Bidirectional Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz Transducer Type: Condenser
