Microphones for streaming: rating of the best models, selection and configuration

If you are organizing your individual broadcasts, then you probably understand how important sound quality is in this matter. And in order for the sound to be of high quality, a good microphone is required. Today, a lot of relatively inexpensive, but good-quality models have appeared on the domestic market, so choosing the optimal one is not so easy. Let's dwell on the features of this type of equipment.

Surely there are very few people these days who would not know what a broadcast or stream is, because it is thanks to this that you can show the events taking place live, demonstrate your achievements and skills in a popular computer game, and also just chat with fans about any interesting you topics. You can see the streams on Twitch, Mixer, and WASD. TV and the same YouTube. All of these platforms have two basic requirements that allow broadcasting - a high speed Internet connection and a good microphone. If everything is clear with the first point, then the second aspect needs the most thoughtful approach. If the sound quality is insufficient, the career of a blogger or streamer will end before it even begins - viewers do not like low-quality streams.

A streaming microphone is a device designed to capture and hold voice and transmit it to any type of computer equipment, as well as a smartphone or tablet.

Of all the types of microphones these days, only two are used at the professional or amateur level - these are condenser as well as dynamic studio models. Dynamic settings are characterized by reduced sensitivity, which decreases rapidly as the range of the sound source increases. Their undoubted advantage is the neutralization of echoes and background noise, which is why this equipment is in most cases installed at concert venues and other performances. Of course, there are products of this category with increased sound parameters, the recording quality in them practically does not differ from capacitor modules, but the price for them is not at all low.

The second type of microphones is condenser. It was he who became more widespread, since it allows you to record sound of amazing quality even in conditions of a modest budget. Such models with the help of a membrane can catch the slightest fluctuations, but they also require constant recharge. Accordingly, this implies a significant drawback of systems of this type - the capacitor itself needs constant phantom power.

In addition, due to the increased sensitivity of the membrane, with an increase in the distance from the sound source, a second minus follows - for full use it is necessary to build sound insulation. Otherwise, every cat who decides to perform a serenade outside the window will ruin your recording.

Technological advances do not stand still, and the demand for streaming microphones is growing steadily these days. So that the novice streamer does not get confused when buying amplifiers and power supplies and does not "bother" with external audio carriers, a functional and practical solution was developed - to create a microphone in which all these options are already installed.

The stores offer the widest selection of stream microphones - from the budget models to the deluxe ones. Each has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. We offer an overview of devices included in the top rated users.

This is one of the cheapest models that can be purchased for 180-250 rubles. The microphone has a frequency range of 50-16000 Hz and a sensitivity parameter of 58 dB. Connects to the carrier via a cable via a 3.5 mm jack. For such a cheap microphone, this model gives a relatively good sound, the device is small. The wire is quite long - 1.8 m, which makes the device quite mobile.

The kit includes a holder that allows you to securely fix the device. In general, this gadget will be optimal for network negotiations and streaming, since it transmits sound correctly and quite well. The only drawback of the model was its low sensitivity.

This model costs about 500 rubles. Capacitor-type device, omnidirectional. Operates in the range of 50-16000 Hz with a resistance index of 2.2 kOhm and sensitivity parameters of 30 dB. It is connected to the carrier via an audio jack with a 1.8 m cable. The package includes a convenient stand, which makes it possible to place the product on a table with the ability to adjust the tilt parameter. The microphone is suitable for those who like to stream and broadcast.

On the body there is a button-switch, which at the necessary moment can turn off the sound - this option is relevant for many streamers. Due to the omnidirectionality, you don't have to think about exactly what angle to speak into the microphone. Setting up this microphone, both externally and internally, is very simple. Of the minuses, many users emphasize the need to connect the device through a 3.5 mm jack.

This model costs about 1400-1500 rubles. The microphone provides high-quality sound in the audio range of 100-1000 Hz. It is connected from USB using a 1.4 m thick cable. The device provides high-quality sound, has a noise reduction option - thus, extraneous sounds do not reach the recording. A weighted stand is included with the microphone.

The wire that allows you to connect the device to a PC is very thick, which ensures reliability and durability. The advantages also include the fact that the connection is carried out via USB, and not through an audio jack. Users have complaints about the cable size, which is only 1.5m.

Model costing 1800-2000 rubles. This is a capacitor-type device, the body is made of metal and plastic. Connection is made via an audio jack, as well as USB using a wire 1.8 and 3.5 m long. The sound pressure is about 115 dB, the frequency range in the corridor is 50-16000 Hz, the impedance is 2200 Ohm. The technique is compatible with Windows and Mac OS. The microphone has good noise cancellation, which ensures high quality sound in the recording without background and interference. No special software is required to integrate with a computer.

The stand is ergonomic, reliable, allows you to fix the microphone in a static position. A swivel mechanism is provided so that the user can place the microphone at a given angle.Of the minuses, a cable is distinguished, which visually does not look particularly reliable.

This model under a variety of names can be found not only in household appliances stores, but also on Chinese sites such as AliExpress, so its cost can vary significantly. Accordingly, the sound quality can also jump, so when buying in online stores, you should always read the reviews.

Owners of such microphones often encounter problems with sound at low frequencies. Overall, however, the sound quality is comparable to that of a professional.

The cost of this model varies between 5000-6000 rubles. The device has a cardioid orientation, operates in the frequency range of 50-1600 Hz. The sound pressure is 120dB, the sensitivity is 44 kHz, and the bit rate is 24 bits. The installation uses a condenser capsule, which provides high-quality sound. The kit includes a convenient stand that allows you to hold the microphone in the desired position.

Connection is via USB, a headphone output is provided - by the way, they have their own volume control, as well as a connect button. Among the shortcomings, the high requirements for the capabilities of the computer are noted.

This technique is slightly more expensive - 6000-6500 rubles, it is a condenser-type microphone with a good USB interface. The sensitivity is 47 dB. Has a frequency range of 44.1-48 kHz. The body is made of metal, there is a headphone output.

The microphone is lightweight and portable, allowing you to record audio even on the go. In order to facilitate streaming, there is a folding tripod and a rigid mount - it allows you to securely fix the equipment. Cable length - 1.8m.

This microphone is one of the most common among YouTube bloggers, it costs about 12,000 rubles. Even those who are very far from technology have heard about it. The model earned such demand due to its high sound quality and exceptional ease of use. Unless you are an ardent perfectionist, then you do not have to configure anything additionally - you just need to connect a microphone to your computer and record solid clear sound.

Of the interesting chips, one can single out the presence of several operating modes, and one of them allows you to record several interlocutors at once, located opposite each other so as not to capture third-party noises.

This model costs about 17,000 rubles and is a professional equipment with a frequency range of 20-20000 Hz and a high sensitivity of 110 dB. There is a built-in LED for indexing work and a special headphone jack. The model is well-equipped, includes a metal windscreen, holder, stand, case, 6 m cable and pop filter.

The microphone contains high-quality electronics, thanks to which the voice is recorded in the best quality. The noise cancellation option makes sounds free from noise and background. The equipment can be connected to both mobile devices and a personal computer. The cost of the microphone is high, but you have to pay for the quality - if you plan to make money with your streams, then the equipment you need is exactly that. However, if you do not have far-reaching ambitious plans, you can quite look at a cheaper model.

Consider the following factors when choosing a microphone for streaming. Directivity is a parameter responsible for the direction in which the sound will be recorded.For home use, a unidirectional one will be sufficient. Sensitivity - it is indicated in dB, while the lower the value, the better the microphone will record quiet sounds. Frequency response - in this case, we mean the ability to record the quietest and loudest sounds without any distortion. The wider this range, the more natural the sound will become - and the high notes will be clearly distinguishable, and the bass will not disappear anywhere.

Connection method - it is best to give preference to USB microphones, there are several reasons for this:

• it's pretty cheap;
• similar models are compact and mobile;
• no additional interface is required to connect them.

For professionals, the alternative is to purchase a high quality XLR microphone. It does not have an analog digital converter and a preamplifier, so you will need to purchase additional equipment to record a stream. Design features - conventional desktop microphones have a stand, with which they are fixed to a horizontal surface. However, in microphones for streaming, this solution is not the best solution, since they only take up useful space on the table. Better to take budget lavalier models, especially if several people are involved in the recording.

To ensure a high quality stream, you will have to think about buying additional accessories.

• Rack. A necessary attribute of any microphone for streaming. She not only holds, but also participates in sound tuning. There are three types of racks on sale:
  • outdoor - used by vocalists;
  • pantograph - visually resemble a crane;
  • tabletop model - these racks are usually equipped with buttons for easy operation.
• Pop filter. This device includes several layers of thin nylon, so that the microphone is protected from "explosive" sounds. Please note that it is better not to buy metal pop filters.
• Spider mount. Helps protect equipment from vibration, which can adversely affect sound during recording.

In order to properly configure the microphone for streaming, you need to change all the basic parameters of its operation, which can somehow affect the clarity of the sound during the broadcast.

There are two options for setting:

• using the controls located on the microphone itself;
• in the system settings of your tablet, laptop or PC.

Less often, an alternative configuration option is used; it can be implemented only by installing additional software.

Any method can affect the capabilities of the system, such as:

• microphone sensitivity;
• the volume of sound transmission to the receiving channel during the broadcast;
• frequency parameters that are adjusted using the "equalizer" option.

When conducting streams, a microphone user, especially a model from the budget category, often encounters problems such as constant noises, hiss, and phonitics. If the microphone is noisy, then first you need to download programs for working with audio tracks - Virtual Audio Cable or Adob. They need to set the average value, and then adjust the capture depending on individual preferences. Ideally, the capture should be 50%, using the cardioid method - in models of a high price group it is exactly that by default, in cheaper counterparts you have to install it yourself.

Additionally, you can download Virtual Audio Cable for Windows OS. In this case, on the computer, in the "audio setup" section, you need to select the "recording devices" option and reconfigure the device in accordance with the OBS format accepted for, as a rule, it is 44.1 kHz, and preferably 48 kHz. After that, you need to go to the "recording" tab, click on the microphone icon and enter the "properties" tab - in the window that opens, select the "levels" category and fix the volume at 50%.

In order to get rid of extraneous noise from the device, select the “effect” icon and add the Adaptive Noise Reduction function. With this option, you can reduce the amount of basic stream noise - they will become less pronounced, normal for sound.

To get rid of the annoying high-frequency noise in your streaming microphone, you can use the filter in the equalizer. In the case of low frequencies, only a special adaptive noise reduction device will help to remove them.

In the next video you will find an overview of the HyperX QuadCast streaming microphone.