How to Choose a Gaming Microphone?

Choose the right microphone for your gaming microphone - all those who have experience of not-so-successful streams, game battles and streaming will confirm this. A good microphone will be comfortable for you and for those you are talking to.

First, you need to clearly answer the question of what exactly the microphone is being purchased for. It will only serve for games or even for communication - this is important. At the same time, it will be fair to say that the selection of gaming microphones is also not particularly wide. They are divided into 3 categories: free-standing desktop models, microphones with a lavalier (on a cable), headsets.

• Desktop microphones for games can be found only in specialized manufacturers, the choice here is significantly narrowed. Desktop models are ideal for those who make video reviews of games, conduct streams. These devices usually write well both the sound (the one that comes from the computer speakers) and the human voice. They are also great for gamers who like to play loudly through computer speakers.

• Separate lavalier microphones not as unambiguous as the choice of gamers. Yes, some players use them, but they are not very comfortable. On the one hand, they give the person freedom of movement, they are close to the player. Inside such a microphone, not an omnidirectional, but a unidirectional trap is used: that is, theoretically, the device can be used even in crowded noisy places. But in practice, this actually cannot be.

• Finally, a popular type of microphone - headsets... These devices are, indeed, more versatile, and they have only one minus, it lies in the relative heaviness of the structure itself. The feeling of the headset's weight on your head can actually be uncomfortable, especially if the battle is dragged on. Although, if you criticize strictly, then there is one more drawback of this device. For streams and reviews, video sound from the game needs to be written on the second channel (or just keep headphones on the table, raising the volume level to maximum). Not very convenient, but many gamers do just that.

But gaming microphones have more features than just 3 categories. Everything matters.

There are 2 main connection methods. Analog assumes input to a standard audio input jack. There are many advantages, but there are also significant disadvantages. If you need to use additional equipment, all hope will be on a computer sound card. And if the card is built into motherboards, this is a bad idea for professional solutions.

USB way more relevant, but they still do not have the flexibility of an analog model. A compromise solution is to choose premium microphone models, where all parameters are equalized due to the overall quality.

By type of design, microphones are also divided into dynamic (electrodynamic) and condenser microphones.

Such a microphone is structurally similar to a dynamic loudspeaker. In his device, a membrane articulated with a conductor. The one is placed in a strong magnetic field, which creates a permanent magnet. Sound acts on this membrane, affecting the conductor.And when it crosses the lines of force of the MF, the EMF of induction will be induced in it. These microphones do not require phantom power.

These microphones are larger than condenser microphones. The frequency range of these models is not that high. At the same time, they have a higher overload capacity. In this regard, dynamic microphones are more often used at concerts, for working with drums, that is, where the sound will initially be loud enough.

This design is based on a capacitor, in which one of the plates serves as a diaphragm. It is made of thin plastic. The other plate is immovable, it is made of a conductor. For the capacitor to work, you need to create an electric field for the polarizing voltage. This is done by supplying power from the battery or mains.

When sound waves come into action, the diaphragm senses vibrations, the air gap between the capacitors changes, and finally the capacitance of the capacitor itself changes. The plate tension appears to reflect the movement of the diaphragm.

Condenser microphones have a wider frequency range, which is why such devices are more often used for recording acoustics and vocals. Again, this microphone needs additional power. They are smaller in size than dynamic ones.

Summary: If you are purchasing a microphone for the purpose of connecting the latter to your computer for video calling, block recording, and finally gaming, an inexpensive dynamic microphone would be a perfectly reasonable choice.

And now for an overview. For gamers, the rating, top, selection of devices for PC and laptop are also indicative.

This collection of 5 microphones that almost everyone can afford. They are suitable for communication, games, and streaming.

Rating of budget models.

• Sven MK-490... Famous benchtop model with 32 ohm output impedance. It turns as you like, as it is equipped with a plastic leg. This model has a wide directivity, so extraneous noise should be feared. The microphone lacks sensitivity, but the issue is resolved if we take a separate sound card together with it. For simple online gaming sessions, this is a good option. The issue price is 250-270 rubles.

• BM800. This model is more expensive, but still fits into the budget purchase rating. You can buy such a condenser microphone on a well-known Asian website, and in terms of price-performance ratio it will be one of the best options. Microphone with high sensitivity (45 dB), the set has a comfortable and reliable stand. The model collects great reviews. Together with it, you get a clear sound, high sensitivity, minimum noise level. It costs about 1200 rubles.

• Trust MICO USB... Omni-directional condenser microphone with a sensitivity of 45 dB, a sound pressure level of 115 dB. In the design, the device comes with a high-quality stand. The sensitivity of the model is good, the technology of suppression of noise is in place, the voice is produced clearly and without interference. Absolutely corresponds to the asking price of 1900-2000 rubles.

• Plantronics Audio 300. A cheap option that is still worth considering. The design of the model is pleasant, the details are made with high quality, the construction is reliable. If a gamer knows that every now and then he drops the microphone on the floor and cannot get rid of this negligence, such a model will “tolerate” such treatment. The microphone sensitivity is good. It's safe to say that for its price the device simply has no flaws. Although a conditional minus can be called his "unfriendliness" to the columns.

• Hama 57151... Small condenser microphone with 63dB sensitivity.It has easy connection, good sound quality, pleasant compactness, adapts to all current sound cards. For communication on the network, for voice identification - quite a thing. You can also play comfortably with him. Price - 970-1000 rubles.

For gamers who want to capitalize on their hobby, the technical requirements will be somewhat different. And the microphone will have to choose the one in which the comfort of use and sound quality for all participants in the gameplay will be ideal.

Here is a rating of such devices.

• Blue Yeti Pro. This is a studio grade microphone. The model is distinguished by the highest quality of the digitized sound, options for changing the directivity diaphragm, and headphone output with near-zero delay. A versatile microphone with excellent sound and functionality. And although the price of this device is in the region of 22,000 rubles, for this price its capabilities are more than adequate. The disadvantage of such a model (and it is) is that its use is focused on a MacBook.

• Asus ROG Strix Magnus. A microphone designed specifically for gamers. It has three directional diaphragms, a condenser type of device, and excellent sound quality. Its design also raises no questions. The sensitivity of the microphone can be adjusted, therefore each user can adjust the individual parameters for communication, for let-play, etc. An ergonomic, very beautiful and stylish microphone will cost the buyer 11,000 rubles.

• Razer Seiren Elite. In many ratings of gaming microphones, this particular model is at the top of the list. This is a dynamic microphone with cardioid directivity, impedance of 16 ohms and a weight of 785 g. It connects with a USB cable. Equipped with windscreen, high pass filter. The sound in such a microphone will always be clear, backgrounds and noises will not disturb the gamer. The technical capabilities are the richest, the design is pleasant, minimalistic. Fits on any desktop. A great gift for a gamer, which will cost 17,000 rubles.

• Audio-Technica AT2020USB +... A very attractive model for gamers and streamers. A capacitor device that will allow you to experiment with even the most complex genres. It is very convenient in monitoring the recording, in a conflict-free union with Windows. Price - 12,000 rubles.

• Trust GTX 252+ EMITA PLUS. Condenser microphone at an optimal price for its quality (12,000 rubles). Sensitivity - 45dB. Features a comfortable, flexible stand. The quality of the voice recording is beyond criticism. A chic model with an almost two-meter USB cable.

If we have already mentioned dynamic and condenser microphones, then the topic of the directivity diaphragm should be explained. If the microphone is omnidirectional, then it catches both the gamer's speech and extraneous noises. These models are insensitive to movement. This is a more convenient type for lavalier models or headsets.

In cardioid devices, the directional diaphragm resembles an image of the heart. They need an accurate orientation to the sound source, however, and there will be little noise in such a recording. It is safe to say that writing a text row for a video at home is more comfortable with this particular model.

See below for how to choose a gaming microphone.