Youtube is not the “next” big thing; it is the “now” big thing. Creators all over the world are competing to grow their channels and are investing in the best equipment possible to provide that quality content.
Have you ever wondered what Joe Rogan or Ninja or your favourite youtuber will sound like if not for the right microphone? Probably not; just give it a thought. But we are pretty sure you complain whenever there’s even a miniscule sound issue. That’s how important the sound aspect of Youtube is.
With streaming at an all time high, especially during the lockdown with musicians or live gamers or podcasters or vloggers, all releasing content at an unmatched pace, microphone becomes of the utmost importance to not only deliver quality content but also entertain the audiences.
Imagine you are talking about the black hole and the billions of galaxies out there but your sound seems as if it’s coming from inside a wine barrel as your microphone can’t control its echo. You wouldn’t want that, would you?
There are probably hundreds of microphone companies claiming to be the best pick for YouTube videos. But which one should you buy? Well, that is why we have curated a detailed guide of the eight best microphones especially suited for YouTube.
Read on to find out which one you should get!
Types of Microphones
Well if you thought making a decision is going to be that easy, slow down, wait a second and take a look, because microphones come in a wide range especially made for different purposes.
So depending upon the kind of video you are making, what is the type of camera that you use and what kind of noise element you want, here’s a quick rundown of the types of microphones you can choose from.
DSLR Microphones
If you are someone who mostly films outdoors and away from the screen, DSLR microphones are the best option for you.
Yes, it is a bit expensive, but if quality is of the utmost importance to you and you have already invested in a DSLR, they why not spend a few extra bucks and get the whole package for yourself!
These kinds of microphones mount to a hot shoe of the DSLR camera and the most common types are known as “shotgun.”
USB Microphones
Probably the most common and most efficient microphone out there as it is ideal for almost everything – from a vlog to gaming to tutorials to music to live interviews to voiceovers to what not! Just plug it in with your computer and you are good to go!
Lavalier Microphones
Have you seen the Vice guys clipping something to the clothing of the person they are interviewing? Yes, those are called the Lavalier microphones. They come in both the common wired kind and the expensive wireless kind.
Optimal for conversational vlogging and interviews, they are also popular among youtubers who move a lot – yoga instructors, dancers, etc. As it is clipped close to the mouth, it easily suppresses any unwanted background noise.
Smartphone Microphones
Many of you who are still starting out mostly use your phones to vlog or record videos. Although not the best option out there, it is better to use an external smartphone mic if you are thinking of going this route.
The ones present by default in the smartphones don’t produce the best sound so this can definitely help you enhance your sound quality without shelling out much money.
8 Best Microphone For YouTubers
1. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
The first thing that probably catches our eye is the interesting name that this product has – Blue Yeti. With three condenser elements and tri-capsule array, this little beauty is absolutely flexible, so much so that it will leave you in awe.
Features
The microphone allows you to switch between bi-directional and omni-directional patterns and records the audio in 16-bit/48kHz. It also has a headphone amp and independent gain control which basically ensures a latency-free monitoring.
Compatible with both Mac and Windows, the mic comes with a 3.5 mm headphone jack and also features mute and gain control. This basically puts the user in control as whenever you get any feedback, noise or distortion, you can easily adjust the gain control and reduce sensitivity.
The Blue Yeti microphone comes with a USB cable and the best thing is that you don’t require any drivers. You can just plug the thing and you’re good to go!
- Requires no software installation
- There is no delay while recording or playing
- Packed with great features and amazing control.
- The USB plugs directly in the computer, no hassle there.
- A wide range of recording modes.
- The build quality is not as great
- There have been complaints of hissing sounds
- Mounting is a bit challenging with this mic.
With great flexibility, amazing placement control, outstanding compatibility, solid sounds, good features, this microphone is a bundle in itself. Bring me a mic which packs a better feature list than the Blue Yeti at a price range which is so competitive and exceptional!
2. Rode NT1-A Anniversary Vocal Cardioid Condenser Microphone Package
Do you play a lot of guitar and record your videos for Youtube? If yes, then the Rode NT-1A is an amazing pick for you. A microphone known for its versatility, it gives you a fantastic sound quality when milking or strumming your guitar while singing simultaneously.
Features
This Rode NT1-A is a cardioid condenser microphone which provides a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz. With a beautiful gold plated membrane and output connectors, it has a dynamic range of 132dB.
Capable of recording drums and guitars, the “low noise” that is features, is ideal for recording vocals as well. It works amazingly well as a studio mic and the internal shock mount system does not allow any intrusive noise.
The internal shock mount system is onboard to prevent any unwanted noise. But, being a condenser, it will require +48-volt phantom power. It’s extremely well made and looks impressive with its heavy duty nickel plated body and satin finish.
The Rode NT1-A microphone includes a 20 feet cable for the mic, a pop shield, an ever-so-useful instruction manual and a dust cover to protect its impressive body which is nickel plated with a beautiful, satin finish.
- The noise levels are pretty low, almost negligible.
- The mic picks up the slightest of the sounds very clearly.
- Has a beautiful satin finish.
- Requires phantom power
This is an amazing value for money product with exceptional sound and high quality, sturdy built. It has great onboard features and it’s most definitely worth a spot in the eight best microphones for youtube.
3. Rode NT-USB Versatile Studio-Quality USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Rode mics are known for their build quality and this is something that none other brand can match. Another great microphone coming from the same brand is the Rode NT-USB which is sturdy, tough and has a frame that is built to last.
Features
As it requires no drivers and plugs directly into the computer via the USB cardioid, the NT-USB helps in avoiding a lot of hassle. The microphone is quite sensitive as it is the shotgun condenser type.
So, if you want to avoid any background noise, you need to to set this up quite carefully. Nonetheless, the quality of sound that this thing produces, is on another level. The sound is smooth, bright, clear and reminds you of some flagship, top of the line products.
It has a smooth sound, but it is also quite bright and reminds you of a top of the range studio mic with its clarity and response. With a frequency range of 16-bit/48kHz, it is apt for videos and recordings for youtube.
The Rode NT-USB comes with a 20-feet long USB cable, a tripod stand, a storage pouch, and a pop shield.
- The stand that comes with the mic is quite durable.
- Audio interface is not required with this mic.
- The mic offers clear sound and top-notch control.
- Misses the knob for gain.
- Makes thich voices sound a bit thin.
- The microphone has a single polar pattern.
The Rode NT-definitely punches high above the price point it features. Coming from a very renowned manufacturer, it offers mix control, 1⁄8” stereo headphone jack socket, optional camera kit, and amazing range, among a few other things.
4. Apogee Mic Plus
Weighing just eight ounces, you can carry this microphone easily in your pockets. But don’t get misled by its size as it is at par with its competitors in terms of sound, features and varieties.
Features
The Apogee provides an excellent studio-quality sound and unwanted sound rejection. With 46dB preamp range, it uses cardioid capsules in order to filter the sounds which are off-axis.
It features a LED indicator in 3 colours and an input gain and mute control option. The headphone blend control ensures monitoring noise without any latency. The controls mentioned above are at the front of the mic while the headphone output and USB port are at the bottom.
It provides a frequency range of up to 24-bit/96kHz and the digital connection allows the sound to remain crisp, clear and full. The icing on the cake is that this microphone does not require any configuration so you can just plug it in and you’re good to go.
This miniscule Apogee microphone comes with a USB type A and type B cable, lighting iOS cable, tripod stand, and a microphone stand adapter. However, it does not have a pop shield.
- Reproduces digital sound.
- Monitors sound without any latency.
- Doesn’t require any extra configuration.
- Does not include a pop filter.
- A bit on the expensive side.
A great performance and sound offering microphone like the Apogee mic plus, does not come cheap. Amazing for indoor use, it is highly suitable for live streamers and gamers all around the globe.
5. Shure VP83F LensHopper Camera-Mounted Condenser Microphone
The Shure VP83F is made to function with DSLR cameras as well as with camcorders. It also has a camera mounted condenser which is great for producing HD quality audio recordings.
Features
It has a design which reduces noise and is based on the super-cardioid polar system. You can easily access your recorded files from the MicroSDHC card which is used to store recordings on the Microphone. It can support cards up to 32GB. The files are saved in WAV format.
With the 60DB gain, the range is just amazing as now recording sound from varied environments becomes possible. It has 3.5mm audio input and you can also monitor your recording through the stereo headphone output present in the microphone.
The Shure VP83F also features a foam windscreen which is great for cancelling out the extra noise or winds. It also has a backlit LCD screen and a one-touch control which makes it really easy to navigate.
- Solid and sturdy make and design.
- Very easy to use.
- Has a great sound output in every environment.
- A bit expensive
The battery life on the Shure VP83F is nearly 10 hours. Considering this, it is a very reasonably priced microphone and is worth the money your pay for this item. It has the capability and the efficacy one expects from a Shure microphone.
6. Audio-Technica AT4053B Hypercardioid Condenser Microphone
If you are looking for a product which is easy on the pocket but does not compromise on quality then, the Audio-Technica AT4054B is an amazing alternative for you. It is a shotgun condenser microphone which is perfect for acoustic requirements and delivers very high-quality sound. It is a studio-quality microphone and is used by professionals.
Features
The design is small and tight and does not occupy much space. It has a hyper-cardioid system which helps to cancel out the background noise. The output is clean, thanks to the couple balanced system of the AT4053B.
It also has a switchable high-pass filter which is great for reducing low-frequency sound. The overall built quality of AT4053B is really good and can even last after heavy use. It is a very sensitive mic when aimed at the source and can easily do away with the background noise.
The Audio Technica microphone comes with a carrying case, a windscreen and a stand clamp. What’s not to like in this!
- Small and compact, hence easy to carry
- Offers great features for the price
- The built quality and sound feels much more expensive for the price.
- None
This mic is a hit among people who stream on youtube, twitch or other social media platforms. It is a little on the expensive side but it also has the quality to make the case for itself. It needs a 48v phantom power, which might be a headache for people who don’t have it on their cameras. Lastly, the quality is good and the AT4053B looks and feels expensive. The sound quality of the mic is great and is really apt for people who want to regularly stream or record.
7. AKG Pro Audio C214 Professional
AKG is a very well known and trusted brand when it comes to microphones. It was founded in 1949 in Austria and since then it is ruling the market in sales as well as in quality. Its ownership is now transferred to Samsung.
The C214 is very similar to the 414 by AKG. Great features from the 414 such as its one-inch dual capsule are also utilised in the C214. The price of the C214 is also less than that of the 414 which makes it more accessible to a wider audience.
Other than that, you can be sure that the quality of the microphone is premier. It has all the capabilities which a youtuber seeks in their microphone.
Features
The AKG C214 is a great device for loud use, thanks to the switchable 20dB pad and the low cut filter. It is also a great mic for acoustic guitars, drums or harmonica. You can be sure that the punch you want is delivered.
It also has a sturdy built quality and the XLR output is made from metal which makes the mic very solid and good for regular use.
The AKG Pro microphone box includes a windscreen, a metal cover case, and a shock mount.
- Amazing rugged design and construction.
- Provides clear and crisp sound at all levels.
- None
The AKG C214 is an amazing product whose performance is excellent. Whether it is guitar, drums or vocals, be assured that it will certainly pack the punch. It is a great mic for live stage shows as it has the capability to pick up necessary sound and negates noise. It is on the expensive side but if you want a microphone of flagship quality then this is it. If you can spend the big bucks, then just go for it.
8. Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone
Another product with both an interesting name and an interesting design; looking like something from the 1930s era is the Blue Snowball. This beautiful piece is sure to catch your eyes whenever you look at it.
Features
With a cardioid mic and ball design, the Blue Snowball produces clear and crisp audio. It painstakingly records whatever you will point it to and produces concise and high-quality recordings.
Not just youtube, it is great for skype, messenger, hangouts, google talk, etc. When ever you decide to strum or finger pick your guitar or just play your drums, use this microphone and you will surely be left amazed.
It is ideal for small skits, podcasts, interviews and conversational youtube videos. The USB connects to the Mac or PC directly and provides a frequency range of 16-bit/44.1 kHz. There is no need for a preamp, a driver, or any other hardwares.
The Blue Snowball, though an amazing microphone, does not come with much accessory other than a simple desktop stand.
- Comes at an amazing price range
- Works amazing with EQ
- Has an excellent bass pickup quality.
- Works nicely without a pop filter and eliminates unwanted noise.
- The LED on light is a bit obtrusive at times
- The polar pattern doesn’t exactly indicate the exact number for the exact pattern.
- No mute button or on/off switch.
Although small, this microphone feels premium and expensive for its size and built. It feels great to use and has a quirky and modern design. Great sound, better design and excellent price. What is there not to like?
Buying Guide
The choice of an ideal microphone depends on a wide range of factors. It is imperative that you consider these before purchasing any product.
The Kind of YouTube videos you Make
If you are a vlogger and you get a USB type microphone, then what is the use? You won’t actually be carrying your desktop to the wild with you! Similarly, it’s a waste of money to get a DSLR microphone if you just have to sit on your couch and be streaming all day.
That is why you need to consider the genre that you will be making content in and the type of videos you will be making before getting a microphone.
The Build Quality
No matter whether you shoot indoors or outdoors, the build quality of your microphone has to be amazing and this is one aspect you can’t compromise on. The build quality does not only help your microphone from getting doomed but also also guarantees good, noise-free output.
The Budget!
So you have planned the concept of your videos? Now, you need to look for an ideal microphone. Set a budget and get shopping!
Final Words
For any creator out there, this quote absolutely stands true – “Content is the King.” To stay relevant, to grow your community and to retain an audience, you can’t really compromise on the quality of your content.
In the audio-visual media, “audio” is also a very important aspect. So having a suitable microphone automatically becomes warranted. Therefore, for all our lovely youtubers or future youtubers out there, we have curated a list of the eight best microphones.
Read the detailed guide and start setting up your equipment now!
