The best microphone for streaming, gaming and podcasting
Mic For PC Gaming has evolved a lot over the last decade, and you need top-end components to enjoy a great gameplay experience. While one shouldn’t compromise on the quality of the processor or the RAM for that matter, the gaming microphone shouldn’t be ignored, either.
Most gamers, however, ignore this aspect and settle for the attached Mic For PC Gaming headset. Although that can be a great choice if you’re just setting up your gaming rig, a standalone microphone offers a really top-class sound quality that makes communications with your rivals and your team members a breeze.
So, if you’re a serious gamer, it is high time you go for a dedicated Mic For PC Gaming because that can allow great communications which can boost your gaming performance by several notches. And when we talk about a standalone mic, we don’t necessarily mean a studio-level microphone because as gamers, we don’t need that.
It should be something better than your headphone’s inbuilt mic. Also, factors like ease-of-use, budget, and setup options can be a bit tricky, so depending on what works for you, you can go for a gaming microphone accordingly. In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the best gaming mics on offer.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone for Gaming
The Blue Yeti microphone is one of the best in the gaming microphone market, which is worth its price. It is an advanced and versatile gaming microphone that allows you to create studio-quality sound with your computer. The microphone has a sleek design that looks like an older, more classical microphone. It is built on a hinge system that allows for easy positioning and adjustments. The screws help to keep it in place, and the hinge helps to fold it up for easy portability.
The Blue Yeti microphone is built with proprietary tri-capsule technology that allows you to create sharp, clear, and pristine-quality recordings. The three condensers on the mic are fit to record under any situation without any noise interference, making it a good choice for gaming and streaming. The mic also has four diverse pattern modes, which are the stereo mode, cardioid mode, omnidirectional mode, and the bidirectional mode.
The stereo mode uses both the right and left channels of your audio output to produce a realistic sound for general use. The cardioid mode records sources of sound that are located in front of the mic, delivering a rich and intense sound, which is good for podcasts and streaming. The omnidirectional mode captures sound from all directions, providing the ambiance of sound in live performance situations. Finally, the bi-directional mode captures sound from the front and back which works well with instrumental sounds.
While there are all of these excellent features, there is no hassle when setting up the microphone. All you have to do is plug it into the USB port, and calibrate it to your operating system. This microphone works with both Windows and Mac operating systems, as long as the system has a 64MB RAM. This makes it an excellent microphone for all any computer.
One of the accessories that come with the microphone is a 3.5 mm headphone jack, which allows you to listen to the recording in real-time. The headphones have zero-latency, and also come with volume control and a mute function.
Though the Blue Yeti microphone is in the medium range in terms of its pricing, it is well worth the money as it provides a superior quality sound that elevates your gaming experience making it one of the best microphones for gaming.
Key Features
- Versatile PC mic that provides top-quality audio with no latency
- For different recording modes for all situations
- Compatible with both Windows and Macintosh
- It is bigger than most mics and heavier as well
2.Audio-Technica AT2020USB Cardioid Gaming Microphone
It is hard to beat the Audio-Technica AT20202 microphone for its crystal-clear audio. It is one of the best microphones for streaming that works on both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Its secure connectivity makes it a viable option as a gaming mic.
The microphone’s build is sturdy, with the capsule elements placed inside a wire mesh that are supported by a solid metal framework. It comes with a pivot mount and a desk stand. The desk stand has a tripod with a rubber tip to provide friction, and the pivot has adjustable screws that allow you to set the required angle. The mic is also easy to set-up, as it only involves connecting it to a USB port and downloading the system software to get it running.
The mic is made of the AT2020 cardioid condenser, which provides studio-quality recording capability with excellent articulation and comprehensibility. The custom fit low-mass diaphragm offers an extended frequency response. This allows you to record a wide frequency without any backlash. The cardioid’s pattern reduces the pick-up of sound from the sides and the rear, and brings a sharp focus to the intended sound source. This helps when talking to other gamers or recording your gaming session while avoiding interference. The amount of noise is also low, so it is well-suited for high-quality, sophisticated recording situations, such as YouTube gaming videos.
The Audio-Technica comes with an attachable headphone that can be attached to hear the recording in real-time without any latency. You can also listen to other audio files as you continue to record with the mic. The microphone allows for direct connection to your editing software, making it easier to edit your audio content.
Those looking for a mic that can connect directly to the editor without any hassle will find the Audio-Technica as the perfect fit. The zero-latency and high-quality streaming capability of this mic makes it an excellent mic for both gaming and other high-end recording situations.
Key Features
- Provides high and sophisticated recordings
- Excellent off-axis rejection for better sound capture
- Noise from the mic is non-existent
- Lies on a pricier range than most USB microphones
3.Blue Snowball USB Gaming Microphone
The Blue Snowball USB gaming microphone is one of the best cheaper microphones for gaming. The microphone offers both great performance and studio-quality recording. The microphone’s compatibility with both Windows and Macintosh makes this one of the best gaming microphones.
The body of the mic has a retro design, with a metal grille and an aluminum frame that gives it a classical feel. The recording component is in the shape of a ball, with both front and back recording capabilities. This dual capsule design allows for cardioid and omnidirectional recording modes, and the state-of-the-art circuit design provides crisp and clean audio without any distortion and interference. Both modes are useful for gaming recordings and for communicating with your fellow teammates in-game.
The Blue Snowball allows gamers to toggle between three different recording settings. The cardioid mode records from a sound source that is directly in front of the mic, which is suitable for podcasts, game chats and other sessions that require a full-bodied and intense audio. The cardioid mode also contains a -10 dB mode that can capture loud sounds with higher precision. The omnidirectional mode records sound from all directions equally, to capture an ambient atmosphere.
The microphone comes with an adjustable tripod to adjust its position, in order to capture the sound for delivering the best quality audio. There is an LED indicator that glows red to show that the microphone is ready to use. The advantage of this microphone lies in its hassle-free setup. There is no need for additional drives and unnecessary complications; it is a simple connect-and-use microphone with a minimum requirement of 64MB of RAM.
For those looking for a mic for streaming and to improve their communication with their teammates or fellow gamers at an affordable budget, then, the Blue Snowball is the best choice as one of the best budget microphones.
Key Features
- Crisp quality sound capture
- Three different recording patterns with easy toggle
- Multitude of colors at affordable prices
- Does not come with an additional headphone
- The design size is big
4.Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Gaming Mic
Gaming microphones are essential for an immersive gaming experience, and no microphone provides this experience better than the Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone. With high-quality audio recording, and a cardioid microphone pattern that’s ideal live streaming and voice chats, this microphone is sure to exceed your expectations. Attractive and compact, it comes in a stylish black, and weighs 1.8lbs. It also includes a 6 ft. USB cable and a desktop stand that allows you to place the mic where it you need it. People with cluttered desks or a lack of space to keep a mic will prefer this mic for its compact design and the length of its USB cord. You may also like our best gaming desk reviews.
With a custom condenser capsule for the clearest voice recordings and streaming, this is a great all-round product. It has a Plug and Play function where it connects easily and efficiently with either a PC or Mac, without requiring any drivers or additional software, making it simple and easy-to-use anytime. It is also compatible with the PlayStation 4, so gamers can easily shift from one platform to another without buying separate products or installing software from the internet.
Despite being sold at a very low price, the Blue Snowball iCE looks sophisticated and is a very good microphone. The microphone makes YouTube video recordings and voice chats over multiplayer gaming sound clear without much effort on the user’s part.
For a person who is looking for a professional quality microphone which is convenient to use and is sold at a low price, the Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone is an ideal choice.
Key Features
- Easy to use, with the Plug and Play function
- Inexpensive pricing
- Attractive color and design
- Amazing sound quality and clarity
- Quite heavy, like all condenser mics
- Cannot switch between Omnidirectional and Cardioid modes
5.Zalman Zm-Mic1 High Sensitivity Headphone Microphone
The acclaimed Zalman Zm Mic 1 is regarded by all online gaming critics as the cheapest microphone in the market with great audio quality. With an extremely compact and attractive design, this microphone is made for the most convenient usage. It clips onto your headphone wire using three clips, which ensure that the wires do not get tangled or damaged. The wire the microphone comes with is approximately 10 ft. long, ensuring that the user is comfortable and can sit as far away from the USB port as they need to.
The microphone is light and small, ensuring that it does not take up any space on the cord, allowing the user to focus on their games. It is highly sensitive, meaning the user does not have to strain or make their voice too loud for the microphone pick it up. The audio picked up by the microphone is clear, making it ideal for voice chats for multiplayer games and streaming. Recording gameplays is also easy and convenient with this microphone.
At such a low price, this microphone is economical and does its job very well. It is very easy to use and can be made functional by inserting the microphone jack into the input port on the computer. It requires no additional software and works easily and efficiently. It is durable for its size and can be used for several purposes, such as streaming, gaming, Skype calls and more. The clarity of sound is superb and is recommended to users by several gaming websites and newsletters.
Thus, for incredible quality at a dirt-cheap price, the Zalman Zm Mic 1 is a great gaming microphone for you if you’re looking to setup your first gaming rig!
Key Features
- Most affordable mic
- Light, and has a very long cord for maximum versatility
- Sensitive and efficient when recording audio
- Not meant for high-end recording
6.Antlion Audio ModMic Attachable Boom Microphone
Antlion, one of the gaming world’s most reliable and consistently amazing brands, has released yet another high-quality microphone. The Antlion Audio Modmic Microphone is a stylish and classy attachable microphone ready for you to use for your gaming needs. Easy to attach to your headphones, it has a magnetic clasp that holds tight to headphones of any size, and is positioned at convenient heights for the gamer’s preferences. It also comes with an extra clasp, so that more than one set of headphones can use it. With a durable and sturdy design, this microphone is built to last for a long time and looks attractive too.
The Antlion Audio Modmic has a high fidelity electret capsule condenser microphone, known for their natural and voice-oriented recording. Its microphone pattern is a cardioid pattern, which can be adjusted to remove all surrounding sounds. This is especially useful in noisy environments and ensures that the microphone is ideal for streaming and multiplayer voice chats in-game. The cord of the microphone has copper coaxial shielding, which improves its stability and makes sure that the signal emitted by the microphone is clear and natural-sounding. Its cable is 3.3m long, which is more than adequate for comfortable gaming. It weighs only a 0.25lbs, making it not only sturdy, but light and easy to wear.
This Modmic is a boom microphone of the ModMic 4.0 line, which is a highly acclaimed and respected line that focuses on canceling background noise for excellent gaming communication. It comes with Plug and Play, so it is easy to connect with any gaming PC. With a response frequency of 100 Hz to 10 kHz, and a high sensitivity of -38 dB, this microphone is not one to be ignored. It is perfect for live streaming, recording gameplays and other activities that require a clear and accurate voice transmission.
The Antlion Audio Modmic Microphone is a great buy for an affordable price and provides such a clear sound that it is a must have for any gaming rig.
Key Features
- Sturdy and durable.
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Affordable and attractive in design
- Clear and natural sounding voice recordings
- Plug and play for gaming PCs
- Not extremely sensitive
- Not meant for high-end recordings
7.Blue Microphones Snowball iCE Black Microphone
The Snowball ice invariably offers quality sound for voice and computer-based audio recordings. Be it at home, the office, or anywhere else, the Snowball ice USB microphone delivers an audio quality that’s better than the computer’s original built-in mics. The custom cardioid condenser capsule of this Mic For PC Gaming offers crystal-clear audio for communicating, creating and recording, to provide you the best gaming experience.
One of the best features of this product is that it is Skype certified. The Snowball Ice comes with an adjustable desktop microphone stand and a USB cable. It works automatically with a PC or Mac, and doesn’t require any special drivers for installation.
It includes the Blue Microphones Snowball Black iCE Condenser Microphone which is known to give the best results. Other features of this product include Knox Pop Filter for broadcasting and recording, which is a much-needed feature for gamer microphones. It also has Knox Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm with 5/8-27 Threading (Black), which adds to the overall gaming experience.
Since this product is Skype certified, it produces clear audio for Skype, and other telecommunication software. such as FaceTime and Discord. Since the sound quality is so high, you can record vocals, create podcasts, and add narration to your home movies with this microphone. It is very easy to setup and install; you can plug it in and record directly to your computer, as no drivers need to be installed to use this microphone.
It is a great combination and is of great value. You will not be disappointed if you are looking for good recordings at a relatively low price.
Key Features
- Clear audio and is Skype certified and is perfect for Skype, Messages and FaceTime.
- Easy to record vocals, create podcasts, and add narration
- Easy plug and play
- The mic boom is of a lower quality, but it is great for the value. Thus there is not much of a problem
8.Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB Cardioid Microphone
This microphone is a small, compact and compatible microphone that takes up less space and is great value for money. It is a great deal, and it provides all the features that you might be looking for. It is compact, freeing up space on your desk, while still providing you with a great gaming experience.
This is a cardioid condenser microphone that is ideal for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use. The product is very easy to use, and plugs right into your computer’s USB port; you won’t have to worry about connection problems while in-game. The microphone functions flawlessly with your chosen recording software. It has a large diaphragm side-address condenser that offers a USB output for easy connection to your computer, and has the capability of recording directly onto your computer.
It also has a high-quality analog-to-digital converter that provides excellent reliability. It features a headphone output with level control that is provided for monitoring purposes, making it easier to directly monitor while in-game with the built-in headphone jack. The cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of unwanted sounds from the surroundings to keep noise levels low. The headphone volume can be adjusted with easy-to-use controls on the front of the microphone.
The microphone is fully compatible with both Windows and Mac. Its low-mass diaphragm provides excellent frequency response, and can be a good buy for your new gaming rig. This is a great microphone at the given price!
Key Features
- Easy to connect, USB connectivity
- Microphone output can be monitored directly without audible delay
- Easy-to-use controls
- The markup on this product is slightly at a higher price.
- The microphone has low self-noise
9.Blue Microphones ABLMYETISGK1 Yeti Microphone
The Blue Yeti microphone contains three precision, 14-mm, tuned condenser capsules, which makes it compact and easy to handle. It has added features, such as mic gain control, mute button and master volume control, which facilitates easier control over the microphone. This value for money bundle includes pop filter made to fit Yeti microphone and headphones.
The Yeti microphone is one of the best sellers. An excellent feature of the microphone is that it connects via a USB port, making it universally compatible with all computers. The setup is quick and easy, and doesn’t require any additional software. The Blue Yeti is one of the best microphones for live streaming and gaming, and some users are even using it for high-end production.
The construction of this microphone is robust and well-weighted, along with its pleasing design and aesthetics. Various color choices are available for personal preferences. The microphone is incredibly responsive and has a great pickup, and the pop filter is highly recommended for users who require precision.
The microphone is fully compatible with both Windows and Mac, and doesn’t require any drivers to install. It can be used for any microphone application on any system. The focused mode is wonderful at isolating issues at its immediate scope, and the microphone easily catches the richness and subtle nuances of the speaker’s tone.
Themic also has headphone input, so, the user can hear a more direct, live feedback of his/her voice as recording. This microphone is all in all, very professional experience for a USB application. The mic is versatile and gives something to everybody!
Key Features
- Four polar pattern selectors which are Stereo, Cardioid, Omni, bi-directional.
- Added features such as Mic gain control, Mute button and master volume control
- Easy setup, no drivers required
- Available in great color choices
- The mute button is not placed at an ideal place
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