Content creation has grown tremendously in recent years, and so is the demand for recording equipment.
A must-have piece of technology that will help you create top-tier content for your YouTube channel is a microphone.
The best microphones help you produce high-quality audio by filtering background noise, plosives, and wind.
Here are the best microphones for YouTube available today.
The Shure SM7B is designed with vocal performance and recording speech in mind, making it a great pick for anyone who wants to record YouTube-worthy content. The cardioid polar pattern picks sounds coming in front of the mic while rejecting those on the back. It also minimizes signal distortion from noisy outputs, so the recorded audio requires minimal post-production.
Uploading your videos with annoying fricatives and plosives is a thing of the past as the mic comes with a pre-installed pop filter. There’s also an A7WS detachable windscreen that reduces breath and wind noises, helping you achieve clear and near-professional recordings. At the back are two dip switches that enable you to switch the frequency response depending on your recording situation.
The rugged capsule cage and thick housing make the microphone highly durable. It can endure short-distance drops without compromising on functionality and sound performance. The microphone interfaces with your audio device using an industry-standard XLR cable.
- Includes two toggles
- Yoke mounting mechanism
- Detachable windscreen
- Thick housing
- Brand: Shure
- Type: Dynamic
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Power: Corded Electric
- Connector: XLR
- Latency: None
- Weight: 2.65lbs
- Frequency Bandwidth: 50Hz - 20KHz
- Microphones: 1
- Capsule Size: 7mm
- Sensitivty: 59dB
- Dimensions: 13.3 x 7.2 x 4.8 inches
- Included Accessories: Windscreen foam, stand adapter, cover plate, broadcast microphones
- High Pass Filter: Yes
- Excellent vocal reproduction
- Useful on-mic filtering
- Delivers consistent results
- Great build quality
- A bit bulky
Extended frequency response, quality body, and superior transient response make the Audio-Technica AT2020USB Plus an excellent choice for professional YouTubers. Audio quality is outstanding since the mic delivers professional sounds that will attract new YouTube subscribers. Onboard is a medium-weight diaphragm with a cardioid polarization that minimizes off-axis sound, producing audios with crisp highs and rich lows.
You can plug your headphones through the headphone jack to monitor your audio in real-time. The microphone works with tablets, Mac, and Windows. The best thing is that you don’t need an interface or converter to record. The tripod desktop stand locks the mic in place, minimizing the chances of picking vibrations from your desk.
The volume control eliminates the need for an intermediary device since you can adjust the volume depending on various situations. Durability-wise, there’s a rigid grid that protects the capsule from breakage after an accidental fall. Transporting the mic for outdoor recording is easy with the included soft protective pouch.
- Built-in headphone jack
- Has a volume control
- Extended frequency response
- High-quality A/D converter
- Brand: Audio-Technica
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Power: Corded Electric
- Connector: USB
- Latency: None
- Weight: 0.85lbs
- Frequency Bandwidth: 20Hz-20KHz
- Microphones: 1
- Capsule Size: 16mm
- Sensitivty: 74dB
- Dimensions: 6.38 x 2.05 x 2.05 inches
- Included Accessories: USB cable, pivoting stand mount, soft protective pouch
- High Pass Filter: Yes
- Crisp and clean sound
- Easy to use
- Sturdy build
- Requires no additional equipment
- Tripod stand isn’t sturdy
Although the Blue Snowball Ice is a mid-level microphone, it has a wide range of essential features designed to produce crystal-clear sound. This microphone stands out compared to its close rivals, especially in terms of sound performance and usability. Its custom condenser capsule has a high-frequency response, helping you achieve high-quality audio in all your YouTube videos.
The mic features a cardioid pickup pattern which is front-focused to pick up the intended audio from the sound source. Setting the Blue Snowball Ice is quick and easy, something that comes in handy for first-time YouTubers. Unlike most condenser mics with a more technical setup process, this one only requires you to plug it into your recording device using the included USB cable.
The microphone features a metal stand while the body is crafted from hard-wearing plastic for maximum durability. The metal stand is adjustable, enabling you to position the mic from the sound source to achieve crisp conversations.
- Skype and Discord certified
- Retro design
- Available in two colors
- Brand: Blue Microphones
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Power: Corded Electric
- Connector: USB
- Latency: None
- Interfaces: USB
- Weight: 1lbs
- Frequency Bandwidth: 40Hz-18KHz
- Microphones: 1
- Dimensions: 10.6 x 5.5 x 9.1 inches
- Included Accessories: USB cable, tripod stand
- High Pass Filter: No
- Solid metal stand
- Compact for quick transportation
- Easy to set up
- Delivers crisp sounds for its price
- Mediocre sound isolation
4. Blue Yeti
With tons of premium features to offer, it’s no surprise why the Blue Yeti is quite popular among most YouTubers. The microphone uses a proprietary tri-capsule microphone array, allowing you to switch between four distinct patterns. You get access to stereo, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and cardioid modes, so you can pick what suits your recording setup.
Onboard are intuitive audio controls that put you in charge of the entire recording process. The gain control lets you set how sensitive the microphone is, while the headphone volume knob makes it easy to adjust the volume. Unlike some USB microphones, this one comes with a built-in mute button that lets you pause your conversation anytime you face abrupt distractions.
The Blue Yeti doesn’t require drivers or software to record, only requiring you to plug the USB cables into your laptop or PC and select your audio settings. Its free desktop software, Blue Sherpa, makes it easy to update the firmware to achieve consistent performance.
- Four pickup patterns
- Three capsule array
- No-latency monitoring
- Brand: Blue Yeti
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Bidirectional, Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid
- Power: USB
- Connector: USB
- Latency: None
- Weight: 3.2lbs
- Frequency Bandwidth: 20Hz - 20KHz
- Microphones: 1
- Capsule Size: 14mm
- Sensitivty: 120dB
- Dimensions: 4.9 x 4.7 x 11.6 inches
- Included Accessories: USB cable, adjustable desk stand, setup instructions
- High Pass Filter: Yes
- Has multiple recording modes
- Sturdy design
- Easy to use and setup
- Produces high-quality sounds
- No XLR output
5. HyperX QuadCast
If you’re an aspiring YouTuber looking for a microphone that can record crisp audio, consider the HyperX QuadCast. One thing you’ll appreciate is the inbuilt pop-out filter which minimizes plosives like Bs and Ps or any other annoying utterances that may make your recording unprofessional.
The HyperX QuadCast is ready for any recording situation as it has four selectable polar patterns. Choose between omnidirectional, cardioid, stereo, and bidirectional to suit your unique YouTube content. The anti-vibration mount suppresses unwanted rumbles and bumps, so you can record YouTube-worthy videos.
You’re unlikely to run into any hiccups during the setup process as you only need to connect the mic to your PC using the included USB cable. The LED indicator alerts you about your mic’s status. In addition, there’s a simple tap-to-mute function that eliminates the chances of experiencing awkward broadcasting accidents. With the 3.5mm headphone jack, you can listen to whatever you’re recording to ensure it’s up to standard.
- Anti-vibration mount
- Four selectable polar patterns
- Built-in pop-out filter
- Tap-to-mute function
- Brand: HyperX
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Stereo, Bidirectional
- Power: Corded electric
- Audio Sensitivity: 90dB
- Connector: USB
- Latency: None
- Interfaces: USB
- Weight: 1.6lbs
- Frequency Bandwidth: 20Hz-20KHz
- Microphones: 1
- Capsule Size: 14mm
- Sensitivty: 36dB
- Dimensions: 5.05 x 4 x 9.8 inches
- Included Accessories: Anti-vibration shock mount, pop filter
- High Pass Filter: None
- Easy to use and setup
- Lets you record quality sounds
- Minimizes plosives
- Doesn’t have an XLR output
6. Rode VideoMic Go
The Rode VideoMic Go is compact, durable, and packs incredible features designed to favor on-the-go YouTube content creators. An exceptional feature is the Supercardioid polar pattern, which significantly reduces noise from nearby instruments. It only focuses on the sound in front to deliver more detailed audio. The microphone makes a perfect companion for recording outdoor vlogs, thanks to the rugged ABS construction.
The integrated Rycote Lyre shock mounting ensures bumps and vibrations don’t interfere with your recordings. There are no confusing controls and switches, making this microphone ideal for YouTube vloggers who record fast on-camera talents. It also features a cold-shoe mount design, making it less hassle when mounting and unmounting from different cameras.
The integration is time and effort-saving, ensuring you don’t miss an epic shot. There aren’t any annoying interferences from the wind since the microphone includes a windshield that reduces noise from breezes, air conditioners, and heaters.
- Reinforced ABS construction
- Rycote Lyre shock mounting
- Doesn’t require batteries
- Brand: Rode
- Type: Condenser
- Pattern: Supercardioid
- Power: Camera plug-in power
- Connector: Wired
- Weight: 0.16lbs
- Frequency Bandwidth: 100Hz-16KHz
- Microphones: 1
- Capsule Size: 12.7mm
- Sensitivty: 35dB
- Dimensions: 3.11 x 2.8 x 6.57 inches
- Included Accessories: Windshield
- High Pass Filter: None
- Ensures superior acoustic suspension
- Solid ABS construction
- Compact
- Doesn’t fit some popular Canon and Nikon camera
7. Samson Technologies Q2U
The Samson Technologies Q2U comes with several built-in efficiencies, making it an excellent pick for upcoming YouTubers. It’s a dynamic mic featuring a cardioid pickup pattern that rejects ambient noises to pick vocals as intended. The included foam windscreen is quite handy, especially when recording in a noisy environment. Besides protecting the mic from moisture and dust, it reduces distortion and pop sounds.
The microphone has both XLR and USB connectors, making it versatile compared to others with one. You can connect the mic to a Windows PC with the USB output and more complex audio and mixer interfaces using the XLR connector. A 3.5mm headphone jack also allows zero-latency monitoring, so you don’t have to hear delays in your recordings.
It’s worth mentioning that dynamic mics don’t require phantom power, meaning you can use them with a vast range of audio interfaces. It features a sturdy desktop tripod stand that enables you to find a stable position while recording.
- Plug-and-play device
- XLR analog output
- USB bus-powered
- Brand: Samson
- Type: Dynamic
- Pattern: Cardioid
- Power: Corded Electric
- Connector: USB, XLR
- Latency: None
- Weight: 0.7lbs
- Frequency Bandwidth: 20Hz-18KHz
- Microphones: 1
- Sensitivty: 54dB
- Dimensions: 13 x 4 x 10 inches
- Included Accessories: XLR and USB cables, foam windscreen, tripod stand, mic clip
- High Pass Filter: None
- Handles background noise well
- Cardioid dynamic response
- High-performing
- Includes handy accessories
- Stand feels a little flimsy
FAQ
Q: Should I Buy an XLR or USB YouTube Microphone?
While a USB microphone is connected directly to your computer, the XLR microphone requires an external interface connection for recording. When it comes to portability, the USB microphone is a great pick due to its plug-and-play feature.
The XLR is not as portable since you’ll have to carry a field recorder, mixer, and other external audio gear to facilitate recording. Unlike the USB microphone, the XLR microphone is versatile as you can use it with different microphones and audio gear that compliment your video shoot so long as it uses the three prongs in an XLR connection.
Q: How Do I Choose the Best YouTube Microphone?
There are six major kinds of YouTube Microphones customized to serve efficiently within a given set of conditions. The Shotgun and Lavalier microphones are ideal for on-camera YouTube videos; the latter allows unlimited movement while the first one restricts movement of audio sources only towards the camera.
While the Condenser microphone records the best vocals within a quiet environment, the Dynamic Microphone can record loud sounds within a noisy area. Both the Wireless Microphone Systems and Portable Digital Audio Recorders are ideal for on-the-go recording. The Wireless Microphone Systems only work at a limited distance from your camera, unlike the Portable Digital Audio Recorders. Depending on your shoot location and presentation, you should choose a camera that best suits your specific needs.
Q: Can I Repair My YouTube Microphone?
It is possible to repair your YouTube Microphone depending on the level of damage. When the microphone malfunction is due to water, smoke, or dust, you need to wipe them out to prevent complete damage. The capsules in your YouTube microphone may also cause malfunctioning. You can buy replacement capsules and have your technician replace them for you.