A streaming microphone is becoming more popular now with the rise of gamers and podcasters. As must-have equipment, it enhances the way these online streamers deliver their content to their audience. It allows you to convey your message with clarity. High-quality audio actually makes a significant difference, which you may not notice unless you hear other streamers talking with some static and noisy background.
If you are looking to go professional with gaming and podcasting in the online space, investing in a good streaming microphone is a must-do. But first, you have to know the two types of streaming microphone you can use – XLR and USB.
Physically, you will notice the difference in the connector. The XLR utilizes a 3-prong connection while the USB has that flat connector that can connect directly to the computer.
The XLR mic needs another equipment or interface to connect to, then the same connects to the computer. One example is the mixer. This allows for more control when it comes to the dynamics of sound, making it the preferred choice for professional applications.
Meanwhile, a USB microphone is more preferred by streamers who need something more portable. Since it can directly connect to the computer or laptop, you do not need to bring other equipment just to make it work.
When it comes to sound quality, XLR microphones used as podcast microphone are generally better than the USB. This is because of its flexibility when it comes to adjusting the sound output. But then, this also comes with a higher price tag.
Meanwhile, the cheaper USB condenser mic may have a bit of compromise when it comes to sound quality, but it does not mean it cannot produce a good one. Various models of USB mic for PC utilize different technologies to further improve its sound output.
Here at Top Best Reviewss, we selected three of the best streaming microphone options out there that are worth your investment.
Best Streaming Microphone for Gamers and Podcasters – (Comparison)
| Name | Key Feature | |
| Shure MV7 XLR/USB Dynamic Podcasting Microphone – (Editor’s Choice) | Has ports for both XLR and USB | Check Price |
| Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC | Implements 4 sound pickup patterns – cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo | Check Price |
| HyperX QuadCast S – RGB USB Condenser Microphone for PC | Comes with RGB customizable light effects | Check Price |
Shure MV7 XLR/USB Dynamic Podcasting Microphone – Editor’s Choice
Can’t decide which one to get? Why not have both? This streaming microphone allows you to connect via XLR or USB output providing you with versatility and adaptability to your needs.
This streaming mic allows you to deliver high-quality sound output with its various customization. When connected via USB, you can use the MOTIV app for desktop computers to explore and set it to Manual mode for you to adjust different sound elements like mic gain, EQ, limiter, etc.
Meanwhile, if you want a no-frills setting, you can always choose the Auto Level Mode wherein you can choose from the different sound modes that suit your environment, then the equipment does the adjustments for you.
When used as a gaming microphone for PC, the Shure MV7 XLR/USB Dynamic Podcasting Microphone can be mounted on a comfortable area within your desktop without interfering with your view of your monitor. This streaming microphone can still pick up the sound of your voice, just remember to set the vocal distance from the app.
This streaming microphone also has a slot for headphones so you can also monitor your voice as you speak. In the same way, it also gives you the autonomy to adjust sound dynamics yourself, great for beginners or amateur streamers.
The Shure MV7 XLR/USB Dynamic Podcasting Microphone also provides impressive sound quality that is focused on your voice. It utilizes a sound isolation technology that enhances the clarity of your voice and removes the noise and unnecessary sounds in the background. In addition, this streaming microphone has excellent audio sensitivity and frequency response that is essential in collecting and reproducing the sound at its best and finest audio quality.
Pros
- Has ports for both XLR and USB
- With slot for headphones
- Sound dynamics can be adjusted via the MOTIV app through your desktop
- Utilizes an excellent sound isolation technology
- Portable
- With some of the audio controls built on the mic itself
Cons
- Some users complain about the USB cable is not durable
Conclusion
The Shure MV7 XLR/USB Dynamic Podcasting Microphone provides you with flexibility with its XLR/USB ports. It picks up your voice and broadcasts it clear.
Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC
If you are looking for a streaming microphone that can provide great coverage when it comes to audio pickup, this is the one for you. This condenser microphone implements four types of pickup patterns that include omnidirectional, cardioid, stereo, and bidirectional.
The omnidirectional mode provides you with the option to pick up sounds around you that normally could happen with a multiple-mic setup, for example, during meetings or conferences.
The cardioid mode picks up the sound in front of it, making it the most popular option for gaming and podcast streamers since it focuses on the speaker in front of it.
The bidirectional mode is ideal for one-on-one talks, picking up voice from the front and back, but not on the sides. This setup eliminates unnecessary noise from the background with emphasis on the voices.
The stereo mode is great for music recording or group podcast sessions involving three people.
The Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC got some powerful hardware inside for that high-quality output. This streaming microphone utilizes a 3-capsule array to recreate the broadcast-quality sound, perfect for online content streamers. This podcast equipment can also be used as a simple mic for taking calls via Skype or for recording music directly to your desktop.
This microphone for computer is a plug-and-play device and is compatible with PC and Mac computers. You can also configure it to capture the sound from the source or sources by pivoting it accordingly to the right direction.
For ease of use, the Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC got the most essential audio controls and adjustments built-in on the device.
Pros
- Implements 4 sound pickup patterns – cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo
- Plug and play
- Compatible with PC and Mac
- Built-in audio controls
Cons
- USB output only
Conclusion
The Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming on PC is a versatile streaming microphone with its multiple sounds capturing patterns, which foregoes the need for a multiple-mic setup when needed.
HyperX QuadCast S – RGB USB Condenser Microphone for PC
If you are looking for a streaming microphone with added personality, this is the mic for pc for you.
The HyperX QuadCast S – RGB USB Condenser Microphone for PC, on top of its USB microphone capabilities, also has dynamic light effects. It is perfect for live audio-video streamers like gamers wanting to add visual interest to their streams. Lights can also complement sound well; just choose the best light effects that fit your personality or the content you are streaming for the best results.
This condenser mic also utilizes different sound capture patterns. The different capture modes allow for a customized setup that best delivers the content to your audience. You can choose from omnidirectional, bidirectional, cardioid, and stereo.
This streaming microphone provides ways to adjust the light settings and sound controls. You can use the integrated controls on the device itself for your sound. Meanwhile, you can use the HyperX Ngenuity Software for the RGB and light controls.
For the best sound quality, this microphone for PC utilizes a combination of hardware and technology. It has a shock mount that is also anti-vibration at the same time. This podcast mic also comes with an elastic rope suspension to prevent audio interruptions and rumbling sound just in case you accidentally bump the microphone.
The HyperX QuadCast S – RGB USB Condenser Microphone for PC is also compatible with PS4 and PS5, as well as Mac computers. This streaming microphone is also compatible with major streaming platforms and is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak.
Pros
- Comes with RGB customizable light effects
- Implements 4 sound capture patterns – omnidirectional, bidirectional, cardioid, and stereo
- Compatible with PS4, PS5, PC, and Mac desktops
- Built-in gain control on the mic
- Comes with a tap-to-mute sensor button on top of the microphone
- Comes with a built-in pop filter
Cons
- USB output only
Conclusion
The HyperX QuadCast S – RGB USB Condenser Microphone for PC is great for online streamers looking for adding oomph to their setup.
Final Verdict
The best podcast microphone focuses on sound quality, but the best microphone for streaming provides an overall advantage – you get high-quality output, experience flexibility, convenience, and ease of use.
With that, the best mic for streaming on this list is the Shure MV7 XLR/USB Dynamic Podcasting Microphone.
The Shure MV7 XLR/USB Dynamic Podcasting Microphone provides you with the option to connect via XLR and USB. The latter enables you to gain better control of the audio output quality with the help of a separate device or interface. Meanwhile, the latter allows for portability.
The multiple customization options and controls allow room for recreating the best listening experience for your audience. Deliver your content with conviction and emphasis on its message using this best streaming microphone.