One of the best ways to take your livestream to the next level is to invest in a professional microphone. Viewers now expect a standard in the quality of their videos, and sound design is no exception. Whether you’re looking to make a career out of it or livestreaming as a passion project, utilizing a state-of-the-art microphone will considerably improve the quality of your broadcast.

Below, we’ll discuss what to consider when searching for a new mic, and why it’s important to examine all your options.

Which Microphone is Best for You?

Before deciding on what microphone suits your needs, make sure to take these factors into account:

• Frequency response — This is the range of voice frequencies that your mic can pick up.
• Polar pattern — a polar pattern is the ability to pick up your voice from various angles.
• Connection method — potentially the most important factor, mic connection methods are commonly either USB or XLR. Both are incredibly different from one another, so it’s important to know the difference.
• Pop filter — this feature is often overlooked, but extremely useful. Simply put, a pop filter helps eliminate unwanted popping sounds when the airflow hits the microphone.

What Should you Look for When Shopping for the Best Microphone?

Luckily, in today’s digital world, you don’t have to break the bank to get high-quality audio. In general, it’s ideal to invest in an external mic or one detached from your camera.

Generally, a camera microphone without processing will pick up audio in the entire room. This could result in reverberation and unnecessary noise that distracts the viewer.

The Best Streaming Microphones in 2022

Here are some of our personal recommendations for the best streaming microphones for live events:

Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is one of the most popular USB microphones for streaming. It has a sleek and professional look while remaining easy to use.

Blue Yeti Pros

This microphone has 4 pattern options for voice-overs, vocal tracks, video calls, and more. While the Blue Yeti is ideal for streaming, you will find that its multiple functions make it worth $129. It does not require a preamp and is a great desktop microphone.

Blue Yeti Cons

While relatively affordable, the Blue Yeti does not offer the best sound quality. This microphone has a wide range and regularly picks up unwanted sounds. You will need a very quiet place to achieve clear audio with no distractions.

JLab Talk

The JLab Talk microphone is very versatile at a price of $99. It’s perfect for streaming, video calls, and multiple types of recording. This USB microphone has a 24-bit depth and a quick-mute button for your livestreams (and Zoom calls).

JLab Talk Pros

This microphone has a very classy design while remaining light. This is because it is entirely made out of plastic. The Jlab Talk is very affordable for those looking for a USB microphone.

JLab Talk Cons

While some microphones come with software to make mixing easier, the JLab Talk does not. You will have to set your preferred settings every time you use it, as it does not have a memory. While you will receive quality audio, this can get frustrating.

Elgato Wave: 3

The Elgato Wave: 3 is a classy microphone with an aesthetically pleasing design at around $149. It has a multifunction dial that lets you control both input and output gain, along with crossfade.

Elgato Wave: 3 Pros

The Elgato Wave: 3 has a strong steel grille that acts as a sound diffuser. This limits the amount of unwanted audio while adding to the microphone’s nice look. Elgato also offers Wave Link software that lets you control your livestream audio in real-time.

Elgato Wave: 3 Cons

The biggest downside to this microphone is that it’s not as versatile. It is great for streaming, but it does not have multiple features.

HyperX QuadCast S

The HyperX QuadCast S stands out from the rest with its rainbow LED light underneath its grille. Along with its fun design, it is durable and provides high-quality audio. This microphone is, however, on the more expensive side at $250.

Hyper X QuadCast S Pros

This microphone provides clear sound, and fun visuals for livestream viewers. Its colors are adjustable, making it more entertaining. The microphone also has a quick and quiet mute button. With four polar panels, you can control the audio clarity.

Hyper X QuadCast S Cons

Though it has great durability, the Hyper X QuadCast S is not portable and cannot be removed from its shock mount. This means that you will need a designated place to livestream without the option to move often. This microphones software is also only compatible with PC computers.

Movo UM700

The Movo UM700 is made for a livestreamer that is just getting started. It has all the necessary features and is priced at $100. This microphone has adjustable polar patterns and provides clear audio for any livestream.

Movo UM700 Pros

This microphone’s price is very accessible for budding livestreamers while providing ample sound quality. It has all the standard settings a streamer needs, along with gain, volume, and mute button controls.

Movo UM700 Cons

The Movo UM700’s low price shows through in its functionality. It is not as easy to use as some other USB microphones, and its dials are insubstantial. While its mute button control is handy, it is very noisy. This can hinder the audio experience and quality.

EPOS B20

The EPOS B20 is EPOS’ first USB microphone and is priced at $199. This microphone offers real-time monitoring and multiple features. However, the EPOS B20 can also be hard to use and takes time to understand.

EPOS B20 Pros

The EPOS B20 microphone has multi-pattern recording. Once you find your ideal setting, it provides great audio quality. It is also at a relatively low price, considering the number of features and settings that you can change.

EPOS B20 Cons

The multiple settings take time to tweak and understand to get your ideal sound. This microphone is also incompatible with shock mounts. It is only possible to make adjustments when the headphone jack is in the primary audio device.

Tips for Setting Up Your Live Stream

As you choose your perfect microphone, here are some tips to help you get started on your audio livestreaming journey:

• Thorough test your microphone before you go live.
• Ensure that your new microphone is compatible with the camera and editing software that you are using.
• Check that you understand the setup of your microphone.
• Evaluate where you are in your live streaming journey and decide on a microphone that will improve your career and help you stay on budget.

Now that you’re ready to up-level your livestream, be sure to check out eStreamly. Our platform helps influencers and brands grow sales and save time on their eCommerce events. We’re here to help every step of the way to make sure you and your products shine online.