Sound quality is as crucial as video quality, or perhaps more so, when producing content for YouTube or podcasting. The right microphone will give your production the elevated value that makes your video sound professional and engaging for your audience. Whether a beginner or a seasoned content creator, purchasing a quality microphone can improve clarity, richness, and sound quality in one fell swoop.
This review looks at the best microphones for YouTube and podcasting. It will take you through microphones from budget-friendly to high-end, so you can find the right microphone for your needs and budget. Let’s explore the best options out there to improve your content.
Why It’s Important to Get a Good Microphone for YouTube & Podcasting
Let’s take a quick look at why choosing a microphone is an important part of YouTube and podcasting, before we look into particular models.
- Clarity: Poor audio, like fuzzy or cracks in the audio signal or noises from the background, may distract people watching your video. The sound and a good microphone will assure that your voice comes through clear, crisp, and to the point, eliminating guesswork and audience distractions.
- Professionalism: Good audio will characteristically make the material produced sound more professional, thus building trust with the audience. Good audio on your end implies that you took care of your craft and the experience you offer.
- Engagement: Good audio will help engage your listeners and keep them engaged. Bad audio may get them switching off for good.
- Brand: Clear and rich audio can be part of your brand identity; as people hear it over and over, they become familiar with it. Good, consistent sound will build recognition and can set you apart from other content selections.
1. Blue Yeti (USB Microphone)
Blue Yeti is one of the most popular USB microphones used for YouTube and podcasting. It provides great sound quality for the price and is known for its versatility. The Yeti can do voiceovers, interviews, or music – it accommodates them touch with its diverse pattern settings.
Key Features:
- Multiple Polar Patterns: Four selectable polar patterns, namely cardioid (best for solo recording), bi-directional, omni-directional, and stereo, provide versatility in making the microphone suitable for different recording environments and content types.
- Plug-and-Play: As a USB microphone, it is easy to set up. Just plug it in, and you’re good to go.
- Clear Sound Quality: For professional-grade sound, with a warm, rich, and deep sound that makes for perfect podcasts and YouTube videos.
- Adjustable Gain Control: The microphone features a knob that lets you adjust for sensitivity based on the type of recording that you are doing.
Best for:
- Absolute beginners and moderately skilled content creators.
- YouTubers and podcasters seeking an affordable, versatile, portable microphone that’s easy to use.
2. Audio-Technica AT2020 (XLR Microphone)
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a well-regarded XLR condenser microphone that delivers amazing sound for the price. Suited to creators transitioning from USB mics to audio interfaces.
Key Features:
- Clear, Natural Sound: Renowned for smoothness, the AT2020 provides a natural sound reproduction. It captures voices with such lucidity, right down to the detail of a voice and quite ideal for podcasting and voice recording.
- Durability: This microphone has a solid build and is designed to last for years. It’s built to handle consistent use without compromising on sound quality.
- Budget Class XLR Microphone: More affordable than most XLR microphones.
Ideal for:
- Podcasters interested in getting rich sound quality and are prepared to make a concession for an audio interface.
- YouTubers looking for pristine representation for voiceovers or commentary.
3. Shure SM7B (XLR Microphone)
Shure SM7B, being the most popular microphone within the podcasting and YouTube space, is highly versatile, mostly aimed at capturing rich, transparent vocals and rejecting external noise. This microphone has been loved and used by professional podcasters and countless musicians.
Further Details:
- Superb Sound Quality: The SM7B creates a warm, rich, and full-bodied sound more suited towards spoken word. This makes it especially good for picking up vocal nuances, thus recommended for longer content like podcasts.
- Built-in Air Suspension: The SM7B comes with an integrated shock mount, helping to isolate and reduce unwanted noise and vibrations.
- Excellent Introductory Noise Cancelling Feature: The cardioid microphone pattern along with its proximity effect allows for great ambient noise rejection so the recording can stay focused without external distractions.
- Highly Versatile: The SM7B works wonderfully for podcasting, YouTube commentary, voiceover work, and even music production.
Ideal for:
- Podcasters and YouTubers who want the best sound quality.
- Creators working under less-than-ideal conditions (home studios or a bit noisy).
4. RODE NT1-A (XLR Microphone)
The RODE NT1-A is extraordinarily popular with condenser microphones, featuring almost zero self-noise and a crystal-clear definition: perfect for any podcaster and YouTuber looking to illustrate vocal subtlety and nuances.
*Key Features:
–Extraordinarily Clear: The NT1-A is exceptionally clear in its sound. This makes it apt for podcasting, YouTube commentaries, and voiceovers, where clarity of sound is essential.
–Very Low Self Noise: One of the biggest attractions about the NT1-A is its very low self-noise. This makes it ideal for quiet sound work and for keeping your recordings clean and professional.
–Comes with Goodies: The inclusion of pop filter, shock mount, and audio cable makes this one good value pack for aspiring XLR microphone users.
–Wide Frequency Response: This microphone has a wide frequency response. This means it encompasses a lot of sounds-from painfully deep lows to a good clean high.
*Best For:
-Anyone looking for a great mic to record voice is best suited for this.
-Podcasters and YouTubers who wish for a mic that can make their voices sound as rich in sound quality as possible.
**5. Samson Q2U (USB/XLR Microphone)
The Samson Q2U is a dynamic microphone that features both USB and XLR connection options, making it an ideal choice for podcasters and YouTubers who desire flexibility. It remains within an affordable range with professional features which do cater to beginners alike.
*Key Features:
-Dual Connectivity: The Q2U gives you both the option of a USB mic (good for beginners) or an XLR mic (great for interfacing through an audio interface).
-Clear Sound: The dynamic microphones are not as sensitive as their condenser cousins, but the Q2U can produce adequately clean sound while keeping background noise at bay.
-Sturdy: A rugged mic, the Q2U is built to take a beating in the name of podcasting and YouTube production.
-Comes with Goodies: It comes with a desktop stand, windscreen, and USB cable. Great for beginners.
Best for:
-Beginners or cost-constrained creators seeking the compatibility of USB and XLR.
-Podcasters searching for a durable and reliable microphone to use in several recording situations.
6. HyperX QuadCast (USB Microphone)
HyperX QuadCast is a USB microphone clearly identifiable from its design and sound quality. Gamers, streamers, and podcasters love it because of its RGB lighting and very easy setup.
Key Features:
-Multiple Polar Patterns: Just like the Blue Yeti, HyperX QuadCast exhibits the four polar patterns, which are cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. This really lets you operate easily with any setup that comes your way.
-Built-in Shock Mount: Quadcast has an inbuilt shock mount to minimize vibrations or any handling noise while you’re recording.
-RGB Lighting: This model has customizable RGB lighting, which gives streamers and gamers the chance to style their set-up a little bit.
-Quick Mute Feature: QuadCast comes with a unique touch-sensitive mute button, which allows you to mute the mic on the go, all of which are useful features to have while doing live recording or streaming.
Best for:
-Streamers, gamers, and content creators in search of a stylish microphone with good sound quality and customizable features.
-Users looking for an easy-to-setup USB microphone with several features and pattern options.
Conclusion: Which Is the Best Microphone for You?
When it comes to a superior microphone for Youtube and podcasts, the ultimate selection will depend on your needs, budget, and the kind of content you’re doing.
The Blue Yeti or Samson Q2U are good microphones for beginners who are just looking for something user-friendly when making recordings.
For those looking for professional-quality sound, microphones like the Shure SM7B or Audio-Technica AT2020 stand out and are trusted by Podcasters and YouTubers alike.
If you look for versatility and clarity, the HyperX QuadCast and RODE NT1-A are great choices in terms of a good price/quality ratio and greater scopes options.
Choosing a speaker for YouTube and podcasting at the end comes down to whether you work with XLR or USB connectivity and how much you are budgeted. The right microphone can add immensely to the overall listening experience and audio quality of your content.