All streamers know that stream quality is one of the most crucial factors of success. However, the stream quality goes beyond fancy overlays and HQ images. When it comes to live streaming on twitch, audios play a major role. Most viewers prefer listening to streams rather than watching them. Therefore, twitch streaming might not live up to your expectations without investing in audio quality.
The right microphone for twitch streaming ensures your voice is loud and clear regardless of your activities. However, finding the best microphone for twitch streaming can be a daunting task. There are tons of top-notch microphones available in the market today, but it’s also stuffed with jargon. That why we’ve created a guide to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive in!
Contents
What Do I Need to Start Streaming?
The simplest answer to this question would be a stable internet connection, Mac, PC, or a Smartphone. However, twitch streaming involves more than this. The most crucial equipment for streamers can be categorized into two components: physical and mental. Both are crucial, but missing one leads to a major disaster.
The physical components of live streaming need a powerful machine that’s capable of transferring live content effectively. You should also have a good mic and a decent webcam. You should also aim for a high upload speed of around 5.6 Mbps or higher to produce top-class video quality.
Microphone for Twitch Streaming Buying Guide
Looking for the best microphone for twitch streaming that suits your needs scale down to several factors. For this reason, we’ve listed the most crucial factors of a keyboard. If you’re looking for a new board, consider the following before making a purchase.
Directional Properties
Whether you have a handful or thousands of viewers, it’s worthless if they can’t hear you clearly. That’s where polar patterns or directional properties come in handy. These patterns differ, and what works for a twitch streamer may not be the best choice for someone doing a live interview.
- Bidirectional– This type of mic picks up sounds from the front and the rear. This makes it great for streamers conducting interviews.
- Unidirectional– These mics come with several polar patterns. Most of them feature cardioid, hypercardioid, and supercardioid. Cardioid is commonly used as it only picks sounds from the sides. Unidirectional mics are ideal for gamers.
- Omnidirectional– are you looking for a mic that can pick up sound from any direction? If so, this is a good choice. However, this type of mic can capture background noises along with your voice.
- Multi-pattern– If you’re not sure of what will work for you, this is a good bet. This mic allows you to choose the properties you need, whether it’s the classic figure 8 or cardioid pattern.
Frequency Response
This refers to the range of voice frequencies that your mic can capture. It’s measured in Hz and kHz from the lowest to the highest. Before buying a podcast mic, you should first determine what you’re recording. Always go for a mic with a wide frequency response range.
Versatility
Buying a mic that comes with only one setting can cause problems if you stream from different locations. You should opt for a microphone that helps you mix sounds from various channels without compromising sound quality.
Audio Recording Quality
This is the most crucial feature to look for in a new mic before making the final decision. Although you can use any mic to record your audios, cardioid mics are the most preferred ones. This is because they greatly reduce background noises in the recording. Unidirectional and cardioid microphones pick up sound at a fixed angle, making them suitable for recording great audio.
Connection Method
XLR and USB are the two most common streaming methods. In the case of XLR, you cannot connect it directly to your PC. You need an audio interface or a mixer to plug in an XLR mic. Therefore, it gives you more control over sound quality.
The main difference is that XLR cables are more durable and robust than USB. This, however, comes with a higher price tag, making XLR mics a bit pricey. Also, we’ve TRS/TS/TRRS-based mics, which are designed to be plugged into tablets, mobile phones, and laptops. However, the sound quality of these mics is worse than XLR mics.
Pop Filter
These noise-cancellation filters eliminate any popping sounds that come when airflow bumps into the mic. A pop filter gives clear sounds of your voice on the viewer’s end. Therefore, you should consider this crucial factor if you want to produce high-quality streams.
Price
Buying an expensive mic is only crucial if you share new content regularly. However, if you want fun, go for a cheap microphone with amazing audio recording capability that won’t leave a dent in your wallet.
Best Microphone for Twitch Streaming Reviews
Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming
If you want to take your twitch streaming to a whole new level, the Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming is a good bet. This USB mic comes in three colors: silver, blackout, and midnight blue, and is great for gamers, podcasters, and anyone looking for a top-notch mic.
With the Blue Yeti USB Mic for Recording & Streaming, you can choose between cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns that offer amazing flexibility, helping you to create outstanding streams. It comes with a tri-capsule setup that helps you to podcast like a pro, receive group calls, or create vocals with ease.
Features
- 4 pickup patterns
- 3 condenser capsules
- Mic gain control
- A-D converter
- Built-in headphone amplifier
Pros
- Has an adjustable stand
- Plug and play
- Creates outstanding audios
- Has four patterns for ultimate versatility
- Requires no drivers to install
- 2-years limited warranty
Cons
- The knobs feel cheap
Logitech for Creators Blue Snowball
If you’re looking for the best budget microphone for streaming, this is a good bet. The Blue Snowball USB Microphone gives you high-quality audio recordings without breaking the bank. This stylish mic comes with a height-adjustable desktop stand, so you can plug it, plop it down, and start your recordings.
The Blue Snowball USB Microphone comes with cardioid and omnidirectional capture patterns, so it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as the more expensive mics.
Features
- USB connector type
- Two custom mic capsules
- 40-18kHz frequency response
- 16-bit word rate
- 460 grams weight
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality
- No drivers or special software to install
- Perfect mic for its price
- Good build quality
Cons
- Has only two capture patterns
Zalman Zm-Mic1 High Sensitivity Headphone Microphone
The Zalman Zm-Mic1 High Sensitivity Headphone Microphone offers great audio recording conditions at a low price point. This headphone microphone gives you clear voice recordings, although it still picks up background noises. It comes with three mini clips that eliminate the hassles of dealing with tangled cables.
This highly sensitive mic is definitely not the best device on the market, but if you need a powerful and affordable mic, this is a good option.
Features
- 3 mini clips
- Omnidirectional directivity
- 10 feet cord
Pros
- Super long cable
- Attractive and compact design
- Highly sensitive mic
- Has clips for a tidy arrangement
Cons
- Mic sound is low
- It’s not adjustable
- Very light piece of plastic that feels weak
Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone produces exceptional twitch streams and performs well while recording high and low sounds. However, this condenser mic still picks up background noises despite having a cardioid recording pattern.
This mic comes with a 10dB pad and a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter that can handle high sound pressure with ease. It is equipped with high-performance specs and rugged construction that offers an outstanding consistency level from model to model.
Features
- Cardioid polar pattern
- XLR output
- Custom shock mount
- 33dB audio sensitivity
- 120 Ohms impedance
- 12 dB SPL noise
Pros
- Has a large diaphragm for smooth and natural sound
- Offers excellent versatility
- Provides superior isolation
Cons
- Picks up background noises
Samson Technologies Samson G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone
The Samson G-Track Pro Professional USB Condenser Microphone is specially designed to offer top-notch audios for twitch streamers, content creators, singers, and podcasters. This USB mic comes with omni, cardioid, and bidirectional polar patterns along with dual 1” condenser capsules.
If you’re looking for a mic built to last, this is the right one for you. It comes with a die-cast base that offers excellent stability and has grip hinges that help you find the best angle.
Features
- Dual 1-inch condenser capsules
- 3 pickup patterns
- 24-bit resolution
- 1/8” stereo headphone output
- Heavy-gauge mesh grille
Pros
- Highly durable
- High-quality audios
- Mixing controls
- Multiple polar patterns
Cons
- Heavy
- Average support
- A bit pricey
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best microphone for twitch streaming, the above-reviewed mics are a good starting point for your research.
All our reviewed products are loaded with outstanding features.
Happy streaming!