Best microphones for streaming

There are two ways to connect a microphone to your computer.

One way is to get a USB microphone and connect that directly to your PC.

The other way is to get an XLR setup using a professional XLR microphone and an audio interface (or a mixer) and connect that to your computer.

Both have advantages and disadvantages. Here is a pros and cons list so you can make an informed decision.

XLR microphone setup

Pros

• XLR microphones use standard audio connectors and are compatible with other professional audio gear
• XLR setups can easily be upgraded to improve quality
• You can switch microphones and use multiple at once
• You can connect studio monitors and headphones 

Cons

• XLR microphones can be more expensive than USB microphones
• For streaming with XLR microphones, you need a dedicated audio interface.
   

USB microphone

Pros

• USB microphones are easy to use and quickly set up
• For USB microphones, you don’t need an audio interface

Cons

• USB microphones can't connect to studio monitors
• Some professional studio headphones might not work
• Less options to improve sound quality

If your budget is tight and you just want to start out slow and cheap, getting a USB microphone is a valid first step.

You can achieve great audio quality for your stream with both USB and XLR microphones.

If streaming is something you take seriously, and you want the best audio quality, then getting an XLR microphone setup is the way to go.

If you want to learn more, check out the dedicated blog post about XLR vs USB microphones.

When selecting a microphone, you can choose between dynamic or condenser microphones.

The way these microphones transform sound waves into an electrical signal is fundamentally different.

If you want to learn how they work, check out the detailed breakdown in our blog "Dynamic vs condenser microphones".

I will give you the short rundown of their differences.

Condenser microphones

• Clear and detailed sound
• Used for professional vocal and voice-over recording
• Need 48V phantom power
• High signal output

Dynamic microphones

• Smooth sound 
• Commonly used for live interviews and live music 
• Integrated windscreen
• Low signal output (might need a signal booster)

It’s only a myth that dynamic microphones pick up less background noise.

You may come across the myth that dynamic microphones pick up less room and background noise.

But from a technical perspective, that is not true.

People simply tend to put their mouths a lot closer to dynamic microphones. Because of that, less background noise will get picked up.

At the same distance, dynamic microphones pick up the same amount of room noise as condenser microphones.

Listen to the difference yourself in the video below (Click the play button)!

There is no right answer to the question condenser or dynamic microphone.

Better ask yourself what sound do you prefer?

If it’s a more articulate and natural sound that’s easier to understand, go for a condenser microphone.

If you prefer a smooth sound, or if you have a high-pitched voice, a dynamic microphone can be the better choice.

Go and test a few microphones yourself if you can, and see which one fits your voice the best.

Here is an example video where you can hear the difference between a LEWITT LCT 440 PURE condenser microphone and an SM7B dynamic microphone.

Ah, finally, we’re getting to the fun part. The microphones themselves.

For streaming, there is a condenser microphone that works extremely well, has some unique and practical features, and provides professional sound quality.

It’s our clear best choice for streaming condenser microphones, the LEWITT RAY.

RAY measures your distance from the microphone and adjusts tone and volume of your vocal signal on the fly.

If you lean back or come closer to the microphone while talking, the audio signal will stay consistent. No other microphone can do that. 

Another fantastic feature of RAY is Mute by Distance.

RAY will detect if you go AFK and stand up and mute the microphone automatically.

Once you’re back at your desk, the microphone will unmute.

RAY also sounds fantastic and has technical specifications that will outperform most competitor models. It is ideal if you want the best audio quality for streaming.

If RAY is a little bit too expensive for you, the LEWITT LCT 240 PRO is more affordable, but also provides professional sound quality for your stream.

The LCT 240 PRO makes you sound great from the start, and your voice will easily stand out from background music.

With its Record-Ready sound, your voice will be clear and easy to understand.

The right frequencies are highlighted, and you don’t need EQ or other effects.

If you decide to get a dynamic microphone, we recommend the Elgato Wave DX.

Elgato’s Wave DX is designed for streaming and gives you the smooth sound that dynamic microphones are known for in a sleek and simple form factor.

It is a great choice for broadcasters, podcasters, commentators, and other creators.

It is affordable and comes in different colors, so you can get the one that fits your style the best.

Go and check it out on the Elgato website here:
https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/wave-dx-dynamic-microphone

Why is everybody using that one black microphone that I see everywhere?

The SM7b is a great choice but it is also expensive and overkill for streaming.

You will find people on Reddit admitting that they really buy the SM7B just to look cool.

In this case, you have to ask yourself if you really want to pay triple the price to look like everybody else.

If want to get a USB microphone, there is one clear winner for streamers: The Elgato Wave:3.

The Wave:3 is the best USB microphone for streaming.

The Wave:3 is a USB microphone using a condenser capsule.

It sounds right, it looks good, and it’s easy to set up.

What makes the Wave:3 the clear best choice for streaming is the included Wave Link software. 

The Wave Link software is a digital mixer and effects unit that lets you manage all your streaming audio needs in one place.

It lets you create a dedicated audio mix for your stream, and you can use audio effect plugins directly in the software.

Get all the details or purchase one at
https://www.elgato.com/us/en/p/wave-3-black

Now that you have all the best microphone recommendations, let’s also talk about audio interfaces.

To use a professional XLR microphone, you need an audio interface to get the audio signal into your computer.

You can buy any audio interface, and the basic functionality of recording the microphone will work. But for streaming, some audio interfaces are better than others.

Check out these two fantastic LEWITT audio interfaces made for streamers:

CONNECT 2 is a powerful yet easy-to-use audio interface.

It delivers the very best audio quality and has a ton of features perfect for streaming.

Top streaming features of CONNECT 2:

• Professional audio quality for condenser and dynamic microphones
• Autosetup to get the best sound automatically
• Studio-grade preamps with up to 72 dB gain, no need for expensive signal boosters
• Intuitive touch-based user interface
• Single-click Compressor and Denoiser
• CONTROL CENTER software and loopback
   

The CONNECT 6 audio interface is perfect for streamers who want ultimate control over their audio setup. This audio interface provides you with extensive routing options, audio effects, and superb sound quality, and lets you connect two computers simultaneously, a phone, or a tablet.

Top streaming features of CONNECT 6:

• Extensive analog and digital connectivity
• Connect two computers at the same time
• Easily integrate a phone or tablet into your audio setup
• Autosetup and zero-latency DSP effects
• Easy routing, mixing, and loopback
• Low-noise preamps with 72 dB, no need for expensive signal boosters
• CONTROL CENTER software and loopback

If you are looking for an easy solution, CONNECT 2 is perfect. If you want a powerhouse audio interface for advanced audio setups, CONNECT 6 is the right audio interface for your stream.

If you have any questions or want to chat about audio, don’t hesitate to get in touch on social media or email.

Have fun streaming!