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Which Microphone Should You Use

Making sure you have a good microphone before you start vlogging is very crucial. A good mic for YouTube vlogging makes sure those following you get the message. This simply means you have to invest in a good microphone before getting started. Below is a list of best microphones for YouTube vlogging handpicked for you.

But before we have a look at the list, let’s go through a few things.

Why avoid built-in camera microphones?

Cameras have built-in mics, and most people tend to think that those built-in microphones are perfect for recording videos. That is not true. These microphones are on a consumer level. In other words, these mics are of low quality, and they will end up capturing every single sound around you.

Best mics are designed to discriminate any unnecessary sound during recording. For example, the sound of a moving track, wind, and any other background noise. And since built-in camera mics are omnidirectional, they are not the best option when vlogging.

Why use unidirectional mics?

A unidirectional mic makes sure no unnecessary sound is recorded. These mics are designed to pick up sound from a specific side or direction. This means your audience will get the message clearly if you use unidirectional mics. Cardioid is one of the common types of unidirectional microphones you will find in the market.

Types of microphones

Below are three kinds of microphones you will find when looking for a perfect mic for vlogging:

Dynamic and condenser Microphones

The convert acoustic sounds into electrical signals. Dynamic mics are best for the voice recording of live events because they cut out the background noise. So, if you will be recording your videos in noisy areas, use them.

Condenser mics are used to record music. They are also popular for speech recording. They are preferred for studio recording because they tend to pick delicate sounds, which might result in background noise. As a vlogger, you may want to get lavalier microphones and shotgun microphones. These two are excellent kinds of condenser mics that will not disappoint.

Lavalier mics are very small microphones that you can clip to your clothing. Although they are omnidirectional, it is easy to suppress the noise because they are attached close to your mouth. You can hide them in your clothing, but this is not the best option because the microphone will capture the sound of your clothing rubbing against it. The best option to use them is by clipping them to the external part of your clothing.

Shotgun microphones, on the other hand, have a very narrow front that allows them to cancel sound waves from other directions. These mics only pick sound waves that approach their front end. They are perfect for recording from a long distance.

With that in mind, let’s now go back to our list. Ready to find what we have for you? Then keep reading to learn more.

 The best USB microphones for YouTube

Looking to record your videos in front of a PC? The following USB mics will not disappoint.

Blue Snowball

 

Blue Snowball iCE Condenser Microphone, Cardioid - Black

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This is one of the reasonably priced USB mics you will find in the market. Available in different colors, this mic allows you to switch between omnidirectional and cardioid. If you don’t have enough money, go for Samson Go Mic.

Samson Meteor Mic USB Studio Microphone is yet another excellent alternative, but it is a bit costly.

 

Blue Yeti

 

blue yeti microphone

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Common among YouTubers, Blue Yeti, is one of the bestselling mics on Amazon. It offers a wide variety of sound-capturing pattern modes, and its sound quality is perfect for the price. You can pick between cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. Often the cardioid mode is best for vlogging.

Unlike the Snowball, Blue Yeti has mute and volume control buttons plus a headphone output.

 

Audio-Technica AT2020

 

Audio-Technica AT2020USB PLUS Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone, Black

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This is a decent cardioid mic that will suppress any background noise and make sure your audience gets you clearly. It is suitable if recording from home. The only downside is that this condenser microphone will not get rid of the background noise by itself. You will need to buy Shure SM7B, which is a mic best known for suppressing background noise. This mic is common among voice-over actors, podcasters, Twitch streamers, and YouTubers.

Like Blue Snowball, it does not have a mute button, and it is available at pocket-friendly prices. At its price range, Audio-Technica is a better option compared to most semi-professional mics, which start around the $300 mark.

 

Shure SM7B

 

Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

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As mentioned above, Shure SM7B is a dynamic mic good at suppressing ambient sound. One thing to note with this mic is that it is not exactly a USB mic. This means you will need an XLR cable and a preamp that you can connect through USB.

The best thing with this mic is that it ignores any sound in the room. In fact, you will sound like you are in a professional sound-treated room if you use it. If you are running on a tight budget, this mic is not the best option, but it is worth its price.

 

The best recorder for cameras without mic jack

 

Zoom H1

 

Zoom H1n Handy Recorder

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We said earlier that most cameras don’t have a good mic. But that does mean there is no solution. Buying a good external recorder like Zoom H1 that you can use to connect to a good mic does solve all your problems.

Zoom H1 is made of two unidirectional mics that are facing each other at 90 degrees, which allows you to get a good stereo sound. It is these two unidirectional mics that also make it a good option at recording music bands.

Although Zoom H1 is unidirectional, still it is not the best option when it comes to isolating sound. The best solution to this could be connecting it to a lavaliere mic than just using it as a recorder alone.

 

Zoom H4N Pro

 

Zoom H4N PRO Digital Multitrack Recorder

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Now let’s consider a more expensive option, Zoom H4n Pro. Though it is costly, it has a lot of advantages. For example, you can record four tracks simultaneously.

H4N Pro also allows you to rotate its mic capsules, hence making sure you are not fixed at 90 degrees. Most vloggers go for H1. H4n Pro is an excellent option if you are looking for a more satisfying experience.

The best vlogging microphone to connect to your smartphone

 

PowerDeWise Professional Grade Lavalier

 

Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone Omnidirectional Mic

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If you are looking for an affordable microphone to connect to your phone, this mic has to be the one. It is cheap and gets the work done professionally. So if you have a phone with a good camera, this mic is the best bet.

If you are willing to splash out more cash, you can go for Giant Squid with an adaptor.

 

Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone

 

Rode smartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone for iPhone and Smartphones

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This is yet another excellent option that is a bit costly. Although you will pay more to get it, you will love its sound quality and sound suppression. The only downside is when you are using an IOS phone because you will have to pay an extra $5.99 for the app that allows you to use this microphone.

 

The Best Lavalier Microphone to Connect to Your Camera

It is good to remember lavaliers mics are omnidirectional. This means they will pick ambient sounds, but this is not a big issue because you can suppress the noise through editing and by placing the mic close to your mouth.

 

The Giant Squid will not disappoint once connected to your camera. Its quality is comparable to professional mics. To own one, you must be ready to spend more, but it is worth the money you pay for it.

 

If not ready to splash out a lot of money, then get the Vidpro Lavalier Condenser Microphone. It is cheaper and will also get the job done.

 

The Best Shotgun Microphones for Cameras with Hot Shoe (DSLR, Point & Shoot or Mirrorless)

When it comes to Shotgun Microphones for cameras with hot shoes, there are four mics that we recommend. You will notice three of those shotgun microphones we have handpicked for you are costly while one is affordable.

 

  1. TAKSTAR SGC-598 Interview Microphone for Nikon/Canon Camera/DV Camcorder $21.38
  2. Rode VideoMic with Fuzzy Windjammer Kit $149.95
  3. Shure VP83 LensHopper Camera-Mounted Condenser Microphone $199.00
  4. Sennheiser MKE 600 Short Shotgun Microphone w/Sennheiser MZH600 Windshield $349.00

The Best Compact Wireless Mic

 

Rode Wireless Go

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Don’t want to carry a shotgun mic or make your camera bulky for vlogging? This Rode Wireless Go microphone is your best option. Connect the receiver to the camera and the other you can hold or connect it to a lav mic we’ve recommended. The audio quality is spot.

Note that the more expensive a mic is, the more it does an excellent job in suppressing the ambient sound and in recording quality sounds.

Basically, to pick the right mic, you need to decide how much noise you are planning to reduce and how much you are willing to spend. Once you are certain about these two factors, getting a mic worth your money is very simple.