Best Microphones for YouTube 2023
Best Microphones for YouTube 2023
If you’re looking to create great content on YouTube, one of the most important factors to consider is the quality of your audio. No matter how visually stunning your videos are, poor audio quality can be a major turnoff for viewers. A good microphone for YouTube is essential to capture clean and clear sound, and there are a variety of microphones available on the market to suit different needs and budgets.
In this article, we will discuss the top 10 best microphones for YouTube in 2023, based on their features, performance, and popularity among YouTubers. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about microphones for YouTube videos.
Top 10 Best Microphones for YouTube in 2023
1. Blue Yeti X
The Blue Yeti X is a popular USB condenser microphone that is often recommended for content creators, including YouTubers, due to its many features and capabilities.
The Blue Yeti X features a 4-capsule condenser array that delivers exceptional audio quality. It has a wide frequency response range, allowing for accurate and detailed audio capture, which is essential for high-quality audio production on YouTube. The microphone also has a high-resolution 24-bit/48kHz audio sample rate, which ensures clear and professional-grade audio recordings for your YouTube videos.
It also offers four selectable polar patterns: cardioid, stereo, bidirectional (figure-8), and omnidirectional. This versatility allows you to choose the best polar pattern for different recording situations.
The built-in LED metering provides real-time visual feedback on your audio levels, making it easy to monitor and adjust your audio on the fly. The Blue Sherpa software also allows for advanced customization of the microphone settings, such as gain, EQ, and more, providing precise control over your audio recordings.
These factors make it a good option for YouTube content creation, providing reliable and high-quality audio recordings for your videos, helping you to create professional-grade content that resonates with your audience.
2. Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone that has gained a reputation as a top choice for professional audio recording in various applications, including YouTube content creation.
It has a flat, wide-range frequency response, which means it captures audio with accuracy and clarity, making it ideal for capturing voiceovers, podcasts, and other spoken word content for YouTube videos. The dynamic element of the microphone also allows for natural and warm sound reproduction, which can enhance the overall quality of your videos.
The Shure SM7B also has a unidirectional polar pattern, which means it primarily captures sound from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear. This makes it effective at reducing background noise, making it an excellent choice for recording in environments with ambient noise or for content creators who may not have access to a dedicated studio setup.
It’s worth noting that this mic even has a built-in pop filter to help dampen plosive sounds, such as “p” and “b” sounds, which can cause distortion in audio recordings. Couple that with an integrated shock mount and you can see why popular YouTubers from all walks of life use this microphone!
3. Rode NT1-A
This cardioid condenser microphone is known for its pristine audio quality. It has a wide frequency response, capturing audio with clarity and accuracy, while its condenser element allows for sensitive and detailed sound reproduction. This means the NT1-A is ideal for capturing voiceovers, vocals, and other audio sources for YouTube videos.
It has an ultra-low self-noise level of only 5 dBA unlike some other mics, which means it produces minimal background noise that you don’t have to worry about coming through your recordings. Couple this with it’s wide dynamic range for accurately capturing both loud and soft sounds and it quickly becomes apparent why so many creators love this microphone.
4. Audio-Technica AT4053B
This shotgun microphone is designed for professional-level video and film production, meaning it offers exceptional directional sound quality.
The AT4053B is known for its exceptional audio quality, thanks to its condenser element and precise polar pattern. It has a wide frequency response, capturing audio with clarity and detail. The shotgun design allows for highly directional audio capture, rejecting unwanted background noise and focusing on the subject or source of audio, making it ideal for on-location shooting or capturing audio in noisy environments. This mic too has low self-noise which will help keep your audio quality pristine.
However, one of the AT4053B’s more unique features is its interchangeable capsules, allowing you to easily swap out the capsule to suit different recording situations. It comes with three different capsules: cardioid, hypercardioid, and omnidirectional, providing versatility and flexibility in capturing audio in various recording scenarios. This makes the AT4053B adaptable to different shooting situations, making it suitable for a wide range of YouTube content, from vlogs and interviews to outdoor recordings and more.
5. Sennheiser MKH416
Another popular shotgun microphone to make the list, the MKH416 is highly regarded for its excellent sound quality, low self-noise, and rugged design. It’s ideal for recording outdoor or noisy environments and features a super-cardioid pickup pattern.
The MKH416 has a relatively long reach compared to some other shotgun microphones, allowing you to capture audio from a distance without compromising on audio quality. Additionally, its short length makes it convenient for mounting on cameras or boom poles, without adding excessive weight or bulk to your setup.
More uniquely, the MKH416 can be powered either by phantom power from an audio recorder or camera, or by an internal battery (AA size). This makes it versatile and compatible with a wide range of audio recording setups, including cameras, field recorders, and audio interfaces. This flexibility allows for easy integration into your YouTube recording setup.
Though this mic comes at a hefty price point compared to others on this list, if you want a high-quality shotgun microphone with exceptional audio quality, excellent off-axis rejection, durable construction, versatile powering options, long reach, wide frequency response, and professional features, then the MKH416 is your mic!
6. Samson G-Track Pro
The Samson G-Track Pro is very much a “jack of all trades” when it comes to microphones.
It combines a condenser microphone, audio interface, and mixer into a single device. How, you might ask? Well it features built-in controls for volume, gain, and headphone monitoring, as well as a 1/4″ instrument input for recording guitar or other instruments directly into the microphone. This eliminates the need for additional equipment and simplifies your recording setup, making it convenient and cost-effective for YouTube content creation – especially if you’re more musically inclined.
The Samson G-Track Pro also connects to your computer via USB, so it’s about as plug-and-play as it gets when it comes to having so many features. If you’re a YouTube content creator who wants a reliable and versatile microphone for your videos, without the need for additional equipment or complex setups, then you’ve found your mi!
7. Blue Snowball iCE
Though the Blue Snowball iCE comes in at the lowest price on our list, that doesn’t mean it’s without its merits!
It is a plug-and-play microphone, meaning it’s incredibly easy to set up and use. Simply connect it to your computer’s USB port, and you’re ready to start recording. It doesn’t require any additional drivers or software installation, making it user-friendly and convenient for YouTube content creators of all skill levels.
While not as high-end as some of the more expensive microphones, the Blue Snowball iCE still offers respectable audio quality for voice recordings. It features a cardioid polar pattern, which helps to capture sound from the front while minimizing background noise. This makes it suitable for recording voiceovers, commentary, and other spoken content for YouTube videos.
If you’re on a budget and want to dip your toes into creating YouTube videos then this mic might be the best choice for you!
8. Zoom H4n Pro
If you’re looking for a quality microphone for on-the-go recording, then look no further than the Zoom H4n Pro!
The Zoom H4n Pro features dual XLR/TRS inputs, allowing for the connection of external microphones or other audio sources. This makes it suitable for recording with professional-grade external microphones, lavalier microphones, or other audio equipment, providing versatility in capturing high-quality audio for YouTube videos.
Being as portable as it is the Zoom H4n does function off of a battery pack, but it has a long battery life, capable of recording for hours on a single set of batteries. It also has an SD card slot for storage, allowing for ample recording time and easy transfer of audio files to a computer for editing and post-production.
Though, because the Zoom H4n Pro is so portable doesn’t mean it’s lacking in features! It offers adjustable microphone gain, built-in low-cut filter, and phantom power for external condenser microphones. It also has a headphone jack for monitoring audio during recording, making it easy to ensure optimal audio quality for YouTube videos!
9. Rode VideoMic Pro+
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is a popular directional shotgun microphone that is designed for use with cameras and offers excellent sound quality and noise cancellation.
Most notably it has a built-in Rycote Lyre shock mount, which helps to isolate the microphone from handling noise and vibrations, resulting in cleaner audio recordings. It also comes with a detachable furry windshield that effectively minimizes wind noise during outdoor shoots, ensuring clear audio in challenging environments.
The controls are intuitive, including a dedicated power button, high-pass filter, and gain control, allowing for easy adjustments on-the-fly.
It does function off of a built-in rechargeable battery, but it provides up to 100 hours of continuous operation which eliminates the need for frequent battery changes.
Most importantly is its compatibility! The Rode VideoMic Pro+ features a 3.5mm TRS output and a 3.5mm TRRS output, providing versatile connectivity options. It can be connected to a wide range of cameras, smartphones, and other recording devices, making it compatible with various YouTube content creation setups.
10. Neumann TLM 103
Neumann is a renowned and trusted brand in the professional audio industry, known for their high-quality microphones used in top recording studios worldwide. The Neumann TLM 103 is considered one of their flagship microphones, and its reputation for outstanding audio quality and durability makes it a reliable choice for YouTube content creators who seek professional-grade audio for their videos.
It known for its exceptional audio quality, delivering pristine, transparent, and detailed sound reproduction. It features a large diaphragm condenser capsule with a cardioid pickup pattern, which captures sound with high accuracy and precision.
The Neumann TLM 103 has a wide frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, which covers a broad range of audio frequencies, ensuring accurate and natural sound reproduction. Like other mics on this list it also has a very low self-noise level of 7dB-A.
It’s a plug-and-play microphone, which means it is easy to set up and use, though it does require +48V phantom power, which means you’re going to need to pick up an audio interfaces for it.
Though the price-point of this microphone is undeniably high compared to most of the other options on our list, you should view the Neumann TLM 103 as an investment. It’s built to last for years of reliable use and has the exceptional audio performance to back up it’s steep cost.
Types of Microphones for YouTube Videos
Aspiring content creators and established YouTubers alike understand the importance of having high-quality audio in their videos. It’s no secret that viewers are more likely to stick around and engage with content that sounds great. That’s where microphones come in. However, with so many different types of microphones available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. So, let’s briefly discuss the different types of microphones that are commonly used for YouTube videos so you can help differentiate from the mics in our top 10 list!
Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are often used for recording vocals or acoustic instruments. They’re great for picking up nuances in sound and producing a warm, full tone. They require a power source, usually provided by a mixer or audio interface, and can be sensitive to background noise. These types of microphones are perfect for recording voiceovers, podcasts, or acoustic music.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are best known for their ability to handle loud sounds without distortion. They’re commonly used for recording live music performances or capturing sounds from loud environments. Dynamic microphones can also be a great choice for recording dialogue in noisy environments like outdoor locations.
USB Microphones
USB microphones are incredibly convenient because they can be plugged directly into a computer’s USB port, making them perfect for beginner YouTubers or those who don’t have a lot of audio equipment. They are great for recording voiceovers or podcasts, but their sound quality can vary depending on the microphone’s quality and the environment.
Shotgun Microphones
Shotgun microphones are directional and can pick up sound from a specific direction while rejecting sounds from other directions. They’re often used for recording dialogue or voiceovers for videos, and their long, narrow shape allows them to be easily mounted on a camera or a boom pole.
Lavalier Microphones
Lavalier microphones, also known as lapel microphones, are small and discreet and can be easily attached to clothing. They are commonly used for recording interviews or vlogs where the speaker is moving around. They’re also great for recording podcasts or voiceovers if you want a more natural sound.
Ribbon Microphones
Ribbon microphones are often used in studio settings and are known for producing a warm, vintage sound. They’re highly sensitive and can pick up nuances in sound, making them great for recording music or voiceovers. However, they require a lot of care and maintenance, and can be easily damaged if mishandled.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Microphone for YouTube Videos
When selecting a microphone for YouTube videos, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you get the best possible sound quality:
- Directionality: Depending on the type of video you’re recording, you’ll need to choose a microphone with the appropriate pickup pattern. Directionality refers to the direction from which a microphone can pick up sound, and the most common types are cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional.
- Frequency response: A microphone’s frequency response refers to its ability to capture sound across different frequencies. A good microphone should have a flat frequency response to accurately capture all frequencies in the human voice range.
- Sensitivity: Microphone sensitivity refers to the amount of electrical output a microphone produces for a given sound pressure level. A more sensitive microphone will produce a stronger electrical signal for a quieter sound, making it ideal for recording quiet voices or ambient sound.
- Noise cancellation: Microphones with noise cancellation features can filter out unwanted background noise, resulting in a cleaner recording. This is particularly useful if you’re recording in a noisy environment or if you’re using a microphone that’s sensitive to ambient noise.
- Connectivity options: Consider whether the microphone you choose is compatible with your recording device, such as a camera, computer, or mobile phone. Some microphones require additional equipment, such as an audio interface or XLR cable, to connect to your device.
FAQ
Many YouTubers use the Blue Yeti or the Rode NT1-A, but the best microphone for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
The best type of microphone for YouTube will depend on what you’re recording and where you’re recording it. A condenser microphone is great for capturing nuanced sounds, while a dynamic microphone is ideal for recording loud sounds.
While it’s not strictly necessary, having a good microphone will greatly improve the quality of your videos and make them more engaging to viewers.
The Blue Snowball iCE is a great option for beginner YouTubers or those on a budget.
Many YouTubers use a USB microphone or a shotgun microphone attached to their camera or smartphone.
The price of a microphone for YouTube can range from under $50 to several hundred dollars or more, depending on the type and quality of the microphone.
YouTubers can mic themselves using a variety of methods, including USB microphones, shotgun microphones, or lapel microphones attached to their clothing.
The Blue Snowball iCE is a great budget option for YouTube videos.
A shotgun microphone or a USB condenser microphone is ideal for recording videos, depending on the location and desired sound quality.
To improve your YouTube mic quality, make sure to choose a microphone with the appropriate pickup pattern, consider using a pop.