The Best Microphones for Twitch Streams

The Best Microphones for Twitch Streams

If you’re an aspiring Twitch streamer – then you must already know  “it’s all about the views”. If it’s your first time buying a microphone, it can be a bit intimidating, because you never know how well it will perform. Plus, will there be any correlation between how much money you spend on a microphone to boost the sound of your audio stream, and how many views you will get? Is it possible to stream on Twitch using a low-cost USB mic, or do you have to pony up for an expensive mic and a pre-amp for your Twitch stream to sound professional? With the 1000’s of Twitch streamers out there with millions of views, we looked to the gaming world for our research into what are the most popular microphones being used on Twitch, and a YouTube channel called Gaming Careers turned out to have very competitive research! They checked out the top 250 Twitch streamers and found out which microphones they’re using, and here is the list of the best microphones to use for your Twitch broadcasts!

Shure SM7B Microphone $399 US

Coming in at the top of the list, Shure’s SM7B is a first-call mic for many sources, and it’s definitely a winner as a dialog microphone. 110 of the top 250 Twitch Streamers use the Shure Sm7B as their streaming microphone. You’ll also find this dynamic microphone hanging from broadcast booms in studios the world over for radio, voiceovers, ADR and podcasts.

There are two settings that let you tailor the SM7B to a wide range of voices and applications. Great for male and female voices in all ranges, you can capture the deep resonance of a baritone, the beauty of a high soprano, and plenty of in between. It can also take up to 180dB, which makes the SM7B a top choice for recording very loud instruments, like drums, electric guitar and bass.

Blue Microphones Yeti Studio $149 US

A versatile USB microphone, the Blue Microphones Yeti Studio is ideal for voice-overs, podcasts, live streaming and more. The Yeti connects right to your computer via USB – just connect the Yeti to your Mac or PC and start recording or streaming. The Yeti also features three polar patterns to choose from, and can record in stereo, cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional modes. The Yeti also includes a built-in headphone jack with its own volume control for easy monitoring, a master volume, mute, and mic gain controls.

Audio-Technica AT2020 USB + Cardioid Condenser USB Mic $149 US

This is a great USB mic for recording directly into your laptop and ideal for project/home-studio applications.The 1/8″ mini monitoring jack allows you to plug some headphones in and lets you hear what the mic is picking up – which is great for Zoom, Skype, YouTube and other Live- Streaming situations. The AT 2020 USB provides a clear, natural sound for podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use. Includes a tripod desk stand, pivoting stand mount, USB cable and storage pouch.

RODE Procaster Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone $229 US

The RODE Procaster makes high-quality recording and broadcast easy! The RODE Procaster is based on their popular Broadcaster microphone – winner of the Radio World/US National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) “What’s Cool” award. The Broadcaster has become an industry standard when studio sound quality is required for on-air applications. The RODE Procaster offers great clarity with its tailored-for-voice frequency response and very low self noise. This microphone also offers an internal pop filter, a rugged design and a switchable high-pass filter.

Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Broadcast Microphone $449 US

The Electro-Voice RE20 is a studio and broadcast standard! This large diaphragm microphone delivers condenser-like sensitivity and response. The RE20’s Variable-D technology minimizes proximity effect for smooth and consistent sound across high and low-frequencies. t’s virtually free of bass-boosting “proximity effect” when used close. By controlling the effect of microphone proximity, the RE20 can be located very close to sound sources without a loss in clarity or definition making the RE20 ideal for tight vocals and challenging instruments. It can be used inside bass drums, on acoustic guitars, and is found in voice booths and broadcasting studios everywhere.

RODE NT1-A Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone $229 US

The RODE NT1-A cardioid condenser microphone is one of the world’s quietest microphones, and it comes complete with a ton of essential accessories! Its ultra-low self-noise means you’ll capture clean, clear vocals. The NT1-A can handle 137dB SPL so you can be confident that even in front of loud guitar and bass cabinets, your recordings won’t distort or clip due to overload. This RODE NT1-A mic comes with a shockmount, a pop screen filter, a dust cover and an XLR cable. Right out the box, the NT1-A is an affordable studio solution for Twitch streamers, offering everything you need to record professional quality streams.

Audio-Technica AT2035 Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone $149 US

The Audio-Technica AT2035 large-diaphragm condenser microphone features a switchable 80Hz highpass filter, a 10dB pad, and ships with a custom shock mount and protective pouch. The AT 2035 is a great choice for everything from project and pro studios to live applications – this mic gives you smooth, natural sound quality and its ability to handle high sound pressure levels makes it useful on a wide range of sound sources. Great for vocals, acoustic and electric instruments, the AT 2035 is an excellent choice for under $200 – a very affordable price for a professional large-diaphragm condenser mic!

Want a Wireless, 3D audio recording setup? Check out the Hooke Verse!

Looking to record your vocals and your guitar and make the viewers feel like they’re in the room with you? The Hooke Verse wireless mic system records binaural, 3D audio. Whether you are recording audio by itself or as part of a video, both 3D audio mics can capture lifelike sound wirelessly or via the included recording cable. The cable allows for compatibility with devices such as GoPro cameras, DSLRs, and more.

As a set of earbuds, the Verse are designed to insert into your ears for a snug fit. You get up to 10 hours of continuous playback and you can pair them with any Bluetooth-compatible device, such as a smartphone or tablet. When connected to a smartphone, you can use them for listening to music or taking hands-free calls.

Learn more about the Hooke Verse, visit www.hookeaudio.com.