Whether you want to stream video or start a podcast, you need to make the best choices for studio PC microphones for voice recording. Sure, you can also use your Smartphone for this, but the static studio PC microphone is the next level. The problem is, you don’t know which is the best choice for the best microphone.
Many pompous names when looking for microphone details! What do you really need to pay attention to when looking for the right microphone for you? Whether you’re making a YouTube movie or a podcast, here are some useful details to keep in mind.
What do you want to use the microphone for?
This is the most important way to sort your PC microphones, to know exactly what you are going to use the microphone for. The high price does not always help you in any use, so you can spend a fortune on the microphone and it will not be what you need.
Knowing what you are going to use the microphone for is the most important feature to keep in mind.
At a Glance:
What are the best types of PC microphones?
Once you have decided what to use the microphone for, you will need to choose the types of microphones. The details can be intimidating here, but I will simplify the differences between the types of microphones in a few sentences. Basically, there are two types of microphones (there are several but 2 are main).
- Dynamic (dynamic type)
- Condenser (condenser type)
The best dynamic microphones
They are suitable for the stage, either for a musician or stand up comedy. It is ideal for use in public noises. They have a small coil inside that is very sensitive to sound vibrations. While sound vibrations are picked up by the coil, they are converted into an electrical signal that can be picked up / recorded.
The best condenser microphones
These are the main points of this article. They are the most popular among streamers / vlogs for podcasts, etc.
Condenser microphones work slightly differently than dynamic microphones and use a capacitor instead of a magnet coil.
We can technically talk about 3-4 articles about the technical differences between the 2 microphones. All you need to know, in practice, condenser PC microphones are more sensitive to vibration from weaker sounds (with a lower sound wave) than dynamic microphones. While dynamic microphones are suitable for picking up the bass of a sound instrument, condenser microphones are more sensitive and are not suitable for this type of sound.
Best Uses for Condenser PC Microphones!
We usually talk about static microphones, ideal for offices / studios. Mainly because the capacitor plates have a shorter longevity, which is why they are recommended to be static. There are exceptions, for the huge microphones used in scenes from professional movies. They are used especially when the voice of the actors needs to be captured.
Recommendation TOP 4 Best Gaming PC Microphones
Award | Design | Headphones | Retailer |
---|---|---|---|
Best Condenser PC Microphones | Best Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Condenser Gaming Microphone | Budget Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Premium USB Microphone | Staff Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
Emita Plus Streaming Microphone | ![]() | Check Price |
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Best PickSpecifications:
Brand Audio-Technica
Color Black
Connector Type USB
Permanently polarized capacitor
Cardioid
USB output 3.5mm headphone jack
One of the best choices if you need static studio PC microphones. It is specially designed to be mounted on a desk / desk, useful for those who keep podcasts or simply keep office vlogs. Being with USB output, and also having a 3.1m USB cable, very long! If you have a well-insulated camera, this model, which is not cheap at all, will help you to have the best quality sound.
Pros
- Is USB
- Cable + stand
- 3.5mm headphone jack
Cons
- A little Costly
HyperX SoloCast
Budget PickSpecifications:
Brand HyperX
Color Black
Connector Type USB
Sensor tap to mute
Plug and play
Compact
It has the best value for money for a studio pc microphone for streamers and gamers. The connection is made via USB, and the sound is accurate and very clear.
It has a control LED to know when it operates, the only button will be to switch quickly, without the need for software. It doesn’t have too many features and settings worthy of 2022, but it does its job for what it was designed for. Can be used on both MAC and Playstation consoles.
It is easy to mount on another articulated arm, because the stand it comes with is relatively static on the desk, but it can rotate in a fixed place. The microphone is very compact, does not take up any space and can be easily moved / transported. As for the sound, I can say that they are twice as expensive microphones with the same level of sound quality. These models are, as I said above, the best studio PC microphones for streaming / podcast / gaming.
Pros
- Excellent sound
- It is compact
- Plug and play
Cons
- It has no jack
Elgato Wave:3
Staff PickSpecifications:
Brand Elgato
Connector Type USB-C
Connectivity Technology USB
Power Source USB
Audio Sensitivity 15 dB
Compatible Devices Computers (USB-port)
Item Weight 20.64 Ounces
Polar Pattern Unidirectional
Material Plastic, Metal Hardware
Platform PC
This top 4 could not miss the best microphones and one of the best for 2022. A good microphone, but it creates the feeling that it is a professional microphone, thanks to the metallic materials from which it is made.
Sincere,
The components of a very expensive microphone put together do not think that they exceed $100, even for microphones of $100. Brands and designs complement those prices.
Here is a good microphone, in a well soundproofed room inside, preferably outside, it can sound like a $200 microphone. I don’t know how many differences they can make.
This microphone is also ideal for gamers who stream audio / video.
Pros
- Cable included
- Quality building materials
- Clear sound without distortion
Cons
- Costly
Trust GXT 252+
Specifications:
Brand Trust Gaming
Color Black
Connector Type USB
Mounting bracket with arm included
Captures great sounds
Condender microphone
A microphone that I recommend to streamers especially, comes in a package with a flexible arm for mounting, it is attached to the edge of the desk / table. Admittedly, after a while the screws start to loosen, especially if the position is changed quite often. And this model is also with USB connection.
It captures even the finest sounds, and if the room has sound-absorbing insulation, this microphone is excellent. It’s not the kind of microphone for musicians, it’s a good quality condenser microphone. One of the best choices of studio pc microphones, recommended for streaming or video recording.
Pros
- Cheap price
- Including the mounting arm
- High quality sound
Cons
- Nothing
Useful and secret tips
Knowing what you are going to use the microphone for, now you know what type to buy, but in addition to these two factors, there is a set of secrets that are divergent and have nothing to do with the purchase of microphones.
Pay attention to the room where you use the microphone
It is also the most important thing that few people talk about. Personally, I think this is more important than buying a studio PC microphone.
You can buy the most expensive and most powerful microphone for PC, it will perform like a 100 lei microphone if the room is not well configured. But if you pay attention to the room where you use the microphone, you will have professional results.
Do you have a limited budget? Can’t afford to put soundproofing foam all over the room?
Buy some soundproof foam boards and start with the corners of the room, cover all the edges of the room, it is an essential step, but if your budget does not allow you to cover the walls completely, you can start covering the corners.
The differences are huge!
If you are left with soundproofing boards, the next location is on the wall behind the microphone, no matter how far away the wall is behind the microphone. Do not forget!!! The speed of the sound is huge, your voice will create reverberations in the wall, so perpendicular to the sounds coming out of the mouth, the wall behind the microphone will turn those vibrations back into the microphone and that echo effect will be heard. Keep in mind that condenser microphones are very sensitive and will pick up those sounds coming back from the wall.
If you don’t have the money for special soundproofing boards, a thicker blanket on the walls can alleviate the echo / reverberation effect.
Do you need a special sound card?
A special sound card for microphones would be ideal, but not required. Current motherboards are quite advanced to use.
Conclusion
HyperX SoloCast has the best sound quality / price ratio of the top 3 today. It is a microphone that manages to reproduce the sound at the same quality as the streaming and gaming microphones of over $90. It is, therefore, the cheapest PC microphone for the quality offered in 2022.