Best Gaming Microphones


For gamers, a microphone is an important tool to achieve a great gaming experience. In the gaming industry, a microphone is used for communicating with teammates and competitors as well. Though a headset includes a microphone, it is highly suggested to use a standalone microphone since a standalone microphone provides better audio quality. For gamers who would wish to upgrade their gaming experience to a more pleasant, exciting and close to reality feeling experience, we are featuring the best gaming microphones based on budget, style and features which could assist you in choosing the right microphone for you.
Here are our top picks for gaming microphones:
1. Blue Yeti Microphone
This microphone comes with a mute button, gain control feature and a headphone zero latency output. It also has four pattern modes – Stereo, Cardioid, Omnidirectional and Bidirectional mode which you could choose from for a better recording experience. Moreover, this microphone is very affordable and offers different colors and styles. It is also compatible to major operating systems such as Mac OS and Windows.
2. Blue Yeti Pro USB Condenser
The blue Yeti Pro USB Condenser includes accessories, stand and cables. It is easy to use with its plug and play feature and it is easy to set up as well with its cable management mount.
3. Audio Technica ATR2500 Cardioid Mic
As for its performance, this microphone ensures it uses cardioids polar pattern while it records. Through the cardioids, background noise is reduced and recording of the primary voice is enhanced. It also comes with an AD converter which allows one to record high quality sounds and its low mass diaphragm provides excellent frequency.
This microphone is compatible with both Mac and Windows.
4. Antlion Audio Modmic Attachable Boom Microphone
The Modmic is created with durable materials that make this microphone heavy duty and long lasting. It is packaged with 3M pad for its base clasp, alcohol wipe, five cable clips, guidelines and a carrying case. It is also easy to setup and easy to use. For those who are into multiplayer gaming, this microphone is best for you.
5. Blue Snowball Ice Condenser
This microphone is easy to use with its plug and play feature and is compatible with most operating systems such as Mac and Windows. It is also easy to set up with its adjustable stand and arm.
6. Razer Seiren Pro Elite XLR and USB Digital Microphone
This microphone also comes with a headphone amplifier with zero latency output and high pass filter switch that ensures it reduces and alienates unwanted noise.
7. Audio Technica AT2020 USB
This microphone operates through USB which makes it easy to install and easy to use.
8. Rode NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone
This microphone uses 20Hz- 20kHz which passes one of the requirements for gaming use. It filters noise background which makes gaming experience more enjoyable. Rode NTG2 includes a ten year warranty that makes this microphone worth it.
9. Samson Go Mic Portable Travel USB Condenser Mic
Setting up a Gaming Microphone
1. Choose the type of Microphone
There are three types of microphones for gaming and they are the following:
- Standing Microphones– These are usually used by professionals as it usually produces high quality audio and it is portable as well. It usually does not require to be near to the source of sound to be able to pick up the voice that it needs to record or to convey to others.
- Attachment Microphones – this type of microphone is known for its cheaper price and convenience. It is usually attached to headphones but could be detached if needed. The only downside of this type of microphone is since its microphone is located near the mouth; one’s breathing could be heard as well. This type of microphone is recommended for gaming voice chats.
- Budget Headset Microphones– as with its name, this type of microphone is attached to a gaming headset. It is cheaper than most of the gaming microphones but it also has acceptable audio quality. The downsides however are it does not reduce background noises and audio could sometimes distorted.
2. Test your Microphone
Before using your microphone or even purchasing one, it is recommended that you test it through the following categories:
- Recording Quality– you will need to ensure that your microphone does not pick up too much background noise. It is also recommended that you check if your voice would sound clear.
- Adaptability– There are microphones that offer high quality performance only if the source of sound is close to the device. It would be more convenient and comfortable to use if you do not have to worry most of the time if your voice could be heard clearly.
- Form– If you are live streaming, a huge microphone could be distracting and could make one’s gaming experience less enjoyable.
- Price– When purchasing a microphone it is best to buy something that is within your budget at the same time is worth the cost.
How to Set up a Gaming Microphone for:
X-box
To set up a microphone for X-box, all you have to do is to turn on your X-box then establish a connection between your x-box and microphone. Once you have found a connection, connect and start using it. However, if you will be using a wired headset, you will need to plug your headset to the port at the bottom of the controller. As for wired mic, just plug it into your TV and you are good to go.
Windows 8
For those who are using a Personal Computer (PC) to be able to use a microphone, you will need to do the following steps:
- Plug the mic
- Open manage audio devices tab on your search screen
- Find microphone
- Enable the microphone and test if your mic is working.
Macbook
For Mac users, you will need a headphone socket. Once you have it all you have to do is plug in and connect.
Our Recommendations:
Though we have listed the best microphones in the market that could suit your needs and taste, we have our three favorites and top recommendations and they are the following:
- Our Top Pick – The Blue Yeti Microphone
- Premium Choice- The Blue Yeti Pro USB Condenser Mic
- Great Value- The Audio Technica ATR2500