A gamer’s stream is a real-time broadcast of what is happening on a computer monitor or laptop. We often talk about fragments of the game, although anime with voice recording is also present. For high-quality transmission, you will need additional equipment, so let’s talk about how to choose a microphone for streaming. Let’s analyze in detail what characteristics affect the sound quality and result.
Live broadcasts are trending not only for computer strategists. Such interaction with the audience is preferred by bloggers, journalists, and opinion leaders. A good condenser microphone is an essential component on which the success of the broadcast depends. When choosing a sound reader, stop at one of the options:
- A microphone built into the laptop.
- Optional headset.
- Webcam with a microphone.
- An external station that is independent of other devices.
The latter option is considered essential for professionals. Many streaming headphones have a built-in sensor for sound capture, but a separate device is better for high-quality reportage. The autonomous station is not only sensitive in terms of voice acquisition and noise reduction but also malleable to adjustment (location and sensitivity).
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Choosing a microphone for streaming: What characteristics to look at?
Most bloggers immediately pay attention to noise reduction and amplifier power. However, these are not the main characteristics of the best model. To save beginners from long searches, we will dwell on a detailed analysis of individual instances’ principles of operation and functionality.
One of the primary indicators of the device is sensitivity, expressed in microvolts per pascal (mV / Pa). Beginners are sure that the more this parameter, the better. But this is a fallacy. If the blogger does not have a unique, soundproofed room for the duration of the video conference, a microphone with excessive sensitivity will catch unnecessary sounds from the environment.
Experienced correspondents take into account the possibilities of customization. If the panel has manual volume control and a mute button, this is the best model for them. The operator should be able to disable recording when moving from room to room. Otherwise, the report will spoil the noise.
Microphone Type
Beginners are looking for a case that is easy to install and that can be used immediately, without configuration. As a rule, these are inexpensive models with an attached cable of up to 3 meters. But such functionality does not always suit professionals who want to get the maximum benefit and viewer loyalty from the stream. For them, the direction and how accurately the sound can be adjusted are more critical than the primitiveness of the device. We will highly recommend using TONOR Microphone USB Kit.
Experienced bloggers prefer detailed customization of modes and a complete set of lotions for noise reduction. This is understood by manufacturers who fill the market with dozens of completely different models.
A good microphone is equipped with a damping system that eliminates knocking on the keyboard or table. The flow will not be cluttered with extraneous stimuli with such an accessory. As a rule, manufacturers use a unique soft pillow that absorbs additional vibrations. Equally good is the articulated base on the rack to adjust the inclination angle further. Wind fluff is also added to the kit.
Connection type
As the name suggests, a wired microphone for video conferencing connects to a computer using a cable or short headband (this solution is recommended for laptops). Such devices are more reliable. Their use does not cause problems with the loss of sound. Although engineers do not cease to be creative, collecting improved analogs that support wireless communication.
Modern streaming microphones are connected via a USB cable. The same channel transmits a signal to the control panel. But this does not affect the recording in any way. You can adjust the volume and reverb using the button on the panel. Additional clamps allow stations to be installed on any plane. This will free up the blogger’s hands, and streamers will be able to add the necessary gestures.
If the streamer moves during a video broadcast or conference call, it can create some problems: the equipment will be harder to carry around, and the cord may trip or become tangled and pull the plug out of the outlet. This is the reason why the wireless microphone was created. Such a device is more convenient, although this is not yet the best model for pros.
Frequency range and pop filters
A good microphone for streaming have a dynamic range—adjustable frequency response for clear sound from 30 Hz to 20 kHz.
Despite the quality and flexibility of the catcher setting, for the purest and most saturated sound, you need to maintain a short distance. This is 10-12 cm. Because of this specificity, sighs, and pshiks that spoil the stream have to be compensated. For such a task, a pop filter was invented. A unique grid attracts all unnecessary air vibrations, and only a soft voice enters the microphone without unnecessary frequencies.
A pop filter for a microphone is a gadget that filters sound from air currents when pronouncing hissing, whistling, and explosive consonants. A unique screen protects the sensor from the saliva of an expressive streamer, which allows you to extend the life of the equipment.
Directivity
Choosing a microphone for streaming involves evaluating several parameters, including directionality. This characteristic dramatically affects the sound quality and what kind of connection the manufacturer has provided. By directionality, microphones are divided into 3 categories:
| Unidirectional | pick up sound only from the front, and any other vibrations are muffled |
| Bidirectional | collect sound front and back, range resembles eight |
| Omnidirectional | collect all the sounds around, and from above |
Due to the specificity of broadcasts and the maximum ability to catch speech, unidirectional models are ideal for video conferencing. If only one person is in the room, bilateral analogs are also suitable. But when a vlogger builds a stream on interviewing, he and the influence sits opposite each other, it is worth using one or more omnidirectional sensors.
Form Factor
A good streaming microphone is a system that allows you to adjust the angle of inclination and orientation. Thanks to the added flexibility, bloggers and musicians will easily find a comfortable position. A microphone with a hinged lid is the standard choice of most streamers. Such a system has a high degree of protection against external acoustic interference. The shield of most models is made of dense sound-absorbing foam and has durable aluminum construction.
An equally exciting option is a dual lapel microphone. Such a system is easily connected to smartphones, cameras, and computers. In this case, the length of the supplied cable is critical. Those who wish to understand which microphone to choose for streaming should ensure that It is easy to conduct presentations, interviews, podcasts with a bug attached to the clip. The cable should not constrain and limit the movement of the speaker.
Autonomy
In the streaming microphone market, there is a fierce struggle for leadership between TONOR, A4Tech, Razer, Ritmix, Gaming Plantronics, Philips, Sven, and other well-known brands. All such manufacturers guarantee the high potential of their devices. When it comes to wireless analogs, autonomy is as significant as the range of detected frequencies. On average, this parameter ranges from 12 to 36 hours.
Other Features and Functions
Microphones for video conferencing can look different. When choosing a suitable device, beginners immediately pay attention to minor bugs attached to clothes. Much larger devices on a tripod are mainly selected for studio recording. Such models differ in several characteristics:
- the presence of a built-in audio card and amplifiers,
- case material,
- whether a mini-jack 3.5 mm is used,
- power consumption.
Almost all wireless microphones use Bluetooth or WiFi. While most modern laptops support such a source of communication, things are more complicated with desktop computers. Before preparing streaming through the PC, you will have to look for additional equipment. This can be done given that wireless models for video conferencing have many advantages: they can be moved and placed in an accessible position without any restrictions associated with the presence of cables.
What microphone accessories do I need for streaming?
For streaming, you will need a powerful computer or laptop. Such equipment simultaneously solves playback problems, recording and downloading video to the network. Usually, people focus on a good camera, forgetting about the second important element – high sound quality and flexibility of adjustment. To ensure maximum functionality, the kit should include the following:
- table stand or stand,
- adapters for AUX input and other types of cables,
- proprietary signal processing application,
- carrying case.
The clip is the most popular addition. The device is used by those who shoot video indoors and mainly at the desk. Having a stand, the sensor can be placed on any convenient surface. A unique customization mechanism is called Spider. Thanks to the use of tensioned cords, the system provides maximum stability. We will highly recommend using TONOR Microphone USB Kit.
A microphone optimized for video conferencing can be a tool that significantly improves the image of any streamer in the eyes (or instead in the ears) of the audience. Therefore, when choosing an accessory, consider not only the cost. Those who prefer quality should “decompose into axioms” each characteristic.