Microphone Leaderboard 2017:
The best Streaming-Microphones in comparison
Unlike a webcam, a microphone is essential for every stream. Without it there would be nothing to cast, nothing to comment on and no insights into the emotional state of the streamer. Anyone who has ever seen a stream without sound can roughly feel what we mean. Of course, many devices such as webcams or headsets are equipped with microphones. But with professional streaming it is essential to use a separate microphone with high quality sound. After all, the interested public should not miss a single word. In this article, we are going to introduce four particularly popular devices and additonal equipment.
There are many reasons for using an individual microphone. The audio input of the webcam is usually very difficult to use due to the positioning of the camera, for example. After all, the streamer should be right in front of it, as it is the case with a video chat. Headset microphones often have insufficient ambient noise suppression and often do not provide enough room for the installation of appropriate filters. The main reason for using a separate microphone is usually the sound quality. Combined solutions simply cannot compete in this respect.
The best microphones for streamers Our recommendations
t.bone SCT 700 Large-Diaphragm Tube Microphone ~ EUR 148,-
In Europe the products by t. bone are sold exclusively by the well-known music store Thomann. This retailer offers a particularly long warranty period of three years, which is a big plus. That’s why many professional musicians and streamers like to shop there.
Key data of the t. bone SCT 700 Studio Large-Diaphragm Tube Microphone
A special feature of this microphone is the gold membrane with a diameter of 1.07 inches. This technique gives the voice its own unique tone, which may not sound quite authentic but in any case sounds pleasantly soft and warm. Many streamers love to pamper their viewers with this special touch and create an acoustic trademark. Furthermore, the rugged construction of the SCT 700 is a particular argument. Even if the microphone should fall off the table in an accident, the recording quality does not suffer. With a price of about 148,00€ it offers an amazing performance and durability.
SAMSON G-TRACK USB MICROPHONE [amazon_link asins='B0015MJE22|B0015MJE22|B0015MJE22' template='PriceLink' store='own3d-de-mikrofone-21|own3d-en-microfone-20|own3d-uk-microfone-21' marketplace='DE|US|UK' link_id='fb8d4269-22d4-11e8-a8dc-9bfb498f99f6']
The American company Samson Technologies seems to have developed this microphone specifically for streamers, because it sounds especially good when used in connection with a PC. Furthermore, the recording device is delivered with a desktop microphone stand, so you don’t have to pay any extra money to buy a mount.
You can buy the complete package at an affordable price of about 100 Euro. Especially for streaming newcomers this is a big plus.
By the way, the Samson G-Track has already won several awards and prizes in the category “USB microphones”.
RODE NT1-A MICROPHONE [amazon_link asins='B0002PSCQM|B002QAUOKS|B0002PSCQM' template='PriceLink' store='own3d-de-mikrofone-21|own3d-en-microfone-20|own3d-uk-microfone-21' marketplace='DE|US|UK' link_id='32391ec6-22d6-11e8-9dd7-39f760088c2b']
Twitch streamers love it simple, but they expect high quality standards. This microphone combines all this when purchased in the package provided, because it contains all necessary audio equipment. In addition to the microphone, it also includes the Deluxe Spider SM6 (for mounting on a microphone stand) with fabric pop filter, an extremely long XLR cable (6 metres) and a dust cover bag for safe and gentle storage. The offer is very tempting for people who just started streaming, even if it is a little bit more expensive.
Key data of the Rode NT1-A Microphone
The audio quality completes this microphone package. The large- diaphragm produces a soft sound that is pleasant for the audience and improves the acoustic experience.
The price for the complete package is 185 Euro. However, the future streamer gets a reliable microphone which is immediately ready for use thanks to the additional equipment.
AUNA MIC-900B [amazon_link asins='B00AE4T0Q2|B074DWK68N|B00AE4T0Q2' template='PriceLink' store='own3d-de-mikrofone-21|own3d-en-microfone-20|own3d-uk-microfone-21' marketplace='DE|US|UK' link_id='93f28463-22d6-11e8-acbc-4999b1540044']
If you have a smaller budget, you look for an excellent device for an excellent price. Her the Auna microphone is perfect, because it is a bit cheaper than our other recommendations. The scope of delivery even includes a shock mount for mounting on a microphone stand. Unfortunately, the noise suppression isn’t that good, but those who can ignore that flaw can use the microphone to start their streaming career.
Key data of the Auna Mic-900B
Aunas advanced product is suitable to use with Windows PCs and MAC. Once again, it is a cardioid microphone with USB port. Simple Plug&Play makes a time-consuming setup unnecessary.
For about 80 Euro the Auna microphone can be added to your streaming equipment and in this way complete the new workstation.
Marantz MPM-1000 Professional [amazon_link asins='B01C05AL4C|B01C05AL4C|B01C05AL4C' template='PriceLink' store='own3d-de-mikrofone-21|own3d-en-microfone-20|own3d-uk-microfone-21' marketplace='DE|US|UK' link_id='95c5869b-2951-11e8-9e3c-4999bd989566']
The MPM-1000 by Marantz is ideal for streaming newcomers because among other things it is one of the cheapest microphones available. It comes with a lot of accessories that streamers often don’t want to buy extra for much money at the beginning. A shock mount, a windscreen, an XLR cable and a tripod stand are already included and you can get started right away. Another factor that should be of particular interest to beginners: The phantom power supply doesn’t necessarily require 48V, the microphone can already be used starting from 9V. This means that it can also be used with very small and inexpensive mixing consoles such as the Behringer Q302USB.
When it comes to quality, there is absolutely nothing negative to say about the price of this device. The audio quality of the recording is excellent and the extra equipment included allows you to start streaming immediately. Unfortunately, the tripod stand and shock mount have some structural weaknesses and can’t really be adapted, but especially at the beginning of a streaming career other factors should be more important. The MPM-1000 is one of the best microphones when it comes to price performance ratio. And if you upgrade your hardware later, you still have an excellent replacement microphone.
Additional Equipment A microphone alone is not everything
In addition to a microphone, there are a number of optional extras that you can purchase. Some of the above mentioned devices already include them, such as the Samson G-Track with desktop microphone stand or the Rode NT1-A with pop filter. However, most devices have to be purchased separately. For this reason, here are our recommendations for additional equipment worth buying.
K&M 23956 Popkiller ~ EUR 21,-
The 23956 Popkiller is a cheap and very flexible pop filter. Thanks to the long gooseneck, it can be easily adjusted to the microphone and the microphone stand. The Popkiller effectively suppresses disturbing noises that are caused by breathing out too much. This is particularly advantageous in heated battles.
Note: Many aspiring streamers underestimate the importance of a pop filter. However, if you use one you will soon notice the big difference in quality.
K&M 232BK Table Microphone Stand ~ EUR 24,-
With the K&M 232BK table microphone stand you are well prepared for the most critical situations. The sturdy and heavy cast iron base with a special rubber insert dampens any oscillations that could occur due to loudly typing and also ensures a secure stand. This also protects the microphone from thoughtless movements of the streamer in chaotic situations, which in the worst case can end up on the floor.
Unfortunately, condenser microphones react very sensitively to oscillations. Especially in case of high-priced devices, such an accident can quickly lead to considerable costs. So a stable microphone stand like the 232BK is worth its price in any case.
Millenium DS100 Table Tripod ~ EUR 33,-
If the K&M 232BK table microphone stand is not flexible enough for you, the Millenium DS100 might be just what you are looking for. It not only has an extendable arm, but also an integrated XLR microphone cable and a thread for screw installation. Instead of a heavy base, it has a clamp that can be screwed to the edge of the table. A completely fixed installation with screws is also possible. This ensures that it cannot be thrown to the ground, even in case of careless movements.
