When you don’t have much experience with sound reinforcement but want to provide quality audio for your viewers, a USB microphone will solve your problem quickly. A USB microphone is the easiest and fastest way to upgrade your audio from a basic headset or built-in mic. While there are a few things you need to know, almost every beginner can use one of the best USB microphones for streaming and see instant results.
Best USB Microphones for Streaming
- Shure MV7: Best For Simplicity
- Blue Yeti: Best For Multiple Patterns
- Earthworks ICON: Best For Detail
- Beyerdynamic Fox USB: Best For a Budget Option
- HyperX Quadcast: Best For Gaming Aesthetic
- AKG Lyra: Best For Musicians
Best USB Microphones for Streaming
Take a look at these top choices for some of the best USB microphones that you can use to improve your stream.
Shure MV7
Best for: Simplicity
Price: $249.00
The Shure MV7 is basically the condensed, more affordable version of the SM7B. While it does not have all of the characteristics and quality of the SM7B, the MV7 is able to deliver all that any streamer might need. It also comes as either an XLR or USB connection so you can choose which you connection want to use.
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz – 16kHz |
| Gain Controls | Yes |
| Headphone Controls | Yes |
Blue Yeti
Best for: Multiple Patterns
Price:
Blue Yetis are some of the most popular USB microphones. They were one of the first microphones that made it popular to use USB and showed the worth that a high-quality USB mic could provide. There are multiple Yeti models but all of them have the same base qualities that make the Yeti shine.
For the full streaming package, the Yeticaster has a boom arm and swiveling mount to set you up with all that you need. While it is a bit pricy in comparison to the base model, this covers the cost of an additional stand to replace the tabletop option that comes with every Yeti.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid, Stereo, Omni, Figure Eight |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Gain Controls | Yes |
| Headphone Controls | Yes |
Earthworks ICON
Best for: Detail
Price: $349
Earthworks is a company that creates some of the most detailed microphones ever. The ICON is a very detailed option for any voice when streaming or recording. It’s one of the few mics that come with a desktop stand to get you started even faster.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Gain Controls | Yes |
| Headphone Controls | No |
Beyerdynamic Fox USB
Best for: Budget Option
Price: $179.00
Beyerdynamic is another company with an amazing name that has produced its own USB microphone. The one drawback of the Fox is the gain controls are somewhat lacking customization. There is just a gain switch rather than a knob to get it tuned in just right. But despite that slight drawback, it is still a great choice for users.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Gain Controls | Yes |
| Headphone Controls | Yes |
HyperX Quadcast
Best for: Gaming Aesthetic
Price:
The HyperX Quadcast is a popular mic for many streamers and gamers because it has a thin profile that allows for less obstruction of any monitors that you might be using. That combined with its creative LED lights makes it one of the best choices for gamers.
If you want a larger color palette of LED lights, the HyperX Quadcast S is the same microphone but with some additional visual features.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid, Omni, Figure Eight, Stereo |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Gain Controls | Yes |
| Headphone Controls | Yes |
AKG Lyra
Best for: Musicians
Price: $124
The AKG Lyra has been called the USB version of the C414. While it doesn’t match the quality of a true C414, this is a great mic for streamers and musicians alike. With its extremely versatile stand, the AKG Lyra has one of the best stands that comes included with any USB microphone.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid, Figure Eight, Tight Stereo, Wide Stereo |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Gain Controls | Yes |
| Headphone Controls | Yes |
What is a USB Streaming Microphone?
A USB streaming microphone is a microphone that is designed and geared more towards the human voice for use on streams. Since they are connected via USB you don’t need anything additional to get your mic set up and ready to go.
What to Consider With a USB Mic
Here are a couple of things that you should keep in mind when choosing the best USB microphone for streaming.
Cables
Since you’re using a USB mic, you only need to have the USB cable that it comes with. It may be worth checking, but different types of USB connections are faster than others. For instance, a USB C connection is faster than a USB 3 or USB Mini. That being said, each mic is designed with a USB that can keep up with the speeds required.
Interface
USB microphones do not need any extra equipment like an interface. The whole purpose of an interface is to transfer audio from analog to digital information that your computer can use. A USB microphone has its own interface built into it and that is why it connects directly to the computer.
Stand
Stands are a necessity whether your mic uses a USB or an XLR. But some USB microphones will include a tabletop stand like the AKG Lyra or the Earthworks ICON. For most streamers though, you want to have the ability to move the mic around or even have it not sitting on the desktop in the way. One of the best options is a clamp-on boom arm that swivels and allows you to move the mic around and keep it out of the way.
Built-in Controls
Since the USB mic acts as the interface, you have the controls of the microphone built directly into it. You will be able to control the gain, headphone volume, pick-up pattern, and sometimes there will be a mute button for you. If your microphone does not have physical controls, there is likely a program provided by the company that you use to control the aspects of your mic.
USB Mic VS XLR Mic
USB microphones are a great option compared to XLR mics specifically for streamers. Streamers will have much less equipment that they will need to purchase and manage because of the simplicity of a USB microphone. While XLR mics are superior most of the time in sound quality, USB microphones will do the job for both streaming and capturing voices.
FAQ’s
Are USB mics for streaming?
USB mics are the perfect option for streaming and interacting with your audience.
What USB mic do streamers use?
Most streamers who use USB microphones use either the Blue Yeti or the Shure MV7
Are USB mics good?
USB mics have come a long way from their initial versions. At this point, USB microphones will be a great choice for all streaming or podcasting needs.
Upgrading USB Mics
USB microphones have been upgraded in many ways over the years through the physical look and sturdiness as well as the internal quality. The diaphragms for capturing sound and the internal drivers that connect the mic to the computer have increased over the years to turn into what they are today. Take the plunge into the next step to improve your stream’s audio with one of these amazing USB microphones.
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