Streaming is one of the biggest methods of connecting with audiences. Our society is extremely visual but at the same time, it is very audio-focused. A perfectly crisp video can be ruined with poor audio, but on the opposite side, lower video quality with great audio can still be watchable. Find out how you can be clear and improve the quality by using the best XLR microphones for streaming.
Best XLR Microphones for Streaming
- Shure Sm7B: Best For Professional Look and Sound
- Electro-Voice RE320: Best For A Neutral Sound
- AKG AT2020: Best For Budget Condenser
- Rode Podcaster: Best For Low Background Noise
- Rode PodMic: Best For Streaming on a Budget
- AKG C414: Best For Overall Use
Best XLR Microphones for Streaming
Check out these amazing options for what the best XLR microphones for streaming are and find out just what you need to know about using them.
Shure SM7B
Best for: Professional Look and Sound
Price: $359
The Shure SM7B has been a favorite in both the music and talk show world for its clarity and detailed sound. You can see it used for countless interviews, podcasts, gamers, and recordings. This mic is not new by any means but it is so popular and in-demand that they are still being made to this day.
The biggest drawback to the SM7B is the low gain threshold. This mic does not pick up signal very well at low levels and for just talking, it sounds much better with an in-line preamp or external preamp whenever going directly into an interface.
Electro-Voice RE320
Best for: A Neutral Sound
Price: $300
The Electro-Voice RE320 is basically a niche version of the RE20. With a more present high-frequency response, it doesn’t have the flat neutral sound that makes the RE20 so popular. But that being said, with this high-frequency focus, the RE320 is perfect for capturing voices whether talking or singing on a live stream.
On the reverse side compared to the SM7B, the RE320 is supposed to have a great noise response which does not need much signal from the source for it to pick it up at a usable level.
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 30Hz – 18kHz |
Audio-Technica AT2020
Best for: Budget Condenser
Price: $99.00
The AKG AT2020 is the first condenser microphone on the list. It is a great choice for detailed voice recordings and streaming. Audio Technica is a great company and even though this is one of their lower-level microphones, it is the perfect solution for simple applications from all levels of experience.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
Rode Procaster
Best for: Low Background Noise
Price: $222.99
The Rode Procaster is one of the best microphones that Rode has ever produced. While it looks like a condenser it is in fact a dynamic microphone. It seems that Rode was going for a similar style and design as the RE20. But it has a tight pickup pattern that is built to be the perfect interview mic. With an internal shock mount and a built-in pop filter this is the ultimate choice for low noise on your mic.
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 75Hz – 18kHz |
Rode PodMic
Best for: Streaming on a Budget
Price: $99.00
As great as the Procaster is, it can be out of some people’s budget. They have a slightly less expensive option that works wonderfully and can be seen being used by many streamers as well as podcasters. The Rode PodMic is a compact option for any user that will help you to provide the best quality you can afford to your listeners.
| Microphone Type | Dynamic |
| Pickup Pattern | Cardioid |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
AKG C414
Best for: Overall Use
Price: $923.00
The AKG C414 is a world-renowned microphone that has been used for the highest quality recordings for decades. While it is the most expensive option, it will only provide some of the best quality audio that any streamer could desire.
| Microphone Type | Condenser |
| Pickup Pattern | Omni, Wide Cardioid, Cardioid, Hypercardioid, Figure Eight |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
What is an XLR Streaming Microphone
An XLR streaming microphone is like any other microphone but it is just being used to stream. There are some microphones specially made and designed that handle better in an environment built for talking whether it be streaming or podcasting. These microphones are built with an XLR connection so they will not connect directly to a computer via USB but instead need an interface.
What to Consider With an XLR Mic
Before going all-in with an XLR setup, here are some things that you should consider when buying a microphone for streaming that uses an XLR connection.
Cables
With a microphone that requires XLR connections, you will obviously need an XLR. That being said, you will want to make sure it is one that is long enough and that it fits correctly. It is not uncommon for cheap XLR cables to fit loosely adding crackles and pops into your audio. Just be sure to look at reviews of any cables just to be sure that it does not lack quality.
Interface
With USB microphones, you have no need for any additional equipment, you just connect it directly to the computer. With an XLR microphone, you will need an interface. An interface is what converts the analog audio of the microphone into a digital signal for the computer to work with. Most interfaces have the option to provide phantom power for condenser microphones, headphone jacks, and connections for speakers.
Stand
Stands are a necessity whether it is an XLR or USB microphone. There are multiple types of stands that could be useful for a stream. There are clamp-on boom arms that hold on to your desk or table, tabletop stands that require desk space, and basic boom stands that sit on the ground and reach out. The most popular of those 3 would be the clamp-on option specifically for its mobility.
XLR Mic VS USB Mic
As mentioned, XLR microphones do require an interface as well as additional cables on top of the USB. USB microphones have an advantage over them in their simplicity. Additionally, a USB microphone has built-in controls that allow you to adjust the gain of the microphone. Using a USB microphone can be troublesome though because if you decide to use it for any additional purposes related to recording, it will not always yield high-quality results. But for all streaming purposes either will work for you.
FAQ’s
Is an XLR mic worth it for streaming?
If you have the knowledge and understanding of what is required to work with one, they will provide audio that goes above and beyond that of a headset.
Can I use XLR mic for gaming?
If you are streaming or gaming through a computer you will be able to use an XLR mic. However, if you are gaming through a console you will not be able to use an XLR mic.
Is an XLR mic worth it?
An XLR microphone is 100% worth it depending on what applications you are using it for. For streaming, it will provide better audio than most if not all USB microphones or headsets. That is why mosy professional streamers use some form of XLR mic.
Experience with XLR
If you are willing and able to put in the time, an XLR microphone will be a great improvement to any stream. It is not the easiest adjustment or even the cheapest for that matter, but it can be worth the effort. In the long run, if you are trying to use streaming as a platform professionally, you will need to interact with viewers and the best way for them to understand you is with your mic and you will only make it easier for them with higher quality.
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