Hi guys,
Are you searching for what are the best microphones for youtubers? And not sure which model to pick up? Let’s follow this review.
This long review and buying guide, please stay tuned.
>>> Level Up Your Mic Game with EleMent Series USB Microphones from Mackie.com! Check Price Now!
However, to save your time, and get to the point. I picked out a list of good cheap youtube microphones under $200 for you, at below:
>>> Top 3 Best Cheap Youtube Microphones for Vlogging, and Interviews – Best Budget Mics! Most Recommended ⇓⇓⇓
Beautiful design, compact, lightweight, delivering clear crisp sounds are what a mic must have for vlogging and interview. Below are my recommendations:
>>> Top 3 Best USB Microphones for Youtube Gaming, Streaming, Voiceover, Podcasting – Best Value Mics, Best Seller ⇓⇓⇓
Loud and clear sound, USB port for ready to plug & play, flexible polar patterns suited for different situations. Below are high recommendations:
>>> Top 3 Best Microphones for Singing, Recording music, Cover Songs – Good Quality Sound! Most Recommended ⇓⇓⇓
A Good quality large-diaphragm condenser microphone will capture very detailed sounds. It also eliminates low-frequency distortion as well.
Note: These are condenser XLR microphones, so you need to connect them via a USB Audio Interface, or mixer.
Below are high recommendations:
When you decide to buy a good quality microphone for making youtube videos, you might be wondering:
- Which youtube microphone is the best cheap to buy for beginners?
- How can I buy the best microphone on the budget?
- How much does a good microphone cost?
I used to be in your position, so I researched, reviewed, and picked out a list of best microphones for youtube videos for your reference.
Let’s get started.
If you are a beginner and tiny budget. I recommend investing around 200 bucks for a quality compact wireless microphone system. It works efficiently for vlogging, streaming, interviews, voiceover,…
I recommend one of them Saramonic Blink500 Pro B2 or Rode Wireless Go. Believe me, you won’t go wrong.
Tips on How to Choose A Good Youtube Microphone for Your Needs
You may be wondering: what to consider before buying the quality mics for youtube? The most important thing you should know is to set your budget:
If you need a mic for youtube vlogging, product reviews, and live streaming, the wireless lapel microphone is always the best choice.
The price for a good quality wireless lapel mic is around $200 to under $300
So what about youtube mics for gaming, voiceover, podcasting? The USB dynamic mics are what you need. The price is around $50 to under $100 for a good one.
As for recording singing and cover songs, the XLR condenser microphones are a priority choice. And the price is around $100 to $200.
#1. Top-rated Best Cheap Youtube Microphones for Vlogging and Interviews
Three types of microphones are YouTubers used in interviews and vlogging videos are lapel mics, wireless lav mics, and mini short gun mics.
If your budget is tight, in my experience, I highly recommend you invest in a quality wireless mic, Saramonic Blink 500 is a great choice. It is light and ultra-compact that suited for almost all situations.
1. Under $50 – best lavalier mics for video production
2. Under $200 – best wireless mics for youtube videos
3. Under $100 – best budget shotgun mics for DSLR and smartphones
#2. Top-rated Best USB Microphones for Youtube Gaming, Streaming, Voiceover, Podcasting
1. Under $50 – good budget mics for gaming, voiceover, podcasting,…
2. Under $100 – best budget mics for gaming, streaming, voiceover,…
3. Under $200 – good quality mics for podcasting, streaming, gaming,…
#3. Top-rated Best Microphones for Singing, Recording music, Cover Songs
1. Under $100 – best budget mics for singing, vocals, podcasting, recording, rapping,…
2. Under $200 – good quality mics for recording vocals, music, cover song, singing,…
In this list, the top-rated best cheap microphones for youtubers at above, all of them are a good choice. You are never going wrong with one of them.
However, if your budget is tight, here is a combo of 4 good cheap microphones for youtube videos.
Must have for a YouTuber:
- Sony ICD-TX650 is very versatile for vlogging voice recordings in some events where wireless microphones are banned.
- Rode Wireless Go is a good choice for most vlogging and YouTubers. It works well on smartphones and DSLR.
- Rode SmartLav+ you sometimes need to combine Rode SmartLav+ with Rode Wireless Go for better sound quality.
- Samson G-Track Pro for multi-purpose such as gamming, podcast, recording instrument, singing, voiceover, and more…
Top rated 5 BEST Microphones for Youtube Vlogging Videos
Are you searching for the best mic for youtube videos vlogging? Not sure which model to choose for a Youtuber?
At below, I recommend the top 5 best microphones for youtube vlogging. Hope it will save you time.
In my opinion, the criteria of the best mic for youtube vlogging including:
- Reliable brands
- Clear, crisp, and smooth audio
- Portable, lightweight, and compact
- Eliminates low-frequency distortion
- Beautiful design
What is the best youtube microphone for vlogging? Below are the top 5 good quality youtube mics for your considering:
#1. Sony ICD-TX650 – Best cheap mic for youtube vlogging
SONY IDC-TX650 is a compact recorder. Its recording quality is very good. That is why favored by journalists and recently used by Vloggers.
What is great about it:
- Slim, stylish, and light.
- 16GB built-in memory.
- Connect to computer via micro USB.
- Smart noise cut playback.
Why I like it:
SONY IDC-TX650 is quick and easy to slip on a shirt that similar to a wireless lapel microphone.
Pick up a clear and high-quality sound. The battery is great with 12 hours of continuous recording.
It has a premium metal design feels more luxurious and more durable.
The cool feature I like most is the anti-glare screen, if you are on the road, it can be easier to use.
The inconvenience when using a voice recorder is, however, you need to copy the audio files to the computer then synchronize your audio and video.
Best for…
Sony ICD-TX650 is a high-quality voice recorder and the best choice for youtube vlogging.
It is slim and light that you can use it as a wireless lapel microphone but the audio quality is better.
#2. Sony ICD-TX800 – Best microphone for vlogging youtube
Sony ICD-TX800 is a great compact recorder. If you are searching for the best mic for youtube vlogging, the Sony ICD-TX800 worths choosing.
What is great about it:
- Built-in battery for 15 hours of continuous recording.
- 16 GB built-in memory.
- Remote control or connecting the smartphone via Bluetooth.
- Smart noise cut playback.
- Records up to CD-quality audio ( LPCM 44.1 kHz/16 bit (STEREO)
Why I like it:
You use it similarly to a lapel microphone. There are many recording modes and allow us to adjust the sensitivity of the microphone.
The sound quality is smooth and clear. Pick-up voice is very clear in noisy environments.
Moreover, the TX800 recorder also has a great choice in some events where wireless microphones are banned.
Best for…
This is a great choice for events, meetings, lectures, schools, and youtube vlogging.
#3. Rode Wireless Go – Best wireless mic for youtube vlogging
Rode Wireless Go is a wireless microphone with a compact size. It is best suitable for use in cameras, camcorders, and smartphones (via TRS to TRRS adapter ).
What is great about it:
- Compact wireless microphone system: transmitter and receiver
- Built-in omnidirectional condenser mic for broadcast-quality audio
- Portable very lightweight and ultra-compact.
- Operating continuously for 7 hours
Why I like it:
It is a small, easy connection, easy to use, good battery life. The sound quality is very clear and crisp.
I have used Rode Wireless Go for recording audio when shooting video on my smartphone.
Best for…
Rode Wireless Go is a good choice for vlogging, YouTubers.
#4. Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone with Rycote Lyre Shock Mount
Rode VideoMicro Compact is a good cheap microphone for vlogging, YouTubers. This mic works well on the DSLR camera and smartphone.
If you intend to use it for smartphones, you need to invest in a Rode SC7 3.5mm TRS to TRRS Patch Cable.
What is great about it:
- Compact short gun microphone.
- Reasonable price from Rode microphone.
- It is not required for the battery.
- Just plug and play.
Why I like it:
This is an entry-level compact short gun mic, but the sound quality is amazing for the price. It is very good for the money.
The lightweight and compact design, so it is easy for vloggers and YouTubers on the go.
Best for…
If you are a vlogging beginner and don’t want to invest a huge budget for a microphone. Rode VideoMicro Compact is the best choice for you.
#5. Rode VideoMic NTG On-Camera Shotgun Microphone
Rode VideoMic NTG is another good microphone for vlogging and YouTubers. The price is high but you are not wrong when choosing this mic.
What is great about it:
- Very low self-noise
- Can be plugged into a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Built-in battery with 30 hours continuous recording
Why I like it:
It’s built very well. Great quality build microphone.
The sound is warm, clear, and smooth. It’s the perfect balance between low and high frequencies.
This mic has on/off synchronized with the camera. It means when you turn off/on the camera the Rode VideoMic NTG will auto off/on, which helps save the mic’s battery.
Best for…
Rode VideoMic NTG is versatile. It has the full functions of a USB microphone. You can use it for voiceover, video calls, youtube singing, podcast, vlogging, and more.
It is the best choice for beginners and pro vloggers.
Top rated 5 BEST Cheap Microphone for Youtube Gaming Commentary and Live Streaming
Are you searching for the best mic for youtube gaming, live streaming, or youtube commentary?
In this post, I picked out the top 5 best microphones for your reference. These mics match the criteria below:
Criteria of the best mic for youtube commentary, gaming, and live streaming:
- Loud and clear sound quality
- USB port for easy to plug and play
- Look cool and exotic design
- Durability
- 4 Polar patterns for flexible using
- Reliable brands
#1. Blue Yeti USB Mic – Best youtube microphone for gaming, and multi-purpose.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone is so popular for YouTubers. If you want to save money, and looking for a multi-purpose microphone, this mic is a good choice for you.
It is best for youtube recording, gaming, live streaming, commentary, and more… on PC and MAC.
What’s great about it:
- The USB connection is just plugged and play.
- Gain control, the mute button is built-in on the mic that would be so convenient.
- 4 pattern selection: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo are suitable for any recording situation.
- Headphone output for easy to monitor the sound.
Why I like it:
First, the look is so nice and solid. It will catch any eyes.
Second, this Blue Yeti USB microphone is so easy to use, just plug and playing via USB. You don’t need an audio interface.
The thing I like most about this Blue Yeti USB Mic is a zero-latency headphone. There is no delay when I plug my headphones directly into the output mic.
Best for…
In short, it perfect youtube mic for gaming, vocals, podcasting, voiceovers, musical instruments, interviews, conference calls, and field recordings.
#2. Blue Yeti X Professional Condenser – Best USB mic for youtube gaming, and more…
If you need a highly sensitive mic for youtube gaming commentary or live streaming, the Blue Yeti X Professional is what you need.
It is the best choice for youtube gaming, streaming, and podcasting on pc & mac.
What’s great about it:
- 4 condenser capsules to increase the sensitivity of the microphone
- The smart knob is easy to adjust mic gain, mute, and headphone volume
- High-res LED metering for easy visualize voice level
- 4 pattern selection: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo are suitable for multi-purpose use.
Why I like it:
It connects to pc and mac via USB that is so convenient, plug and plays without any other stuff.
Moreover, the Blue Yeti X uses an 4 capsules condenser that helps the mic more sensitive. It will capture very detailed sounds.
As for the sound, it produces clear, warm, and crisper sounds.
Best for…
In short, it best youtube mic for multi-purpose such as gaming commentary, vocals, podcasting, voiceovers, musical instruments, interviews, conference calls, and home recordings.
#3. HyperX QuadCast USB Condenser – Best cheap mics for youtube gaming
HyperX QuadCast USB Condenser is one of the cheap good quality microphones for youtube gaming commentary, interviews, and multi-purpose.
Its design is so cool and attractive. The sound quality is clear and warm.
What’s great about it:
- 4 selectable polar patterns are suitable for any recording situation.
- Built-in pop filter for clear sound.
- Including anti-vibration shock mount
- Mute/unmute button, and gain dial are so convenient.
- Built-in headphone jack for a monitor mode
Why I like it:
This is a USB microphone, so you don’t need to invest an audio interface for recording. Just plug and ready to go.
It including a shock mount and built-in pop filter which produces better sound quality.
I like that kind of cutting-edge design. It is very cool and eye-catching.
As for the sound, it is warm sound, and clear.
Best for…
In short, this is another good choice for youtube gaming, content creators, live streaming, interviews, and much more…
#4. JLab Audio Talk Pro USB Mic – Best USB-C mic for youtube commentary
If you want a microphone full of functions similar to Blue Yeti Pro but the price is softer, the JLab Audio Talk Pro USB Mic is worth considering first.
What’s great about it:
- Plug and Play with USB-C
- 4 directional pattern modes for any recording: podcasts, game streaming, music, or voice.
- Resolution at 192kHz/24BIT to ensure the quality recording is clear and detailed.
- 5mm jack output for real-time listening with zero latency.
Why I like it:
The design is unique and attractive. It has the same features as the Blue Yeti Pro but at a budget price.
It has a professional quality resolution of 192kHz/24bit. It ensures the sound is very detailed for professional use.
As for the sound quality, it is quite good and warm for the price and convenience.
Best for…
In short, this is the best budget microphone for recording podcasts, gaming, live streams, music, or voice.
#5. Samson G-Track Pro – Best USB mic for youtube gaming commentary, streaming, youtube lives, and home recording
Samson G-Track Pro is the best cheap USB microphone for a home recording studio, but also best for youtube gaming commentary, live streaming, and much more…
What’s great about it:
- Plug and play USB Condenser Microphone, no driver required
- Built-in audio interface for recording voice and instrument at the same time.
- 3 pick-up patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, and omnidirectional for any recording situation.
Why I like it:
The feature I like most is the recording voice and instrument at the same time.
If you play guitar or ukulele and want to record the cover song, Samson G-Track Pro is the best choice.
It has high definition audio at 24-bit and 96khz resolution which capture detailed sound.
The sound is sweet and warm.
Best for…
This is a good cheap USB microphone for a home bedroom studio. It is best for gaming and live streamers of course.
Top rated 7 BEST Quality Microphone for Youtube Singing and Covers
Are you searching for the best mics for youtube singing and covers? Not sure which model to choose for youtube singers?
Here is a list of the top 7 best microphones for singing on youtube. Hopefully, this list will help you to save time.
Criteria of a Best Quality Mic for Youtube Singers and Covers:
- Good quality large-diaphragm condenser microphone to capture very detailed sound.
- Reliable brands.
- Eliminates low-frequency distortion.
- Beautiful design.
- The cardioid polar pattern for rejecting unwanted background noise.
#1. Behringer C-1 Professional – Best cheap microphone for youtube singers, and karaoke under $50
Behringer C-1 is one of the best budget mics for youtube singing and covers. It has a clear and crisp sound for recording voice and instruments.
What’s great about it:
- Large-diaphragm condenser mic for detailed audio quality.
- Cardioid pickup pattern for background noise rejection.
- Good quality sound for a budget price.
Why I like it:
The look is nice and solid but the budget price.
The sound quality is clear and crisp, it perfect for singing, covers, and recording instruments.
Best for…
In short, the Behringer C-1 is the best cheap microphone for youtube videos singing.
If you play guitar or ukulele and want to sing and playing at the same time for youtube videos, the Behringer C-1 is a great choice.
#2. Samson C01 – Best mic for youtube covers under $100
If you are searching for the best microphone under $100 for singing on youtube, the Samson C01 is a good budget-friendly for you.
What’s great about it:
- Large-diaphragm at 19mm that helps to capture the detailed sound.
- Cardioid pickup pattern for rejecting unwanted background noise.
- Good choice for vocal, guitar, and youtube singing covers.
Why I like it:
The sound quality is good for most of the youtube singing.
My friend using Samson C01 for recording the guitar and cover the songs for her youtube channel. She has appreciated this mic.
Best for…
Samson C01 is perfect for vocals, guitars, ukulele, drums, and more. In short, this mic is a good choice for a home bedroom studio.
#3. Stellar X2 – Good microphone for youtube singing.
I must say you really can’t go wrong with the Stellar X2 microphone. It is not just for youtube covers but also best for any small home recording studio.
What’s great about it:
- High-quality large diaphragm for higher sensitivity and detailed sound.
- Built-in low noise circuit for clear sound.
- High-quality construction gives durability and strength.
Why I like it:
Stellar X2 microphone looks solid and attractive. It doesn’t feel cheap at all. It is also including a shock mount, so you will save a bit of bucks.
As for the sound quality, it clear, crisp, and a bit warmer sound. It is best for both vocals and acoustic guitar or ukulele.
Best for…
In short, Stellar X2 is one of the best microphones for youtube covers at a reasonable price. You can use this mic for multi-purpose such as cover songs, podcasts, recording guitars.
#4. Audio-Technica AT2020 – Great microphone for youtube videos singing.
Oh, the Audio-Technica AT2020 is a legend. It is very popular in most small recording studios. So many peoples have appreciated this mic.
You never go wrong with Audio-Technica AT2020.
What’s great about it:
- A wide dynamic range provides versatility for recording both vocals and instruments.
- The low self-noise level at 20db.
- High-quality large-diaphragm condenser microphone.
- Frequency response at 20hz-20khz that good for recording instruments.
- Polar pattern: cardioid
Why I like it:
Audio-Technica AT2020 is one of the few good-quality condenser microphones you can find for around $150.
It’s hard to find a mic with the same durability and sound quality in the money range.
Best for…
Audio Technica AT2020 is one of the popular condenser microphones in small to medium studios.
You can use this mic for singing on youtube, recording instruments. It won’t let you down.
#5. AKG P420 Pro – Best youtube microphone for singing
AKG P420 Pro is a high-quality condenser mic for home recording studios. This is a good choice for youtube singers and home small studios.
What’s great about it:
- 2 capsule large condenser microphone that produces great sounding audio.
- Low self-noise, better quality audio.
- The high dynamic range for recording instruments.
- 3 selectable polar patterns: cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional for each specific recording situation.
Why I like it:
The feature I like most is 3 selectable polar patterns which help this mic is versatile in many situations.
As for the sound quality, it produces a clear and crisp sound at a reasonable price.
Best for…
You can use AKG P420 Pro for multi-purpose including interview, video call, cover songs, recording a variety of instruments, voiceover, and podcast.
#6. Rode NT1A – Best quality microphone for youtube videos singing
Rode NT1A is the best choice for your home studio. It meets the requirements you need for recording vocals, and instruments.
What’s great about it:
- Low self-noise level – only 5dB that it is ideal for vocal as well as perfect for recording guitars.
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Diaphragm Size: 1″ (25.4mm)
- Max SPL: 137 dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Why I like it:
Rode NT1A microphone includes a shock mount and pop filter that needs to get a professional vocal recording.
This microphone is a very good budget. My friend has used it in her bedroom studio, and she is very impressed with the deep audio quality.
The sound is warm, clear, and crisp vocals.
Best for…
Rode NT1A microphone is best for recording vocal, youtube videos singing. It is a good ideal for home small studio recording.
#7. Shure PGA27 LC – Best quality microphone for home studio and youtube singers
Shure PGA27-LC is one of the perfect microphones for a beginner studio. It is versatile for recording both instruments and vocals.
What’s great about it:
- A large-diaphragm cartridge gets a wide dynamic range for recording any instruments and vocal.
- Cardioid polar pattern picks up audio from the front and rejecting background noise.
- High-pass filter for rejecting unwanted noise signal.
- High SPL for capturing detail and accuracy sounds.
Why I like it:
Nothing complains about the sound quality. It is smooth, clear, and crisp. I’m using Shure PGA27-LC every day for my youtube channel.
It includes a shock mount for stability and rejecting unwanted mechanical noise.
Best for…
Shure PGA27-LC is a good choice for home studio recording. It works well for youtube singing, covers, recording guitar, ukulele, and more.
FAQs About Best Microphone for Youtubers
Here is a list of FAQs that most of the people are asking, hope these answers will help you.
1. Do you need a microphone for vlogging?
Absolutely need an external microphone for the vlogging if you want to improve the quality sound.
Why is an external mic?
Because the built-in mics of DSLR cameras and smartphones are not good enough for vlogging in many situations such as noisy environments, recording in a long distance.
2. What equipment is needed for vlogging?
The important thing you will need for youtube vlogging is a great quality microphone.
The camera comes in second place. You can use a smartphone’s camera or DSLR cameras.
And some stuff such as backup battery banks, tripod, adapters.
3. Is a USB microphone good for recording vocals?
Yes, there are so many high-quality USB microphones that not only good for youtube recording vocals but also perfect for an interview, video call, podcast.
4. Can you plug a condenser mic into a computer?
It depends on what type of condenser mics. Some condenser mics use USB connecting, you can plug and play into the computer directly.
Most condenser microphones use XLR connection and need phantom power. So, you only connect condenser mics to the computer via an audio interface.
5. Is a condenser mic better for vocals?
Yes, a condenser microphone is best for recording vocals and instruments because it produces clear and crisp audio.
If you need live vocals, the dynamic is the best choice.
6. Can I use a condenser mic live?
It is ok to use a condenser mic for live. However, dynamic mics are a good choice for live because of capturing loud, strong sounds.
Condenser microphones have high sensitivity. It is used in the studio to pick up detailed sounds and higher frequencies sounds such as studio vocals and instruments.
7. What do you need for a condenser mic?
You need phantom power for a condenser microphone. So you need to invest in an audio interface for connecting condenser mics to the computer.
8. What are a microphone’s polar patterns?
What are the different polar patterns? Below are 4 polar patterns and their application:
- Cardioid mode: focusing to capture the front. It perfect choice for podcasting, gaming, streaming, webinars, and calls.
- Omnidirectional mode: picks up the sound from all directions. It is great for conference calls, need to record multiple people.
- Bidirectional mode: focusing to capture the front and the behind. It is great for interviews.
- Stereo mode: need clear separation of left and right channels. It is good for recording musical instruments. In this situation, however, the cardioid mode is a better choice.
9. What is the best mic for gaming?
The top 5 best USB microphones for youtube gaming and streaming:
- Blue Yeti USB Mic
- HyperX QuadCast
- JLab Audio Talk Pro
- Samson G-Track Pro
- Blue Yeti X Professional
10. What mic do most streamers use?
- Blue Yeti USB Microphone – the best youtube mic for live stream.
- HyperX QuadCast – the good quality USB microphone.
- JLab Audio Talk Pro – the best budget USB microphone.
- Samson G-Track Pro – the best USB microphone for home studio and multi-purpose.
- Blue Yeti X Professional – the good USB microphone for gaming and streaming.
11. What MIC do gamers use?
HyperX QuadCast is the best mic that most gamers, streamers, and YouTubers use.
This is a USB condenser gaming microphone. It works well on PC, PS4, and Mac.
12. Choosing a USB gaming mic or studio mic?
It depends on what you need. If you have a mic for gaming, live streaming, video call, the USB microphones are versatile.
The studio microphones are perfect for the home recording studio. It requires an audio interface and more devices.
Why should you need the best microphone for youtube videos?
Audio is crucial for a great YouTube video. Whether you are a streamer, product reviewer, or vlogger, if you ignore the audio, it will be the biggest mistake that you ever made.
Because in most cases, the quality audio will take more than 50% success of a video. As far as I’m concerned, a decent mic need not be a very expensive one.
Choosing the microphone for YouTube videos means knowing your recording needs! Yes, the most important thing you should remember before choosing mics for your YouTube channel is each type of situation requires a dedicated mic.
So the mics which you choose must suit the kind of activities you intend to shoot such as prank videos, interviews or home studio recording, streaming, vlogging, voice-overs.
Of course, you can absolutely use the internal microphone of DSLR cameras and smartphones for YouTube videos, but that kind of mics is not optimal for specific activities.
Mostly, the sound recorded with internal mics are usually too robotic, too small, and the mess of ambient sound will drown out your voice.
1. Internal microphones:
The internal mics are built-in cameras, smartphones, action cams. Most of these mics are omnidirectional microphones.
Omnidirectional microphones pick up sounds from all directions (from the front, back, left, or right side) of the microphone. It means that you can also pick up ambient noise.
I used to use a built-in microphone on cameras and smartphones while recording videos in crowds. And of course, the audio quality can’t get any worse.
So when you use an internal microphone?
The internal mic is suitable for recording at quiet places such as the countryside, natural wildlife.
2. Lavalier Microphones:
Lavalier microphones are small and attached to the collar or clothing by a clip.
These mics are best for vlogging because it allows low sensitivity and picks up sound at close range. As a result, you will reduce background noise easily.
The drawback is you need to plug the lavalier mic into a handy recorder such as smartphones. Zoom H1n – handy audio recorder. And then, you will have a separate audio file. You have to sync the audio and video clips together in post-production.
If you record vlogs with your smartphones, you don’t need a handy recorder. Just plug lav mic into your smartphone easily via a 3.5mm jack.
I recommend Rode Smartlav Plus. It is one of the best lav mics for vlogging
Personally, I would like to combine Rode Smartlav Plus with iPhone 6 plus, and pleased I did. The audio quality is improved so much, thanks to Rode Smartlav Plus.
Note: Some Lavalier microphones have a TRRS port for smartphones and other is a TRRS port for cameras. So you can buy an extra Rode SC3 3.5mm TRRS to TRS Adapter if necessary.
3. Shotgun microphones:
Shotgun microphones are directional microphones. It means that a shotgun mic is only sensitive to sounds from the front, and it can only pick up sounds from this direction.
Therefore, you have to point shotgun mics directly to target sounds to pick up decent audio.
The longer a shotgun mic’s body is, the better and more accurate “directional” is.
Here are two best shotgun microphones, highly recommended for you:
- Rode VideoMic Go is lightweight and best for on-the-go vlogging.
- Rode MideoMic Pro plus has some advanced functions for using it with DSLR cameras.
In short, they are both very good-sounding shotgun microphones.
So, how to use shotgun microphones efficiently?
Depending on each situation, you can combine a shotgun mic with a handy recorder, or plug the shotgun mic directionally to your camera.
If you use your shotgun mic with a handy recorder, you have to sync the audio and video via video editor software.
You can use shotgun mics in three ways:
- Attaching into cameras
- Holding it in your hand
- Attaching into a boom pole
4. Wireless microphones:
What is a wireless microphone?
The wireless microphones are normal microphones such as Lavalier microphones and Shotgun microphones above but without a physical cable.
These microphones plugged into the transmitter device, and the receiver device plugged into cameras or handy recorders.
The audio from the transmitter device is transmitted to a receiver device via wireless signals.
Using a wireless microphone is an efficient way of recording audio from a distance. For example, entertainers or interviewers can move about freely as their voices are amplified.
5. Handy Portable Recorders
If you are looking for the best handy recorder for vlogging at a reasonable price, I highly recommend Sony TX650 and Zoom H1n.
Sony TX650 is very small, lightweight, and many functions. You can attach it to the collar or clothing easily.
Zoom H1n allows you to adjust the sensitivity when recording audio. Although it is a built-in internal mic, it does support external mics.
Of course, you can use your smartphone as a handy recorder as well. However, the audio quality can’t be as good as Sony TX650 and Zoom H1n.
What microphone do YouTubers use?
If you are a beginner, I recommend investing around 200 bucks for a quality compact wireless microphone system like Saramonic Blink500 Pro B2 or Rode Wireless Go. It works efficiently for vlogging, streaming, interviews, voiceover,…
The information below is just for reference. I think you don’t need to invest a thousand dollars for too many microphones like those YouTubers.
Casey Neistat (@CaseyNeistat)
- Rode VideoMic Pro(on-camera quality shotgun mic)
- Shure VP83(a backup for Rode VideoMic Pro microphone)
Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD)
- Blue Yeti
- Sennheiser MKH416(great shotgun mics)
Kraig Adams (@Kaaadams)
- Rode VideoMic Pro+(on-camera shotgun mics)
- Rode NT-USB
- Sennheiser AVX ME2 Lavalier Kit(quality wireless lav mic for DSLR)
David Rock (@davidrocknyc)
- Rode VideoMic GO(on-camera shotgun)
- Sennheiser AVX ME2 Lavalier Kit(wireless lav mic for DSLR)
- Sennheiser EW 112P G3-A(wireless lavalier kit)
Roberto Blake (@robertoblake)
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- Rode VideoMic Pro(on-camera shotgun mic)
- Sennheiser MKE 440(on-camera shotgun, dual capsules)
- Rode RodeLink Filmmaker Kit(wireless lav for DSLR)
- Rode VideoMicro(on-camera shotgun mic, good budget-friendly)
- Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB(USB & XLR great for the price)
- Blue Yeti
Conclusion
So the answer to the question: “How do I record good quality audio for youtube vlogs?” is flexible.
First of all, you need to know what and where you want to record audio, and then choose the right type of best youtube microphone for your project.
Phew, it’s a long post but nothing can kill a video like bad audio.
And nothing can benefit a video like great audio so I decided to share this list of “the best microphone for youtube videos” with you.
Which mic suits your YouTube channel? Let me know if you post a video with your microphone!
