Since there are so many microphones in the marketplace, finding one that works best with your needs may be difficult. This is why this guide is here to help you narrow your search and find the perfect microphone for your gaming needs.
The first thing you should look for when shopping for a gaming mic is its polar pattern. A polar pattern refers to the position of the microphone’s pickup and its sensitivity to sound sources around it. Polar patterns are often described by their directionality and the shape of the microphone in relation to its tuning. Through a polar pattern, you can find out if you could pick up sound over a larger area or if it will pick up sounds from in front of or behind the mic.
If you’re looking for a good microphone for your PC gaming, you should know that there are several things to look out for. Consider the type of microphone that would work best with your gaming requirements.
Are you looking for something best suited for streaming or general use, or do you need something that can give you an edge when playing online shooters? It’s important to differentiate between the two, as there are several differences among them.
When deciding on the size of the microphone, you will need to be sure that it is suitable for your gaming setup. This is all dependent on whether you use a headset or a dedicated gaming headset. You can still choose between a large, small, and medium-sized microphone with an external mic. The microphone you choose should be at least a couple of inches away from your mouth if you’re using a headset with the mic or around 3 inches if you use an external mic.
As far as microphones for PC gaming go, there isn’t much difference in terms of weight when compared to those used in professional recording studios and recording rooms. Because most gaming headsets are wireless, the weight of the microphone is less of an issue. Therefore, you won’t need to worry too much about whether your gaming headset will support a heavy microphone or not.
It is also important to be mindful of additional features while searching for a good mic for PC gaming. While most mics have similar features, it may be worthwhile to consider a mic with additional features, such as directional control and noise cancellation technology, to help enhance your gaming experience.
To find out if your headset supports a microphone, you can check the user manual that came with the headset. If there is not a section for compatible accessories, then you can assume that the mic is incompatible. Alternatively, you should also look for an onboard microphone.
Although most headsets are wireless and have their own communication channels to send audio from the headset to the PC, some also use a 3.5mm jack for an onboard microphone. If your headset does not have an onboard mic or lacks one altogether, it will be incompatible with any gaming mics.
With a microphone built to last, the HyperX QuadCast S has four polar patterns and offers studio-grade sound quality. While it’s not the best noise canceling microphone, this model is a solid choice for those looking to stream on Twitch or YouTube and communicate with your audience. It comes with an anti-vibration shock mount and a pop filter, allowing you to quickly stream without worrying about additional disturbances.
The QuadCast has an in-built gain control button, giving you more control over what comes out of your speakers. This is an essential tool for streamers, as it allows you to avoid clipping as much as possible. This microphone for PC is best overall on this list because of the ultimate user experience it offers.
The Maono USB Gaming Microphone is a USB condenser microphone with a cardioid pattern boasting an incredibly low noise floor. It’s built to last and has solid sound quality, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stream while they play on Twitch or YouTube. You don’t need to use any additional software to use this gaming microphone PC because it features plug-and-play functionality.
The mic features a studio-grade amplifier that provides clear sound for vocals and instruments alike. The condenser microphone also integrates automatic overload prevention circuitry into the body, allowing you to use the microphone without worrying about clipping or distortion — an absolute must for those who stream regularly.
Designed to be a high-quality mic for gaming and streaming, the Razer Seiren X is a USB condenser microphone designed to record clear audio. It comes with onboard gain control that gives users more control over their volume levels and allows them to get rid of clipping as much as possible.
The Seiren’s super-cardioid pattern focuses on sound quality, allowing the user to detect subtle changes in voice or music without falling into unwanted background noise. It features an aluminum body that makes it durable if you drop your mic, which could happen if you like to pace while recording audio.
The Logitech For Creators Blue Yeti is a USB condenser microphone designed specifically for those looking to record projects on the go. Its design allows extreme comfort when streaming and recording, giving you less strain on your ears.
You’ll also find that this microphone has extended frequency response, allowing you to hear sounds that other microphones may have missed, such as low-frequency sounds or audio from the other side of a room.
The Tonor TC-777 is a USB condenser mic with a cardioid polar pattern. It’s built to last and features a high-quality body and sound, making it an excellent choice for those looking to record clear audio. While its polar pattern isn’t the best for you to record vocals, it is an excellent choice for streaming and more general recording needs.
The TC-777 comes with a pop filter and a tripod stand, ensuring you can use the microphone without worrying about anything falling out of place.
A: Gaming microphones can cost between $20 and $200, although many of the best microphones for PC gaming are priced in line with professional recording equipment. Those that don't cost as much have features missing or are not as durable and resilient as their more expensive counterparts.
A: There aren't too many differences in selecting between one microphone for streaming and another. The main difference you should make between two different mics is whether they come with features such as a stand or microphone clip.
A: This really comes down to your budget and which microphone works best with your needs. Some mics are designed for streaming, while others are designed for more general use.