Best Dynamic Microphone For Streaming

Make your streams more engaging by improving sound quality with dynamic microphones.

Sound quality is one of many challenges of live streaming. Be it gaming or podcasts, the sound must be clear of noise, feel warm, and not annoy the viewers with interference. Dynamic mics are specially designed to withstand these challenges and offer remarkable noise reduction, minimal self-noise, and consistent sound to improve the sound quality significantly.

If you were looking for such a microphone, we have compiled a list of some of the best-sounding dynamic microphones available on the market. Let’s get to them;

Why Is the Shure SM58 the Best Dynamic microphone for streaming?

Shure SM58 is one of the most popular dynamic microphones in the audio industry mainly because of its rugged build, reliable performance, and versatility. It is a go-to microphone for musicians but works just as well for live streaming. Along with a cardioid polar pattern, it features an internal shock mount system to reduce the noise created by vibration, a phenomenon particularly common in live game streams.

While the sound quality is at par with some of the premium dynamic mics, it is priced quite meagrely, making it an excellent option for streamers who have only recently started. You can combine it with an array of accessories to get the desired results.Shure SM58

Shure SM58 is designed to limit the proximity effect, a common phenomenon that occurs when you speak close to the microphone. It removes that extra bass and delivers clear sound, free of background noise and vibrations generated by rapid key presses on the keyboard. The sturdy construction of this XLR microphone allows it to withstand accidental abuse that may come its way.

The Versatile Dynamic Microphone For Live Streaming Is The FDUCE SL40

SL40 by FDUCE is probably the most durable dynamic mic within its price bracket. Its metallic construction with little plastic imparts incredible strength, allowing it to withstand accidental drops and abuse users may throw its way. The dual XLR/USB connections make the microphone suitable for various applications. It also offers plug-and-play functionality with desktops and gaming consoles, ensuring a convenient setup for streamers and podcasters.

SL40 delivers an incredible audio quality for its price, which is free of background noise and sounds pleasant. Despite a non-linear frequency response, the overall quality feels nice and warm. A little investment in rooms’ acoustics and optimal mic placement further improves the sound quality.

SL40 offers excellent audio output when provided with a stable position. You can also operate SL40 as a playback device using its USB connection with a headset to get decent playback with good audio quality. The off-axis rejection is also remarkable, thanks to a strict unidirectional polar pattern.

The top-rated Dynamic Microphone For Streaming is The MAONO USB/XLR Podcast Dynamic Mic

MAONO USB microphone solves the most common problem experienced by podcasters and live streamers: key noises and plosive sounds. This USB microphone offers an incredible off-axis rejection to minimize ambient noise, ensuring the noise of key presses and other devices in the room does not make it to the microphone. Whereas the internal pop filter complements it by reducing plosive when the mic is close to your mouth, all while delivering excellent and superior sound quality.

You get zero-latency monitoring via 3.5mm audio output, allowing you to monitor exactly what is being recorded in live sessions and make the mends if required. While this USB mic comes with all necessary accessories, they are compact, making the unit travel-friendly.

MAONO microphone makes a strong contender as your next streaming device, mainly because of its rich and warm audio, off-axis rejection, and rugged construction along with aesthetic design. It comes with a complete kit, ensuring users can get started as soon as they pull it out of the box.

The Best Microphone To Capture Accurate Vocals Is the PreSonus PD-70 Dynamic Microphone

Not many dynamic mics in this price bracket can capture the nuances and richness of human voice as PD-70. This desktop mic enhances your streaming quality by delivering clear, crisp audio with minimal unwanted background noise and self-distortion. You can also use it in a loud environment, like with background music during streams, and still get remarkable results.

Musicians will find it delightful as the frequency response is tailored for the instruments such as drums and basses. Some users may need to adjust frequencies as it is heavy on high frequencies and light on low frequencies, streaming setup which works for musicians but not for other users. While the built quality is solid, users may have to compromise with the heavyweight.

Unlike most dynamic microphones, PD-70 does not sound “broadcasty” and delivers rich and natural audio. This XLR microphone features a tailored frequency response for the musicians and accurately captures low and high notes of vocals and instruments.

Donner XLR/USB Podcast Is The Best Budget Dynamic Microphone For Streaming

Donner XLR mic, despite its affordable price, does not cut corners when it comes to performance and durability. It is designed to capture and highlight the most captivating parts of human speech, making it especially good for podcast and gaming streams. The performance is mainly owed to the boosted 200Hz band, which makes the sound more natural and warmer.

This USB mic comes with all standard features, including a low-cut function, windscreen, shock mount stand, and windscreen. It also reduces the proximity effect, making the streams more clear and pleasant to the ears. While it features subcardioid polar patterns, it does not come in the way of blocking ambient noise.

There are not many options that offer as much value as the Donner XLR mic. It is surprisingly well-built for its price and offers clear, noise-free, and crisp audio quality. Everything you need to get started is available in the package.

The Best Dynamic microphone for streaming: Notable Mentions

What Should You Know Before Buying A Dynamic Microphone for Streaming?

Although we have narrowed down your options, you must know and consider several factors before you purchase a dynamic microphone. These include the following;

1. Streaming Type

Streaming generally describes live podcasts, gaming, and music sessions. While the requirements of gaming and podcast streams are almost the same, they can vary for live music sessions. You need a dynamic microphone that excels at capturing and reproducing human speech for the former two activities. In contrast, the microphones for streaming live music sessions must also record the instruments with the same accuracy; not all dynamic mics can do that.

You must look for the microphone that suits your requirements. For example, the Donner XLR mic is great at recording vocals but only performs half a decent job in recording music. PD-70, on the other hand, does an excellent job for the musicians as its frequency response is tailored for the vocals and musical instruments.

2. Polar Patterns

A polar pattern describes the pick-up points where the microphones capture the audio. Fundamentally, there are two types of polar patterns: unidirectional or cardioid and omnidirectional.

The microphones with unidirectional polar patterns can only pick up sound from one direction and block the sound sources from other directions by a phenomenon called off-axis rejection. If you have to record in a loud environment and want to ensure the sound is free of background noise, unidirectional microphones will suit you the best. Such microphones are the best for recording vocals during game streams and podcasts.

Omnidirectional microphones, in contrast, capture the sound waves from all directions and thus also record ambient noise. Such microphones are not recommended for podcasts and game streams, but musicians who stream with multiple instruments may have a use for them.

3. USB Microphone VS XLR Microphone

Microphones can output two types of signals: digital and analog. The digital signals are transmitted via a USB connection, whereas XLR outputs are used to transfer analog signals. While the signal transferred via XLR output is superior in terms of quality, most devices, such as laptops, desktops, and smartphones, do not have the input port for XLR. You will need an analog-to-digital adapter to make the XLR microphone work for such devices. That said, using ADP compromises the audio signal and stops the microphones from delivering to their full potential.

So, if you do not have a device that supports an XLR connection, it is best to stick with USB microphones. While their audio quality is not as good as XLR microphones, you will not have to purchase extra adapters. You will also have a true idea of how the microphone sounds by checking the audio samples available on the internet.

4. Tonal Reproduction

Tonal reproduction means how well a microphone can match its output with the input. That said, you do not always want to reproduce the exact input. For example, if you have a loud voice that can potentially annoy the listeners, it is best to get a microphone that suppresses high notes, as it will make the voice more pleasant.

In contrast, users with low voices should get a microphone that augments mid-range frequencies to ensure their voice remains audible to the viewers.

Different microphones have varying frequency responses, and while none of them are inherently flawed, no single mic will work for everyone. You have to analyze the frequency responses of different microphones to find the one that best suits your voice.

5. Max SPL

Max SPL describes how well a microphone can manage under loud sounds without distorting the output. While it is not as important for podcasters and gamers, musicians must look for it. A microphone with a high Max SPL will be able to record loud instruments such as drums more clearly than one with a low Max SPL. Generally, the dynamic microphones with a max SPL of 135 dB work well for acoustic instruments such as guitars, but you will want to get one with a higher max SPL if you stream with loud instruments like drums and violins.

Tips To Get The Most Out Of The Best Dynamic Microphones For Streaming

All dynamic microphones for streaming have certain limitations, which may cloud the quality you want to provide to your audience. The following tips will help you extract the most from your microphones without spending too much capital.

1. Understand Your Microphone

A lot of people do not use their microphones to their full potential because they are not aware of the features and capabilities of their devices. You must understand all the features of your microphones to get the best results. For example, if your microphone has a unidirectional polar pattern, it will give the best results only if you place it directly in front of the sound source. Similarly, if you are experiencing too much bass in the output, try using low-cut filters and windscreens to lower certain frequencies.

2. Record in a Quiet environment

Not everyone has the luxury of the studio, but to get the best results, you must minimize the ambient noise. You can switch off the fan and turn on air conditioners or move the loud devices such as CPUs away from the microphone to ensure microphones do not capture their sound. It will be best to carpet your floors because it blocks the reflection of sound waves and prevents them from entering the output. You can also soundproof the room using polystyrene sheets, improving the sound quality by many folds without breaking the bank.

3. Optimize The Microphone Position

Microphone position plays a vital role in the output quality. A microphone that is too far from the sound source will not capture the details and render the quality subpar. Similarly, if a microphone is too near to the sound source, it will distort the sound quality by adding more bass. You have to find the optimal microphone position to get the best results. It is different for every microphone because of the varying sensitivities and ability to combat the proximity effect, but you can find the right position with experimentation.

4. Invest in Quality Accessories

Above a certain price point, there is not much difference in the default output quality of different microphones. You can bring the difference into your output by investing in quality accessories. For example, investing in a quality windscreen will help minimize background sounds if you are recording in a loud and windy atmosphere. Similarly, if a microphone is not combating the proximity effect, pop filters can fix it. You can also invest in premium microphone stands and shock mounts to reduce vibration and keep the audio clean of unwanted bass and distortion.

5. Monitor Streams In Real Time

Many modern microphones offer an output for the headphone jack, allowing the users to monitor exactly what is being recorded. You must use this feature if your microphone has it. Monitor the output and make the mends if required, which may include positioning the microphone, adjusting sensitivity, filters, and polar pattern.

6. Find Suitable Software

Applications and plugins are great way to make your microphone sound better. Some of them are free and offer tons of useful features. You can either adjust the output manually or use default equalizers offered by these applications. Listen to the different plugins and equalizer modes carefully and understand their nuances to find the most suitable option.

Frequently Asked Questions