A streaming microphone is a great way to get your message out there. A good streaming microphone is essential for creating a live stream that your audience will enjoy. You want to make sure that you have excellent sound and video quality, so it’s best to invest in the right equipment from the start. Here are some qualities of a good streaming microphone:
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1) Clarity
When you’re using a computer to record and playback audio, there’s a good chance that the sound will be low quality and grainy. This can easily be fixed by purchasing a USB or XLR streaming microphone(the latter, you need an interface).
2) Noise Cancelation
For those who plan on streaming video games, noise cancellation is essential because it stops your loud keyboard and mouse clicks from ruining your recording.
3) Directional
A directional streaming mic helps you pick up sound directly in front of it while canceling unwanted sounds coming from other directions. This is ideal for gamers who want to record their voice added along with game audio.
4) Wide Frequency Range
The more comprehensive the frequency range, the richer and more natural your voice will sound. The standard range is 20Hz to 20kHz, but purchasing a mic with a higher range improves clarity.
5) Noise Reduction
This feature minimizes background noise while keeping your intended recording loud and clear. When you’re using an XLR streaming microphone, you can purchase one with a built-in noise reduction feature.
6) Gain Control
The gain control allows you to increase the signal strength of your recording, minimizing distortions and background noises. This is helpful for gamers who want to reduce mic pops and “breathing” sounds that come from breathing into the mic during long gaming sessions.
7) Separate Volume Controls For Different Applications
Having separate volume controls for your speakers and microphones will allow you to easily adjust the recording volume without disturbing the audio you’re sending out.
8) Professional Feedback Cancellation
If there’s a lot of noise during your stream, it can be difficult for viewers to hear your voice over the crowd. This is where a professional feedback cancellation feature comes in handy. It will prevent the sound of your voice from being amplified too much, which might cause an echo or other unwanted noise.
9) Compatibility With Your Streaming Software
Make sure that the streaming microphone you choose works with the software you have installed on your computer. Some microphones require special drivers before they can be used on your computer, while others can plug into a USB port.
10) Ease of Use
The last thing you want is to spend hours fiddling with complicated software and settings. Look for a streaming microphone that offers plug and play setup and some built-in effects such as noise cancellation or echo cancellation.
Conclusion
A good microphone is an investment and will make a noticeable difference in your recordings. Some people prefer condenser microphones for their higher quality, while others like the sound of dynamic mics. Whatever you choose to use as your mic, be sure that it has high-quality components.
