USB vs XLR Mics For Streaming! - What You NEED To Know in 2021!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มิ.ย. 2024
- The classic question! Which Microphone is better for streaming? USB vs XLR? Today we are covering what you need to know to make sure you get the right streaming microphone for you in 2021!
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What Is The Difference Between Dynamic And Condenser Microphones?
Most USB microphones are Condenser microphones, and condenser microphones are incredibly sensitive, they are better in really controlled studio settings with padding and special vents to cut aircon sound. USB Mics also cheap out on a lot of the important parts that convert audio signals to digital signals in order to keep the cost low for you guys meaning they overall will produce worse, not terrible but worse sound.
Sure they can often produce really natural sounds straight out of the box, but it is harder for you to cut out the sound of a keyboard, or a fan without also stripping part of your own voice out and making it sound thin.
Compared to the PodMic which is a dynamic microphone that is great for capturing vocals in noisier environments and producing a good quality live sound.
🕘Timestamps:
0:00 Video Start
0:50 Introduction And Blind Microphone Test
2:10 How Much Does A Good USB And Good XLR Microphone Cost For Streaming
3:25 What Audio Interface or Mixer Should I Get For Streaming
4:00 What Microphone To Buy On A Budget
4:40 What Microphone Is Harder To Set Up And Sound Good
6:50 What Is The Difference Between A Dynamic Microphone And Condenser Microphones
8:15 What Is An Audio Polar Pattern For A Microphone And What Is The Best?
8:30 The WORST Mistake To Make For Polar Patterns
9:25 FREE Animated Overlays For Your Stream
9:50 What Features Do USB And XLR Mics Have
10:48 How To Add Voice Reverb And Autotune To Microphones
12:10 How To Have Split Audio Sources With A GoXLR Or Elgato Wave 3
13:25 Which Microphones Were Which?
14:20 Best Beginner Microphone Recommendations - AT2020+, Blue Yeti, Elgato Wave 3
15:35 - Best XLR Microphones For Beginners - PodMic And Focusrite
What is the difference between Cardioid and Omnidirectional Microphones?
The other important thing you’ll want to look at is a microphone Polar Pattern, this is the scope that the microphone picks up sound from.
The AT2020+ and the PodMic are both Cardioid microphones which is often what you’ll want for a streaming microphone, it means it has a nice cone shape where it will pick up audio from, compared to the opposite what you REALLY don’t want an Omnidirectional which will pick up audio from every direction making it hard to cut out keyboards, fans, other people, etc.
The Blue Yeti Snowball microphone can be both Cardioid OR Omnidirectional, for example, so make sure you confirm what polar patterns you are buying or using when researching microphones to buy.
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🕘Timestamps:
0:00 Video Start
0:50 Introduction And Blind Microphone Test
2:10 How Much Does A Good USB And Good XLR Microphone Cost For Streaming
3:25 What Audio Interface or Mixer Should I Get For Streaming
4:00 What Microphone To Buy On A Budget
4:40 What Microphone Is Harder To Set Up And Sound Good
6:50 What Is The Difference Between A Dynamic Microphone And Condenser Microphones
8:15 What Is An Audio Polar Pattern For A Microphone And What Is The Best?
8:30 The WORST Mistake To Make For Polar Patterns
9:25 FREE Animated Overlays For Your Stream
9:50 What Features Do USB And XLR Mics Have
10:48 How To Add Voice Reverb And Autotune To Microphones
12:10 How To Have Split Audio Sources With A GoXLR Or Elgato Wave 3
13:25 Which Microphones Were Which?
14:20 Best Beginner Microphone Recommendations - AT2020+, Blue Yeti, Elgato Wave 3
15:35 - Best XLR Microphones For Beginners - PodMic And Focusrite
According to these comments I can confirm this video has been uploaded at the perfect time
Apparently!
It's scary how
XLR matched with a behringer xenyx usb mixer is wonderful. I use the Rhode Procaster and have plenty of clean gain to get a good signal out. Taking time to understand mixing and audio balance is worth the headache! Love your content as always!
Thanks for sharing! And the kind words! :)
I just binged nearly all of your videos over the last couple of nights and I have a new spark of inspiration and motivation to keep pushing forward with my streaming career. Thanks so much man :)
You got this! I am glad I can help! :)
Thanks bro! I never subscribe to these types of channels due to the same typical advice, but on the first or second video I watched, i immediately subscribed! Keep it up!
@@Misolation Hey thanks mate! I appreciate it a lot!
New viewer, I've been watching your videos recently and you helped me make my mic a lot better. Thank You so much and I'm definitely a new fan.
Glad I could help! :)
Hey man, just wanna say you have helped me so much in streaming, I only started 3 weeks ago but I hit affiliate yesterday!! I seriously don't think I have ever seen someone as helpful as you on TH-cam, you give everything for free and help everyone out, thank you so much.
Glad I could help! :) Thanks for the kind words!
Budget wise, USB mics are pretty much fine for anyone starting out and doesn't own an interface, on the other hand if you already got an interface (just like in my case, I had one laying around with phantom power) I guess it's better to go straight for an XLR one. There are a lot of budget XLR mics out there that will sound awesome without much trouble.
Pretty much what I said at the end of the video as well, they’ll do a great job to start out!
In a sea of audio-themed videos I've watched on this topic, yours have been the most helpful. Thanks! :D
This video is so good exactly what I was looking for, love your vids man keep up the good work!
I am really glad!
I'm a newer streamer! You've been an absolute lifesaver, man. I've watched almost all of your videos. I know part of this is to 'make content' but you've helped a lot of people! You're a good guy! Thank you so much.
Thanks for this. I just done my first stream couple of days ago. Streamed it directly from my ps4. If things goes well I'll be getting a pc, mic and the works , so was just researching about mics and found this video very helpful. Thanks pal 😀
I use the Blue Yeti on the Compass arm (aka the Yeticaster) and I think it's pretty great. The audio quality changed dramatically from what I was using before (Turtle Beach headset.. gotta work with what you have lol). I love it. My viewers love the change in quality too. USB mics have come such a long way in recent times to the point that you probably don't need to be shilling out several hundo... at least not in the beginning.
Sure, an XLR would be the 'endgame' result but for now, my mic and set up, I love it and so do my viewers and if they're happy, i'm happy!
when i was looking for a new mic, xlr was off the table due to my limited budget. after watching many video reviews i went with the razor sirein mini, and i have not been disappointed. still need to watch the video on improving sound though so i can get everything i can from it
Our video on improving any mic can go a long way for a USB mic!
iv been looking for a new mic lately perfect timing
Welcome in #earlygang Hope it helps!
SAME!!
Yes! about time to update my mic game
@@AbsurdParrot_ same probs
It's so good liking your videos before I watch, because I automatically know they are going to be amazing!
You're the best! Thanks Yin! :)
@@StreamScheme One of the best content creators I know! Keep smashing it mate!
I strean with the Rode Podmic and the GOXLR. Awesome setup, sounds great and no cloudlifter etc required. Great setup for £250
It’s a great mic isn’t it!
Your video helped me go towards the USB option. The XLR complication just isn't worth it for me in terms of benefits. Thank you!!!
This was so helpful man, I think I might get the new wave 3 mic now.
Make sure to keep researching! It's a great mic but obviously it isn't perfect for everyone so you'll want to double check for yourself!
You honestly have helped me through so much with this twitch shit. Thanks!
Hey I am really glad man! Thanks for the kind words!
Loving the tips, hopefully I can get a nicer desk and a better set up soon, I appreciate the tips on mics and games!
Happy to help! Good luck!
Thank you!
Awesome video! Thanks for the tips.
Glad it was helpful!
This was so helpful thank you so much
I'm glad! :)
Man these videos are just WOOOO
Welcome in #earlygang thanks for the kind words! :)
I actually use both when I record my videos. I use the yeti to get the gameplay sound, and now for voiceovers, I use the Rode podmic or the Xm8500 into the minifuse 1 audio interface
Wait, why are you using the Yeti to capture gameplay?
Are you playing audio out of a speaker and then into a mic? The quality loss on that would be extreme, have you considered recording the gameplay through the PC?
It seems I recognized the more natural/deep sound of C microphone, which was the xlr indeed!
Nice useful content! 🙂👍
Do you have a video/would you do a video specifically for equalizing for your voice (not yours yours, the watcher's yours), or like, if there's ways to tell how you should depending on where you voice naturally hits? Would be super helpful.
Hey i´m watching ur vids way down here from germany and i gotta say i really enjoy them. I recently downloaded your Channel Overlay Pack and i do a appreciate the work that you put into them
Thank you for the kind words, Patrick! It means a lot, I read all the comments and hope I can keep helping!
just thought about it and googled a bit and u posted
thank u:D
Heck yeah!
Nice video! I use XLR mics like the rode procaster with the GOXLR and the pre amp built in the goxlr is great no cloud filter needed and I love how we can have people in discord and PSN chats and they all can hear each other pretty cool
I love my GoXLR, can't wait for the Shure and the fact I won't need my cloudlifter with it either!
Literally am browsing for mics now holy shit u guys are godsent
I am so glad! :)
Another great vid my guy!
Thanks for the kind words! #earlygang!
The Podmic is too much on the high side for me. I ended up going with the Shure SM7B, SE DYNAMITE pre line amp, and the Rodecaster Pro. That has been the best combo for me.
Got here in the first hour 🤙 Yet another really helpful video 💯
Glad to hear it! Thanks for the kind words! :)
When it comes to guessing mics, the noise floor was obvious in A and D. I can't comment on which one was which. B sounded okay but C was more natural.
This is literly perfect timing, im looking for a good mic atm
Made it just for you Gingervov!
Same
quick question! for streaming on a xbox one x with the intentions to switch to pc when accessible, what are your recommendations?
Edit: with specifications where i can mute if i need to on the go with no issues! thank you sir
ah hh you have the exact same USB and XLR mics as I do. Thanks for this vid! I move around a lot when I stream so I prefer the condenser (AT2020) as it pics me up nearly a foot away (I do have a very quiet studio though). I found the podmic dropped out if I moved my head to the side even a little. Plus USB is just easier when I don't need the podcaster for sound effects etc.
I've had the rode podmic for 2 months now and I love it
Yeah?
you are so helpful thank you and luv u ^^
Happy to help!
Hi, thx to ur tips my twitch is popping off
Welcome in #earlygang Hope it helps! And congrats on the channel!
Just curious. What would you suggest to some one who works 50+ hours a week and only has close to weekend hours to stream... and .. do you ever subscribe to the smaller streamers who support you?
M-Audio just released the "M-track Solo" usb audio interface for $50 USD. Much cheaper than the Scarlet options, and when combined with $100 USD for the Rode Podmic, is the same price as an AT2020+.
Thanks for the tip! Will look into it!
im new to streaming and never had anything but a headseti. lol think i want a blue yeti. love the videos
Glad they help! Good luck!
I'm using a HyperX Quadcast and it is a great sounding USB microphone. It costs $120 USD. (the red one not the newer one)
I have the wave 3 and I am more than happy with it
A very VERY fantastic mic!
I have had bad luck with USA microphones. I now use the new PD-70 Presonus dynamic broadcasting microphone with the Focusrite solo audio interface
where can I find that glitch effect overlay? it looks really cool
In our discord but it isn't out just yet, coming soon! :)
The timing! I am preparing to stream and your videos were just what I needed to gain more understanding!
0:59 I was lied to 😂😂😂
I personally use a Razer Seiren Mini for my streams. I was really surprised how good it sounds with only a 50 euro pricetag. It has a hypercardioid pick-up pattern, so after putting on some filters in OBS you cannot hear my mech keyboard AT ALL, and I'm still using it on my desk. So I'd highly recommend it to people that have a very small budget like I do
Oh the polar pattern on the Seiren Mini helps A LOT!
Samson Q2U dynamic USB microphone. I love mine.
Oh I recommend this mic a lot these days!
I've recently picked up the goxlr and a mic for it, I was curious do you need different audio sources in obs like when you use voicemeeter or do you just use your desktop or mic audio as a source and the goxlr mixes everything else for you? I know you disable any other audio sources and have it listed under the mic/auxiliary section. I just want to make sure the stream hears whatever I hear.
So if you run all your routing in the GoXLR to the broadcast stream mix then you just need the 1 source.
Except for alerts, etc depending on how you have them set up.
That said, I have separated my Chat Mic source in GoXLR and added that as an individual source for OBS, unrouted it from my broadcast mix as well, that way I have my audio recorded on an individual track for editing later.
@@StreamScheme Thank you that helps immensely!
I tried to resist but your content is awesome! Hope i build a good community and make great content! I can't waste those tips
I hope you do as well! Good luck mate! You got this!
@@StreamScheme ❤ cheers! God bless
Did you try the new AT2020USB-XP? Thanks
your videos are the best!
Glad you like them! Welcome in #earlygang!
I already have the audio interface because I play bass any good suggestions for mics
I have the elgato wave 3 and i absolutely love it, $150 usd and comes with a streaming mixer that us very very useful
Good to hear! It is such a good mic!
THE LIVING ROOM SET UP IS LITERALLY MY LIFE RN!!!!!!! Have a few more months till I move out and have a private set up lolllllll
Hey man what's your thoughts on DIY Perks microphone? I just bought a TLM 103 SPECIFICALLY to record vocals for an album I'm working and I'm looking to get an apogee symphony interface to couple with it. But a friend of mine told me to do the diy perks microphone but that one is only usbc. However the apogee does have a usbc port. thoughts on this?
Do you have a setup for the xlr mic because I had previously bought one and I have a rode microphone with a native instruments komplete audio 6 audio interface and wanted to go ahead and use it for the stream.
I've been using the Yeti for a couple of years now and I think it's very solid. It has a good reputation for a reason, I reckon.
It’s a good reputation BUT remember for the same price a lot of new tech and brands have caught up like the others I mentioned.
@@StreamScheme Yea true
correct me if I am wrong but doesn't fethead do the same thing as cloudlifter except way cheaper?
Yo i dont know if you remember me but i finally hit affiliate. Im enjoying every part about streaming and its nice to build a community off of it especially during this hard time. I have you to thank and I appreciate everything you have done for me.
No thanks need to go to me man, sounds like you’re working hard and that’s why you’ve achieved something! Good luck!
@@StreamScheme Na its needed
Now this is some content
Now this is pod racing!
Love your vids
Welcome in #earlygang Hope it helps!
Question I sometimes stream on mobile and have average 1 or 2 viewers who use chat and I interact with how can I increase that as I have been wondering
I have a lot of videos about chat engagement that should help!
I have a vtuber channel on TH-cam and Twitch and will soon be adding Facebook to that I will be multi-streaming to them soon too, the mic I have is the Elgato Wave 3 there are often other noises near by that sometimes are and sometimes aren't heard in my streams and edited videos that I post to TH-cam. What mic would you recommend for me or is the Elgato Wave 3 good enough?
Me *watches this to avoid wanting to spend money on an XLR*
Also me *now wants a Shure sm7b
Get the mini one it’s half the price then the shire sm7b and has the same specs and sounds quality
A. USB (sorry if i type it wrong)
B. USB
C. XLR
D. USB
Love the vid!
Took your advice about games and today got 2 new followers and a active viewer + i like the game!
Thank you so much!
Glad it helped! And very close, its revealed at the end!
How do you suggest growing with a game like Stardew Valley? I gave it a try and its not that it isnt fun its just that its hard to make real content with it
I guess it depends what you mean by "real content" I think you are more meaning that it isn't your style or genre of stream you want to create right?
Stardew has always been an example of a category that is good for growth, it isn't a one size fits all, you need to find a category or game that fits the style of content you like AND follows the same concepts as to why the category is good. I explain that in my best games to stream video that it won't be for everyone and show how to check categories themselves. Good luck! hope it helps!
It doesn’t go with this post but can you use streamlabs obs for console? I have a console I stream on and a pc but I haven’t figured out how to link streamlabs obs to my console while streaming. Thank you.
You'd need a capture card to do that :)
I have an OG Blue Yeti (THX Certified marking), but considering an XLR, like a Rode M5 or SM7B, I’m trying to start streaming but I’d rather not start putting too much money into my setup until some unspecified point in time where it would make sense for me to drop $300-$700 CAD on a mic and probably preamp like a FEThead if needed.
Great video, as always!! I think a good topic for a video would be “Stream Grinding”. I’m spanish and, in the spanish community, Stream Grinding is seen as the best way to grow. I know Stream Grind is a method with many mistakes, but I think it could be a way of doing it right. What do you think about this?
Not sure what you mean by "stream grind" though but if you give me more information I can look into it!
What is the thing on top of all these streamer's microphones that looks like a slightly smaller microphone?!
So I have an x2 stellar xlr mic connected to my Scarlett 4i4. I also use the beyedynamics closed back headphones connected to the scarlett but I can’t seem to figure out why I can still hear my own voice through the headphones. Is there a way to fix that so I don’t hear my own voice?
how do you adjust in-game audio I can't seem to find that setting.
what's your opinion about the hyperx solocast? it's a 60$ microphone so it's more of a budget version, but it seems pretty good for it's price
I'd recommend the Samson Q2U for a budget mic, that will last you a long time, and give you much better noise shielding.
hyperx solocast like every cheap condenser microphone just picks up everything and is VERY tough for streaming.
keep up the great content, its gud shit
Welcome in #earlygang and thanks mate! Hope it helps!
I would LOVE to have an XLR mic, but I feel like every time I look into getting one, the crazy costs just scare me away. As a new streamer doing it as a hobby, I feel like it’s better to go with the usb mic and just put on some filters to make it sound nice. :/
USB is fine for starting out! :)
150 USD = microphone Samson R31S + audio interface Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 Two-Channel
Related to audio question: i'm looking for a audio mixer/router so that the audio that my stream outputs can be different from the ones i hear (or different loudness for me and for stream) i used something mike loopback when I was on mac but now im on Windows. Thanks! Love the vids keep it up!
Hmm Voicemeter might be able to help, but I use my GoXLR and just change the output compared to my monitoring volumes, very easy.
What overlay are you using? Love that overlay due to simplicity.
First video on the YT channel!
🐐 💯
hey i have a question
when i put on filters on my mic (streamlabs) my voice becomes almost silent is there a reason for that?
Sounds like you need to adjust the filters for your particular voice :)
I have to say that I find it strange that you say you have to turn your fan off when using the USB/Condenser mic.
I stream with a Blue Yeti Nano, use noise reduction/filtering and generally have no complaints about the clarity of voice and that's with me huffing and puffing with a heart rate of 160bpm, running two fans and riding a bicycle on a Wahoo Kickr 16 that howls like someone just stepped on hound of hell's goolies.
I use all the noise reduction on my USB, that example was referring to no noise reduction or filters and how a dynamic cuts it out just from how it works :)
Ayyy. I just remembered your channel and im early. Yay!!!
Edit: also i just got a blue snowball but i know a few people who th is video will help...
Welcome!! #earlygang let's go!
@@StreamScheme #earlygang and #notisgang!!!
Do you need phantom power with condenser usb mics?
Most of them no you are fine to just plug it in and be good to go, like the AT2020+ or the Elgato Wave but I can't speak for every single brand, there might be some strange weird one out there :)
My guess was B was the podmic, unequalized, and C was the podmic, equalized, and I definately prefered C :) I am planning on getting the sm7b and a rodecaster pro 2
Hey! I really recommend as a beginner not spending that much :)
Just get yourself a Samson Q2u, and plug it right into the PC. It's far cheaper, and will deliver great audio for you, that nobody will know the difference between that and the sm7b.
Just bought a new USB mic today. I got the tonor q9
Let me know how it goes for you!
He man i have a new question for you how can i fix pixelated streams everybody says use streamlabs but i am a console gamer and my bitrate stil does not fix it
Not really a way to fix it on console other than get an ethernet cable or better internet honestly! sorry!
@@StreamScheme no worries thnx bro
The free overlay link is expired?
Okay so I have a question not to have to do with the video, so basically I use my iPad, my moms iPad, and my phone to watch my stream all on different accounts besides my own and one of my friends or sometimes two watch my stream and it only says I have one viewer but once I click the viewer list it shows all of them so how do I fix this because I’m playing smaller games to be in the upper part of the list but then this happens
All the devices are on the same IP address so only one of them counts as a view, it is to stop people doing exactly this and boosting their views. No way to fix it really, sorry mate!
@@StreamScheme okay thank you lol 😂 I really appreciate your videos and that you reply back always! Thank you for the help!
eljay you should check out the wave 3
I plan on it! :)
Which ones are b and c?
Helloooooooooooo! I'm gonna get a USB mic tbh hehehe Any tips for a biligual streamer?
As you can guess, there are a lot more people watching English streams but also a lot more English speaking competition. It might also be harder for you to speak fluent English and be entertaining, I don’t know your situation obviously.
Speaking your own language means less competition but also a ceiling for growth eventually. It might be easier to speak it and be entertaining at least.
These are the trade-offs of speaking English vs your own, and at the end of the day you just have to do what you’re comfortable with and use the right tags/language settings so people can find you. Good luck!
@@StreamScheme Wow thank you for the advice I really think I'm gonna stick with my spanish then just speaking english to any english viewers at least to let them know that I see that they exist. I would really like to have like a subtitles hahaha
i have a blue snowball. due to it being omnidirectional it kept picking up my keyboard noise. it really bugged me to the point i was prepared to buy a new mic. one day i put my hand in my pocket and found some tissue (it was clean) and i stuffed it in the back of the mic then taped it. i left a small opening at the front and boom; cardioid mic 😎 i recommend anyone with this mic to do this.
I also have a video all about filters that might help further!
Initial Guesses - (after learning the answers)
A: USB (correct)
B: XLR (wrong)
C: XLR (correct)
D: USB (wrong)
50/50 but I'll take it! I am currently using a Blue Yeti but have followed along with the previous audio videos so I think it's doing the job. Thanks for the tips!!
Glad they helped! Good job on the guesses!
B was by far the best
A came in second
I wouldn't even consider C and D for purchase.
I like the new music. It's new right? Or am I going crazy? 😅
It's new!
I want to start streaming but donw want to share my voice or face what do i do also when you open twitchstudio and go through all the stuff how do you turn them off and does it automaticly start streaming?
i need help
Hey, can I ask what do you want to stream for? What is your motivation? Just curious :)
@@StreamScheme idk just for fun i guess?
i really dont know
I’m a wee bit scared that I’ve messed up the growth in my channel. I have 44 followers but I can’t tell if they’re all people I know, which a few of them for sure are. For my first week how do you think I’m doing
Followers don't really mean much, its your concurrent and average viewers that matter most to your growth :)
@@StreamScheme Thanks a million
blind mic test:
A: USB
B: USB
C: XLR
D: XLR
Edit: Ayy good show. I was hoping I was right because I genuinely want to try an XLR mic. and I preferred the 'sound' of the both C and D over A and B. D was a bit annoying on my ears, but I still preferred it over A.