These days, the most top-rated gaming headphones come with some really amazing built-in microphones, but they are designed to multitask and won’t produce the professional-caliber clarity you hear on the radio. In addition to improving the clarity and quality of your voice for viewers, colleagues, and teammates, a stand-alone microphone can be utilized for other purposes (e.g., podcasting or recording music).
To improve your voice communications, you don’t have to go all audio geek and buy an XLR microphone, though you can; often, an interface only requires a spare USB port or microphone connector. It’s time to get a stand-alone gaming microphone if you’ve already upgraded to one of the greatest gaming keyboards and mice.
1.Shure MV7
The Shure MV7 microphone is a fantastic option for anyone trying to improve their audio setup, regardless of whether they are new to Twitch live streaming or seasoned podcasters. Its hybrid USB and XLR connectivity method makes it both beginner-friendly and flexible enough to adjust to your changing demands and skill level.
The microphone retails for, however I strongly advise getting the mic/boom arm bundle for or the mic/tripod combo for These bundles are not only reasonably priced, but they also greatly simplify the initial setup process. The microphone itself is available in black, silver, or red (the red model is somewhat more expensive at ), so you can either display it or merge it into the design of your studio.your style. It’s also plug-and-play compatible with both Windows and macOS computers, so no matter what you use to stream and record, you won’t have to worry about connectivity issues.
Additionally, if you are interested in or worried about the packaging, the Shure MV7s are excellent in protecting your new microphone and minimizing annoyance throughout the unboxing process. There is little possibility of anything getting damaged because every part is carefully divided by cardboard separators and compartments, which guarantee that they remain in place during delivery. Additionally, the box contains relatively few plastic bags; just the wires, boom arm adaptor, and tripod are included in separate bags.
I was relieved to discover that every piece of packaging seemed to be recyclable as well because there aren’t many things more unpleasant than getting a box full of items that will only wind up in a landfill, like Styrofoam cubes, packing peanuts, or the weird kind of plastic that can’t be recycled.
In terms of initial setup, the microphone is among the easiest I’ve ever used. Almost everything you need is included, including USB-C to USB 3.0 connections, USB-C to USB-C cables, a boom arm adapter, and the desk tripod that came with my evaluation device. Regretfully, no XLR cable of any kind is included with the purchase. However, the lack of an XLR cable is understandable, particularly since most people who utilize an XLR setup for their audio already have at least one wire, and if not, they’re reasonably priced. For under $9, the AmazonBasics 6-foot XLR cable is a wonderful option for those new to XLR setups or for recording and streaming professionals looking for a low-cost backup link.
In terms of streaming microphones, the MV7 is a bit larger. Although it’s not quite as large as the Shure SMB7, which is preferred by many professional podcasters and Twitch streamers, this isn’t the microphone for you if you’re searching for something incredibly small. For size comparison, I placed the MV7 next to the HyperX QuadCast S. The MV7 stands taller with the tripod, but the two microphones are about the same size without it. In other words, chonky. When considering how to include the MV7 into your setup, you will need to consider whether you have a smaller desk or recording space.
Pros
XLR and USB connectivity
Plug-and-play setup
PC and Mac compatible
Cons
Mic is quite heavy
2.Fifine 669B
These days, there are many social media content producers, and more are lining up to get a piece of the action. Making some strategic purchases is necessary when starting on a tight budget. With these purchases, you may record your gaming sessions, make podcasts, livestream, hold meetings, and more without worrying about the audio quality.
After testing the Fifine K669B for some time, we are now prepared to make our assessment. The microphone is excellent for the price, and I must say that the thirty dollars was well spent. Just for laughs, I feel like singing, “Hey Mickey, You’re so fine, you blow my mind.” Jokes aside, if you don’t mind, let’s go right in.
For its price, the Fifine K669B USB Condenser Microphone is surprisingly heavy. To my untrained view, the tripod’s and the microphone’s all-black (albeit also purple) metal construction feels high-end. Only the rubber tripod feet and the tripod head (the legs are made of metal) are made of plastic. One feature that I enjoy is that the parts are chilly to the touch and strong. The result is a microphone that is a quarter of the expense of more expensive ones while still having a similar appearance and feel.
A built-in 5.9-foot USB-A cable is fastened to the microphone’s base. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it. For some customers who would rather go the USB-C way, it might be a deal breaker and those who would want a replaceable cord.
The microphone’s volume knob, an analog gain input knob, is the only control. It might be advisable to explore a little to find the ideal level for your setting because turning up the knob will record more background noise, echo, and reverb but also make you seem louder.
The Fifine is perfect for filming while on the road when portability is an issue. It weighs 158 grams and is only 120 x 48 mm, making it tiny enough to put in a backpack side pocket.
Pros
Good value for money
Premium look and feel; metal body and tripod
Cons
Integrated USB cable makes it hard to repair/replace
Limited to personal computers and PS4 consoles
3.Razer Seiren X
Pro streamers couldn’t function without it, and the gear gods have been promoting it for years. Despite its clear advantages—better broadcast quality than headset mics, a wider selection of headphones, and a “pro streamer” look that some audiences are ready to pay more for—using a dedicated desktop microphone for gaming is still a risky move in 2019.
The concept is that the X version eliminates some extras while providing recording and broadcast quality that is roughly on par with more expensive rivals. The Seiren X comes in a variety of colors, including the traditional black (with the usual Razer green accents), blue and black for the PS4 edition, and a quartz-pink variation.
You could invest in a whole streaming setup with Razer branding if you’re feeling particularly generous. The Seiren X isn’t a terrific choice as a reasonably priced first step toward a better-sounding game stream, though we’re not saying that.
This type, which is supported by a nice robust stand, has an electret condenser with a wide diaphragm and significant shock protection, just like other gaming-focused broadcast microphones on the market. The microphone itself has volume and mute controls, but cords pass via the stand, making for a somewhat clumsy setup for the sake of neatness. Aside from that minor problem, it’s a stylish piece of gear that doesn’t overdo the “gamer” aesthetic and is better for it. Actually, we like the simplicity of the aesthetics, and if you’re worried about its appearance not popping out on your streams as you’d like, the pink option is bound to get noticed.
The Blue Yeti, which is still the preferred USB microphone brand for many gamers, and the HyperX Quadcast are much larger than this microphone, which is remarkably compact at around half the size of its big brother, the Seiren Elite. It’s not likely to obstruct your lovely face on camera, and the size is useful for people who are short on desktop space.
The benefit of larger capsule microphones is that they can better shield the sensitive diaphragm with a larger shock protector. The diaphragm size itself is another problem; some claim that larger diaphragm condensers record vocals with a richer sound quality and typically reduce self-noise, while others favor the organic articulation and agility of smaller diaphragm condensers. Since the Seiren X is a completely different mic than the dynamic Seiren Elite, this isn’t just a matter of shrinking the diaphragm down however. The upshot for the end user is more likely to be increased pickup of unwanted desk noises like knocks and scratches.
Pros
Great high-end reproduction
Competitively priced
Cons
Only one polar pattern
Picks up keyboard clicks
How We Test Gaming Mics
We start by examining the build quality of each microphone, taking into consideration factors like size, weight, and material composition. For direct monitoring, we take into account the microphone’s entire design, which includes its overall appearance, on-mic settings (such as gain and mute), and whether or not it has a headphone connector. We also check at accessories, which should include an adapter to attach the microphone to a boom arm and a desktop mount. Sturdy, movable desktop stands with integrated shock mounts and pop filters are what we search for.
In order to evaluate performance, we then use the microphone in a number of scenarios, such as in virtual routing environments, recording vocals, music, and silence using Microsoft’s Sound Recorder app, and voice chatting over a number of common meeting/chat apps (Google Voice, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Discord).