Everything You Need to Know About Using Microphones for Live Streaming
Live streaming has become one of today’s largest and fastest-growing industries, and the market is expected to be worth more than £50 billion in 2021. Even corporations can get on the trend because, as we talked about in our ‘Live Streaming Corporate Communication’ blog post, this new method can actually help external communications. By simply implementing live streaming, your brand can benefit from a boost in engagement and an improvement in brand image.
So whether you’re a seasoned streamer or a complete beginner, you’ll need to make sure to invest in the right equipment such as a microphone to improve your audio quality. Read on to learn more about the different microphones available for live streaming.
What to Look for in Microphones for Streaming
TechRadar research shows that consumers have a low tolerance for bad streaming — more than half of listeners would abandon a stream with poor audio in less than 90 seconds, driving the importance of purchasing a quality microphone.
Generally, you’ll want a microphone that can block out unnecessary room noise and can record your voice crystal clear. For commentary, you might want to opt for a mic that can present the warmth of your voice well. Others might want a mic that specializes in regulating voice levels. The type of microphone suited for you depends on the kind of streaming that you do, and the equipment you already have.
Top 3 Microphone Models for Live Streaming
• Audio-Technica AT2035
Amidst the countless models on the market, the Audio-Technica AT2035 is a great pick thanks to its excellent quality and build. This microphone is comparable with several other popular studio-grade condenser microphones without the crazy price tag. It boasts an extremely low self-noise of only 12dBA and a balanced sound that can flatter most voices. An audio interface is needed to connect it to your computer, but other than that, its set-up is relatively simple. The AT2034 is truly a standout mic and will prove to be a great investment.
• Blue Yeti Pro
If you’ve been watching your fair share of streams, this will probably be familiar to you. The Blue Yeti Pro is a crowd favorite among streamers because it is a plug-and-play device. It features a USB connection and a dual XLR cable, making it compatible with most laptops out there. It’s also on the heavier side, but this is because it comes with higher-quality parts. The Blue Yeti is a great choice that offers crisp sound, versatility, and user-friendliness — all at a decent price.
• Maono AU-A04
The Maono AU-A04’s best selling point is its affordability, being one of the cheapest condenser microphones around. The kit comes with a shock mount, boom arm, foam screen, pop filter, and it also features a USB connection — all of which are impressive considering how budget-friendly it is. Of course, the sound quality won’t be on par with more expensive condensers or microphones from bigger brands. But for a new streamer, the AU-A04 will give you quality plus all the basics to get your stream live.
Additional Accessories You Need
As mentioned, some microphones require an audio interface, like the Presonus Studio 24c or the Scarlett Focusrite. However, you can treat this as an additional investment because it gives you flexibility and adds a layer of quality to your sound. You might also want to invest in a microphone stand or mount for convenience, or purchase a foam screen if you tend to pop your consonants.
According to Forbes, live-streaming creates real-time engagement and bridges the gap between physical and digital worlds. Opening up this avenue of communication lets you answer customer questions, share more information, and ultimately builds trust — which is something you’d want as a business host, online creator, or just someone looking to expand your brand reach.
The article was specially written for www.streamaxia.com by Alice Palmer
