Best Microphone for YouTube? Top 10 Mics for Videos

[@ChannelEmpire]

UPDATED VIDEO ► kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3Ksg4ttgcxqmpY

[@noiddion6026]

Andy | Channel Empire i have a great mic but the pickup range on it is really shitty

[@ChannelEmpire]

***** You'll probably want a Zoom H1 with a lav mic like I show towards the end of this video.

[@PandMusic]

+Andy | Channel Empire congrats Andy almost 10K subs :D you got +1

[@ChannelEmpire]

***** It needs to be connected to the Zoom H1.

[@PandMusic]

throwback to these old comments :0

[@HotaruZoku]

You actually recorded with each microphone! Jesus. Finally. Arigato.

[@JessicaKobeissi]

This was SO helpful! I've been struggling trying to get a microphone for my videos, but I just ordered them based off your recommendations! You made it so easy to understand, thank you :)

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks Jessica!

[@grrrltraveler]

I love that you do audio sound tests on the products. THANK YOU. Helpful video

[@ChannelEmpire]

GRRRL TRAVELER | Christine Kaaloa thanks!

[@ChelcieLynn]

Hey! So I have some questions about the Mic that you pin to your shirt. I think that is what I am needing. when you say "sync" the audio with your video, so it will record the audio separately? I am someone who doesn't know a whole lot about editing videos, do you think it would be easier to buy a mic that will attach directly to the camera? I will only be, at most, 6 feet away from the camera. Thanks in advance!

[@ChannelEmpire]

Chelcie Lynn Yes it will be easier and more convenient to have a mic that attaches directly to your camera. That saves you from having to sync the audio to the video (even though most professional video editors can sync audio automatically)

[@AHAgamer]

If KZbin videos were humans, the audio would be like the... hmm... voice.

[@ChannelEmpire]

or ears?

[@AHAgamer]

+Andy | Channel Empire Maybe both?

[@mage6562]

Shit

[@dustoff85]

You put a lot of work into this video and believe me its much appreciated.

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks!

[@mjSnap]

Your rode pro sounds like crap compared to some of those other mics. Why are you using it as your primary mic when it's better for recording ambient area sounds. It's not meant for direct voice recording for someone talking to the camera. You can hear gobs of room echo which is very unprofessional.

[@aprilchen3787]

this mic is more professional: www.amazon.com/dp/B01FP7AIMM

[@mikyllaaa]

thanks dude

[@upandatom]

+Tucked Up Facts! I agree I thought the other mics sounded way better I was confused as to why he chose that one to do the video with

[@nerdecrafter]

This was mega helpful! Thank you =D

[@ChannelEmpire]

You're welcome!

[@WyseGuysGaming]

This was very informative thank you for the video, It's helped me a lot.

[@ChannelEmpire]

Wyse Guys thanks for watching

[@Ruby95z]

I know this video is old .But Andy if you read this , I want to say that your videos have really helped me with my tech needs . Please keep uploading and keep being awesome . I have yet to see a video that I didn't enjoy/ had trouble understanding. ❤️

[@comedyman112]

in romania, my wonderful country... blue snowball is 110 usd blue yeti is 200 usd blue yeti pro is 400 usd ... ah i love taxes

[@elevintoonshun9445]

fear no my boy, in Hungary its just as exensive I don't know if that helped at all lol

[@fachryhakiki]

in indonesia here blue snowball 98$ blue yeti 170$ blue yeti pro (im too lazy to find it)

[@sortastupidartist9354]

Another romanian! Woop!

[@sandereithun7443]

comedyman112 same in Norway I love taxes

[@TJSinghVideos]

in india snowball is around $75 😖

[@MrAtomickitten]

The audio comparison is brilliant. Thank you.

[@KendonChase]

I was really interested in getting the ATR2100 as the sound was AMAZING compared to any of the other options you showed. Then I saw you saying that it wasn't as good for video recording with a DSLR. Would it be okay to use the ATR2100 ($59) mounted on a mic stand just off frame over the Zoom H1 ($100 and worse quality) also mounted on a mic stand? I would assume the ATR2100's problem over thye Zoom H1 is that you probably have to be quite close to the ATR to get that sort of quality, and the H1 can be used from a distance? Edit: Because honestly your $200 mic you had on your camera sounded a whole lot worse than the ATR2100.

[@ChannelEmpire]

I definitely recommend the ATR2100 for voiceovers. But for a DSLR mic it won't suffice simply because of the reason you stated: you have to be close to it and it would appear in the frame. For DLSR audio I would first get the Zoom H1 and maybe you can get by with just that. I own one of these and if you're close enough to the camera it works great: amzn.com/B00HX40PPG?tag=cempire-20. Then you can also get a lav mic to pair with the Zoom H1 if you are farther away from the camera. Finally you can get the Rode VideoMic (or similar mic) and plug that into the H1 and get a good quality audio because the H1 has a better preamp than a DSLR (which is why the Rode VideoMic Pro sounded bad in the video)

[@KendonChase]

Andy | Channel Empire First off, thanks so much for giving such a detailed reply so quickly! Really appreciate it. Secondly, I am on quite a budget at the moment and I wasn't really looking to spend $100 on a mic unless it made a huge difference (Like I personally found the ATR2100 to sound amazing for the price). Would it be stupid to use my iPhone with a LAV mic plugged into it? I am a sucker for youtube videos where their mic pics up the rich, deepness of the speakers voice examples being Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) and Thomas Frank. I found that the ATR delivered a sound close to that and the Zoom H1 to be just a slightly better sounding version of the base DSLR mic with a LAV making the sound a bit worse. P.S. I honestly think the only reason the Rode VideoMic sounded so iffy is because it picked up so much echo.

[@ChannelEmpire]

+Kendon Chase You'd be correct about the echo. I have a horrible acoustic environment with vaulted ceilings and open space. The Rode did pick up a lot of it. Most regular lav mics don't work with iPhones/smartphones so you may need to get one specifically for it like this one: amzn.com/B00N0EPZU8?tag=cempire-20. If you want to check out my latest tech video where I use the Zoom H1 and a Giant Squid lav mic, here's the link so you can hear the audio: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3-reIONm9p_sMU

[@KendonChase]

Andy | Channel Empire Okay wow. In that video your audio sounds AMAZING compared to this one. What was the big difference?

[@ChannelEmpire]

Kendon Chase Proabably the Giant Squid. I just recently bought it and it's higher quality than the Sony lav I had. Here's the link: amzn.com/B00HWMG44U?tag=cempire-20

[@Anamericanhomestead]

You didn't mention any wireless lavs. I'm a youtuber that needs a mic that is wireless and that feeds into a smartphone that is on a tripod while it records. Any ideas?

[@ChannelEmpire]

Check out this one: amzn.com/B011EXBCMQ?tag=cempire-20

[@DropItLikeItsSloth]

Zoom H1 is probably the best sounding external mic.

[@Gnrcdss]

Very informative with examples of the different products which many reviewing channels leaves out due to budget. It's good to see that a small-time youtuber does not compromise budget in order to deliver quality. I hope you get a bigger viewerbase. Big big thumbs up.

[@ChannelEmpire]

Alexander Donev Thanks!

[@Flooster]

Can you not write røde?? Well the Norwegians can :P æøåæøåååæøåæøøøøøø

[@captainbozo01]

+Flooster I'm German and I can, too. There: røde

[@reageerbuisje5391]

+Flooster Im Dutch and i can write it: røde

[@oliver_bw]

+LoekGames Dat heb je gwn gekopieerd ;)

[@reageerbuisje5391]

+OliverPXM weet ik

[@ΔέσποιναΚάτρη-ο8η]

Røde

[@thatonerandomginger]

could I use the zoom h1 because I do a lot of different scene switches so would it be really complicated to try to edit all the audio?

[@englishadvantage-freeengli5993]

Please tell me the best budget mic for screen recording.

[@ChannelEmpire]

I use this one for all my voiceovers: amzn.com/B004QJOZS4?tag=cempire-20

[@bmarie___]

Great video ! I think I might just get the blue snow ball one 😍

[@ChannelEmpire]

Facesby Bmarie Good choice

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

at 1:00 you lost me because the SM57 was not on your list. 2 Blues, 2 AT's and a Samson? Are you kidding me?

[@narjisbariiya376]

I love this guy, he always makes KZbin related Accessory videos

[@MoeC09]

Im just starting out on my youtube channel im trying to get all the necessary equipment to create high quality sound and video for my buck and this video has been the most helpful overall

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks!

[@KheneilBlack]

Huge help!! Thanks Andy! My friend and I are in the process of putting a channel together.

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks and good luck!

[@SimplySoccer]

Hey man, great video! What microphone would you recommend for someone who is moving or demonstrating while recording? I can't find much information on this. I want to do more videos where I am plugged in with a microphone while doing demonstrations. So is the Zoom H1 with a pinned microphone on my shirt the best option to achieve this? Thanks!

[@sexyunicorn2567]

his helped SO much!! Lately I've been on ebay, gumtree looking for microphones to record and I had NO idea what to buy-and I didn't want to buy something crappy. Thanks!

[@sexyunicorn2567]

+Mags _ 185 I think I'll get a snow ball one???

[@louieshere]

Of all the videos on KZbin for "The best mic for KZbin" your video is the best. Thank you very much.

[@tradestutor1191]

Cool. Just in the very beginnings of starting my channel. This is great info!

[@ProjectMakeleio]

Do these Camera Mics work if i conect the 3,5 cable to the pc?

[@SentientAnomaly]

As of end of July 2016, is there any new mic or new version of these mics that we should keep in consideration? I'm planning to get a mic for my channel and improve audio quality.

[@ChannelEmpire]

I still recommend this one: amzn.to/1pRbrpt

[@SentientAnomaly]

In the end I went for a Samson Go as a starter, but thank you so much for the video and the reply! Feel free to also check my channel if you have the time :)

[@hopflo11]

He's tricking us the filters and how smooth the vid is change as well as the quality!

[@TV10ChannelIndia]

can You tell me what is best mic for video record without background noise like traffic horn and birds around my house.

[@tatianamendoncastudio]

The best video about microphones I´ve found after 2 hours.. Thanks!

[@ChannelEmpire]

+Tatiana Mendonça Thanks!

[@RainbowRhymesWorld]

Your video is very helpful. thanx for making it! really love that you let us hear the mics side by side.

[@ChannelEmpire]

thanks for watching

[@beautygeek4]

Thank you so much for this video! I just ordered the blue snowball off of your recommendation! This is probably the stupidest question ever but.....how close do you need to be when you talk into it? Do I need to put my mouth right up to it? Or just set it on a table and sit normal and it'll pick up the sound? (I'll be using it for voice-overs).

[@ChannelEmpire]

Beauty Geek My Snowball was bought back in 2009 so I have to be close to it, but I've heard others say with the newer versions you don't have to be that close. See what I mean by checking out my review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2TVk4OXf8yHjaM

[@LoadedShorts21]

great video & now im gonna a hard time choosing the best microphone for me.

[@hungryher0]

I'm getting a Blue Snowball, and I am really excited!

[@ChannelEmpire]

Jordan La Nice!

[@hungryher0]

Thanks!

[@hungryher0]

Its purple and it's $70 w/ a pop filter

[@CameronAustinLA]

Thanks man this will really help me to improve my videos!

[@thelavenderp4182]

Awesome video! Answered all my questions and loved the price, visual, and sound comparisons. Thanks!

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks!

[@jeliarra]

I came here for mic info, but Andy I want to thank you for your FREE "5 Steps" eBook. I have a passion and a product that I have been struggling with it for years because I wasn't sure how to get it out there in a way I could afford. I have a good idea now with your help =) HUGS with no flirting!

[@ChannelEmpire]

DK Dempcey Knight DK Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for joining!

[@laurainer0159]

Just watched some of your videos for the first time! Thank you for all those great tips you've provide, I expect sometime this month to come out with my first video.

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks!

[@Hassannnn884]

How do I connect the blue snowball to my MacBook Air ??

[@christophercolchado2692]

I can use the blue yetti for my laptop right? as long as it had a usb port?

[@calciummother]

Thanks Dude! I Am Planning To Make Videos Soon And This Helped Save SOO Much Time! Good Luck On Your Future Videos Pal!

[@Valeryvision]

great video . definitely helped me out starting my youtube soon.

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks!

[@KurVibes]

I am going to be filming with a dslr but want the mic to be visible in my videos. Is there anyway to get the blue yeti or something similar hooked up to a dslr so I don't have to record audio separate of the video?

[@Busabull18]

I liked the Zoom H1 better then the one you used to record with because it took the echo out of the room..Sounded nice and clean.

[@ChannelEmpire]

Yeah my room is very echoey when using a shotgun mic. In this kind of area the closer the mic is to the mouth, the better audio it will be.

[@jobney]

Late comment... I did TV news audio for many years and our studio was very noisy. The air handlers were the worst. As your video shows a Lavalier is the best choice for on cam work if you don't want to hold the ATR2100 in hand. The low sensitivity and close proximity can give you clean enough stand-up audio in most indoor spaces. What have you been using in your most recent videos? I don't see a lav. Is it a better shotgun mic or are you just shooting closer?

[@CommanderJambo]

thank you for this video. you are making the world a better place. i now know what kind of mic to get and i don't have to worry anymore. thank you

[@Shlloka]

is the sony lav mic compatible with an iPhone 7 jack?

[@upandatom]

thanks for the helpful video sir :)

[@ChannelEmpire]

thanks for watching!

[@TheRawGeek]

If using a boom with a mic (the Blue Yeti for example) is it an absolute must to have a shock mount? I wanted the blue yeti but the shock mount is out of stock everywhere I try and it's also not cheap!

[@ChannelEmpire]

MisterRawlings Have you check out this one? amzn.com/B00TTQLA50?tag=cempire-20

[@TheRawGeek]

Andy | Channel Empire Thanks for your reply :) unfortunately I can't find that anywhere in UK! In the end (considering my channel is tiny currently and my budget isn't huge) I've gone with a Blue Snowball and its shock mount to go on a boom instead for now; it seems like a decent bit of kit for the money. Useful vid, cheers!

[@KeyglarTV]

Thank you so much! I was thinking about the blue snowball for so long and now I know I want it! 😄

[@TheMDOutdoors2016]

I have the BM - 700 mic for my videos and I still get that annoying hiss sound in the videos. I have tried to edit the audio for my videos with sony movie maker platinum 13 and still having trouble. What should I do?

[@KirakoKhor]

How about the Audio Technica ATR-2500?

[@ChannelEmpire]

Kirako Khor I've heard good things about it.

[@KirakoKhor]

Just got it yesterday :)

[@Beamtekk]

Great video! Is there anything cheaper than the zoom H1? I plan to get the sony mic but I need something to record it with

[@ChannelEmpire]

allabouthegalaxybeam The Zoom H1 is one of the lower priced digital recorders so you won't find one much cheaper with the same quality.

[@Beamtekk]

I ordered it now. Thanks

[@InnerLeader]

Hey Andy, could you please tell me the settings and recording volume level you used for the Zoom H1 in this video? It sounds great. thanks

[@ChannelEmpire]

I usually set it to 75-80 input level and record in WAV 48/24

[@InnerLeader]

Andy | Channel Empire much appreciated, thanks

[@realtorbenjamincarver]

And will the Taskstar work with S5 or must I sync in post?

[@marinamiu6508]

Love it :) I have just started my way as a Video Blogger, so I found it very helpful :) thank you!

[@JaysumHunter]

Do this mics work if I’m recording from my iPhone?

[@birdmojophotographer]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks. Blue Snowball it is!

[@ChannelEmpire]

+Jeff Larsen Thanks, nice choice!

[@Jeeves]

How far away from the blue snowball do you have to be for it to still sound good

[@ChannelEmpire]

Uncle Steve You need to be pretty close to the mic, preferably within a few inches.

[@apostolicbible1]

USB is terrible for screen Casting...it taxes the CPU too much. I find having a MacMini with line level in, a mic preamp, and a Sennheiser MK4 large diaphragm xlr mic to be the way to go...with this setup you'll be able to do long videos without a/v sync problems.

[@xoxo6985]

Would i have to be real close to the blue snowball or can i be a little far?

[@VeritoFallad]

Excuse me which on would be good for singing ??

[@susanneplays1545]

+Limak Dallaf I dont know excactly but I think a dynamic mic is best for singing, or the blue yeti pro (but thats really expensive)

[@sherluk_homs]

+Limak Dallaf www.amazon.de/Auna-MIC-900B-Kondensator-Studio-Aufnahmen-Nierencharakteristik/dp/B00AE4T0Q2/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1452542871&sr=1-1&keywords=tbone its awesome ^^ i for myself use it too :)

[@4_everanime440]

This is by far the best youtube mic recommendation vid for youtubers 👍👍👍 thinking about getting a blue snowball

[@ChannelEmpire]

4_everanime Thanks! The Blue Snowball is great.

[@bobminecrafter1108]

does the blue snowball come with the whole set up or just the mic(circle)

[@sidshrestha2993]

Can I make SGC 598 a handheld microphone? Can I add extra cables to the mic and take it further away?

[@bort118]

I love how the video is giving advice on KZbin audio, yet has terrible, echo-y audio.

[@FindlayFutureFilm]

you have great advice keep up the good work

[@deathbyzombiefilms]

Was the one in the video the iCE Snowball or the regular one

[@ChannelEmpire]

+agent_double_0 Regular version

[@biddyboo8]

There is absolutely no audio difference between the two. The regular version has more options.

[@MayasMotivation]

Thank you, sir! I was looking for a good chest microphone and you showed a good one. Thank you!

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks for watching!

[@Connect2Felicia]

I love the sound of the Zoom H1 with the Sony mic, but I need that quality mounted onto the front of the camera... is this just a voice over mic?

[@DeltaDestiny]

Something that can improve a mic you already have: 1. a software setting : (windows /Vista/Seven/Ten) Go to sounds select your recording device and set the sample rate to 192k (Most pcs can handle this without even thinking) 2. install a small pop filter.

[@gelphaze1229]

when you are recording how do stop the echo noises when recording gameplay off a video game do i need a mic or headphones.

[@jakemoran4641]

hey man one question if I have an adaptor for my phone to usb and I connect a mic to the usb and the usb to my phone will it work ???

[@casperschive]

where did you got your logo from? Does the Blue snowball come with the stand you show us in the video?

[@Kinari33]

Thank you so much! Love how helpful your videos are!

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks!

[@ebenezer357]

Thanks man, i followed your recommendation and bought the Zoom H1 great video

[@TheJlane32]

you are very knowledgable so let me explain what I want to do. I am starting a podcast and am going to be audio recording of me speaking but also video recording me for double the hits. What do you think I should do? I have no gear yet and I'm balling on a budget hahaha thanks man

[@NatalieMaher]

This is a very awesome video on audio, i greatly appreciate it!

[@ChannelEmpire]

+Natalie Maher thanks!

[@suncountryairline]

I have the Shure VP-83f shotgun mic. I am able to finely adjust the gain on the mic. I am also able to record internally to a micro sd card while at the same time sending the audio to the camera. I can monitor the audio using the headphone jack on the mic. I have yet to develop a strong opinion. I haven't had a chance to use it enough but it feels solidly built. In my opinion the Shure mic is well worth the extra money especially over the Rode Video mic pro.

[@alanmartin6708]

And I am also looking for software to enhance or trim noises from my sound. Perhaps, My throat is not soo clear when I am recording sound.

[@ChannelEmpire]

MNAviator Yeah I looked it up and the VP83F seems like a great mic!

[@ChannelEmpire]

Alan Martin Have you looked into Audacity? audacity.sourceforge.net

[@alanmartin6708]

Channel Empire I will try. Thanks for reply :-)

[@alanmartin6708]

Channel Empire That software didn't work!

[@kidrocketbmx]

Thanks so much for the info! I'm ready to take my vids to the next level and this is exactly the stuff I was looking for.

[@cleotinareviews]

Hello, I am looking for a microphone that does not have to be commented to smartphone or pc. Is that possible? If so any recommendations?

[@ARTICFR0ST]

What about the Razer Seiren? I heard it is better then the Blue Yeti.

[@andrewcoleman8026]

what is a good mic for recording piano or and instrument or a concert

[@ionfeld]

Me

[@Medroizz]

+DYS TOPIA BA DUM TSSS

[@ionfeld]

》Neo 《 tnx neo, you're the one

[@Zaxper]

Dude awesome video. I got the Sony ECMCS3 lav mic but wasn't convinced that it would be that great, but it is!

[@ChannelEmpire]

Zaxper Best $15 spent! I love that mic.

[@Zaxper]

Channel Empire Yup, it's great. Would you recommend the Takstar shotgun mic? I've been wanting to get one but not sure if it's good at all haha

[@ChannelEmpire]

Zaxper I've never used it personally, but it has great reviews on Amazon and for such a low price it wouldn't hurt to try it. That's my take on it lol. I've always used a Rode VideoMic Pro though.

[@justmadeit2]

Question: i use a microsoft hd webcamera with built in microphone, but how could i record with the webcamera and not use its built in microphone ? How would i turn off the built in microphone on the webcamera and use a seperate microphone ? Would it not be out of sync with the video ??

[@ChannelEmpire]

This should be a setting you can change with your recording software. For example I use ScreenFlow and all I have to do is open ScreenFlow and it asks me which camera and microphone to enable.

[@justmadeit2]

Thanks

[@besprutad]

Great review +10 with examples of sound

[@ChannelEmpire]

Thanks!

[@Revjonbeadle]

Does the snowball have a handy carrying case?? I just bought one and would like to travel with it. Anyone know?

[@GoodHunter9]

blue snowball it is! great video. thank you for actually showing us how they sound. made my choice very easy :)

[@ChannelEmpire]

Chase Mathis Thanks! Enjoy the Snowball :)

[@risbomon]

Awesome video, exactly what I was looking for

[@popscript4218]

Thanks, Great information and very useful to my further decisions. I'll definitely keep in mind your advice and great CHANNEL.

[@charlescaesien6969]

Hi Andy, quick question for you.. should I buy blue snowball or zoom h1? I really need your opinion on this one bro.. thank you!

[@hellieflow8889]

Hey thank you so much my friend :) Just started my channel and this is a really big help :)

[@ChannelEmpire]

thanks!

[@dragline.]

Extraordinarily thorough video. Thanks.

[@ChannelEmpire]

sonny726 Thanks!

[@BeautyByEs]

Hi, Great video!! Only i ahve a problem and nobody can help me... I have a rode mic and i have it installed at my camera wich is an cannon 700d is the sound very soft. because i turn the sound in the camera very low otherwise i hear a hard zoom 'his' but the then the sound form the ic stays realy soft and not so loud and clear as i hear you!! Am i doing something wrong here?? I bought an other rode mic but its the same!! Thanksss

[@cdwoods8591]

I have the blue snowball and it really doesn't work for me at all, it sounds echoey or like I'm talking like a robot but I'm changing my voice but it sounds the same. Am I doing something wrong?

[@robyndalton3618]

can I ask what microphone do you recommend for my tablet and please let me know which one you think is best for my tablet

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

Thanks for the info, bro..