Buying a mic for your computer: What you need to know🎙️

If you're still using a pair of earbuds for your game sessions and zoom meetings, it's time to consider an upgrade. Here's a handy guide to help you decide how much to spend, and what kind of microphone you need.
You can see the products featured in this video here 👇
Blue Yeti Nano: bit.ly/3Fs4eJ8
Elgato Wave 3: bit.ly/3mv9tjY
HyperX Quadcaster: bit.ly/3FqvnMK
Shure MV7: bit.ly/32zdoVX
Elgato Wave XLR: bit.ly/32o2T87
Shure SM7B: bit.ly/3stpYRg
*CNET may get a commission from these offers.
Elgato Wave 3 review: • Elgato Wave 3: THE str...
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0:00 Intro
1:07 Room sound
1:37 Polar patterns
3:02 Microphones budgets
3:51 Testing microphones
4:39 Under $100 microphones
5:29 $100-$150 microphones
6:20 $150-$200 microphones
7:16 $200-$250 microhphones
8:18 XLR connection
9:40 Over $250 microphones
10:32 Adjustable mic arms
11:23 Comparing every mic

[@CNET]

You can see the products featured in this video here 👇 Blue Yeti Nano: bit.ly/3Fs4eJ8 Elgato Wave 3: bit.ly/3mv9tjY HyperX Quadcaster: bit.ly/3FqvnMK Shure MV7: bit.ly/32zdoVX Elgato Wave XLR: bit.ly/32o2T87 Shure SM7B: bit.ly/3stpYRg *CNET may get a commission from these offers.

[@tinycar123]

Buy a xm8500 ($20), Neewer Boom Arm ($27), Behringer UM2 ($45) and an Amazon Basics XLR Cable ($10). For a total cost of $102, you'll have a microphone setup that is extremely good (as good or better then the $250 option).

[@kdsewell01]

Really fun but really informative on the basics of microphone usage!

[@Andre_pdas]

Also, for those interested in getting a Shure SM7B, make sure to get a good preamp that doesn’t have a loose connection to the mic! I learned that the hard way when I was in Boston, where there are WAY more radio stations than my small town, which only has two radio stations. I set up my SM7B for my friend’s musical theater concept recording, and I was confused when I heard Doja Cat and country music while setting levels. Because of the loose connection on my sE Electronics DM1 in-line preamp, it picked up radio frequencies!

[@MartinBrunswick]

Kind of a side note but I have some guitar pedals that aren’t properly shielded and in Boston they also picked up radio stations almost perpetually if I wasn’t careful with the gain

[@paulabaylor6322]

😮📻🎤

[@Andre_pdas]

Update: I knew that the SM7B was built like a tank and that dynamic microphones are generally more durable than condensers, but I was surprised when my SM7B survived a tumble from my desk. I was mortified when it dropped but pleasantly surprised when I tested it afterwards and it worked just fine!

[@nitesh-maharaj]

@@MartinBrunswick Wow that's so interesting. I didn't even know that this was possible.

[@calcariachimera]

or just fit a cloudlifter !

[@Yuri-27]

I am using the samson q2 and its amazing! Probably the best price to performance mic.

[@tkmcdon]

I think this is the first time I’ve ever commented on a CNET video, but I must say… it was well done and much appreciated!

[@RJM316]

This video is a keeper! Thank you.😊

[@MyNigellus]

Using the Shure PG42-USB for several years. Beautiful sound quality, very overlooked mic!

[@cakeandpie8014]

I got the Mercase USB for podcasting. Cost’s $45. It has decent weight, echo, volume and cough controls, just a plug and play. I podcasted for 8 months just talking into my phone so for me it sounds great. If you’re new to whatever you’re striving to do it’s a good buy, but not some high end microphone. It gets the job done, so entry level.

[@amilton1015]

Thank you so much Ashley big lesson.

[@PEOdysseus]

SM7B - can really hear the difference in this mic vs the others. So much better. thanks.

[@tanya8116]

Excellent video! 🎙Thank you for the explanations for us newbies! 😀

[@Snakkin]

This is a brilliantly helpful guide for someone intimidated by all the audio hardware & software discussions I've seen. Thank you!

[@kwantis1]

i couldn’t tell the difference between the sound of the mics other than the yeti one sounding slightly worse than the others. i think the elgato wave 3 sounded great and i think i’ll pick one up because of its value and simplicity to adjust and control

[@stevetech1949]

I felt the same way. However, I may be tone deaf, so I'm not a good judge of sound.

[@nitesh-maharaj]

It's difficult to hear the difference clearly on KZbin, because of the sound compression. However if you use a nice pair of headphones and crank it up, you should pick up the difference between mics that favor the highs, mids and low end. Also once audio goes through post production, you can EQ one mic to sound like another.

[@ericjackson2915]

Great synopsis - really enjoyed and learned a lot- Thanks!

[@johnmarzy]

Holy Sound Bite Batman did I learn more then I expected - Thank you

[@LeonardoDeVinci1452]

Thank you as a sound guy when I'm in a video call I can tell right away what equipment they're using for audio and some of it is just atrocious. People clear everything out of their room and they have clean walls to make it look great. But the sound is terrible. I actually had to go to a friend's house and fix it so that it didn't sound like she was at a symphony speaking to the audience.

[@MubasharAbrar]

The Shure SM7B captures your deep voice beautifully.

[@danvaltierra1687]

Loved the video, a couple years ago I was browsing for this kind guiding. Recently, I tried Hyper X and Yeti X, and I have to say, I'm way more comfortable and happy with the *Yeti X*.

[@edruttledge342]

Excellent review - thank you.

[@TheRampager613]

Elgato Wave 3 sounds like a great choice. Might actually buy that

[@nitesh-maharaj]

I didn't know much about microphones. Then I bought an i-XLR device from Rode, which outputs to a Lightening interface, not knowing that I'll need an XLR mic. Then I bought the Rode Podmic, which works with the i-XLR device, but the volume was very low and if I increased the gain in GarageBand, it introduced a lot of noise. Then I bought the Focusrite Scarlett solo, which is an XLR to USB-C interface. However, even with that I had to crank up the gain until I got noise. Then I bought an SE dm1 Dynamite preamp. Yeah, I ended up spending a lot of money, but I also learned way more about audio than I thought I would and I learned how audio is the most import part of video, with lighting being second and the actual video quality 3rd. So if you're buying a dynamic mic like the Podmic or Shure SMB7, you're going to need a preamp (like Dynamite, Cloudlifter or Fethed) that feeds into your mic interface and don't forget the XLR cables. I also got a mic stand, but it was too inconvenient for me, so I got a boom arm. Just get the boom arm and be done with it.

[@thomaskovacs3502]

Good video! Few notes…for work, many of the work laptops are now locked down. You can’t install stuff. If that’s true you can’t install the Shure MV7 software and many of the preamps, mixers or audio interfaces require software install so again can’t if the work laptop is locked down. I spent months trying all this. One other side mention. Most mics these days are end address mics so keep that in mind on zoom and Team type calls.

[@michaelsshort]

If you’re shopping for XLR mics, the item she calls a “mixer” is more commonly known as an “audio interface “. I would have made some different mic selections, but choosing is really dependent upon the situation. The same mic can sound very different from individual to individual.

[@houssamalucad753]

Wasn't expecting to see such a high quality, detailed and well informed video. Good job.

[@phenic5761]

The samson q2u is pretty good for just under 100, it isn't that sensitive to room acoustics or other noises and has the same duel usb and xlr support that the mv7 has, a good lower cost alternative if you don't mind the lack of software

[@JosueSerrano7]

great video as always. 10/10

[@StaticCamperVan]

The HyperX Quadcast S is the mic I bought. The mic is easy to use and the LED lights add a cool factor. But the sound quality isn’t the microphones best feature.

[@luk7n]

Every mic is easy to use if you have some basic microphone knowledge, if not every mic would sound great, but if your mic looks nice and flashy but doesn´t sound good, it won´t much help you

[@Corny1210]

I just saw Ashley do the Easter eggs video for Hawkeye on the Nerdist channel. She’s everywhere🤯

[@Inspironi]

My new mic is AKG Ara, the sound is pretty good. Ara is perfect for podcasters, KZbinrs, and gamers to capture pro-grade studio quality.

[@SeanVedell]

A great wrap up of budget microphones and the basics of what they offer. I would have preferred you used the same script for all the test reads so there was consistency in the test material, especially for the words where you popped your P’s. I didn’t hear any when you were narrating but tons during the demo reads. Wondering if you were throwing those in on purpose. I’m a former broadcaster and while none of these were Neumann quality mics you can control those popped P’s on any mic. They happen more because of the speaker than the gear.

[@lewiswilliams1893]

I use a Shure sm58B run through a cheap mixer. Total cost is under $200 and I can also use it for singing, instruments (remove the windscreen and it's an sm57), etc.

[@tralent]

Watching with my SM7B right next to me 😅 Good review. Although, you really should've had at least one "P" plosive for each mic. Otherwise, great video!

[@horrorstorydiaries3336]

Ashley Esqueda💓

[@rono1rono]

What an excellent tutorial! I appreciate you sharing models by price ranges. I’ve been using a$50 Fifine K683A USB MIC. I use it for daily Zoom meetings from my home office. It’s unidirectional. I’ve had the refuse pickup truck right outside my window and others have said they don’t hear it at all. Are you familiar with Fifine mics? Would others hear a difference with the Elgato? Thanks again! I’m a subscriber for life!

[@arthurdougherty3443]

The Rode NT-USB Mini with Rode's software package is a nice alternative to the Elgato Wave gear. Comes in at just under a hundred dollars.

[@kareklopodaros]

My god. Shure SM7B is making my ears tickle with joy.

[@LemonWatermelon]

Go for Sm7b with goxlr, a beyerdynamic dt990 headphone and a rode psa1 arm.

[@WaynoGur]

I have an audio technica 2020 very satisfied with that. .

[@grandadduane]

shhhhh..... leave this between me and you. the at2020 probably sounds better then the sm7b don't say anything or the sm7b fan boys AKA Joe Rogan will come and white knight there bad choice in a microphone.

[@briancwir1036]

I’m curious as to what mic you were using in between the testing. Thanks.

[@freshfalcon3996]

I bought a $20 Klim from Amazon. Works great.

[@edgardorodriguez]

Ashley the best

[@jam6web84]

Is an over the ear headphone with a swivel microphone a good alternative for WFH setup?

[@MathieuLevi]

I never leave comments usually, but I think the video was really cool. Spent a good time listening to someone talking about mic while I do not own one and not plan on buying one. Ahah

[@domingoluis5895]

She’s funny 😂 more videos with her 😝

[@jpm_drums]

You also should pay close attention to how a mic suites your voice! The venerable SM7B is unmatched for those with mid heavy baritone voices, but might have siblilance issues for those with a higher pitched voice like the lady on the video. Try different mics until you find one that matches your vocal tone and you will see a great deal of improvement in the quality of your recordings. ~ your friendly neighborhood Recording Engineer

[@Slifftee]

My mic choice is the shure mv7

[@zachwilkinson9470]

Newbie question, but does USB introduce any latency vs Audio-In? Perhaps for podcasting it doesn't matter, but for live setups of the serious pro variety, I can believe purists can tell.

[@luk7n]

Try to explain yourself better, I am an idiot but what you mean? Nowdays the usb latency is almost non existing

[@dhk1]

The best mic was the one used to film the sound for the video. You couldn't see it and most of the time it sounded balance in volume and frequency. Which mic was you using for this?

[@frangeech]

I’m curious to know what mic that was as well.

[@PerfectorZY]

When you say it sounds the best, you mean it sounds the most real to life? It's probably a shot gun mic they are using, and they were going for a very neutral sound. Where as the mics being tested were being tested for more intimate uses. However, if you move them further away you can achieve the same thing. Closer you get -> more radio style voice. As you back up you loose that extra bass and start sound more natural till it can't pick you up well and you sound like you are in the background. I use a SM7b personally due to the other noises in my house, it's amazing that someone can be watching a movie in our little theater downstairs and the floor will be shaking, yet my SM7b doesn't pick it up at all, just my voice.

[@frangeech]

@@PerfectorZY You have provided a fine example of why the SM7B is hard to beat

[@Acfurio]

Very nice 👍

[@RodrigoMadriz]

One little but not trivial thing you didn't explain difference between condenser vs. dynamic microphones. Newbies would appreciate it for sure.

[@tohur]

for XLR just get a Elgato Wave XLR and your mic you want and stream deck. best money you can spend on audio and you don't need to be a audio engineer to understand the setup or use it

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

I just got an audio interface and I'm thinking of getting a shure mv7 or a rode podmic

[@grandadduane]

Rode podmic on my voice you should test out alot of microphones rather then people online recommending random microphones and do your own research btw if you are getting a dynamic microphone test it out first if you barely can hear yourself even at the max gain get a cloud lifter or coda stealth

[@brightymcbrightface]

next topic would be camera framing and background setup so graphics aren't washed out by a LED light and hand motions don't trip up autofocus …. : ) as for mics, just choose one with echo cancellation and don't try to shape your voice to sound smooth or to fake gravitas for media training, practice enunciation and pronunciation, especially avoiding vocal fry, also, don't attempt to "act" (it's a profession, not a pastime)

[@markstever401]

Amazon has the HyperX on sale for $129 so would it be a better pick than the Elgato Wave 3?

[@AndysTV]

0:10 So you change the video quality and the microphone to make people hear the difference?

[@moises1228]

I recommend the fifine k669b for around 25 to 30 dollars, and ik it sounds like a bad mic cuz it's only 30 but trust me it's sounds amazing especially with adding some eq it'll sound really really good, I personally used it for a while and to me it did the job

[@ajv7835]

Hey, out of curiosity, which eq software are you using???

[@moises1228]

@@ajv7835 obs studio with vst plug-ins

[@ajv7835]

Affirmative. One more question: Have you added a windscreen or pop filter? Thinking of buying the Fifine today...

[@moises1228]

@@ajv7835 windscreen the foam one, I bought one for like 7 bucks on amazon, I can send link if you would like, I can also share my settings in obs studio if you want

[@ajv7835]

Thank you, kindly! You've been a big help! When/If you have the time, feel free to shoot me the links + settings!

[@noambinyamin1241]

Hi! Do you think I need a microphone? I’m literally attaching my laptop to a monitor and ppl barely hear me and I guess Zoom nowadays … What do u think?

[@SteveTS101]

My numbee one choice is the EV RE-20

[@tinycar123]

I agree. The RE-20 is an awesome microphone and a great alternative to the sm7B

[@ale.zanardi]

Just one question.. what microphone are you using in the video? ☺️

[@FreddiMuliantono]

Most likely MKH 416

[@scruffyyyjin]

IMO the Electrovoice RE-20 is so much better than a Sure SM7B Also I've never heard cardiod described as a mushroom lol. I was always told it's cardiod, because it look like a heart(cardio)

[@grandadduane]

100% agree but there is a lot of other better microphones out there even for a cheaper price such as the akg c214 and the rode nt1.

[@scruffyyyjin]

@@grandadduane I have a nt1a and it's the best value for the money IMO. I feel like the RE-20 just sounds better for my voice in narration and live commentary, and I like it better on instruments than the sm7b.

[@hyperionphoenix6106]

I’d like to point out, an SM7B is massive overkill for 99% of people. My go to mics of choice are (from cheapest to most expensive) Fifine T669 Razer Siren Mini Elgato Wave 1 or 3 Rode Podmic (XLR) Audiotechnica AT series (XLR) You should not spend more than £120 (UK) on a mic

[@bowltm]

aye the thumbnail rn looks like one youd see for an ASMR video

[@superipodmanvik]

I thought this was going to be a CNET/ASMR Review version

[@thusharaboy]

Samson Q2U - The best mic for price!

[@ReshaTech]

audio technica AT2020 an incredible 100$ XLR mic

[@drmarcfpelletier]

I would recommend using your normal voice during testing, rather than sing-song reads.

[@yeelowballs]

I’m mostly worried about keyboard and mouse clicks being picked up

[@johanherrman8244]

Good microphones are nice and all, but for meetings and casual streamers (non-professional), spend half the budget (heck, just spend some money and time) on fixing your room/location first. I’d rather sit with a wave 1 in a location with no echo than to sit with a SM7B in a room with echo. Location makes for over the half of the sound.

[@luk7n]

Well that´s true, but there is a lot more going on than just saying treat your room. Most people spend extra money to fill their room with cheap acoustic panels which doesn´t work. You need a carpet on floor, you need some furniture in your room and then add some acoustic panels on the walls, but I mean big acoustic panels, not those small with triangles and other shapes on them, you need those nice and clean and also measure the room sound and then adjust the panels to reduce the echo, but you can´t kill the sound by filling your room with cheap panels that doesn´t wok. But I don´t exactly mean to buy expensive panels, I just mean those cheap panels that you can buy from Aliexpress, etc. You can also make good ones and home

[@johanherrman8244]

@@luk7n You have valid points. That’s soundproofing for me. =) Getting furniture, some heavy curtains, carpets etc. Also what you say, don’t buy some Triangles expecting miracles. Cheapest (bang for the buck) is to buy some Rockwool blocks (10cm deep) make a frame in wood and then use some cloth to cover it. You can paint them to with a special paint for closing in fibres and still make it absorb sound. A lot of KZbin videos around. A good room for dampened sound is usually the bedroom, since it’s filled with heavy cloth to begin with.

[@gauravpradhan1094]

Yay👍

[@belalali3588]

Honestly splitting hairs here… on balance I am very happy with my cheap Blue Yeti Nano which takes up very minimal desk space and does not require a boom arm…

[@n3cro2012]

9:00 state $150 for wave xlr but price shown is $250

[@oryanol]

I don’t understand why the category from 200 to 250 is considered as USB whereas other mics under 100 like the blue yeti nano is a USB mic.

[@CNET]

That’s the type of connection we were using for that test. The Shure MV7 has both USB and XLR.

[@oryanol]

@@CNET ok I see now. Thanks

[@clintm4629]

You show a lackluster software for the more expensive mic but the Yeti mics have a great software that can make the cheap mic sound close to a sure sm7b .... just saying you should have at least shown the options in each mic's software not just 1

[@ghost-user559]

Have you ever tried the original Blue Yeti for comparison to the Nano?

[@getuptoo]

woah, just saw you on nerdist few hours ago.

[@nathanshaw4189]

Apparently I either have terrible hearing or I need to watch this from something better than my phone and airpods pro. I wouldn't be surprised if it's the former though...

[@modimihir]

Am I the only one who cannot tell the difference between these, they all sound fine

[@edwinfndz]

I liked the Elgato more than the rest. Even the most expensive 300+ one that reminded me of an automatic message machine.

[@MellowYellowMan]

HyperX SoloCast - USB Condenser is under $40 now

[@kushalraj]

would have been pretty cool to be able to download the audacity project and listen to the uncompressed audio samples. A suggestion I have is making an add-on video on how they sound on calls (cellular and internet calls on different platforms) and while recording for a podcast and maybe even streamed on twitch.

[@cryengine_x]

wow good to see chobot after all these years. anyway, my mic cost 17 dollars at best buy 5 yrs ago lol i also like how reviewers snobs elitism extends to every field apparently. they think 100 freaking dollars for a microphone is cheap. that's insanely expensive.

[@samlazar574]

USD not AUD

[@mausse]

Now let’s talk about streaming and compression..good luck.

[@chinmoys2015]

👍

[@luk7n]

Great, so you upgrade to SM7B, buy the cheapest usb soundcard and record it to Audacity, that´s a great recommendation. Money well spent.

[@derekbinelli9691]

Woo-hoo!

[@stopthefomo]

NO, let’s downgrade our mics and stick it to the man!!!

[@meshaasilaa1642]

You look like Cameroon Diaz. I don't know how many people have noticed that as well.

[@blckbtch666]

SHURE SM7B IS A GREATEST MICROPHONE IN THE WORLD GOOD FOR PODCASTS STREAMING SINGING ANNOUNCEMENTS AND BEATBOX FOR THE WIN WIN SITUATION!!!!?

[@naiyahp]

Yay 21 minutes ago cool

[@fleacircus4408]

Anyone else here after last week's great twit podcast?

[@adambukovsekdev]

If you're not a musician, just don't get the sm7b. There are much better sounding mics out there for 50-100 bucks, this is more than everyone needs (only speaking for non-professionals)

[@aesean]

No difference other than price. If you hide that label then nobody will be able find which is which.

[@linjix]

those eyebrows have more expressions than me

[@djispro4272]

“You can’t scape by a laptop microphone.” Any MacBook released in the last decade: 😥

[@Francis__D]

Oh boy, pass $100 they all sound the same to me🤷🏿‍♂. Guess I dont have the golden ears like David Carnoy.

[@ursualex1437]

:)

[@yufengyan]

LoL

[@maxman177]

When people try to become but instead become annoying

[@fabian9505]

Oh yea, you want me to upgrade my microphone right now? Sure just send me the microphone set or money.

[@anggatris.7392]

:)