So What's The Best Gaming Microphone?

Choosing the best microphone for Gaming and Streaming in 2023 is critical for staying in budget or getting the best vocal quality. And with so many new mics from Razer, Elgato, Blue, HyperX, NZXT and more, I think a gaming microphone roundup is needed right now. So let's check that out in this roundup.
Buy items in this video from Amazon at the links below:
Elgato Wave:3 - geni.us/ELGATOWAVE3
Blue Ember XLR - geni.us/EMBERXLR
HyperX ProCast - geni.us/HYPERXPROCAST
Blue Sona - geni.us/BLUESONA
Elgato Wave DX - geni.us/WAVEDX
Beyerdynamic M70 Pro X - geni.us/BEYERPROX
Deity VO-7U - geni.us/DEITYVO7U
HyperX DuoCast - geni.us/DUOCAST
Razer Seiren V2 X - geni.us/SEIRENV2X
Razer Seiren V2 Pro - geni.us/SEIRENV2PRO
NZXT Capsule mini - geni.us/CAPSULEMINI
Cougar Screamer-X - Don't, just don't
Blue Yeti X - geni.us/LBLUEYETIX
Phanteks D30 (Sponsor) - geni.us/PHANTEKSD30
GET MERCH ►hwcstore.com
SUBSCRIBE ►bit.ly/SubHWC
TIMESTAMPS
Timestamps:
0:00 - Is the Best Gaming Microphone here?
0:33 - Condenser vs Dynamic Mic Explained
0:47 - ALL the Microphones!
2:03 - Blind Test with the Team
3:02 - Sponsor Spot
3:32 - Elgato Wave:3
4:36 - Blue Ember XLR
5:11 - HyperX ProCast
6:18 - Blue Sona
8:10 - Elgato Wave DX
9:24 - Beyerdynamic M70 Pro X
10:18 - Deity VO-7U
12:33 - HyperX DuoCast
14:28 - Razer Seiren V2 X
15:57 - Razer Seiren V2 Pro
17:04 - NZXT Capsule mini
19:04 - Cougar Screamer-X
21:09 - Blue Yeti X
22:30 - Guest Appearance (EposVox)
25:03 - Microphones I'm KEEPING!
Review unit provided free of charge by the companies listed OR purchased by Hardware Canucks. This video is sponsored byPhanteks. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow us for more updates!
Twitter bit.ly/HWC_Twitter
FaceBook bit.ly/HWC_Facebook
Instagram bit.ly/HWC_Instagram
---------------------------------------­-----------------------
#hardwarecanucks

[@trunkstypingonakeyboard]

I think the mic market is reaching a point where almost all options offer good audio quality. I cant tell much difference between all the mics if im casually listening.

[@calebmendias658]

capitalism

[@dasarchiv3508]

Buy by software and looks then

[@averageuser2027]

@@calebmendias658let’s gooo

[@yoggy2207]

Gaming mics are a joke. get a BEHRINGER Ultravoice XM8500 and a behringer um2 interface. the quility would be way higher than any of these stupid gaming usb mics and its a fraction of the price

[@BobMarley-zu5sc]

​@@yoggy2207 First off that mic looks ugly af and gaming microphones are still just microphones and sound great. (There are exceptions ofcourse) Second, not everyone wants to deal with ysing an audio interface especially if ur just want a mic for gaming you just want it to be plug and play

[@slick-riq]

Excellent video! I’ve started watching various mic review videos to start learning about the options. This by far is one of the best videos, as your the only one I’ve seen who doesn’t just cover the sound quality, but also usability factors, future compatibility, and keyboard sound test - which is a huge factor!

[@HardwareCanucks]

Happy to help 👍 Which mic are you leaning towards? -D.

[@Bkob1471]

Great line up and I was surprised at how good some of these mic's sound. The PreSonus Revelator Dynamic microphone is my current mic I have been using and is on sale which is a steal for $99.

[@OXMStudios]

That nzxt sounds incredible, too bad they missed on adding more functionality to that front wheel. But for that price? I'm getting it.

[@KiaSad-xm9xr]

You buy it ? If yes. Its good ? I want this for discord

[@teekanne15]

The non mini has the gain control and is pretty much the same aside that.

[@damnson9170]

did you buy it?

[@potatogod3882]

​@@KiaSad-xm9xr never buy gaming mic, those are very bad cheap chinese mics in fancy case... dude... Fifine k688, fduce sl40 and many other usb options that cost 60usd would give you studio quality... As good or not better what professional streamers and podcasters use... Gaming mics and headphones is a scam, outrageous scam

[@JordonAM]

Wave Link for the Elgato Wave:3 makes the mic so flexible, especially with Wave Link being VST compatible so you can customize your sound however you want. Replaced my Blue Yeti OG with it and have not regretted it at all. ClipGuard is also a big seller if you often get excited and loud. High recommend for that mic if you're doing content creation and just chatting in general

[@farhan-app]

I haven’t come across one of your videos in about 3-4 years! God knows what happened, but I’m glad I came across this! :)

[@hinchlikescake7592]

HyperX Solcast is pretty great as well at $50. I have one and the quality is decent. Great budget microphone and comes with a capacitive mute button, which comes in super handy!

[@georgiestuff]

Really good video! Thanks for putting this together.

[@LeBeautiful]

Okay this is hype. Thanks for this video.

[@WookieeRage]

I've used a Blue Ember with a GoXLR for the past couple years, but keep running into issues with the GoXLR. Fortunately I have a Wave 3 for backup and it has proven to be the most reliable piece of audio hardware I own. I would recommend it to anyone.

[@esaedvik]

Not a fan of Elgato's prices as their gear tends to be stupidly overpriced, but when I heard the Wave:3 was built by Lewitt, and I gave it a listen in reviews, I thought I'd test it out if I found it cheap somewhere. Now that I found one for 40€, I can say it's really nice. The software is the killer feature for sure, great mixer, and the fact that they added support for VSTs directly in the software and adding soundboards etc. to an FX channel, just pushes it way beyond anything else even double or triple the price. I had a nice mic and interface already (Oktava MK-012 and Motu M2), but I like gear, so it's now my daily-ish driver.

[@NightFoxZero]

I would've imagined the Senheiser Profile mic here as it's a super good price and given Dimitri's enjoyment of their headphones

[@nickglover]

I don't think it's available to buy yet.

[@intreppit]

Thanks for the video 😊 My personal recommendation would be the dynamic mic SE Electronics DynaCaster DCM 8 😊

[@wanderingshxt]

Awesome work!

[@peejeybrown]

yes, im in the market for one and this just came out. thanks!!!!!!!!

[@Turgineer]

Trying all popular microphones in one video. Good video.

[@Kevinmagendans]

Tbh i just upgraded from the hyperx quadcast to the rode podmic and the audient evo4 and its the best upgrade i could have done. great vid!

[@savagesniperrr7905]

Surprised the Samson Q2U isn't in here. That is usually the go to budget mic everyone recommends.

[@AK-yn3wi]

Well it's not a 'gaming microphone' so what'd you expect. Only 'gaming microphones' here.

[@qu3becker]

Definitely a missed opportunity IMO. The Samson is also my go-to recommendation.

[@johanneswestin]

Great sounding mic and the dual output really gives it a leg up in the budget space. Should be high on the list for dual PC recording/streaming.

[@AJBtheSuede]

This is a test of GAMING microphones. This is NOT a test of good or well built microphones :) There's a big difference :)

[@landonstewart5132]

Samson is just the best budget mic brand in 80% of situations

[@redhonu]

I think the NZXT capsule mini sounds amazing for the price. Perfect for me who doesn't need it professionally.

[@KiaSad-xm9xr]

Did you buy it? If yes . Its good for discord ?

[@ikhoa]

Great video, you did have so many cool microphone. Hope next time you will review some of micro from new brand like Maono, I’m using their dynamic micro PD200X, just 55$ but the quality is insane. 👍

[@krunchy3761]

Shure MV7 seems to get skipped a lot - USB/XLR hybrid - a less expensive option of the SM7B and very close to the same sound - I can't tell the difference most times.

[@logisec]

@@98260 Personally, the mic just does not have enough gain over microusb. I ended up getting an audio interface and over XLR its fantastic!

[@DanWalshTV]

@@logisec Wouldn't the MV7X be a better buy then? It's nearly $100 cheaper and from what I can tell, basically the same microphone without the USB option.

[@markusz1956]

Thank you for your video. Which mic would you recommend when it comes to eliminating as much background noise as possible in a gaming chat (aircon, music, TV, etc.)? Greetings from Switzerland!

[@acecabusas7013]

Would love if you actually did a revew the Sennheiser Profile USB Mic that EPOS Vox mentioned.

[@Znatnhos]

Nice breakdown! I might actually pick up that Blue Ember. I could use a better mic and recording my guitar is one of the things I'd love to do with it.

[@barneyjack]

I have the Wave XLR with Wave DX AND my BEACN dynamic, I LOVE my BEACN mic let alone the awesome routing software it comes with and all the adjustments you can do builtin for the mic

[@mattimath]

Im thinking of getting the Beacn dynamic, its 350usd, i wonder if its actually good? I have the blue yeti now but it only sounds good on discord, not really ingame and especially not on stream. Is the beacn worth getting? Also how do you get it to mute

[@CoalitionGaming]

Great vid! Would be cool to see the Maono PD400X USB/XLR dynamic, Fifine Amplitank AM8 USB/XLR dynamic, Fifine k688 USB/XLR dynamic, Mackie Element Chromium USB condenser, Tonor TD510 USB/XLR dynamic, and Tonor ORCA-001 USB condenser in a future roundup!

[@heyflo1]

The Deity VO7U, HyperX ProCast, Elgato Wave DX, Razer Seiren V2X are amazing. Really surprised by the two low budget ones (Wave DX & Seiren V2X), they sound really good for the price.

[@SirRFI]

New video on external soundboards / DAC and such? For headphones

[@Kasilias]

Actually very good roundup of microphones Dimitri! I love that you still include Wave: 3 in your comparison due to its versatility. Aside from normal picks that have been skipped like Samson Q2U or sE Electronics SE7 or v7 on a lower budget, I feel like the easiest gateway and cheapest while the most surprising mic for many would be Razer Siren Mini that goes for 39$. In my opinion, sounds better than Siren V2 X and Pro. I highly recommend the @Podcastage channel to anyone who's looking for even more options.

[@N7-alpha]

Most of the mic noise for me was desk rumble during the keyboard test , boom arm not attached to desk would fix that.

[@dIggl3r]

Loved the *NZXT Capsule Mini* sound, but it is missing all the bells and whistles imo.

[@bjornodin]

1. Blue Sona (Sonically outstanding! It brought out your best vocal qualities, while effortlessly dampening background noise and modulating your natural sibilance. All without sounding crunched or processed at all. I'd go so far as to say it has a touch of the classic Mullard sound🎙A warm and intimate sound, that brings you closer to the listener. ❤ 2. HyperX ProCast. Very pro and very detailed, a much lighter touch on the processing side than the Sona. Way more open too, so I imagine it fitting well with recordings where stuff that is integral to the proceedings is goring on, various background noises, other voices etc. 3. Blue Ember. The value option in this bunch... Flat out just better than any of the rest and I'd go so far as saying it was only really outclassed by the Sona! I had a hard time deciding on 2nd place. There are some more half decent ones in the bunch, but mostly they're overpriced, outdated or both.

[@TominiOfficial]

Great video for those that want a plug'n'play option. If you are on a serious budget and don't mind having to deal with more than one cable, then look into Behringer XM8500. It's like a Shure SM58, but 5x cheaper (at least where I am from). Sure, you have to buy an interface, but again Behringer, Focusrite or EVO have a budget option. Awesome quality, better lifespan (from my experience) and you don't have to install either anything at all or it's non-intrusive. So bye bye to data collector bloated SW. Good idea is to check used market, especially for the interface. I paid something around 120$ in total (mic, interface, cables, pop-filter, goose neck holder...)

[@tristrisX]

Crazy , i was just thinking of picking up a microphone when this popped up

[@or10nsharkfin]

I own the Blue Sona and it is absolutely one of my most favorite mics that I’ve owned.

[@neil_surya]

Have you had a chance to review the SHure MV7? It's highly practical and rlly nice

[@Mortalheart]

You should test Shure and audiotechnica mics, which of i use shure more. But the best what mic in this imo was Blue Sona

[@MBimmer]

Should mention what the Polar pattern for the rest of the mics. Should have thrown a shure, audio techinca and rode in the mix 🙂

[@EduardonotCarlos4u]

Hey D, I hope you're having a nice day so far. I just watched the video and I was wondering if you could tell me (pls) what kind of boom arm mount you're using throughout the whole video. I don't know if you mentioned the name during the vid, but I just couldn't find it! It looks amazing and I'd like to buy it too. Thank you so much for the great info. I'll stay tuned!

[@mbelholm]

Off topic - Are you guys planning on reviewing the Creative soundblaster X5 ?.

[@DanielSmith-ys3ov]

Just picked up a lightly used combo of goxlr mini and rode procaster mic for 200usd, what a steal 😊

[@triumphator4714]

Could you try the Fifine K688?

[@richarddoughty4250]

hey do you mind sharing what camera you use cus this is so crisp. thanks

[@PureRushXevus]

I've been rocking a second hand audiotechnica at2020usb+ I bought like.. 5+ years ago. Man it sounds so damn great, and is so simple. How it sounds so good over usb blows my mind :p Best 100€ ever spent

[@latheful]

Or the ATR-2100x. People on voice/video calls frequently comment that my setup sounds like I do ASMR streams in my spare time- quality is excellent.

[@RayCrush2008]

I'd go for the hyperx duocast, I'm actually surprised you didn't include the old quadcast from them.

[@Chuddah]

Will the NZXT capsule mini pick up a fan in the background? that's my biggest fear when looking for a new mic.

[@arleneanimated9772]

Are microphones designed specifically for live or for recording? I just want one microphone but I plan to do both, and there are so many out there, I keep getting different results for both live and recording.

[@nakano8412]

I've not really had a great mic before, but decided to get one now. Ended up going with Razer Seiren V2 pro, waiting for it in the mail rn. I don't have a arm for it, but will first test if it's suitable. I'm pretty much at the height where the mic would be at. The Blue Sona looked the most impressive, but quite more pricy.

[@Kurama350]

Yo mate, how is the Seiren V2 Pro? Would u recommend it?

[@Clashy69]

Thoughts on it? been deciding this or the blue yeti x but leaning towards the razer since its cheaper and its dynamic, i currently use a blue snowball and it picks up my fan and keyboard a lil too much and hoping the razer doesnt pick it up or at least not as much

[@emceehamma3693]

lol dont leave us hanging man! how is the mic?

[@juselec9709]

Hey thanks so much for this video, but the boom arm you used what's it called? because when I look for boom arms for the Ducast only Quadcast shows up. and I know that those two mics are the same brand. But I just wanna be sure and get one that fits the DuoCast.

[@GregWalrath]

What did you use to hook up the XLR microphones?

[@slick-riq]

The Deity 7U and Elgato Wave 3 are top contenders. I like the Deity for that auto-anti-peaking feature (not sure if that’s the right term). What recently caught my eye is this FiFine AM8. I can’t really detect the more expensive options being noticeably “better.” However, I haven’t seen anyone do a noise test with that - might be one to consider in an upcoming review video. :)

[@Dreoni_]

If you don't want to go for a full mic and stand what are some good lapel mics?

[@Dark.Syndicate]

Thank you for reviewing the seirens. v2 series is nice.

[@Terry-rb5pn]

Please do Gaming DACs/AMPs and speakers next thanks

[@houseofa4816]

looking for a budget mic for work and NZXT kinda fit it and will move on to hyperx or elgato, based on sound quality

[@Renegade_Rabryn]

21:40 my boom arm couldn't hold my yeti x up haha😂.

[@SDXStudio]

There are lots of great mics out there, but I'm a huge fan of Maono! They offer some REALLY great audio solutions that I've covered on my channel, and their wireless options are amazing!

[@mmorales508]

Would love you guys to try out the new Rode XDM 100 mic

[@MTLoveridge]

I have the Aston Origin. Great value, looks great and have had it for 5 years. Been solid as a rock

[@willgart1]

will be cool to have the same video but for remote work needs. so a lot of remote meetings and not for gaming usage. so more open rooms, using speakers instead of headsets.

[@ov3rkill]

This. Noise cancellation is a must for this type of mic.

[@angelosnofla]

Please make a video on best aio for 2023. There are lots of new aio now in the market.

[@st33ldi9ital]

Good roundup! Although, you're missing one of the best, Shure!

[@VeniVediVeci666]

What software was he using to tune the Elgato Wave DX if he was not using the wave software?

[@TT_PLEB]

Got an AUNA Pro MIC-900 from Amazon 8 years ago. Cost me £50 and sounds absolutely fine. And I'd argue better than a few of these.

[@XsJxrdan]

what is the boom arm you are using for the HyperX duocast

[@lawigiLeagueGamer]

Would love some help with my Wave 1 Mic i have it and a headset and the audio from my headset is way better since i dont really know how to setup the profiles.

[@vincentyoung184]

What about the NZXT Capsule, the Capsule mini's bigger brother? Is it any good?

[@primitivmitsteve5277]

Wave3 or the elgato dx? I get the wave 3 for a good price. But is it still that good in 2023? ❤

[@happypanda7917]

u should have also reviewed MSI GV60 Streaming Mic

[@mykyubi09]

what microphone i shold get if i want it to not pick up keyboard sound and background noise? im not doing podcasts, i need it for gaming and streaming but i dont want people to hear the keyboard when im typing. i have a "rizer siren pro" and it is awsome and doing the job. but i moved to another house and i dont have here a mic so i want to buy a microphone but looking if there beter options.

[@SrtTrill]

I’m not too sure what mic to get, I want a microphone that I can use for KZbin, streaming, gaming AND podcasts while also looking good

[@Sephiroth391]

That blue Sona sounds great

[@bourne_]

What I can say is you have to condition your room better if you want to record there. The reverb is massive.

[@tomspooner9093]

Super shocked the RODE nt-USB mini wasn't on this list

[@redjoker117]

i am on the fence on the hyperx mic and the wave 3 mic their both so good and i want something that sounds good and has noise suppression and prefer an usb connation (usb-c for preference) one that will last me for years and not like a one and go kind of thing like the headphones for gaming.

[@TsugoMono]

I watched the video and love all the appearances of the mics. All of that, but I'm wondering what mic would be good for games and noisy untreated rooms, but has exceptional voice clarity and sound. If anyone in the comments has a good budgetable mic that they like(no XLRs pls and around $150CAD and below would be great) or have and can give their input would be great. I've been looking quite a while since I have an older Fifine mic put on a boom arm. Cheers

[@DanWalshTV]

The Sennheiser Profile mic sounds like it'd be a good fit based on your criteria. Slightly above your $150 budget at $169 CAD but a really solid non-XLR mic overall. Availability isn't the best yet but here in Canada you can pick it up from AVShop, Cosmo Music, Vistek or Long & McQuade.

[@hmst5420]

Elgato wave DX and Deity sound the best to me. For the price of course :)

[@muppetarms8406]

Have you ever reviewed the Thronmax MDrill One Pro 96Khz?

[@Chris3s]

How does the HS80 Headset compare to these?

[@SeattlePaulie]

I'm surprised it wasn't named the Cougar Screamer-XXX. They were so close! 😂

[@Pzych0]

I enjoyed watching this even tho I already got the AT2020+ USB many years ago. Great that many of this are usb of some sort!

[@PatchedUpGaming]

Really shocked the Beacn isn't here :O

[@robdog979]

I need some microphone shopping help; this is probably a common request.... so, I am looking for a microphone that will only pick up my voice. I am worried that when i'll be gaming, it will pick up on the gaming audio from external speakers that's placed bottom of my pc monitor. Seems like dynamic microphone is the way to go, is there anything else I need to consider?

[@mateo6063]

Thanks

[@lordvuul]

19:00 link to wallpaper please

[@earthvix]

I got the Sennheiser xs-1 very good dynamic mic for about an equivalent of 25usd

[@Tipsyfr]

i have a very deep voice with alot of base and i really dont know what to pick an i dont know anything about the eq stuff u can adjust could anyone recommend good condenser mics?

[@nsevv]

which can be placed further away?

[@Crafftyyy]

iv had a serin mini for awhile now and the only thing i really miss is the mute button.

[@petkocupi]

what is the holder for the elgato wave mic

[@rui_almeida02]

I know it isn't on this list but HyperX QuadCast is currently for 80bucks and I think i'll get it, what you guys think?

[@hozae6368]

blue Sona just looks awesome!

[@farhaaan93]

please do a steel series alias pro vs hyper x quadcast s comparison

[@DmonYT]

Really shotgun mics are what should be reccomended as they have a better pickup pattern and block sound from reflections in an untreated room. They’re also lighter and can be put on a stand easier.

[@LeadRakFPS]

Well, that's just wrong. Shotgun mics are notorious for picking up reverberation from your voice and any other sounds. Especially in a room that isn't sound treated. If you are in game chat and using a shotgun mic, I feel sorry for whoever is listening on the other end because they will hear your every move, shake, rattle, and especially mouse clicks and keystrokes. Most shotgun mics are better for outdoor environments or sound treated rooms because they pick up sound so well. A dynamic mic is the best bet for gaming and overall use due to their noise cancelation of sounds outside of the microphones intended "voice wave" pick up. That is literally the reason why a lot of big content creators, streamers, etc. use the Shure SM7B. Because it's dynamic and doesn't pick up hardly any unwanted sounds other than your voice.

[@frikkievuiltrens]

I dislike it when a microphone is in my peripheral vision when I game, thus I mostly use a lavalier microphone and sometimes I switch to my shotgun microphone mounted above my monitor.

[@lowfuel6089]

I've been thinking about switching to a shotgun style. How do you like it?

[@dacbiet]

I’m using a Fifine dynamic mic. It cost like $50 and it’s been perfect. People thought I was using some professional quality pic but it’s not

[@emsj86]

I have noise in the back ground. What mic should I get dynamic ? And if so which do you recommend guys ?

[@mundaayn]

Yeah dynamic would be the way to go

[@69Evolution]

whats that mic stand?

[@crazyeyecarl]

Didn’t include the new Senn Mic either. Seems to be putting the Wave 3 a run for its money.

[@sharktooh76]

You missed the rode NT1 5th gen in the comparison