Whats the BEST Microphone for YouTube Creators?

Today I discuss what the best mic for KZbinrs and content creators is. There's a lot of good options and these work for all types of budgets, from a cheap shotgun mic, to a more pricey podcasting microphone. There are also some great mic options if you're a beginner KZbin content creator that won't cost a lot. There's also options for mics that are good for vlogs, as well as good mics for podcasting.
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Here's the mics tested in the video:
US$1,020 - On Camera Mic (Sony a6600): amzn.to/3YBddRA
USD$319 - iPhone 11: amzn.to/3YkcBA9
USD$149 - AirPods: amzn.to/3IcFtEB
USD$229 - Shotgun Mic (Rode Video Mic Pro): amzn.to/40WTmOX
USD$89 - Wireless Lav Mic (Comica Vimo C): amzn.to/3xbR9RO
USD$249 - Podcasting Mic (Shure MV7): amzn.to/3YmfAbl
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[@NickKendall]

Want to improve your video production quality? Check out the FREE 'Create Better' newsletter here where I share all my best advice on improving your videos 👉🗞👉 bit.ly/40IWzk0 💙 Check out my BRAND NEW LUT + Color Grading Course right here: 👉 shrtm.nu/lut02

[@NickKendall]

My LUT is now available for FREE here 😀👉www.nickkendall.com.au/store/p/nick-kendall-lut

[@stronger7122]

Appreciate the breakdown of mics and best uses, especially for someone like myself that is new to it. Good job 👍

[@NickKendall]

Really glad it was helpful! :)

[@LoudEgg]

Excellent video. I will be sharing in my group. Thanks so much.

[@NickKendall]

Thanks for sharing! :)

[@KawaMalawa1]

Just leaving a comment for algorithm

[@NickKendall]

Too kind, thanks! 🙂

[@KawaMalawa1]

@@NickKendall no worries, great channel and great content you’ll get blessed with subs sooner or later brother

[@NickKendall]

Hey thanks! That means a lot! 😊

[@ArabellaTales]

You rock 🎉

[@Elvism2]

Same thing

[@karenfilthaut9650]

Excellent video! You broke the various microphones down better than any other video I have watched. Others did not mention the lapel mic which sounds like the solution for me. Thank you!

[@NickKendall]

So glad it was helpful!! :)

[@ShesGraceAuthentic]

Thank you for the information! Very helpful

[@NickKendall]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IvorWayWithCooking-xx2vn]

This is a great video. You are really good in front of the camera, you have a really relaxing voice which is really nice to listen too. Thank you

[@NickKendall]

Thank you so much! Very kind! :)

[@LaSpeziaGuide]

Thanks Nick a great video. This has helped me a lot!

[@NickKendall]

Glad it helped! :)

[@mihailescualexandru]

Great video! Thanks, I think you just saved me a day of research.

[@NickKendall]

Glad I could help!

[@gabriel-mckee]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@NickKendall]

My pleasure! :) Hope it was helpful!

[@Greydge]

Very good quality video. Super thumbs up 👍

[@MelissaButticci]

Thank you for showing the quality with just the camera because I was wondering about that!

[@NickKendall]

Happy to help! :)

[@goodnightvids]

Great video man thanks a lot👍🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@NickKendall]

No problem, glad it was helpful!!

[@ivorputnam5958]

Your videos are really helpful. You have a great accent and brilliant diction 🎉

[@NickKendall]

Thanks Ivor, very kind of you! :)

[@myhkeith]

good high quality content. surprised you don’t have WAYYY more views

[@NickKendall]

Thanks man! :)

[@Mr.Gratitude]

Thank you for this video and informations.

[@NickKendall]

My pleasure, hope it was helpful! Do you make KZbin videos as well?

[@Ovoworks]

Thank you for this Break Down

[@NickKendall]

No problem!

[@CityWalks3216]

Thank you for this video 👍

[@NickKendall]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@Boom-Onli]

so great video, thnx so much

[@NickKendall]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@fromnothingtogreatness6571]

Great video. Very educational😊😊

[@NickKendall]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@siringsungai]

Good review!

[@NickKendall]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@TechieReviews007]

Great video!

[@NickKendall]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@rozsakyshki1930]

such a good video! !

[@NickKendall]

Glad you liked it!! :) Are you a content creator as well?

[@adhdfitgirl]

such a useful video! thank you! how about the mics that are over head? Do those work?

[@NickKendall]

Glad it was helpful! Yes, the mics that are overhead are also a great option. They'll give you high quality sound and reduce background noise.

[@adhdfitgirl]

@@NickKendall thank you! What brands do you recommend?

[@missnyirongo4380]

This is so helpful

[@NickKendall]

Great to hear! :)

[@PersianChess]

thank you for the video🙏🏼 I have shure mv7 but the problem is that the audio is not as good as the audio in your video. yours is much better I tried prossesing it with premiere pro but still not as good as I want making a video about these issus would be a big help to me❤️🙏🏼

[@NickKendall]

Hmm, I wonder why.. What's the main problem with how it sounds? Have you tried adjusting the settings with the ShurePlus app?

[@Mr_wolf162]

Thank u bro❤ u will Hit 100k soon

[@NickKendall]

Thanks! :)

[@slightlyopinionated8107]

Great video! I wish if you did another one on this topic though to focus more on shotgun mics because there is a large difference in audio quality between different shotgun mics. There was some echo in the background with the shotgun mic you used but a different shotgun mic could’ve solved that. I had the same issue with a Rode VidMic II but audio technica AT875 was great and removed the echo. There is even a cheap shotgun mic called Takstar which goes for around $30 that supposedly outperforms many more expensive shotgun mics but I haven’t tried it

[@NickKendall]

Great points there! I am planning to do an updated version at some point in the future :)

[@shroots88]

Heyy Nick! Thanks for this very concise and easy to follow video! Wondering, do you recommend the lapel microphones for embroidery videos? I guess I'm trying to understand what would serve for the dual use of recording voice as well as capture sound from the embroidery hoop (like stitching through the fabric etc). Thanks a bunch!

[@NickKendall]

Great question; a shotgun mic could be a good option. Since they are directional, they should pick up the audio from both although it might be tricky since I'm guessing the sound of stitching it pretty low in volume. Another way could be to use 2 lapels together; one clipped to you pointing toward your mouth and then another clipped near the stitching. The benefit of doing it this way is that you can adjust the volume for each so the the stitching audio is clear over your voice. Hope that helps a bit!

[@shroots88]

@@NickKendall Heyyy! Appreciate the detailed response - so helpful! I think the two lapel idea is a great cause I can decide when and how much of the sound of the stitching I'd like ! Thankyouuu 🙏🏽

[@NurLevel]

Thanks bro, now I’m sure about the shure mv7 👍🏻

[@NickKendall]

Nice! It’s a great mic!!

[@missv7689]

This was a great break down. Interestingly the podcast mic and iPhone was the best in my opinion. I think if one can’t afford the podcast mic then record on iPhone with voice memos but use a lavlier mic with the iPhone instead of trying to hold it whole time. I was going to get a shotgun mic but now I’m reconsidering

[@NickKendall]

Yeah the iPhone mic is surprisingly good quality. Keep in mind a lav mic will sound different to the iPhone mic even if it's plugged into the phone :)

[@timiokusi]

Hey Nick, amazing video! I have a question as I want to start out youtube, I want to know how you go about video and audio syncing when recording. Do you keep the audio recording while taking different takes or do you stop the recording of the audio as well when you stop the video to record a new take. Because understanding this will help me with editing speed as well. Thanks!

[@NickKendall]

Great question!! I record my entire video in a single take (sometimes up to 30 mins of recording time) to save time syncing the video and audio. Then I cut out all the mistakes in post. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions! :)

[@RubyWahid]

Amazing video❤

[@NickKendall]

Glad you enjoyed it!! :)

[@mr_nobody17_ak]

THANKS,IT IS VERY HELPFULL FOR ME ❤😊

[@NickKendall]

Most welcome 😊

[@marsbound2024]

Superb video. I don't know if you've made any videos on this, but I've always been curious how things like XLR mics work in a setup with a computer, headphones, a DAC, and an amp (the later two for the headphones). I know XLR connects to particular type of audio interface equipment (a mixer I think), but I always wondered if what an XLR mic connects to can also be a device that provides DAC/amp functions for a nice headphone like say a Sennheiser HD 800 S. I really know very little about this, but I have seen a few videos where people talk about their XLR mics and various mixers/pre-amps they connect to (like the Rodecaster Pro). It seems that if one starts considering powering their headphones and mic, they quickly start accumulating a wide variety of equipment, lol.

[@NickKendall]

haha it's true, I think people who use audio interfaces are often into music and there's a lot of gear you can get as a musician! My podcasting mic can take XLR but I don't really need to use it since it still works over USB. In the future I might move to an overhead shotgun mic in which case I might invest in a USB XLR audio interface.

[@user-vi2jn6sw6j]

What camera do you use? And also what license?

[@TheWalkingbeans]

This video helped a lot for what mic I should get

[@NickKendall]

I'm so glad! :) What did you decide to get?

[@TheWalkingbeans]

@@NickKendall the wireless lapel because I’m planning to do a lot of outdoor content and cooking and a podcast mic because I want to do some gaming content

[@NickKendall]

Sounds perfect! Good luck with it all!!

[@TheWalkingbeans]

@@NickKendall thanks

[@buildwithtom]

Thanks!

[@MirageUchiha]

Great video. What would you recommend for starting to record video gameplay vids? Thnx in adv!

[@NickKendall]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'd say a podcasting mic would be best as you can leave it attached your desk and it will give you the best quality.

[@MirageUchiha]

@NickKendall Gotcha. Thanks for your input! Right now tho, I only have a Galaxy S22 Ultra. PS5 & Macbook Pro. I also have VERY limited physical space, so I think a lapel mic would be the best option for me. Wit that being said, what would you say the best lapel mic would be, given my situation? (I also have about $200-250 to work wit.) Again, I appreciate that you even replied at all. Ty.🙏🏾

[@NickKendall]

Oh nice, in that case yeah a lapel is the next best option. Generally with audio gear more expensive does help, but I recently tested a cheaper BoyaLink mic and was impressed (see my review of it if you want to hear how it sounds). Other than that, Rode is definitely a great brand with the GO 2. But there are plenty of more affordable options just watch some review videos and see which one sounds the best to you. And ensure it can plug into your phone. Hope that helps a little! @@MirageUchiha

[@gabriel-mckee]

0:40 In-built camera microphone 1:30 Phone microphone 2:30 Airpods 3:11 Shotgun mics 4:23 Wireless lapel 5:36 Podcasting microphone 6:58 My personal preferences

[@i-am-your-conscience]

Or to be short: A video without markers in 2023 is just crazy :D thank you for the work you did for Nick :D

[@gabriel-mckee]

Hey, you're welcome, and have a great day@@i-am-your-conscience

[@JeriBellini]

I like the idea of the lapel mic, wireless, can you connect it to a phone if you're using a phone to video and not a camera? It's been a few years since I've made videos so I'm a bit out of the loop. Would appreciate your help.

[@NickKendall]

Yeah, the lapel are super easy and versatile. You can get ones that connect to phones, some that connect to cameras but there's a lot out there now that can connect to both. Check out the Boyalink lapel kit review video I made.

[@Ledtheath7]

This video helped me a lot ( leaving this comment to support ❤)

[@NickKendall]

Glad it helped! Thanks for the comment! :)

[@LouisCubingChannel]

Very nice video，thx

[@NickKendall]

Thanks for watching!

[@Naturequote-yw1ci]

Great video, lift.

[@NickKendall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LeoFluffyPaws]

Thank you 🙏

[@NickKendall]

You’re welcome 😊

[@VuyoMorgan]

Thank you ☺️

[@NickKendall]

No problem! :)

[@SheerStitchery]

I use the Shure SM7B for my voiceovers. But my kids accidentally knocked my directional boom mic (Rhode) for my audio when I am filming “me” in the frame. I need to replace it and am not sure about another boom mix or if I should go with a lavaliere mic. Which one is best. Budget is no more then $1k CAD for everything (but already have the cords, mic stands, zoom H6, cloud lifters, etc.)

[@NickKendall]

I mean if you already have all the gear for a boom mic, that might make the most sense. Lavs mics require less setup though so that might be a plus if you want to avoid the same accident happening again. Downside is that you can see the lav in shot (unless you hide it really well) and the audio might not be quite as good depending on which lav you get. Hope that helps!

[@SheerStitchery]

@@NickKendall thanks! I ended up buying the Rhode NTG-3B and keeping the boom mic setup, seems a heck of a lot easier than having to figure where to clip a mic each time.

[@NickKendall]

@@SheerStitchery Good call! The NTGs are great mics!

[@johnnyguitar-uu3zr]

HI Great video, what do you recommend for me ,i am using my phone to record videos on my youtube channel but not happy with the sound , i use backing tracks , they will sound great , but when i play along i loose alot of the backing track volume , ANY Ideas ? I tried many external mic's but returned all ...

[@MrJerkfaceKevin]

Shotgun and wireless lav are ur best options. After shooting a variety of weddings, events, films, and talking heads. Shotgun would be my first recommendation and wireless lav 2nd. I bought the Sennheiser G series wireless lav system and its been going strong for 10 years, and that was $700.

[@NickKendall]

Nice, thanks for sharing your experience!!

[@EliskaReviews]

With the clip on one, do you have to edit the sound separately like you’d do using your phone ?

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I'm thinking about getting my first mic. I don't yet have a channel, but I have a soft voice. I need something that can plug into a phone. What kind of mix could do that?

[@MovingtoOhio]

I’ve never used a podcasting microphone before. My room has a lot of echo with my current audio. I don’t edit my own videos and send my videos to an editor. Is it an easy process to upload your audio separately ?

[@Darkrobot1000]

Do you have any suggestions for a podcasting mic around the budget of 350 USD? (I mostly want to use it for talking in voice chats, meetings and voice acting) I am trying to upgrade from the built-in mic of my headphones and need more opinions since I am not too familiar with podcasting mics. Also, most people I've asked told me to get the "blue yeti x" microphone. If you could give an opinion on it, that would be nice. Thanks in advance!

[@NickKendall]

Hey there! To be honest, even with that budget I'd probably still recommend the Shure MV7. I have another video reviewing it if you haven't already seen it. It's only around $250 and it's solid. It's what I use for all my content :) Hope that helps!

[@Darkrobot1000]

@@NickKendall Thanks for your suggestion, I'll make sure to watch the review when I get some free time :)

[@hackerockmedia]

The sound you got directly from the cell phone seemed great to me. I'd like to know how you handled it, I'm pretty sure you almost always use the same audio editing. Could you share how you edited the audio from the audio or lapel mic? The times that I have tried it, I have obtained a sound with some echo, which I know more or less how to resolve, but I cannot remove the sound that my mouth makes (saliva) while I speak.... 😅😅😅😅 Thank you very much in advance and greetings

[@NickKendall]

Yeah honestly the iPhone isn't a bad option if you don't want to spend money on a mic. It's been a while so I don't remember exactly what I did to it, but likely just added a compressor. I have some videos planned on how I edit my audio so keep an eye out :) And that saliva sound it tricky to edit out unfortunately haha

[@Jim_and_Natalie]

Great video but I would love options for multiple participants that are not stationary

[@NickKendall]

The best option for this I think would likely be wireless lapel mics. You can get kits that have multiple transmitters so you can use it with multiple people.

[@Notebook-Hiking]

Which micro wireless for samsung galaxy s23 and for Nikon z50 vlogging please

[@mdinatale12]

Does the clip mics work with gopro?

[@Joker-Fam-Fahim]

Bro which is a good mic that’s not to expensive in uk 🇬🇧??

[@umar786khan]

Very nice

[@NickKendall]

Thanks!

[@TudorBaba]

How do you record and edit your voice with your MV7? I have the same mic but somehow my voice it’s pretty low. Can you create a tutorial with your workflow?

[@NickKendall]

Yeah a tutorial is definitely on my list! I use Garageband to record and then I add a little compression in Final Cut. When you say low do you mean too quiet?

[@TudorBaba]

@@NickKendall yes, quiet. I tried both manual and auto modes on usb. I tried to record in Resolve, Audacity and voice recorder app on my MacBook. Can you please tag me when you have the tutorial? I’m interested to see. Thanks!

[@neithanm]

In my opinion, the bass from your microphone is waay too cranked up. Using a low band pass improves the audio for me, less "head-ache"y.

[@pengusahamuda7153]

Thanks for education

[@NickKendall]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@laikhel1388]

How can I record or capture the audio while using a condenser mic? Do I have to remove the original audio from the camera/phone and add the one that got captured by the mic?

[@NickKendall]

Depending on how you record it, yes you'd probably have to add it manually in editing software like Final Cut.

[@Tensor-An]

The iphone sound is good. Only catch is that it's the most expensive, if you think it's accessible haha.

[@NickKendall]

haha you're right! Although it's an expense many people have already paid for haha

[@bvs455]

What does the Shure MV7 sound like for online meetings such as Zoom meetings? Can Zoom and other video call softwares use the best of this microphone?

[@NickKendall]

I actually haven't used it for this type of thing unfortunately, so I'm not sure. I'd imagine it would sound better though!

[@sophiaralston]

My problem is that I was to start a KZbin Change as well as a podcast. For the video I want it to be out of frame but I want a good sound quality. But I can't imagine getting a full on set up with a stand and directional mic because I don't have a lot of space. Down the line I'm happy to get different mics for different uses but for now I don't have the budget.

[@NickKendall]

You could try a wireless lapel pack, but connect a wired lav mic to it. That way you can hide the bulky transmitter in a pocket and have a more subtle lav mic under your shirt.

[@iam_jamietheartist]

What about for adding voice or storytelling to prerecorded footage. I won’t be doing talking head videos. Probably not much vlogging. So should I even bother getting a rode-kinda mic? Can I use a rode mic just to record voice without shooting video at the same time?

[@NickKendall]

If you're adding a voiceover, a podcasting mic might be the best choice if you have the budget since they tend to give you the best overall sound quality.

[@iam_jamietheartist]

Thanks@@NickKendall

[@Kwekugadget]

Nice video

[@NickKendall]

Thanks!

[@RaptorsNorth]

Great video. I’m just starting up my sports show. Noticed my voice is terrible with just the I pad. Do you have any information on if I can get views. I’ve only got 5 on my first video. Thx 😊

[@RaptorsNorth]

Also should I buy something other than I pad to record?

[@NickKendall]

Just keep making videos and slowly get better over time. Your first videos will never be as good as you want them to be, you just have to keep practicing like any other skill :) I've got a podcast as well with KZbin tips, feel free to check it out: www.youtube.com/@thenicksanjeepodcast

[@RaptorsNorth]

@@NickKendall sweet bud! I’m stoked about it

[@lengting]

Is the MV7 a USB mic? How do I integrate it to my filming? I use a canon to record my videos

[@NickKendall]

It is! I record the audio separately in Garage Band and then sync it with my video file in editing :)

[@altkoin]

Do you use the cloudlifter booster or Fethead?

[@NickKendall]

Nah, currently just using the MV7 straight into my mac with USB. :)

[@cre8vedesign]

what is the best mic for zoom calls or phone calls that does a great job at NOT PICKING UP background noise? I think the answer would be podcasting mic but just want to make sure they can do zoom or phone calls.

[@NickKendall]

Yes, likely a podcasting mic would be best :)

[@benaiahferguson1372]

LEGEND! how can I contact you? I would love to talk about my set up with you and get your thoughts!

[@NickKendall]

MY MAN! Contact me anytime!

[@pyrexprince]

The comica what ? What was the name of the comica mic you used ? Thanks !

[@NickKendall]

Vimo C; there's a link just up above in the description :)

[@Ryadh_Abbas]

Nice❤️

[@NickKendall]

Thanks!

[@kitsunedragonCo.]

That specific Lapel Mic (the Comica), would that work for a Canon EOS Rebel T5? I have tried a shotgun mic but the camera thinks it's an attachment for the lens and not a audio piece.

[@NickKendall]

Yeah it should, although it's strange your shotgun mic isn't working? Are you plugging it in with a 3.5mm cable?

[@kitsunedragonCo.]

@@NickKendall Hey thanks for the response, much appreciated. Yes I am using a 3.5mm cable. I did have to buy a adapter as the Rode shotgun is a little bit bigger.

[@user-ry8yr4dt2q]

Hi, what do you think of Samson C01U Pro?

[@NickKendall]

Can't say I've ever used it, but it looks like it has positive reviews!

[@user-ry8yr4dt2q]

@@NickKendall thanks, man

[@StealthxSorr]

For me the wireless lapel sounds the best as it sounds cleaner than the MV7. Difficult, it feels like the MV7 should be better as its bigger and more expensive :/

[@NickKendall]

The lapel definitely sounds solid; great simple solution!

[@JPatelLive]

which lapel mic best to look through? which one/s do you have? :)

[@Makavelii-yf3sg]

@@JPatelLive it's the comica vimo

[@fattofit5075]

Currently use a podcast Mike but I’m thinking of moving to a lapel Mike.

[@NickKendall]

Lapels can definitely be a great solution!

[@JPatelLive]

hey yall - which lapel mic best to look through? which one/s do you have? :)

[@NickKendall]

I currently have two sets, the Comica set in this video which isn't bad but not the best of the best quality. Then I just got a Boya audio wireless mic set which I'm hoping to do a review on in the next couple of weeks. It seems to me that the gold standard is still the mics from DJI or Rode when it comes to compact wireless mics. Hope that helps!

[@ralex6786]

Please help😂 so when im vlogging outdoors i need a mic that will always pic me up regarding which way im pointing the camera, towards or away from me. I know i could just use a wireless mic BUT if i end up talking to someone in a shop for example how can i have clear audio for both of us??? The person Infront of me but still with clear sound of me even though im behind the camera. Please help it seems bo one can answer (btw im using a dji action 4) thank you so so much

[@NickKendall]

Hmm yeah that's honestly pretty tricky haha wireless mics are probably the best way to go. Or if you can use two mics, you could use a clip on wireless mic for you and shotgun mic on the camera for the person being filmed? Good luck!!

[@JOES.80]

Just leaving a comment for the algorithm

[@NickKendall]

Appreciate it! 😃

[@theweightlosslady1]

Is it okay to use a lapel mic with my laptop?

[@NickKendall]

If the lapel has a usb output you should be able to connect it to your laptop :)

[@sidekick3rida]

The podcaster mic is called a "condenser" mic

[@truthseeking04]

I searched for this😊

[@NickKendall]

Glad you found it! 😊

[@mehrunnisajaffre5416]

For algorithms sir

[@NickKendall]

Thank you! :)

[@edge0785]

Do you offer consulting?

[@NickKendall]

Hey, yes I do! You can make a booking here: www.nickkendall.com.au/about :)

[@nedrider]

🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@NickKendall]

🙌

[@amazingexpeditionstravel]

😃

[@NickKendall]

🙌

[@kickinit333]

tl;dr get the best mic you can afford.

[@cheydinal5401]

What's

[@NickKendall]

your question?

[@user-mq6ty6jz2h]

😢😢😭❤

[@BaoNguyen08]

meee

[@Malcolm_99]

No!

[@robertschmidt1627]

Algorithm

[@NickKendall]

🙌

[@Xseedbiotech]

Airpods sounds Horriblly baaadd!!

[@NickKendall]

It's true!