Finding the Right Mic: A Guide for Multifaceted YT Channels

Best Microphone for YouTuber

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

Looking for a quality YouTube microphone ? There are 2 things that make for good YouTube content: quality pictures and quality audio. If you are an ambitious YouTuber, you cannot afford to compromise on either of these. In fact, many would argue that having good audio is far more important than having good visuals, the reason being that poor audio is sure to discourage people from viewing your video no matter how great the pictures are.

This is why it’s important to invest in a good microphone for your YouTube videos. The best microphone for you will depend on the kind of videos you make and also where you do your recording. In this post, we tell you the top 19 microphones for making YouTube videos and we’ve grouped our top picks based on the type and setting of the video.

The Top 3 Condenser Microphones for Music and Singing
The Top 6 Condenser Microphones for Voiceovers, Podcasts, and Interviews
The Top 4 Camera Mounted Shotgun Microphones
The Top 3 Shotgun Microphones for Out-Of-Frame Audio Recording
The Top 3 Low-Profile Lavalier Microphones

The Top 3 Condenser Microphones for Singing and Music

Recording music requires a microphone that can pick up the nuances and depths of all the sounds involved in a performance. This is why microphones with large diaphragms, noise cancellation, and the capacity for high-pressure sound recording are ideal. Here are our top 3 microphones for singing and recording music.

1. Audio-Technica AT2035

The Audio-Technica AT2035 is a versatile condenser microphone that delivers excellent sound quality. It boasts a big diaphragm that enables it to pick up direct frontal sound very well and can also handle high-pressure sounds. According to some reviewers, this mic may pick up background noise if used in an environment that isn’t soundproof. That said, experienced vocalists and musicians are very pleased with the quality and warmth of the sound captured by this mic.

2. Rode NT1-A

The Rode NT1-A is a top-performing condenser mic that delivers the kind of professional sound quality YouTube vocalists and instrumentalists want from their studio recordings. Its great sound quality, low self-noise, and extended dynamic range make it remarkable for microphones in its class. It also comes with advanced features and its own Phantom power pack. Though priced higher than similar microphones, many YouTubers would agree that the quality delivered by the Rode NT1-A is well worth the additional cost.

3. AKG C214

The AKG C214 is by far the best studio-quality condenser microphone on this list. It is equipped with a large diaphragm for faultless sound fidelity and depth. It also has a bass filter and an attenuation pad that work together to capture loud and up-close bass sounds without audio artifacts. This mic is great for recording vocals as well as instruments and is famous for its durable build and consistent top-quality performance. The AKG C214 microphone is a great option for YouTube performing artists who are ready to up their game and produce content of impeccable quality.

The Top 6 Condenser Microphones For Podcasts, Interviews, and Voiceovers

Podcasts, interviews, and voiceovers are often shot in offices that double as studios. Usually, the podcaster and interviewees are seated at a desk in front of or next to a computer and may in fact be recording using a webcam. Here are 6 microphone options that give you the flexibility and connectivity you need for podcasts, voiceovers, and interviews.

1. Apogee Mic 96K

The Apogee Mic 96K is a plug-n-play cardioid USB mic that’s great for recording unidirectional sound like the human voice. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac (although it was primarily designed for Mac) and is perfect for recording simple voiceover videos and weekly podcasts. It’s also quite flexible and can be connected to mobile devices and cameras for both indoor studios and outdoor use.

2. Blue Yeti

The Blue Yeti is a popular USB condenser mic among YouTubers and podcasters. It delivers great sound quality in its cardioid mode (cardioid means it only records sound from in front of itself) and can be switched into other 3 other polar patterns thanks to its 3 in-build condenser capsules. This means that the Blue Yeti can be configured for bidirectional, stereo, and omnidirectional sound. This mic also comes at a relatively affordable price and is compatible with Windows and Mac. While most reviewers would not recommend it for recording studio music, it delivers the desired sound quality and range for YouTubers who focus on voiceover recordings and interviews.

3. Rode NT-USB

The Rode NT-USB is a great plug-n-play mic that comes with useful supporting equipment including a tripod mount and a storage pouch as well as a USB cable. It also has other desirable features like a 3.5mm headphone jack and on-mic mix control. That said, it lacks the voice configuration versatility of the Blue Yeti and is relatively more expensive. That said, this is one microphone that will impress fans of the Rode brand.

4. Blue Snowball

The Blue Snowball is a cool USB microphone that’s perfect for YouTubers on a budget. It has 2 sound recording configurations and will do a good job of capturing voiceover recording, podcasts, and interviews. The Blue Snowball is however very low on additional features and perhaps this is why it’s so much more affordable than the Blue Yeti. Depending on the Snowball model you buy, you may get no configuration options, no headphone jack, and no stand. All in all, this is a great starter-mic for voiceover YouTubers who are new to the game.

5. Audio-Technica AT2020

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a solid USB mic that’s especially good for voiceover recordings and one-person podcasts. It is built with only a cardioid unidirectional setting and may not deliver the best sound quality in a video involving more than 2 people. Its newer model also has additional functional options like a headphone jack and mix dial which was not available on the older model. That said, it may cost less than a Blue Yeti for most shoppers and delivers enough functionality and sound quality for the average YouTube voiceover recording.

6. Rode Procaster

The Rode Procaster is a great cardioid microphone for voiceover recordings and podcasts. It is known to perform well when placed close to the speaker and comes with an internal shock mount to reduce vibrations in voiceover recordings. While it performs quite well for a cardioid mic, it may need additional devices to achieve better sound gain and an external shock mount to better resist vibrations.

The Top 4 Camera Mounted Shotgun Microphones

Shotgun microphones are great for outdoor recording because they feature solid ambient sound cancellation and add-on windshields to keep wind interference to a minimum. They can achieve remarkable ambient noise cancellation due to the narrow area through which they capture sound vibrations. They also tend to come with hot-shoe or cold-shoe mounts to fit easily on cameras. Our top 4 shotgun microphones for on-the-go vlogging are listed below:

1. Rode VideoMic Go

The Rode VideoMic Go is a solid cardioid shotgun microphone that will do the job for on-the-go vlogging and interviews. It’s great for both outdoor and indoor use and comes equipped with a cold-shoe mount that lets it sit comfortably on most DSLR cameras. The VideoMic Go also comes with a shock-absorbing mount that together with its cardioid configuration makes for great sound capture with minimal ambient noise.

2. Shure VP83

The Shure VP83 is a 2-in-1 microphone and audio recorder. It comes with a Micro SD slot for recording sound without a camera and is fitted with an LCD screen for control and monitoring while in use. As a digital audio recorder, the Shure VP83 can support the creation of improved audio recordings. It comes with a hot-shoe mount with in-built shock-absorbing tech for better vibration reduction. Instead of investing in a separate mic and digital audio recorder, the VP83 is a great 2-in-1 alternative that performs as well as expected.

3. Rode VideoMic Pro+

The Rode VideoMic Pro+ comes with the proprietary Rode Rycote Lyre mount for excellent vibration reduction. It sits comfortably on most DSLR cameras and performs well in quick motion recording scenarios. The VideoMic Pro+ also comes with filters to reduce background noise, boost sound signals, and boost sound depth during on-the-go recordings. All in all, this mic is a great investment for YouTubers who want to produce good quality videos on-the-go.

4. Sennheiser MKE 440

The Sennheiser MKE 44O is a top-of-the-line shotgun microphone that captures stereo sound beautifully. This v-shaped microphone can capture stereo sound optimally. It has a solid camera mount, a high pass filter to keep background noise to a minimum, and effective gain control to boost audio signals. This mic is great for capturing audio from more than one person on-the-go. If you plan to produce more videos on-the-go in dynamic indoor or outdoor settings, the Sennheiser MKE 44O is a great option.

Best Shotgun Microphones For Out-Of-Frame Audio Recording

For out-of-frame audio recordings, shotgun microphones with broader sound pick-up patterns and intelligent noise cancellation are preferred. The objective here is to capture high-fidelity audio even when there’s more than one subject and you’re shooting a video with dynamic audio patterns. It’s the sort of recording hardware that’s needed for more professional indoor and field video recordings. Out top 3 picks for out-of-frame audio recordings are below.

1. Rode NTG-3

The Rode NTG-3 is an impressive shotgun mic with very great specs. It boasts all the features a professional would want for an out-of-frame audio recording. It’s also famous for its excellent sound quality, low self-noise, and great noise cancellation. The NTG-3s has an accommodating sound pick-up pattern. It handles unidirectional, bidirectional, and alternative sound patterns quite well. This is one shotgun mic most professionals love for outdoor audio recordings.

2. Audio-Technica AT4053B

The Audio-Technica AT4053B is a hyper-cardioid microphone that’s great for indoor dialogue recordings. It has a sleek look, excellent noise cancellation, and a detachable capsule that lets users switch between a hyper-cardioid and cardioid modes. The AT4053B is also known to be great for live music recording scenarios and delivers crisp sound quality to edge out its competitors. It delivers the kind of professional-grade audio capture most professionals would appreciate having in their toolbox.

3. Sennheiser MKH416

The Sennheiser MKH416 is considered a premium shotgun mic by industry pros. It’s great for indoor and outdoor shoots in a variety of weather conditions and will require more technical knowledge to be utilized maximally. To prove its power and top-of-the-line performance, the MKH416 is often used on movie sets and can pick-up long-distance sound impeccably.

The Top 3 Low-Profile Lavalier Microphones

Lavalier microphones are ideal for any scenario where you need a microphone that’s small and easy to conceal, or which records your voice from close-up. Lavalier mics are hands-free microphones which are usually clipped onto clothing to capture high fidelity voice audio with as little sound interference as possible. They tend to be omnidirectional but perform well for voice recordings because they’re usually placed very close to the speaker’s mouth. Our top 3 picks are below:

1. Rode SmartLav+

The Rode SmartLav+ is the go-to Lavalier mic for most YouTubers. It is compatible with most modern smartphones and can be used as personal vlogging. The SmartLav+ captures great voice audio. With its solid design, it has everything a professional or amateur would want from a Lavalier mic. It may require additional hardware to connect to some recording devices.

2. Audio-Technica ATR3350iS

The Audio-Technica ATR3350iS is a cheaper alternative to the Rode SmartLav+. It comes with supporting hardware for easy connection to multiple recording devices including smartphones and cameras. Also, it captures voice audio acceptably well and does not fare too badly at noise cancellation. That said, some reviewers have observed that it is more fragile than the SmartLav+. Be sure to take precautions and handle with care to avoid damaging your ATR3350iS.

3. Sennheiser ME2

Coming from the Sennheiser brand, the ME2 is considered a relatively affordable professional lavalier mic. It comes with a 3.5mm jack and captures clear voice audio with decent noise reduction in controlled environments. It’s also a plus that the ME2 is compatible with the Sennheiser AVX wireless system and Sennheiser bodypack wireless microphone system. With its compact size, the ME2 is easy to conceal and capture great voice audio even when placed under clothing. While it may not be the top-performing lavalier mic in its price range, the ME2 is a reliable lapel mic.

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Your Route to YouTube Entrepreneurship: Top 10 Easy Channels

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Do you want to be an entrepreneur and become your own boss? Nowadays it is the easiest time to do it. There has been a major shift in the workplace and many people are quitting their jobs to pursue their dreams of becoming entrepreneurs. In this article, we will talk about the best YouTube business channels that you can follow to gain inspiration and follow your dreams.

Part 1: 10 Best YouTube Business Channels You Can Follow

1. The Startup Van

This YouTube channel is dedicated to motivation when pursuing your dream of starting a startup. The channel provides much information about the steps that one needs to take to start out. One of the best and most informative videos on the channel is How to Keep Culture at Scale. The concept is great and the interviews all happen at the back of a van. The channel has more than 2 million views, even though it was only created in September 2015.

2. Skillshare

If you want to be a small business owner, the skillshare YouTube channel is a great place to start with. The E-learn platform on YouTube is a great source of information to help you start your own business. One of the best videos on the channel is Data Visualization Through Drawing & Visual Thinking, and it’s best known for personal development and learning new skills.

With more than 380 thousand subscribers this is one of the best YouTube channels to hone your entrepreneurial skills.

3. Shopify

Shopify is a well-known platform in the creation of business and business-style. It is very easy to create your own store and start selling straight away. So is without a doubt that its YouTube channel is filled with the best tips for you to start your own business. Have a look at the Making Shoes Look Like Dessert!!!! video to inspire you.

4. Creative Mornings

This YouTube channel is very similar to the Ted Talks format and is one of the most inspirational YouTube channels out there. It is more suitable for creative businesses and creative entrepreneurs and one of the most famous videos on their channel is Simon Sinek - Love Your Work.

5. This Week In Startups

This YouTube channel is great for entrepreneurs that like to think outside the box, and whether or not they are experienced. It focuses on rapid scaling and the ability to develop methods in start-ups that are not conventional. One of their most popular videos is ROOM CEO Brian Chen on Maximizing Open Floor Plans. With more than 23 million views, this is one of the most subscribed business channels around.

6. Small Business Toolbox

Andy Mac had been self-employed for a long, long time and that is what makes him so experienced in this field. This YouTube channel is focused on people that are planning to go self-employed or want to pursue a more independent and freelancing career. It is also aimed at UK people but has many good tips that anyone can follow and apply in their lives. Their must-watch video is Surviving a Self-Assessment Tax Audit. It has more than 21 thousand subscribers and almost a million views, making it one of the best YouTube channels for people that want to go freelance or be their own boss.

7. Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo is the number one author of the New York Times Bestseller with “Everything is Figureoutable”, and is a great source of content for creativity and positivity to help you surpass the most challenging aspects of becoming an entrepreneur. In this YouTube channel, you can find any type of information about creating a business and turning it into a success. Marie Forleo also makes one of the most popular online training programs and turns people’s dreams into profit. One of the best videos on this Youtube channel is 4 Customer Service Secrets to Help Your Business Take Off. The channel is also popular for its tips to develop successful habits and is great if you want to learn new skills to progress in your career or try new ideas. Marie Forleo is one of the most successful entrepreneurs out there and her YouTube channel certainly reveals that with more than 65 million views and more than 700 thousand subscribers. She also has her own Tv show called, MarieTV, where she teaches you to use your talents to become better at being an entrepreneur or your own boss.

8. Fast Company

Fast Company is a YouTube channel is focused on technology and innovation. It will help you to stay on top of the most recent updates in the technological and ever-changing world. In this channel, they talk much about looking for disruption when creating a company and how to quickly scale it. Their must-watch video is Kind CEO on The Company’s Social Mission, which will help you create the perfect environment in your company. With more than 29 million views and 102 thousand subscribers, this YouTube channel is rapidly becoming one of the most predominant YouTube channels out there when it comes to business and entrepreneurship.

9. Robin Sharma

With the video, How to Shift From a Business to a Movement, Robin Sharma became one of the most predominant Youtubers when it comes to leadership and business advice. Robin Sharma focuses on beating procrastination and self-doubt, as well as being a bestselling author. His books are read by many celebrities, from billionaires to royalty and rock stars, as well as many famous CEO.

10. Crouch Accounting

If you are looking for financial news, Crouch Accounting is one of the best Youtube channels. Having a good understanding of accounting is essential to creating a startup and turning it into a success. It is dedicated to small businesses, but it has tips for any kind of business, as well as freelancers. Their video What Successful Freelancers Wish They’d Known From the Start, is a great source of information for people starting out in the freelancing world.

Part 2: How to Create a Business YouTube Channel

Show Your Company’s Value

You have to showcase your company, and the best way to do it is by being active on social media platforms. You have to promote the value proposition of your company and also focus on its USP.

Use Social Media

Interacting with your followers on social media is one of the most important things you can do to promote your company. Create engaging content to expand your base of followers.

Use Smart Video Editor

When creating small videos, is important that you share tips and describe your products in your videos. Bite-sized how-to videos are great to engage with your followers. For that, you can use Filmora that is equipped with the most advanced tools to turn your videos into the best possible content.

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Conclusion

In this day and age, many people are shifting to freelancing or creating companies to become their own bosses. In this article, we go through some of the best Youtube channels to allow you to do just that. There are many tips and essential information that will help you turn your dream true.

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