What people don’t understand when choosing the model for gaming and streaming is that the focus is different in this case. The possibilities of sound are limited when the signal passes through compression to be pumped through the internet. The fidelity criteria matter, but other factors are of primary importance when the microphone for such goals is selected, such as:
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1. Excellent recording quality
We have established that the quality of the audio signal is not that significant as it seemed to us, but we have to consider it while testing the mic. It’s still important to detect the device that makes your voice magnificent and improves the recording. Try the model with different settings and in diverse setups. However, you should use that setting most of the time needed for your particular use: gaming or live streaming. Pay attention to the way the microphone picks up the ambient noise, the keyboard clicks, etc.
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2. The form and appearance
The streamers are often too obsessed about the look as the audience can see them, and they want to look great. It’s also great to have the gear on your desk that is aesthetically pleasing for your eye. And though fresh appearance is essential, the quality of a device should never be inferior to it. Therefore, try to consider these aspects before choosing.
3. Good price tag
It’s always good to get much for the lowest possible price. Many gamers and streamers dream of affordable gear looking for cheap quality solutions. With such extensive selection in the market, there is always a risk of overpaying for the average device. Taking into account that the gamers and streamers do not need very demanding equipment, it’s possible to detect inexpensive microphones with suitable technical specs that can deliver excellent sound. After all, what gamers and streamers need is to produce clear audio. It’s essential to arrange clear communication with teammates to win. Gone are the days when people had to spend thousands of dollars to purchase high-end microphones.
They just couldn’t afford it. But everything is different now. Customers can buy high-end models that fit gamers perfectly within the $100-$200 price range. The mics came down in price and became affordable for everyday users.
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4. Reliability
The microphone should be reliable to serve you well. You won’t enjoy playing with friends and won’t achieve success with your Twitch streams if your receiver is malfunctioning.
There are also other things defining that the mic fits well. For instance, the ability of a person to use the mic also matters. The frequency response should match the voice of the person.
If one earns his/her living with streaming or just plans to do so, the person should learn more about technical issues and experiment with different devices to find the one that suits best. With a comprehensive approach, one should also care about the environment. The decent sound can be derived from some microphones in a proper environment only. And always look for the new items that appear in the market. Many devices that used to be the best the decades ago sound horrible by today’s standards.
5. Excellent performance under different scenarios
The setup requirements differ considerably in devices, and the same refers to the microphone. The task is to acquire a device that performs well under different conditions. It’s good to find some position of the receiver that works perfectly. Still, when it’s suspended only on a stand, and you know for sure what distance it should be from the source, the better option is the microphone sounding flawless under different scenarios. The best solution is the device adapted to different situations. Versatility is an essential factor when you plan to stream from separate locations. The method for gaming is worth considering if it has such property.
How to achieve excellent performance
Source: TopGamersGuide
Apart from the general guidelines described above, there are other factors to bear in mind when the proper device is selected. Superior performance is needed for gamers to be heard by their teammates to coordinate their activities when playing for the team. It is also essential for the streamer to be heard clearly by the audience. Otherwise, the stream is of no interest to them. Bad sound is most often the reason why many visitors stop watching you and don’t follow your activity any longer. So if you are going to be a successful online streamer or content creator, you should upgrade your sound. It’s possible to make it clear and crisp even with inexpensive equipment. You should just determine the right microphone.
Frequently, the question arises if it’s worth using the headset device. That is often not the best option as such videos suffer from poor quality when you use headset mic. If you don’t want to lose your fans after so much effort, you should find a different solution.
Source: High Ground Gaming
There are plenty of high-quality models on the market. But even an expensive mic won’t be useful if you choose the wrong polar pattern. Select among the best microphones for gaming and streaming concerning such characteristics as directional properties. A person should use the microphones of different polar patterns when streaming, podcasting, or interviewing the other person. The microphones capture sound from the particular direction or directions, and this capability divides them into the groups:
- Omnidirectional – capturing all sounds around;
- Bidirectional – capturing front and rear sound (it makes the mic perfect for interview);
- Unidirectional – capturing sound in front of the device and its sides.
Those who need a mic for different uses should acquire a multi-pattern model.
So, what is the right pattern for those who are streaming their gaming sessions? With the Omni pattern, the viewers will hear much background noise such as keyboard and mouse clicks. Bidirectional is also not ideal for the situation, while the unidirectional microphone fits perfectly. It focuses on the gamer’s voice and rejects the noise around. The beginning users can try one of the Blue receivers, for instance, Blue Yeti and Blue Snowball. These devices with a USB connection can be a practical choice. Samson Meteor is also an excellent alternative for newbies who want to sound fantastic as they play. These models are rather affordable, taking into account the quality of sound they deliver.
You can read more on the brands and types of mics for gaming and streaming here: https://techzelo.com/best-microphones-for-live-streaming-and-gaming/.
