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Content creation has become more and more popular in the last year, and if you have been looking around for the right equipment to start your own YouTube page, then buying the right microphone should be your first choice. Sound quality is clearly an important part of the YouTube experience, especially in terms of audio clarity and background noise-both of which can ruin pre-recorded videos or live broadcasts (crystal clear audio also makes it easier to generate subtitles for the hearing impaired) .

Whether you are an experienced YouTube user or a newbie in the vlogging space, no matter your budget, we have a short list of the best microphones you can go online.

Here are seven best XLR and USB microphones for YouTube, gaming, video chat, and podcasting. For more technical guidance, read our recommendations on the best podcast equipment and best webcams.

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If your content creation involves music, Sennheiser MD 421 II microphone is a good choice. In addition to being one of Sennheiser's most popular microphones for 35 years, this versatile microphone also has a large diaphragm to handle high sound pressure levels, making it ideal for recording guitars and drums. MD 421 II provides clear sound reproduction with full cardioid directivity and five-step bass control, making it ideal for most musical instruments as well as chorus and broadcasting. You can get it on Amazon or directly through the Sennheiser website and other major retailers (including Walmart and Guitar Center).

Audiophiles may argue about the premium sound quality level, but El Gato Wave 3 is one of the most popular condenser microphones, and you can buy it for less than $200. Wave 3 is suitable for video conferencing, live broadcasting and games. It is very user-friendly, with a built-in digital mixing solution for easy plug-and-play settings.

From a design point of view, Wave 3 combines retro and modern, impeccable sound and tight heart-shaped directivity to accurately capture voice. Other features include up to 24-bit (96kHZ) analog-to-digital conversion, anti-distortion technology and up to 9 different channels to mix sound. Using the Wave Link app, you can combine all audio sources and create two independent mixes-one for your own use and the other for your audience.

Blue Yeti is one of the top USB microphones on the market. You will get original broadcast quality sound for your YouTube channel and game streaming, podcasts, video calls, music and more. Just insert it and press record. Blue Yeti has four different mode settings, providing incredible flexibility, allowing you to record vocals for music, podcasts, Twitch streaming, YouTube videos, or whatever you might need. Speaking of necessities, you may also need a lavalier microphone for less than $20.

Another super affordable option from Blue Mics is this compact USB microphone. If you are new to YouTube, the Blue Snowball iCE USB microphone is a good starting choice (mainly because of its low cost). Blue Snowball has a frequency response of 40 –18 kHz, which can provide crystal clear functions for your YouTube recording, Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, etc. The microphone is available in black or white.

There are good reasons why Rode microphones are so popular among YouTube users. Rode VideoMic Pro+ is designed for use in camcorders, digital SLR cameras and portable voice recorders. VideoMic Pro+ is an upgraded version of VideoMic Pro. It has a two-stage high-pass filter that can reduce low frequencies (such as traffic or air conditioning); a high-frequency boost that can enhance recording details; and a three-stage gain control with +20dB function to improve DSLR Or the audio quality of a mirrorless camera. If you want something cheaper, try Rode PodMic for $99.

The Shure SM7B dynamic microphone is one of the most highly rated microphones by YouTube users, partly because of its key features, such as blocking electromagnetic buzzing from electronic devices, including computer monitors and neon lights. This version is an update to the earlier model and provides an improved bracket design to provide you with higher stability.

For people on a very tight budget, a USB microphone may be cheaper than the XLR option, which provides more features. This desktop microphone from TKGOU can be purchased as an all-in-one package for only $20, no setup is required, and the sound is clear. Use it for YouTube, live streaming, games, etc.

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