Best Noise Cancelling Microphone 2023; Reviews

Here in this article “Best Noise Cancelling Microphone” we’ve rounded up 11 best background noise reduction mics of various types, specifications, and budget. Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each, as well as an elaborate buying guide to pick out your favorite.

Noise-cancelation is a feature that almost all content creators love to have in a microphone. A microphone with the ability to block out the background noise ensures that even the slightest sound of birds chirping outside the window, or the vehicles passing by will not be recorded while you are recording your content or audio.

With so many options to choose from, we thought we’d make your buying decision a little easier by sharing our list of best noise cancelling microphone for recording, streaming, gaming and more.

How To Reduce Background Noise In Microphone Recordings

1.Use an Acoustic Screen

An Acoustic Screen is a small, normally semi circular device that attaches to your mic stand, surrounding the mic and protecting it from a great deal of lower level background noise.

If the external sounds are relatively low then this could make a big difference, but it wont cut out louder interruptions

2.Chose A Dynamic Microphone or A Condenser Mic With Very Low Self Noise

Dynamic microphones tend to pick up a narrower range of sounds, both frequency and amplitude. This means it’ll pick up less sounds from far away and less of the annoying, non-voice frequency audio.

Self-noise is defined as the noise introduced into the mic signal via active components (like transistors, vacuum tubes, and printed circuit boards) and as the noise emitted from these components that is captured by the mic capsule.

In fact, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ratings are given to active microphones based on their self-noise ratings.

When choosing a condenser or active microphone, check out the self-noise rating. Any rating above roughly 20 dBA means the microphone will output a noticeable hiss of noise.

Place The Mic Closer To The Sound Source

Although this may not technically reduce the noise in the microphone, it will certainly help improve the signal-to-noise ratio of your microphone.

Placing a microphone closer to a sound source increases the amount of that sound source relative to the amount of noise in the mic output. This is explainable with the inverse-square law.

The inverse-square law states that as sound moves away from its source, its sound pressure drops by half (- 6 dB) for every doubling of distance.

What this tells us is that if we halved the distance between our mic and the sound source, our signal would be 6 dB louder at the microphone capsule

Use A Shock Mount

Mechanical noise is a major type of noise that affects microphones. It is defined as any vibrations through solids that reach the microphone capsule and cause noise in the mic signal.

A shock mount helps to isolate the microphone from these mechanical noises, thus reducing the noise in the mic.

Move Away From The Source of The Noise

Close windows, move away from air vents, go to less noisy rooms, close applications that are causing your laptop’s fans to whirr, move your microphone farther away from your mouth so other people can’t hear your breathing, and generally think about how you can avoid noises.

Best Background Noise Reduction Mic reviews

Best Overall

Shure SM7B

Shure SM7B is a legendary high-end dynamic microphone, often used on radio stations, for podcasting, voiceovers and studio recording as well. 

Many people believe that to get the best sound it is somewhat mandatory to use only the expensive condensers like Neumann and similar. 

This microphone can easily prove them wrong. Three times cheaper than TLM 103 and 8 times cheaper than U37, it is capable of producing just as good, and in some occasions, even better results! 

Having its own pros and cons, it resurrects the old topic of dynamics vs condensers, but in a nutshell, the sound quality of SM7B is exceptional.

This is the same microphone that the “King Of Pop” himself, Michael Jackson, used on his most successful album of all time to date, “Thriller”. This is one of the best microphones, if not the best to use for vocals in its price range.

It’s an incredibly versatile microphone, with its wide, flat frequency response, and cardioid polar pattern, it’s perfect to be used in recording setups for recording vocals, instruments and even micing up amplifiers, where off-axis sound rejection is required to gain clarity in a recording take.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqFqGypUhJg

Also, with the addition of it’s bass roll-off and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls, it’s also been widely used in streaming, broadcasting, podcasting and video commentary, as it really provides a lovely rich, clean tone.

This is undoubtedly one of the best dynamic microphone for streaming & gaming.

The microphone itself has a cardioid polar pattern, but with the assistance of the bass roll off and mid-range boost controls, the polar pattern changes accordingly, it has good frequency responsiveness.

The pre-installed pop filter effectively eliminates plosives and fricatives, meaning you can speak freely without monitoring how close you are to the recording capsule. 

Shure also provides its A7WS detachable windscreen to further reduce plosives and produce a bassier-tone. To install the windscreen properly, refer to the included user guide as it requires the use of an included attachment piece.

Whether you record from a blanket fort or professional studio, you’re going to need a mic stand. Podcasters or streamers working from a desktop should consider a mounted boom arm instead.

No matter where you take the Shure SM7B, you need an XLR cable to plug into an audio interface or mixer.

As far as the microphone’s sound, it really does provide a clean overall sound. It must be noted that the microphone has a pronounced proximity effect, meaning that the low frequencies are not picked up as readily as soon as you’ve positioned yourself either off-axis or more than 2-3 inches away, on-axis.

None-the-less, like any microphone, positioning is key. And when you’re singing, speaking or using the microphone to mic up an instrument, when you hit that sweet spot, it really provides a lovely rich tone.

Pros:

• Crystal clear natural sound 
• Rich lows and extremely smooth highs
• High and low cut booster filters
• Works without pop filters and external shock mount
• Provides great sound isolation. 

Cons:

• Requires a decent mixer or preamp

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Best USB Microphone 

Samson Condenser Microphone

Samson’s C01U USB condenser microphone is a back-electret, medium-diaphragm studio microphone. The ‘digital’ tag refers to the fact that it has a built-in analogue-to-digital converter and interface, enabling it to connect to a computer workstation via USB rather than the more usual analogue, balanced XLR cable. It outputs at 16-bit resolution and supports sample rates of 8, 11.025, 22.05, 44.1 and 48kHz. 

The Samson C01U makes an excellent podcasting microphone. Easy to use, and the voice recordings will sound professional compared to your computer’s built in microphone.

Connectivity is strictly via USB, with a port at the bottom of the mic, where an XLR connection normally would be. 

There is no other audio output, and the supplied USB cable provides not only the audio connection to the computer, but also power for the mic. 

To enable the mic to function as a one-stop solution for simple recording needs (like podcasts), this version is also a full USB interface. 

Samson shoe-horned a headphone amp into the compact C01U Pro microphone. You get real time zero-latency monitoring while recording. 

No more external headphone amps or plugging into different, and lagged, sources. 

The C01U Pro’s integrated headphone amp makes this a complete recording outfit that’s perfect for space-restricted studios and musicians on the go.

Solid die-cast metal construction and shock-mounted mic element minimizes unwanted handling noise and vibrations and that is what makes it a great noise cancelling USB microphone.

Another good thing about this microphone is that you do not have to worry about compatibility. 

It will work fine without installing additional drivers or specific software. In fact, you can plug it into Mac and Windows computers as well as iOS and Android devices. Its versatility and functionality are really the best.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Needs no audio interface or mic preamp
• Connects via a conventional USB cable
• Excellent sound & convenience
• Included standmount

Cons:

• Dodgy headphone jack

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Related Articles:

• Best Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
• Best Microphone For Voice Overs 2021; Top Reviews
  
• Best USB Microphone For Singing/Vocals 2021; Reviews

Best Budget Pick

Olympus ME-52W

If you are recording an interview or meeting either outside with wind noise or in a busy environment like a cafe or restaurant then the noise cancelling capabilities of the mic will improve your audio reducing wind and background noise.

Digital voice recorders provide great solutions for voice recognition applications, however background noise will sometimes cause a problem. 

The ME-52W plugs directly into your digital recorder’s 3.5mm microphone jack for uni-directional recording in high-noise environments. 

It will cut down on much of the background noise and result in a more accurate transcription. It also comes with a windscreen cover, a tie-clip and 3.3ft extension cord.

The ME-52W Noise-Canceling Microphone suppresses ambient noise, which allows you to make even better mono audio recordings. 

Connect this microphone directly to the microphone input, and tilt it to any desired direction, using the handy rotation mechanism.

The foam cap provides optimal protection. The ME-52W Noise-Canceling Microphone, with a sensitivity of -40dB and a frequency response of 100 to 15,000Hz.

Pros:

• Affordable mic for gaming PC & streaming
• Good audio quality
• Clear sound 
• Good sensitivity
• Isolates background noise effectively

Cons:

• Flimsy

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Best For Streaming

Shure MV7 

The Shure MV7 is a well-priced, well-made mic with a huge amount of genuinely useful functionality.
The microphone is easy enough to use for a beginner, yet it has enough substance and sound quality to impress a seasoned professional.

The Shure MV7 is designed to be non intimidating as it lacks buttons and switches; instead, Shure outfitted the mic with a touch panel decorated by a row of LED lights to indicate the gain level. 

The panel also includes a mic mute toggle for on-the-fly changes. On the back of the body you’ll find an XLR, microUSB, and headphone jack output. 

It features other, more premium comforts like adjustable frequency responses—though, with the MV7 you must download the ShurePlus MOTIV app.

Available with black or silver metallic enclosures, the MV7’s capsule is covered by a screw-on foam pop filter/windscreen, and when this is removed, instead of a grille, you see the actual unprotected dynamic capsule. (The filter is only removable so it can be replaced with various color options—it needs the filter on to properly protect the capsule.) 

This is one of the best dynamic microphone for streaming & gaming as it’s capsule has a cardioid pattern and a frequency range of 50Hz to 16kHz, and the mic’s A/D converter can record 16-bit or 24-bit audio at 44.1kHz or 48kHz sample rates.

In the box, you’ll get a Micro Type-B to USB Type-C and Micro Type-B to USB Type-A cable. 

Useful if you’re recording on the go on your phone and don’t want to pick up the background noise.

Build quality is solid, the chassis is sturdy and comes fitted with a swivel mount that can attach onto mic stand or boom arm threads. 

Unlike some microphones in the USB market, it doesn’t feel cheap or plastic-y to handle, it feels like it could take some wear and tear in the studio or on the road and not immediately crumble to dust. 

Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a mic stand included, so you’ll have to invest in one to use it comfortably.

The Shure MV7 produces amazing audio quality, capturing a full frequency range with clarity that makes your voice shine. 

If there is one thing, it doesn’t quite capture the low end as well, it lacks some of the richness and texture you may be expecting. Despite this, the MV7 still produces crystal clear, crisp audio. 

The difference in quality between the XLR and USB connections is almost imperceptible, both sound fantastic.

Pros:

• Specially tuned for vocal capture
• Hybrid XLR/USB Connectivity
• Built-in shock mount and pop filter
• Auto-leveling and software enhancements
• Simultaneous output

Cons:

• Expensive
• Mic stand sold separately

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Best For PC

Samson Go Mic Direct

• Capsule: Condenser
• Diaphragm: 0.39″ / 10 mm
• Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional
• Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sample/bit rate: 44.1kHz / 16-bit
• OS Support: Windows, macOS/OS X
• Dimensions: 1.7” x 0.74” x 1.7
• Weight: 1.03oz

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The Go Mic is roughly the size of a Bic lighter. At 2.8 by 1.7 by 0.9 inches and 3.7 ounces, it’s a tiny microphone that won’t take up much space in your bag.

The clip stand fits around the mic for compact stowing when not in use. The stand is a minuscule, ergonomic wonder—it has rubber feet so that it can be placed flat on a desktop with the mic hinged off to the side. 

Or you can flip the stand over to clip it on the top of your laptop screen. If neither of these options work for you, the included nut adapter on the stand can be used to mount the mic onto a standard mic stand. All of this fits inside a tiny, flat carrying case.

The Go Mic Direct from Samson is a USB condenser microphone that features an ultra-compact design and plugs directly into your Mac or PCs USB port without a cable, and without blocking the other ports. 

It records at CD quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz resolution and is great for podcasting, recording music, recording sound for YouTube videos and much more. It’s also great for Skype, FaceTime and voice recognition applications.

Behind the windscreen rests two 10mm capsules that are internally shock-isolated and can record both cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns and that’s what makes it one of the best noise cancelling microphones for Mac or PC.

The pattern switch is found on the interior side of the mic housing. Here users can choose between cardioid, cardioid with a 10dB pad, or omnidirectional pattern.

The LED indicator is useful for notifying users of power supply and clipping; it blinks red when noises are too loud. 

Additionally, the outer edge of the recording module houses two inputs: one for a 3.5mm headphone plug and another for mini-B USB power supply.

For this microphone you don’t need to find the proper XLR connector and adapter or with a sustainable USB interface. The Samson Go Mic truly is a plug-and-go option for you if you don’t need top-notch studio recording quality and prefer ease-of-use. 

For the price, it’s hard to complain about the Samson Go Mic—it’s a tool of convenience, and it does what it needs to do well enough and is easy to use.

Pros:

• Cardioid and omnidirectional patterns
• Lightweight, portable
• Value for money
• Plug and play

Cons:

• Easy to get pop sounds, especially given the lack of DSP

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Best For Podcasting

Electro-Voice RE27N/D

The RE27N/D is a high-output, neodymium-equipped voice production microphone, and a chosen favorite for broadcasting, podcasting, and sound engineering worldwide. 

Superb resolution and depth for voice and instruments have also made the versatile RE27N/D a revered workhorse tool with recording studios and live sound engineers for a wide variety of production situations.

Although a bit pricey, this amazing dynamic microphone for streaming could give you professional quality output in your live streams.

The RE27N/D microphone has three selectable filters: -6 dB from 250 to 100 Hz, -12 dB from 1000 to 100 Hz and -3 dB high-frequency roll-off. 

It is built with integral wind and blast filters to protect the capsule, and the Neodymium element design brings 6 dB more sensitivity than standard dynamic microphones.

The RE27’s sensitivity, excellent transient response and low noise help ensure an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. 

https://youtu.be/J5i1jgOVWJE

The mic’s use of a humbucking coil, resulting in a hum sensitivity of -130 dBm at 60 Hz in a 1 millioersted field, reduces noise even more.

The mic’s cardioid polar pattern offers its greatest rejection at 180 degrees off axis, ensuring excellent gain-before feedback. A blast and wind filter covers each acoustic opening on the mic. This helps eliminate pops, breath sounds and excessive sibilance when recording vocals. Part of the filter also shock-mounts the internal microphone transducer.

The RE20 has long been known as one of the premier voice over/radio broadcast microphones and in this field the RE27 truly shines. 

The mic’s continuously variable-D design decreases the proximity effect resulting in a uniform low-frequency response, up-close or at a distance. 

Like a handful of mics out there, the EV RE27N/D is one of those workhorse microphones that can easily adapt to nearly any situation but unlike many of those mics the EV RE27N/D is extremely affordable. 

This makes it the perfect choice for smaller project studios only equipped with two or three mics or the perfect compliment to a larger studio’s mic closet.

Pros:

• Rugged built
• Excellent sound quality
• Extremely sensitive mic
• Excellent multipurpose, versatile mic 
• Comes with 3 filters

Cons:

• Pricey

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Best Retro Pick

Shure Super 55 

Shure Super 55 Deluxe is a supercardioid prop mic for live sound. It may certainly look cool on camera while sparing you from having to procure an expensive and delicate Neumann or some other signature microphone in order to impress your audience. 

It doesn’t follow conventional cone shape, rather it features a satin chrome-plated housing that’s reminiscent of what Elvis Presley used live in the ’50s. 

This vintage look works together with its modern performance and reliability, making it a true stage worthy mic with bonus points for aesthetics.

On the inside of its rock and roll friendly exterior is a modern supercardioid dynamic mic capsule that follows after modern mic specifications. The end result being a classic looking mic, with modern ambient rejection and improved sound.

You have to understand it doesn’t have anything to do with the old mic other than having the similarly styled body. 

Those times are long gone and we have a small cylinder-shaped capsule here, fitted into a large square box, which to put it politely does not contribute anything at all to the sound quality.

The Super 55’s new supercardioid capsule works best with stage monitors placed slightly off to the side, with lobing at the 120-degree off-axis position rather than the straight-on cardioid approach. 

Also, the Super 55’s -53dBV/Pa sensitivity results in an output that’s approximately 5 dB hotter than that of the 55SH II, providing increased gain-before-feedback. 

As another plus, the frequency response extends out to 17 kHz, allowing for some extra air and articulation. 

At the other end, the Super 55’s bass response is smoother and seems more controlled, while retaining the 6 to 7kHz presence boost that lets vocals cut through the mix.

The overall performance of this mic is exactly what you should expect out of a live vocal microphone, also since it has a dynamic capsule, it’s a great option for someone looking for a good noise cancelling microphone for vocals or recording.

The cut to the low-end helps tame the proximity effect, handling noise, and plosives. The presence boost helps your voice cut through and sit on top of the mix. 

The super-cardioid polar pattern helps limit bleed from instruments on stage, as well as limiting feed from the PA. 

Pros:

• Super cardioid polar pattern is very beneficial in a live environment
• Does a great job with the proximity effect, handling noise, and plosives
• Your voice will cut through a mix
• Cool looks for a prop mic

Cons:

• Pricey

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Best For Broadcasting

Rode Procaster

The Rode Procaster is a dynamic mic so it doesn’t require phantom power, plus it does a great job at rejecting unwanted noise thanks to the switchable high-pass filter and cardioid polar pattern. 

Naturally, you lose a tiny bit of the nuance you would get from a condenser but overall, as a microphone for speech, this doesn’t pose the same problem as it would recording acoustic instruments or vocals, where every harmonic counts.

Despite being in the dynamic bracket though, the Procaster does a great job of recording the nuances of a vocal performance. This is aided by the fact that it’s also good at rejecting unwanted sounds from around the microphone.

The cardioid pickup pattern offers 180 degrees of rejection, so it’s best suited to directional use, specifically in front of one voice rather than many at a time. 

You also talk directly into the top of the mic, rather than the side, despite how it may appear at first. 

Performance here is aided by an internal pop-shield, however we’d always advise on the use of an external pop filter just to be safe.

This is one of the best dynamic microphone for streaming and gaming for professionals as it’s frequency response is full, smooth and transparent: it has a flat midrange and some nice clarity boost with a very smooth transition – no bumps or dents whatsoever. 

The lows are hyped a bit too much due to proximity and the fact that you have to be right on top of it at a close range in order for it to work, and initially may come out as muddy and unattractive. 

However, after applying a basic low cut filter, this nuance is taken care of and the mic truly starts to shine. 

Suddenly it sounds much more expensive and now you can hear the Rode Procaster’s clarity with its sweet and silky-smooth highs.

Despite the use of spider shock mount, it looks decent on camera because the tip prolongs quite a bit and being narrow and it does not really obscure the vision.

Rode Procaster is a very versatile mic with an excellent sound quality that has proven itself for recording purposes and it’s quite affordable compared to similar mics from other producers. 

Aside from a bassy low-end, it has a smooth uniform response with a good transparency and it offers a very good background rejection, just as you would expect from a broadcast microphone.

Pros:

• Broadcast quality sound
• High output dynamic capsule
• Balanced, low impedance output
• Internal shock mounting of the capsule for low handling noise
• Internal pop-filter to reduce plosives
• Robust, all-metal construction

Cons:

• Large and heavy
• Low signal output

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Best Condenser Microphone

AKG Pro Audio C414

AKG’s C414 is one of the most popular and widely used microphones in the world today. You’re likely to see one in every major studio. It has become a professional studio standard.

The microphone is equipped with nine selectable polar patterns, three attenuation levels and three switchable bass-cut filters, the C414 XLII remains one of the most versatile condenser microphone for recording vocals, drums, and acoustic & amplified instruments in the studio or on stage. 

Although the design is basic, the beautiful gold grille found on the C414 XLII, makes this microphone appear quite flashy when in the studio. 

You shouldn’t judge a microphone by its look. However, if you’re running a small startup studio, the impression of your clients and collaborators seeing the sparkling C414 can be a valuable thing.

The base of the C414 is solid and heavy, quite frankly, it’s built like a tank. Underneath the grille is the precious heart of the C414, the 2nd generation CK12 nylon capsule, responsible for the sound of the C414. 

The C414 is a large-diaphragm, multi-pattern capacitor microphones utilising a gold-sputtered diaphragm where only the front side of the diaphragm is coated, the aim being to avoid electrical shorting between the diaphragm and backplate at very high SPLs. 

The pickup pattern can be switched in five steps to encompass omni, wide cardioid (not available on previous C414 models), cardioid, narrow cardioid, and figure of eight. 

A tiny system of green LEDs below the switch illuminates whichever option has been selected, and the current selection can be temporarily locked by pressing and holding the rocker selector switch for three seconds. 

Pressing again for three seconds, or switching off the phantom power, unlocks the setting. 

The same pattern-selection LED doubles as a clip warning light, and turns red for around one third of a second 2dB prior to clipping.

The C414 gives the user considerably more control over how it picks up sound than most microphones. For example, most mics feature one volume pad, but the C414 gives you three: -6dB, -12dB and -18dB. 

Engaging any of these will lower the output by the specified amount, which is helpful for avoiding overloads when recording loud sources like horns, drums and guitar cabinets.

Also, whereas most mics only give you a single option for cutting low-frequency pickup, the C414 offers three filter settings: 40Hz, 80Hz or 160Hz. 

The first two filters provide a 12dB/octave slope, while the 160Hz setting has a gentler 6dB/octave slope. 

The filter can be helpful to reduce low-end distortion when recording bass-heavy sources, and can be useful for reducing proximity effect, wind noise, or plosives.

This filter also makes it one of the best noise cancelling microphone for recording, instruments or podcasting. 

The ability to switch between polar patterns on the C414 is what makes it so incredibly useful, but it is the sound quality and character of this microphone which ultimately seals the deal. 

The C414 has become renowned for its high-end clarity and sound character. This is what makes the C414 XLII particularly popular as an amazing noise cancelling vocal microphone.

Pros:

• New switching system with LED indicators.
• Additional wide cardioid polar pattern.
• Improved technical spec.
• Excellent accessories included.

Cons:

• Grille is a bit fragile

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Best For Home Studio

Neumann TLM 102 

Styled in a nickel finish, the TLM-102 Large-Diaphragm Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphone from Neumann has the ability to withstand very high sound pressure levels.

The capsule, with its high SPL rating, permits the recording of percussion, drums, amplifiers, and other loud sound sources.

The microphone is equally capable when recording lower volume sounds due to its fast transient response. However, its most important applications are in the realm of vocals and speech.

It is a large-diaphragm, transformerless capacitor microphone with a fixed-cardioid polar pattern. 

Though it looks superficially similar to other Neumann side‑address mics, it is significantly smaller than the likes of the U87. It weighs around 260g, has a diameter of 52mm, and a length of just 116mm.

The capsule, with its edge‑terminated diaphragm, makes use of more cost‑effective manufacturing methods than Neumann’s high‑end mics. 

Another cost‑cutting measure is the lack of pad and filter switches, which makes it very much a ‘no‑frills’ design — but again, this doesn’t impinge on the sound quality.

The mic comes with a secure screw-in stand mount with a solid-feeling clamp on the tilt control. It’s nominally cardioid-only, and there are no pads or low-cut filters built in.

Due to its remarkably linear response across the entire midrange, the TLM 102 is able to capture the authentic character of any voice or instrument, enhanced by a slight lift around 10kHz for silky highs. The TLM has a gorgeous bottom end too, enriched by the well-controlled proximity effect of a large diaphragm cardioid capsule.

The TLM’s technical performance is impressive too. Its self-noise of only 12 dB-A is much lower than the ambient noise in even a very quiet room. 

At the same time, the TLM 102 is capable of handling extreme sound pressure levels of up to 144 dN free from distortion. 

As a member of the TLM range TLM 102 is equipped with a transformerless output stage, which means: powerful bass, even at highest signal levels, and a very direct sound without transmission losses. 

Its self-noise of only 12 dB-A is much lower than the ambient noise in even a very quiet room. 

At the same time, the TLM 102 is capable of handling extreme sound pressure levels of up to 144 dB free from distortion.

TLM102 is available in both black and nickel finishes. The mic comes in simple foam‑lined cardboard box along with a swivel standmount. 

A silver band below the basket and the red Neumann logo add a nice visual relief to the black basket and the satin-black body. 

A thread around the XLR housing locates into the stand adapter to provide a secure support, and the Neumann logo denotes the ‘hot’ side of the capsule. However, the thread will fit other Neumann‑compatible shock mounts.

Pros:

• An amazing versatile vocal mic 
• Great at background noise cancelling
• Affordable 

Cons:

• Shockmount not included

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Best Handheld Microphone

Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500

The Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 is a handheld cardioid dynamic microphone offering high-feedback immunity and voice-tailored sound for vocals, speech, and instruments in studios, houses of worship, corporate events, and live stage applications. 

The element features a dynamic moving coil, which requires no external power. Its cardioid polar pattern attenuates off-axis noise caused by sources such as monitors, additional instruments, and room ambience, allowing high gain before feedback.

This professional-quality microphone is designed to capture your sounds with outstanding sensitivity and accuracy. 

With a cardioid pickup pattern for excellent sound source separation and feedback rejection, this ultra-wide frequency response mics is an excellent choice for any performing or recording scenario – and it’s rugged enough to go the distance. 

With an integrated shock mount system and spherical wind and pop noise filter, and coming packaged with a mic stand adapter and an impact-resistant carrying case, the XM8500 is one of the best portable dynamic microphone for streaming.

This mic doesn’t come with that XLR cable but has a professional, cushioned, and durable case, with a big grippy handle to keep it looking brand new. In addition, it also includes a mic clip, 5/8″ to 3/8″ Mic Stand Adapter and documentation.

A black matte anodized finish covers an asymmetrical metal body that increases in diameter until it reaches a balanced head housing the microphone. 

The matte black anodized is tough and resistant to scrapes and scratches; it also has a decent grip and feels attached securely to your hand.

The quality of the finish extends onto the mic head where it elegantly envelops the mesh of the cardioid polar pattern. 

A double-edged metal ring bisects the upper and lower part of the mic head and it has the same attractive matte finish. 

It is also good to note that the matte anodized surface reduces reflections from the studio or stage lighting.

Pros:

• Cardioid polar pattern
• High-output dynamic transducer
• High immunity to feedback
• Internal shock-isolation system
• Integrated two-stage pop filter
• Gold-plated XLR 3-pin connector
• Durable metal construction
• Includes mic clip & carrying case

Cons:

• Lacks bass

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Best Noise Cancelling Microphone – Buying Guide

A good noise cancelling microphone doesn’t have to cost a fortune. However, you must be careful of choosing extremely cheap ones. Therefore you need to strike a balance between cost and quality when buying one.

Things To Look For In A Good Noise Cancelling Microphone

Cardioid pickup pattern to reduce background noise

Cardioid mics are less sensitive to sound from the sides and back, which reduces pickup of room noise and reflections.

Tighter pickup patterns like supercardioid or shotgun mics may reject even more noise, but they require your mouth to stay focused on a much smaller area to avoid noticeable variations in level.

Pop filter to prevent popping Ps

A pop filter is one of the simplest ways you can improve the quality of your vocals. They help to reduce the effect of what are known as ‘plosives’ – explosive consonants, such as ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds.

Words that start with these letters tend to produce a burst of air, which your microphone’s diaphragm will pick up, and causes your input level to spike. The result is popping sounds in your recordings, or even an overloaded signal with resulting distortion.

A shock mount that can filter out low-frequency vibrations

These vibrations can come from touching the table or typing on the keyboard while the mic is live.

Some mics have internal rubber isolation mounts around the element, while others rely on an external suspension mount that cradles the mic in elastic straps or bands.

A high-pass filter switch on the mic or the mixer adds a second layer of protection from unwanted thumps and bumps, and reduces low-frequency room noise as well.

Frequency Response

Most microphone manufacturers will clearly display the frequency response of their products on the package labels. Simply put the range of frequencies at which a microphone can detect audio sounds is its Frequency response.

Knowing the frequency range of the microphone is not as important as knowing the specific frequencies at which your microphone will respond to sounds, for this reason, you need to think about what you are recording before picking up a microphone.

If you are recording vocals and guitars, then you should pick a mid or high range frequency response, and if you are recording for bass, then you should consider a low-frequency response.

Dynamic Vs Condenser Microphone

This comes down to two technical characteristics: output level and frequency response.

Condenser microphones usually are more sensitive and provide a higher output level. A higher output level can be useful because the signal doesn’t need to be amplified as much by the mixer. Amplification adds hiss, and less-expensive mixers generate more of it.

Condenser mics have better response to high frequencies than dynamic mics. This gives condensers a crisp, detailed sound; however, it can be a problem for podcasters who record at home.

When you use a condenser mic, you risk picking up too much of the shhh sound from air vents or extra noises from the lips and tongue. Dynamic mics naturally mask these irritants just like a soft-focus filter on a camera hides blemishes.

Conclusion

Our tip pick for the best noise cancelling microphone is the Shure SM7B. The SM7B dynamic microphone has a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response appropriate for music and speech in all professional audio applications. It features excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum generated by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices.

Our next pick for the best background noise reduction mic is the Rode Procaster. The RØDE Procaster is a broadcast-quality dynamic microphone, specifically designed to offer no-compromise performance for voice applications in the broadcast environment. It features a tight polar pattern and tailored-for-voice frequency response. 

 

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