Best XLR Microphone For Streaming 2023; Reviews

Here in this article “Best XLR Microphone For Streaming” we’ve rounded up 14 top mics of various types, specifications, and budget. Below, you’ll find in-depth reviews of each, as well as a guide on how to setup and use a XLR microphone.

So, you want to stream your voice or music to the world? You’re not alone. These days, more people are streaming on Twitch, YouTube, and other services than ever before. Part of this is short term; with everyone stuck at home, people are expressing themselves however they can. 

But part of it’s part of a longer-term trend. Even before COVID, streaming platforms were growing at a breakneck pace. There’s no reason to think that shouldn’t continue long after lockdown is truly ended.

Of course, all of this competition means that audiences expect more than they used to. 10 years ago, you could launch a successful streaming channel with a cheap webcam and a ukulele. 

Nowadays, you’re up against the likes of Joe Rogan, the Tonight Show, CNN, and VEVO. No matter what type of content you’re producing, chances are that there’s an alternative with premium production value. 

This isn’t to say you can’t become successful by streaming. You absolutely can! But you’ve got to be willing to invest a bare minimum in your equipment. 

Depending on your type of content, this might mean an HD camera, a green screen, or a capture card. But no matter what you’re doing, you want people to hear your voice, and that means a good quality microphone.

To help you stream your content we scoured the online microphone market, went through hundreds of customer reviews, consulted our in-house experts and chose the 14 best XLR microphones for streaming. 

XLR Microphone for Streaming – reviews

Best Under $100

sE Electronics X1 A

The sE iX1 A is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone that sounds great with a well-balanced frequency response.

The X1 A is undoubtedly one of the best XLR mics for streaming & gaming as it comes with many stronger features, a cleaner sound, and better design than many other microphones in a similar price point.

In addition, when compared with other microphones in the sE Electronics X1 mic line, it’s also cheaper.

The X1 A comes with a clip and mic-stand thread adaptor, rather than a full shockmount.

 The X1 A is designed around a 17mm capsule, which is half the size of the original X1’s K67-style capsule. At 17mm, the X1 A’s capsule is more or less at the midpoint of small-diaphragm and large-diaphragm condensers. 

Theoretically, this smaller capsule gives it more accuracy with high frequencies, although it also loses some sensitivity and may have a higher self-noise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dli0Afa5I3w

The X1 A has an all-metal chassis with a premium finish. It feels sturdy, hefty, and the metal construction helps with rejection of electrical interference and noise. 

It also has an integrated windscreen, which helps provide protection for the capsule as well as reduces the need for an external pop filter.

On the whole, this one of the best xlr mic for streaming sounds fantastically transparent, with a natural sound that’s not too overhyped. 

Vocals-wise, it’s best on a male voice, although the midrange does sound a little more restricted and you may need to do a little fiddling with the EQ.

Pros:

• Good value for money
• Great for streaming, voice overs and podcasts
• Affordable 
• Large diaphragm

Cons:

• Sometimes may encounter feedback issues

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Related Articles:

• Best Budget XLR Microphone; Top Cheap Mic Reviews
• Best Budget Microphone For Streaming & Gaming
• Best Dynamic Microphone For Streaming & Gaming; Reviews
• Can You Use A Microphone XLR Cable For Speakers? 
• Are Microphones Input Or Output Devices

Best Under $200

Stellar X2 

Most low-cost condenser microphones have a noticeable harsh and bright tone that makes them hard to sit in a mix and can sound fatiguing over time. 

The Stellar X2 is different in that its capsule and circuit are carefully tuned to produce a sound that is very smooth and easily sits in any mix without the tinny harshness of low-cost condenser microphones.

Outwardly the Stellar X2 looks much like any other large–diaphragm microphone, other than being slightly smaller, at just six inches long and 1.725 inches wide.

The mic is supplied in an aluminium case with a shockmount, a foam wind shield and a soft storage pouch.

Inside the black, powder-coated, shell is a custom–built, centre–terminated brass capsule skinned with Japanese Mylar. This is a K67‑style design, and measures 34mm in diameter. This high-frequency attenuation is employed to balance the harshness commonly associated with this style of capsule, the aim being to achieve very smooth highs. 

The hand-built, transformer-less JFET circuit includes tight–tolerance German WIMA film capacitors and other highly specified components, while the PCB has gold-plated tracks to optimise conductivity.

The microphone doesn’t have an over-the-top proximity effect, which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the actor. 

This is undoubtedly one of the best budget XLR microphone for streaming as on vocals the mic delivers a clean representation of the person in front of it, with no obvious coloration and a good balance of low–end density and high-end detail, all the while sounding smooth rather than aggressive. 

The lack of significant presence peaks also means the mic should suit a wide variety of voice types. 

Female singers and males with high voices tend to show up any high-frequency coloration a little more so the smooth high end of this model could well be a benefit in such cases.

For its price, the Stellar X2 is a must have. It competes effortlessly with mics costing five times the price. 

We strongly recommend this best microphone for voice over acting, which is a worthwhile addition to any mic locker. Whether you’re a voice actor, podcaster or a musician, this mic is well worth a listen.

Pros:

• Mic has a robust finish
• It is flat and neutral
• It can fit numerous sources
• A good condenser microphone as reviewed by customers
• Uses pure brass

Cons:

• A bit difficult to use

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Best For Home Studio

Audio-Technica AT2020

The Audio-Technica AT2020 is one of those rare microphones that give you good sound quality but at a very affordable price. It works very well as a vocal microphone. It is able to really reproduce all the subtle changes in voice applications. 

Because of its attention to acoustic detail, it is also perfect for recording acoustic guitars and other acoustic instruments.

This one of the best XLR microphone for streaming & gaming is built like a tank. It is quite a compact size at 9.6 inches long by 2.6 inches and weighs just one and a half pounds. It has an all-metal build, so it is a rugged mic and has a metal grille.

Not only a tough-looking microphone but also with a nice professional look. It has a pivoting, threaded stand mount, that can be detached if it is not needed. 

The AT2020 uses an XLR cable and requires 48v of phantom power. If that sounds intimidating, this is not the mic for you. You’ll need a mixing board at the very least, or a dedicated voice recorded that accepts XLR input. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K3_Uyx7ORU

It has a cardioid pick-up pattern that makes it perfectly suited to capturing your vocals. The polarity is designed to be most sensitive directly in front of it. The magnetic field curves out and around ensuring that nothing behind it is registered. 

It employs neodymium magnets to create its pick-up patterns. The diaphragm is well-engineered with realistic, well-tuned frequency response. It is sensitive but not overly so, this allows it to withstand high sound pressure levels (up to 144 decibels). It measures 0.63-inches and does a surprisingly good job, despite its smaller surface area.

It capably responds to spoken word, as well as sung, it is dynamically balanced to pick-up on nuances. With the gain levels suitably adjusted it can deal with a whisper or death metal screams, although you might want a decent pop shield to combat plosive sounds.

Pros:

• Affordable.
• Well engineered with robust build
• Good sound on vocals and instruments. 

Cons:

• High self noise

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Best For YouTube

TONOR TC20

As the name suggests, this is a complete kit that includes the mic, stand, and wires. This makes it a great value if you’re just getting started as a streamer.

The TONOR XLR (TC20) Condenser Microphone Kit includes two primary parts: the microphone and the stand. It also comes with a shock mount, pop filter, mic cover, and an XLR cable for your mic. 

There are even four cable ties in the kit, which makes cable management a snap. You can run your wire freely, without having to worry about it getting pinched in the boom’s hinges.

The only thing missing is phantom power which can be obtained using something as simple as a small affordable phantom power amp, or using a simple/affordable audio console/mixer solution that supports phantom power.

The microphone adopts a cardioid polar pattern with excellent off-axis sound suppression capabilities, it also has a low-noise FET preamplifier, high SPL handling and wide dynamic range, which can provide smooth, high-end clarity sound. And the T20 boom arm included in the kit is made of durable steel with a huge desk clamp (4 times larger contact area than traditional versions). 

This is a versatile microphone ket designed for studio recording, home studio, podcasting, voice-over, streaming, YouTube video production, etc.

The TC20 mic itself has a cylindrical shape, with a metal grille over the top half. The front sports a gold TONOR logo, but the rest of the body is bare black anodized aluminum. 

This one of the best XLR microphone for streaming is quite attractive, and will fit easily in any standard shock mount. Not that you’ll need to worry about providing one. 

The TC20 kit includes an aluminum shock mount with elastic supports. Even if there’s a lot of vibration in your recording area, the mic will remain cool and steady. If wind is a concern, you can simply cover the mic with the included foam mic cover.

Pros:

• Affordable microphone kit
• Clear, warm natural sound
• Low self noise

Cons:

• Requires phantom power

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Best Dynamic XLR Microphone 

Shure MV7 

The Shure MV7 is an approachable microphone that 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 XLR 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. 

The microphone 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 Voice Acting

Marantz Pro MPM1000

The Marantz Professional MPM-1000 is a large diaphragm XLR condenser mic perfect for live streaming.

This unit works wonders in particular settings and environments. As such, this product is a useful tool for the amateur and professional alike, whether you are a self-recording artist or a studio producer.

When it comes to podcasts, streaming, and YouTubing, Marantz Pro MPM-1000 stands proudly at the top. Many content creators out there favor the MPM-1000 for its convenient price, but also for its simplicity, sound quality, and durability.

At the heart of the MPM-1000 is a 18mm pure-aluminium-plated condenser capsule to facilitate a wide ranging frequency response (20 – 20,000Hz), high sensitivity (-38dB ± 2dB (0dB = 1V/Pa @ 1kHz)) and a fast transient response. 

Whether it’s a voiceover for a multimedia project or a lead vocal on your latest masterpiece, Marantz Professional’s MPM-1000 fuses premium components with in-demand specifications to meet and exceed the rigorous demands of any recording scenario.

Thanks to an included windscreen, a purpose-designed shock-mount for mounting to a traditional mic-stand, a tripod stand, and even an XLR cable, all the core tools for seamless connectivity are thoughtfully included for instant recording and creative potential. 

When combined with low self-noise (17dBA) and signal-to-noise ratio (77dB) specifications, pristine audio capture is guaranteed every time.

The Marantz Pro MPM-1000 has a standard cardioid pattern that provides the majority of sensitivity in front of the capsule, rejecting the sound directly behind the capsule. This makes it incredibly useful for streaming and gaming YouTubers who don’t want their videos to be cluttered with keyboard sounds and mouse clicks.

Pros:

• Incredibly budget-friendly
• Ideal for streaming and gaming
• Delivers a clear tone without being harsh
• Comes with a shock mount

Cons:

• Doesn’t have USB connectivity

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Best Budget Pick

Blue Ember

The Blue Ember is a cardioid condenser microphone offering an open, detailed sound and an unobtrusive appearance for podcasting, studio recording, live streaming, and more. 

The hand-tuned condenser capsule yields a wide frequency response of 38 Hz to 20 kHz, making it well suited for voice and instrument capture. 

Its cardioid polar pattern delivers controlled directivity and optimal off-axis rejection for reduced pickup of room reflections.

This is one of the slimmest & best XLR microphone for streaming out there, and its sophisticated, muted design means it won’t be an eyesore to have it in frame while streaming or recording.

The Ember is solidly built and dense. It’s entirely metal, so it has a satisfying feel for a mic at this price point, and the smaller diameter makes it feel almost indestructible in the hand.

The grill surrounding the mic capsule is also heavy duty and didn’t flex when I tried to push it in.

The microphone’s self-noise figure is 19dB (A‑weighted), which is more than quiet enough for its intended close-miking applications. 

Its sensitivity is 12mV/Pa and that the maximum SPL before significant distortion sets in is 132dB. 

An output impedance of 40Ω is specified, which is ideally suited to typical mic preamp input impedances. 

The Ember’s off-axis rejection is also very good once you get past 90 degrees off-axis, at which point there’s already 12.8dB of rejection.

The Ember is a side-address condenser. That means you talk into the side rather than the top. It also uses an XLR connection, so it can’t connect directly to your computer and will instead require an audio interface. 

The plus side to this is that as your stream grows and you upgrade your equipment, your Ember will be able to grow with you, plugging into any mixer or interface you might decide to try.

There are no controls whatsoever and no headphone jack to break up its vintage finish.

Pros:

• Effective off-axis rejection
• Portable for XLR mic
• Versatile usage

Cons:

• Requires external interface for phantom power

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Best Desktop Microphone

Audio-Technica ATR2100x

The Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB is a great entry-level podcast microphone that will give you professional-quality sound.

The best feature about this microphone (besides the sound quality) is that it has both USB and XLR outputs so you can plug directly into your computer (via USB) or plug into a mixer (via XLR).

The ATR2100x-USB also offers a high-quality analog-to-digital converter (24-bit, up to 192 kHz) for excellent fidelity, and a headphone jack with level control for direct monitoring from the microphone. 

Its cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of unwanted sounds from the sides and rear. The mic includes an on/off switch and comes with two 2 m (6.6′) USB cables (USB-C to USB-C, USB-C to USB-A) and a 3m (9.8′) XLRF-to-XLRM cable for maximum versatility. A sturdy tripod desk stand with folding legs is also included for use on tabletops.

With its headphone jack and level control, the mic lets you listen to the sound that’s being captured, without delay or manipulation.

With simple plug-and-play operation, the ATR2100x-USB is compatible with PC and Mac and works with your favorite DAW without the need for an audio interface. 

This great dynamic XLR microphone for streaming features high-quality A/D conversion up to 192kHz sampling rate, low self-noise, and frequency range from 50Hz to 15kHz, the ATR2100x-USB has a pleasant and flattering tone, and its cardioid polar pattern does an excellent job of rejecting unwanted ambient noise that can ruin your recordings and live streams. 

Pros:

• Excellent mic for streaming and recording
• Durable metal construction
• Handheld – and comes with a desk stand
• Built in analog-to-digital converter (for USB)
• Easy to carry

Cons:

• Mic stand is a bit flimsy

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Best For Podcasting

Rode Procaster

The Rode Procaster  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 XLR microphone for streaming 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 Cardioid Mic

Shure SM7B

Shure SM7B is a legendary high-end dynamic XLR 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=qKcyINVNmkI

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 XLR microphone for streaming.

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 For Vocals

HEiL sound PR-40 

The PR 40 Dynamic Cardioid Studio Microphone from Heil Sound is a high-performance dynamic microphone ideal for use as a vocal mic for streaming and gaming and other voice-over applications. 

The large dynamic element produces a smooth response with an articulate and natural midrange. The size of the diaphragm, combined with a low mass and an efficient NdFeB magnet structure, allow the microphone to achieve a wide dynamic range and capture high SPLs, making it a great kick drum mic as well.

This one of the best xlr microphone for streaming has a gorgeous design and it comes with its own beautiful carry case containing a Heil Sound sticker. It’s custom made in the USA and comes in black, silver and champagne colours.

Designed for use with spoken word, bass instruments, and guitar cabs, the PR40 is considered a versatile microphone. 

Audio-wise the response feels flat, but not dull and offers a rich low-end sound for a dynamic microphone.

Like most powerful microphones, the PR40 requires 40dB of gain to get to line level.

The microphone has an unusually rich low end for a dynamic, and so I expected the lows to be hyped. They’re not. But they are there, and they are clear and musical. 

The mids are thick and accurate, and the highs, once again, are unhyped but present. Overall response feels almost totally flat, but not at all dull.

Pros:

• A great versatile microphone
• Enough bass extension for kick drums and bass instruments
• Copes well with high-frequency detail.
• Great for voice applications

Cons:

• Pricey

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Best Dynamic Microphone

Audio-Technica BP40

If you’re looking for a mic that excels at speech intelligibility, Audio-Technica’s new broadcast model may be just the XLR microphone for you.

Designed for use as a broadcast streaming vocal microphone, the BP40 is actually quite superb in a broad range of applications where a large diaphragm dynamic (LDD) transducer with a hypercardioid polar pattern can be useful.

Its large, end-addressed 37mm moving-coil capsule has a hypercardioid polar pattern, and it’s mounted on a flexible internal suspension to provide some mechanical shock isolation.

The microphone’s humbucking voice coil eliminates electromagnetic interference, and its pronounced peak at 4 kHz makes for excellent vocal presence, even at a distance. 

It has a multistage windscreen and a switchable 100 Hz high-pass filter for rumble and plosive attenuation. Its claimed frequency response is 50 Hz to 16 kHz.

As this is a directional mic, sound needs to enter the rear of the capsule assembly as well as the front, of course, so the internal construction places the front diaphragm about halfway along the large dual-layer wire-mesh grille, roughly level with the front edge of the second metal ring. 

Positioned in front of the capsule, occupying almost the whole of the top portion of the grille, is a thick open-cell foam disc which provides a very effective pop screen.

The Audio-Technica BP40 also handles extremely high sound pressure levels, so you’ll have no fear of overload and distortion when you use it on instruments such as electric guitars, and toms.

BP40 is destined to serve many streamers, broadcasters and recording masters alike who give it a try. It’s affordable enough for self-recordists as well as most live venues, houses-of-worship and other budget-conscious facilities. 

For those needing a focused, high SPL-handling LDD that sounds natural yet immediate and significantly detailed—one that’s equally at home on vocal, drum and various applications in between—the BP40 should serve them well.

Pros:

• In-built pop filter
• Delivers a bright, crisp voice with good definition
• Good looking, stylish microphone

Cons:

• Shockmount could be better

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Best For Live Streaming

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 XLR 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://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Qmd82ZUb1M

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 For Singing

Blue Spark Blackout SL

The Blue Blackout Spark SL is amazing to look at and it’s even better to use, and more importantly, it comes complete with its own shock mount, a classy wood traveling case and full instructions for use in the studio or in place of your USB microphone.

It sports the unique lollipop shape that will be familiar to anyone with experience with Blue Microphones’ regular output and is certainly enough to turn a few heads.

This one of the best large diaphragm condenser microphone under $200 is kitted out with a custom designed JFET condenser capsule. This delivers consistent, detailed and transparent sound for a wide range of recording scenarios.

The cardioid-only polar pattern greatly reduces pickup of background noise. The microphone has a standard frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz, with a max SPL of 136dB. 

These are enhanced by some on-mic features, such as the 100Hz low-cut filter switch to reduce unwanted rumble and boom, and the -20dB pad switch to keep things distortion-free.

Note that this mic features an XLR connection, so 48v phantom power is required to use it.

The design, features and lower max SPL all point to the fact that this is not the ideal mic for recording instruments. 

Also, this is undoubtedly a vocalist’s mic and works particularly well for all kinds of speech, giving a rich, clear and focused sound to your voice, while eliminating background noise very well.

While singing is not out of the question, like instruments, there are better mics for that. Where the Blackout Spark SL shines is in its broadcasting output, making it ideal for talkers – voiceovers, gaming and podcasting in particular. 

Pros:

• Great looking
• XLR connection for pro use
• 100Hz high pass filter and -20dB pad
• Great mic response
• Awesome clarity

Cons:

• May be a bit pricey for some

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XLR Microphone For Streaming – FAQs

How To Setup & Use XLR Microphone For Streaming

After finding the right mic, it’s time to connect it to your computer. Obviously, there’s no USB cable — but there’s also nowhere on your tower to plug in an XLR cable.

To connect an XLR microphone to your computer, you need an audio interface. Audio interfaces are complex devices that fill two vital roles in the recording process: preamps to amplify the level of the microphone, and digital converters to convert the analog signal from the mic into a digital signal that can be processed by your computer.

Audio interfaces also allow you to capture independent signals from multiple XLR microphones. If you’re planning on hosting any tournaments, LAN parties or couch co-op competitions with multiple players, a USB mic isn’t going to cut it — it’s time to pick up an audio interface and a few XLR microphones.

When it comes time to record, setting up one or more XLR mics is just as easy as recording with a USB mic — simply connect your microphone(s) to the interface using an XLR cable and select the interface as the input source on your streaming platform.

USB vs XLR Microphone For Streaming

If you’re serious about streaming, podcasting, music production, or any audio related recording then a XLR microphone is the best option for you.

USB Microphone

USB is all about convenience and simplicity. All you need is – a computer with USB connectors, a USB microphone, and a mouth to speak with, that’s it, you can start recording right away with a USB microphone. 

There is very little additional set up which is why they are considered “Plug and Play” and very easy to get into. 

On the flip side, this also means you’re quite restricted down the road. If something breaks you’re down to buying a whole new microphone and if there is something going wrong with the microphone it can be hard to pinpoint what the problem is.

XLR Microphone

XLR microphones require multiple parts to work. They use a male to female XLR cable that runs from the microphone to an Audio Interface or Mixer which connects to your computer typically through USB. On top of that you can add more complexity when you consider things such as Condenser microphones needing phantom power on the Audio Interface while Dynamic microphones don’t.

XLR mics offer a lot more adaptability and customisation because they have to be routed through an interface.

They are often built with durability in mind, so they’re more likely to withstand the tests of time.

You can often replace individual components without a problem.

Conclusion

We hope you were able to find the best xlr microphone for streaming for yourself from our comprehensive guide. If you’re looking to create a more professional stream, sound quality really separates pros from the amateurs. No matter which mic you choose, any professional-grade microphone will offer a huge improvement over your built-in microphone.

Professional sound quality could be the thing that sets your stream apart from your competitors online and catapults you to internet superstardom. 

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