What Microphone Does Every Youtuber Use?.
What Microphone Does Every YouTuber Use? A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Introduction
If you're serious about starting a YouTube channel, one of the most important investments you can make is in a good microphone. The built-in mics on cameras and smartphones simply don't produce the same level of audio quality, and can make your videos sound unprofessional.
But with so many different microphones on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to choosing the best microphone for your YouTube channel.
Types of microphones
There are two main types of microphones: condenser and dynamic.
- Condenser microphones are the most popular type of microphone for YouTube recording. They're very sensitive and can pick up a wide range of frequencies, making them ideal for capturing detailed and nuanced audio. However, condenser mics can also pick up background noise, so it's important to use them in a quiet environment.
- Dynamic microphones are less sensitive than condenser mics, but they're also more durable and can withstand higher sound pressure levels (SPLs). This makes them a good choice for recording in noisy environments, such as at live events or concerts.
Factors to consider when choosing a microphone
When choosing a microphone for your YouTube channel, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Type of content: What type of videos will you be recording? If you're mostly doing vlogs or talking head videos, a condenser mic is a good choice. If you're recording gaming videos or live music, a dynamic mic may be a better option.
- Budget: Microphones can range in price from a few dollars to several thousand dollars. It's important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don't overspend.
- Features: Some microphones come with additional features, such as built-in audio interfaces, headphone outputs, and multiple polar patterns. Decide which features are important to you and choose a mic that has them.
Popular microphones for YouTubers
Here are a few of the most popular microphones among YouTubers:
- Blue Yeti: The Blue Yeti is a versatile USB condenser microphone that's a great choice for beginners and experienced YouTubers alike. It has four different polar patterns, making it ideal for a variety of recording situations.
- Rode NT-USB+: The Rode NT-USB+ is another popular USB condenser microphone. It's known for its excellent sound quality and ease of use.
- Audio-Technica AT2020USB+: The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is a budget-friendly USB condenser microphone that offers great sound quality for the price.
- Shure SM7B: The Shure SM7B is a dynamic microphone that's popular among podcasters and YouTubers who record in noisy environments. It's known for its warm, rich sound and ability to reduce background noise.
- Rode VideoMicro: The Rode VideoMicro is a compact shotgun microphone that's ideal for vlogging. It mounts directly to your camera and provides clear, directional audio.
Tips for using a microphone
Here are a few tips for using a microphone to record high-quality audio for your YouTube videos:
- Position the microphone correctly: The best position for your microphone will vary depending on the type of content you're recording. If you're recording a talking head video, position the microphone about 6 inches from your face and slightly below your mouth. If you're recording a vlog, you can clip the microphone to your shirt or jacket.
- Use a pop filter: A pop filter is a small screen that you place in front of your microphone to reduce plosives, which are the popping sounds that can occur when you say words that start with the letters "p" and "b."
- Record in a quiet environment: If possible, record in a quiet environment to reduce background noise. If you have to record in a noisy environment, try to use a dynamic microphone or a condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern.
- Edit your audio: Once you've recorded your audio, you can use audio editing software to remove any unwanted noise and make adjustments to the levels.
Conclusion
Choosing the right microphone for your YouTube channel is an important decision. By considering the factors we've discussed in this article, you can choose a mic that will help you produce high-quality audio for your videos.