Good audio has a substantial effect on viewer retention. Well recorded dialogue and sound makes viewers stay, while poor quality audio risks a mass exodus. Having good quality sound effects the perceived production value of your content. It’s also less distracting, making it easier for you to comunicate your message. In this post we take a quick look at the different types of mic available, how content and location influence the choice, then five picks covering different budgets.

Microphone choices for a YouTuber

First off, lets break down the various types of microphone’s suitable for content creation.

USB condenser:
USB makes it convenient as you can plug-and-play, Condenser mics are sensitive and great for voiceovers, podcasts and sit-down streams. These mic’s sound best in treated rooms.

XLR condenser:
The XLR Condenser tends to offer a more studio-grade professional sound due to its high sensitivity and warmth. Note, they will need an audio interface/preamp and often 48V phantom power to make recordings. Great for voiceovers and music in controlled spaces.

Dynamic (USB/XLR):
Dynamic mic’s are less sensitive and are better at rejecting room noise. This makes them ideal for untreated rooms, live performance, and loud sources. The worlds most popular and famous microphone, The Shure SM58 is a dynamic mic and as such is the industry standard mic for live recording.

Lavalier (lapel):
These small discreet mics clip to clothing and as such maintain a constant distance from the mouth. They are excellent for on-the-move talking, interviews and “in shot” use.

Shotgun / on-camera:
These microphones are highly directional and mainly pick up sound in front of them. They can be mounted on camera or a boom. This makes them good for run-and-gun outdoor work or when you need the mic to be out of frame.

Finding the perfect microphone for your type of content

Now that you understand the different microphone types, it’s time to choose the one that best fits the content you create. Different filming situations call for different audio solutions, so let’s look at a few common scenarios and the microphones that work best for each.

Voiceovers:
A large-diaphragm condenser (XLR) or a high-quality USB condenser gives warmth and detail. Best sounding mic for quiet indoor spaces and some acoustic treatment.

Piece-to-camera / vlogs:
Lapel mics (on-shot) or shotgun mics (out-of-shot) Great if you are filming a lot outdoors or in busy rooms as the shotgun helps reject side noise; lavs are great for mobility where you plan on being active.

Music / live performance:
If you are a youtuber specialising in music and capturing live recordings pick mics rated for high SPL. Dynamic mics are ideal for loud sources so also good for capturing noisy environments such as sporting footage.

Indoors vs outdoors:
Decide whether you will predominantly be shooting outside or inside. condensers are sensitive and pick up ambient noise outdoors; dynamics and shotguns work better outside.

In-shot vs out-of-shot:
For most video content, having the mic out of site is preferable. However some youtubers who shoot from a curated space will often use the mic as a feature. This is where an aesthetically pleasing mic can look fantastic. Alternatively a lav mic is small enough to be discreet and not distract from the footage. If you need the mic to be hidden then best to go shotgun or condenser on a boom.

Five strong choices for every budget

Entry / ultra-cheap — BOYA BY-M1 (lavalier)
Tiny, wired lapel that works with phones, cameras and recorders — excellent for walking vlogs and interviews on a tight budget.

Budget / beginner — Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB (dynamic, USB/XLR)
Versatile handheld with USB for plug-and-play and XLR for upgrade paths — great for noisy rooms because the dynamic capsule rejects ambient noise.

Midrange — Blue Yeti USB Microphone (USB condenser)
A hugely popular choice for YouTubers, podcasters, and streamers thanks to its excellent sound quality, versatile pickup patterns (including cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional), plug-and-play USB convenience and useful desk stand. A flexible all-around mic for content creators, it also has an aesthetically pleasing look with it’s striking Blue colour way.

On-camera / outdoors — RØDE VideoMic Pro+ (shotgun)
Directional, battery/plug options and wind protection make this a top pick for run-and-gun vlogging and outdoor capture when the mic sits out of frame.

Pro / studio — Electro-Voice RE20 (dynamic XLR)
For professional voiceovers, podcasts, and music recording, this choice represents the broadcast-standard, delivering exceptional results. The Electro-Voice RE20 offers a neutral, detailed sound with Variable-D technology that minimises proximity effect, making it perfect for consistent vocal tone even when moving slightly on mic. As it is a XLR it requires an audio interface and plenty of clean gain, but they’re outstanding long-term investments for serious creators.

Now that your voiceover and dialogue sound top-quality, it’s time to match them with equally high-quality music and sound effects. RouteNote Licensing delivers premium, copyright-safe audio solutions at exceptional value with our $4.99 subscription. Give your content the audio it deserves.

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