The 5 Best XLR Microphones for Streaming Reviewed
If you want to stream the games that you play so that other people can watch you, you are going to need a high-quality microphone so that they can hear you clearly.
The content that you provide could be amazing, but if people can’t make out a single thing you’re saying, you might run into some problems.
For high-quality audio inputs like microphones, your best bet is an XLR microphone for streaming as they send a blanched signal to isolate noise, and it is a better type of connector for the intended purpose.
A headset might not always give you the quality of sound that you are looking for, but a free-standing microphone is designed solely for recording audio, so it is definitely the better choice out of the two when it comes to streaming.
There are so many XLR microphones to choose from, so we have created this list of only the best for you to choose from.
Planning on Streaming Your Gameplay on the Weekend?
If you are looking for the best quality XLR microphone, and you need it now, you don’t need to panic.
We will leave our top pick here for your easy-viewing so you can order it now and be ready to stream as soon as it arrives.
The Stellar X2 condenser XLR microphone steals the first spot on this list with its carefully tuned sound and natural frequency response that will provide you with clarity while you stream.
This is an Amazon’s Choice product, which shows you that this is a highly rated product that is loved by many.
The pricing is great for the quality that you will receive, and you can’t go wrong with this microphone as your handy assistant. Some of the features you can expect with this product are:
- Carefully tuned sound
- High-quality diaphragm
- Low noise circuit
- A high strength iron body
- Reliability and durability
Best XLR Microphones for Streaming
1. Stellar X2 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser XLR Microphone
This Stellar X2 microphone is one that you can rely on when it comes to streaming your favorite games.
It has a carefully tuned sound that is balanced and has a neutral frequency response, and unlike most other condenser microphones, the sound is not harsh and overbearing.
It has been made using high-grade brass and Japanese imported mylar to ensure that the materials used are high-quality and long-lasting.
They are also manufactured using precise machinery to achieve higher sensitivity, meaning that it is able to reproduce even the subtlest of sounds.
There is a low noise circuit that is made with German capacitors and components that have a tolerance level that is as low as just 1%.
It also features traces of gold, which are great for high conductivity, great performance that doesn’t get distorted, and a noise floor of less than 13dBA.
The actual body of the microphone is made from a high-grade iron with a durable grill that will help to protect the capsule and make sure that these microphones will last for many years to come.
- Carefully Tuned Sound: Balanced and Neutral frequency response. Unlike most condenser microphones, this microphone does not sound harsh and will not stand out in your mix or sound fatiguing over time.
- High Quality Diaphragm: Our capsules are made using high-grade brass and Japanese imported mylar. They are manufactured with the most precise machinery to achieve higher sensitivity making them able to reproduce subtle sounds. This makes it the perfect for a vairety of sources.
- Low Noise Circuit: Our custom transformer less JFET circuit is made with German capacitors and components with a tolerance as low as 1%. It features gold traces for high conductivity, great performance without distortion, and a noise floor of less than 13dBA.
- High Strength Iron Body: Our microphone body and frame are made out of high-grade iron with a durable grill to protect the capsule and ensure that every of our microphone will last a lifetime.
- NOTE: To connect to a computer, please use an audio interface with 48V phantom power and an XLR to XLR cable.
2. Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
If you are looking for professional performance, then you have arrived at the right product for you.
This microphone will allow you to produce high-quality sound when you are streaming that sounds great to all your viewers.
It is designed to be used either at home or in a studio, making it suitable for the required purpose.
It has a cardioid polar pattern that works to reduce the pickup of sounds from the sides and the rear of the microphone, which majorly helps to improve the isolation of the intended sound source.
This helps to eliminate any irritating background noise that you don’t want your microphone to pick up on while you are recording.
There is a large diaphragm that helps to provide natural sound and low noise, and the high SPL handling and wide dynamic range enable the microphone to provide excellent versatility.
There is a custom shock mount that will provide superior isolation, and the microphone features a switchable 80 Hertz high pass filter.
- Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear, improving isolation of desired sound source
- Large diaphragm for smooth, natural sound and low noise
- Pop Filter to eliminate the annoying "plosives" from your recordings
- 10ft. XLR Cable to connect the mic to your mixer or interface
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
3. Blucoil MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Bundle
This microphone by Blucoil will provide you with a wide dynamic range and low noise with its premium FET preamp and transformerless balanced output that is able to deliver a 30Hz to 20Khz frequency response and 20dB self-noise.
You couldn’t ask for much more from a microphone for streaming, and this one will definitely be more than capable of handling the job.
It also has a low-frequency roll-off that works to minimize any ambient noise in the room that you don’t want to be recorded.
This is great for minimizing background noise, and the microphone is even able to pick up solely on the sounds in front of the microphone to isolate your voice away from other noises that may occur around you.
This microphone can be used perfectly for streaming, and the sounds that it provides are professional and seamless.
This is a great choice for any streamer due to the amazing features that it has to offer.
There is a double layer mask shield for studio recording that you can use if desired, and there is a stand clip and stabilization arm to keep it in place while you work.
- PROVIDES WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE AND LOW NOISE - The MXL 770 Microphone employs premium FET pre-amp and transformerless balanced output to deliver 30Hz~20kHz frequency response and 20dB self-noise.
- REDUCES UNWANTED RUMBLES - The low-frequency roll-off minimizes the undesirable ambient room noise such as HVAC and low rumbles.
- PROVIDES SUFFICIENT NOISE ISOLATION - The cardioid polar pattern of MXL 70 picks up sounds in front of the microphone while canceling the noise from the rear and sides.
- CAN BE USED FOR DIFFERENT MIKING APPLICATIONS - The all-around microphone works great for recording vocals. Its 137dB SPL makes it ideal for bass, strings, and piano too.
- INCLUDES - MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone. Shock Isolation Mount. Rugged Carry Case. Blucoil 10-Foot Balanced XLR Cable - Premium Series 3-Pin Cable for Microphones, Speakers and Pro Devices (Male-to-Female). Blucoil Audio Microphone Pop Filter Double Layer Mask Shield for Studio Recording and Broadcasting with Stand Clip Stabilization Arm, Swivel Mount.
4. TONOR XLR Condenser Microphone
The Tonor XLR microphone is a great option in terms of affordability if you are on a budget, without having to sacrifice great quality.
It is designed to be used either at home or in a studio, and the company states that it is more than suitable for streaming.
It will provide you with professional sound due to its upgraded mic capsule that has a low noise FET preamplifier, and the wide dynamic range creates smooth, clear, and natural sound.
This microphone uses a cardioid polar pattern with great off-axis sound suppression capabilities, and it will work to reduce any sound pickup from behind or to the side of the microphone to eliminate any annoying background noise.
It is ideal for recording your voice, as it will focus on the sounds being projected in front of it.
The microphone is made from solid and durable steel and even comes with a desk clamp so you can clip it onto your desk while you are streaming games without it getting in the way.
It is easy to attach and also comes with a shock mount to improve your audio quality even further.
- External Power Source Required: Note: Condenser microphones have active electronics that need an external power source. In order to function properly, you need to connect the TC20 to 48V phantom power, audio interface, mixer, or preamp. Designed for studio recording, home studio, podcasting, voice-over, streaming, YouTube video production, etc.
- Professional Sound: The upgraded mic capsule with low-noise FET preamplifier, high SPL handling, and wide dynamic range provides smooth, high-end clarity, warm and natural sound.
- Cardioid Pattern: TC20 adopts a cardioid polar pattern with excellent off-axis sound suppression capabilities to reduce the sound pickup from the side and rear and better eliminate background noise. Ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments.
- Upgraded T20 Boom Arm: T20 is made of durable steel and comes with a desk clamp with 4 times larger contact area for easily clip to any desk up to 2.4''/60mm thick, suitable for most mics weighing up to 4lbs/1.8k.
- What You Get: 1 x condenser microphone, 1 x T20 suspension stand, 1 x metal shock mount, 1 x pop filter, 1 x mic cover, 4 x cable tie, 1 x XLR cable (2m) and 1 x manual.
5. MAONO AU-PM320S XLR Condenser Microphone Kite
Another choice that is more affordable than some other options is the MAONO AU-PM320S condenser microphone that has a built-in condenser capsule.
The low-mass diaphragm provides an extended frequency response and superior transient response.
This is a high-quality product that is perfect for streaming, and it has been made using durable and long-lasting materials that protect the internal structure of the microphone and ensure that it will last for a long time.
The adjustable arm bracket is made from a durable aluminum alloy structure that is also foldable to make it easily portable.
Like many other similar microphones, this one uses cardioid pointing to reduce background noise that can be irritating for viewers to listen to.
There is even a shock absorber that reduces any noise that is caused by vibration if you accidentally knock your desk during your stream.
Finally, there is a pop filter and windscreen cap to lower any outside interference and make your voice sound more clear.
- 48V phantom power required: When using PM320S, you need to connect the microphone to a 48V phantom power/audio interface/mixer/preamplifier first, the microphone can work normally and get an excellent audio experience
- High Configuration and Excellent sound: Built-in large Dia.16 mm condenser capsule, Custom-engineered low-mass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response. High-SPL handling and wide dynamic range make wide versatility. This high-quality XLR microphone is ideal for recording sounds and suitable for podcasting, recording, streaming, vocal, and online chatting
- Low noise: This XLR microphone uses a 98 in male to female XLR cable connection, and the Pro-grade microphone cord is designed for microphones. Cardioid pointing can reduce the pickup of surrounding noise and bring you an immersive recording experience. The shock absorber can reduce the noise caused by vibration. Pop filter and windscreen cap can lower wind and Saliva interference and make your voice clear
- Full Metal Construction: Higher standard microphone craftsmanship, AU-PM320S microphone uses high-quality materials to protect the microphone from being hurt easily as well as the internal structure. The adjustable scissors arm bracket is made of an aluminum alloy structure, which is durable. Foldable, easy to carry. After professional multiple drop tests, the quality is worth guaranteeing
- Packing List: package includes microphone*1, boom arm*1, metal shock mount*1, pop filter*1, windscreen*1, XLR to XLR cable*1 and User manual*1
Buying Guide for XLR Microphones for Streaming
Choosing the best microphone for streaming can be a daunting experience if you are not sure exactly what you are looking for.
XLR microphones are a great choice because they offer excellent sound quality, but you should know that you will need an audio interface in order to connect an XLR microphone to your computer.
Audio interfaces are more complex devices that allow preamps to amplify the level of the microphone, and digital converters to convert the analog signal from the microphone that will then be processed by your computer.
XLR microphones cannot be used without this additional audio interface.
These interfaces will also allow you to capture signals from multiple XLR microphones at once.
This is great if you are streaming with a group or hosting a gaming night that you intend to stream live, as you are probably going to need more than one microphone to pick up everyone.
Due to the way these microphones work, a voice across the room from you probably won’t be picked up, or it will be very quiet.
This way, you can use multiple microphones to record at the same time, so you don’t have to sacrifice any audio quality.
To set up your XLR microphone, all you have to do is connect your microphone or multiple microphones to the interface via the XLR cable and select the interface as the input source through your selected streaming platform.
All that is left to do is hit record, and you are good to go.
You are going to need a microphone that is going to pick up your voice well, but it can be beneficial to use one that has isolating features.
This is because the microphone will only pick up your voice as it is directly in front of it, and any background noise will be eliminated.
A great feature that you should look out for in terms of getting rid of annoying sounds in the background is cardioid, which only records the front of the microphone, and not anything behind or surrounding it.
For streaming purposes, you should try and avoid an omnidirectional microphone, as this will pick up sound from every direction, which can be distracting for your viewers.
You will also need to consider the space that you have available to you because this will help you narrow down what type of microphone you are looking for.
If you don’t have much space on your desk, you can get a mic that will clip onto the front of the desk to save space.
Not only are these great for placing them wherever you need to, but they also usually have the ability to rotate side to side, so you can move it out of the way when it is not in use.
The price of the microphone is also going to be something that you will need to consider. There are so many choices available online that there is bound to be a microphone that is more suited to the budget that you have in mind.
You will need to check the specifications and reviews on cheaper products to make sure that they are still of great quality, but there are some cheaper options on our list above that you can choose from.
One of the most important aspects of the microphone that you choose is quality. It needs to be made of durable materials so that it doesn’t break or get damaged internally, and it also needs to record high-quality sound.
If the company offers a warranty with the purchase of the product, then that is even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an XLR Microphone?
XLR actually stands for X Connector, Locking Connector, and Rubber Boot.
This type of connector was created to easily communicate large electrical flows while providing a steady connection to the microphone.
They deliver a great quality sound that gets rid of any irritating background noise, and they are perfect for use with audio recording devices.
What is the Difference Between XLR and USB Microphones?
The main difference between the two types of microphones is the connections that they use.
An XLR microphone will have three prongs in its connection, and it will have to be connected to an interface to be able to connect to the computer.
A USB microphone can connect directly to your computer, and you won’t need anything else to set it up.
XLR microphones tend to be more expensive because they are a step up from USB due to the fact that they are more flexible in terms of adjustability and capability.
For more information about the differences between USB and XLR microphones, watch this video: