Live streaming has transformed how we connect and communicate, providing content creators, gamers, musicians, educators, businesses, and individuals with a powerful platform to engage with their audience in real-time. Whether you're broadcasting a podcast from your home studio, delivering a live performance, hosting a virtual event, or sharing your gaming adventures, you need high-quality audio.

 

There are a ton of microphones available today, each with unique features and characteristics. Selecting the perfect one for your live-streaming setup can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to audio. 

 

We put this guide together to walk you through the ins and outs of live-streaming mic selection. Soon, you'll know the different types of mics, their polar patterns, connectivity options, and how to choose the right one for your live stream.

 

Microphones convert sound waves into electrical signals. Different types of microphones go about it differently and excel in specific scenarios. That's why it's crucial to understand what's available to make an informed decision. Dynamic and condenser mics reign supreme for live streaming, so that's what we'll focus on here.

 

Dynamic microphones are all about delivering great sound from a robust design.  They are also great at handling high sound pressure levels (SPLs) for extremely loud sound sources and environments. Their simple, passive design doesn't require any external power, making them a plug-and-go livestream solution.

Unique Strengths: Their rugged build quality ensures they can withstand the rigors of live performances and noisy environments. And because they often feature a handheld design, they can be excellent at rejecting handling noise.

Applications: Live events, concerts, outdoor broadcasts, and situations where durability and handling noise rejection are paramount.

 

If dynamic microphones are the workhorses of the mic kingdom, condenser mics are the precision tools. Their active design uses 48 volts of phantom power - supplied by your mic preamp, recording interface, or mixer - to increase their sensitivity and capture subtle nuances and detail. This also results in a wider frequency response, making your stream sound clear and full. It's no wonder why condensers are one of the most popular live-streaming microphone options. 

 

 

Their ability to reproduce a wide frequency range makes them ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, podcasts, and studio applications.

 

 

Controlled environments like studios, where background noise is minimal. They are favored by content creators who prioritize pristine audio quality.

 

Wireless mics come in both dynamic and condenser variants. They also provide untethered freedom when capturing a sound source that's on the move. We highly recommend a wireless solution like our EW-DP for outdoor live streams or anywhere else cables would be cumbersome.

 

 

Wireless microphones utilize radio frequencies to transmit audio signals from the microphone to a receiver connected to your audio setup. That means your source can move freely and at greater distances from your recording device while maintaining clear sound.

 

 

Broadcasting, theater, live events, outdoors, and fitness classes.

 

Hands-free microphones are ideal for live streams where your presenter needs full use of both hands. Gamers, cooking and crafts tutorials, and other demonstrations can all benefit from a hands-free mic. 

 

Lavs are small, discreet microphones designed to be clipped onto clothing. They are usually wireless, giving the wearer freedom of movement and hands-free operation. Available as dynamic and condenser mics, they are known for their clear and natural sound with great external noise rejection.

 

Headset microphones include headphone speakers, giving you 2-way communication.

 

 

Hands-free microphones offer condenser and dynamic mic performance while keeping you focused on the job at hand.

 

 

Gaming streams, demonstrations, tutorials, interviews, presentations, speeches, and situations where a visible microphone would be distracting (lavaliers).

 

A microphone's polar pattern defines its directional sensitivity, or the direction from which it picks up sound. It also defines the directions in which the mic rejects sound, which helps to eliminate unwanted background noise. Choosing the right polar pattern for your use case is crucial.

 

Cardioid microphones are most sensitive to sound coming directly from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. Ideal for isolating a single sound source, such as a vocalist or an instrument, cardioid mics are the way to go in noisy environments.

 

 

Live streaming vocals, podcasting, streaming, and situations where background noise needs to be minimized. Cardioid mics are the go-to whenever multiple mics are in play.

 

Omnidirectional microphones capture sound equally from all directions. They provide a natural and immersive sound that is perfect for controlled recording studios or home environments.

 

 

Ambient sound, group discussions, or situations where sound comes from multiple directions.

 

Bidirectional microphones capture sound equally from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides. They make fantastic solutions for simple live-streaming setups for capturing one-on-one interviews with a single mic.

Applications: Interviews where two people face each other or for recording duets or instruments with a unique sound radiation pattern.

 

Supercardioid and hypercardioid microphones are variations of the cardioid pattern. They have an even narrower focus and better rejection of sound from the sides. 

 

 

Noisy environments where maximum isolation of the sound source is required.

 

The vast majority of mics on the market utilize an XLR connection. But in an increasingly digital world, more and more mics ditch the XLR cable, cut out the middle man, and stream directly over USB. The way your microphone connects to your audio setup can impact your workflow and audio quality, and both have advantages.

 

XLR microphones are the standard for professional audio applications, live performances, and studio recordings. They typically offer superior sound quality due to their balanced audio transmission, which helps reduce noise and interference. The XLR 3-pin connector requires an audio interface or mixer to connect to your computer.

 

USB microphones offer a plug-and-play solution for live streamers and content creators that removes the hassle of XLR cables and external preamps and interfaces. Available in both dynamic and condenser versions, they combine the microphone capsule, the mic preamplifier, and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) into a single unit. Fantastic for smaller live-stream and podcast rigs, setup is as easy as plugging it into your computer's USB drive.

 

Now that you understand the different types, polar patterns, and connectivity options, let's look at how to choose the perfect microphone for your specific live-streaming needs.

 

Dynamic microphones with cardioid patterns are the gold standard for live music performances. Their ability to handle high SPLs and reject feedback makes them ideal for onstage use. Dynamics are also better at mitigating handling noise and vibrations. 

 

Handheld dynamic microphones with cardioid patterns are excellent choices for interviews and live event presentations. Lavalier mics are also great options when there's time to outfit them to the speaker.

 

Condenser microphones are often preferred for their sensitivity and ability to capture the nuances of your voice. For podcasting, look for a large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a cardioid pattern to focus on your voice and minimize background noise. 

 

A USB condenser microphone with a built-in pop filter is a convenient option for beginners and makes setup a breeze.

 

For gamers and streamers who need their hands free, lavalier and headset microphones are the way to go. Lavalier mics offer superior audio quality and can be easily hidden. Headsets, on the other hand, provide the added benefit of two-way communication. 

 

If background noise is a concern, consider using a headset with a noise-canceling microphone to ensure your voice is clear and audible.

 

Outdoor environments present challenges with wind noise and other ambient sounds. To combat this, consider using a mic with a hypercardioid or supercardioid polar pattern. These microphones excel at capturing sound from a specific direction, rejecting unwanted sounds from the sides.

 

For added stability and flexibility, consider a shotgun mic mounted to a boom arm to keep it out of the frame and closer to the sound source.

 

For interviews in controlled environments, consider using a bidirectional microphone between the two speakers to capture both voices equally. You can also use two cardioid microphones, one for each participant, to ensure clear and balanced audio. 

 

For multi-person streams or panel discussions, an omnidirectional microphone will capture everyone's voice. Just pay attention to potential background noise issues.

 

A pop filter helps reduce plosive sounds caused by the letters "p" and "b," resulting in cleaner audio. You can even find plenty of mics that have them built in.

 

A shock mount isolates the microphone from vibrations, minimizing handling noise. Whenever you mount your mic on a stand, the can ensure a smooth, professional sound.

 

Keep an eye on your audio levels! No matter which mic you choose, levels that are too high or too low will ruin the recording and hurt the quality of your live stream.

 

Finding the perfect mic for your live stream is crucial in getting high-quality audio to your audience. Always consider your specific needs, whether you're capturing clear vocals in a studio setting or minimizing background noise at a live event. Understand the different microphone types, polar patterns, and connectivity options to make an informed decision.

 

With the right microphone in your streaming setup, you'll keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

 

Explore Sennheiser's range of microphones designed for various streaming applications to find the perfect one for your needs.