Creating content on YouTube is one of the most popular ways to express yourself in the past decade or so. The creators of the original content used all the equipment they had on hand. Those early videos, although legendary in the meantime, were rather low in quality. Nowadays everything is very different. To be a successful YouTuber, you need a good camera, but also one of the best microphones for vlogging. That is why we have compiled a list of Best Microphones For Vlogging. After we have discussed our choices, we discuss what makes these models good.
Rode NT-USB
Rode NT-USB is perhaps one of the most complete USB condensers currently available on the market. It’s interesting because its microphone has been around for a while. That said, Red’s formula still works absolutely. This microphone offers a simple but refined design, recognized for its functionality and reliability. The material aside, there are more goodies. It seems that Rode is one of the few brands to know how to create integrated accessories. The fact that Rode NT-USB comes with a super stable tripod and a pop filter, all at this price, is quite impressive. If you’re just starting out with your performances on YouTube, this model is definitely one of the best microphones for vlogging.
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Pros:
- Great build quality that ensures durable and reliable performance.
- The design includes crucial accessories in a very practical way.
- Great sound made possible by a solid choice of hardware.
- The USB connection makes it a plug and play device.
Cons:
- Lacks a few features we would have liked included.
ZOOM H1n
The evolution of portable recordings continues with the Zoom H1n. The H1n is designed for all types of creators and includes 90-degree built-in X/Y stereo microphones, advanced one-touch operation, and distortion-free recording. It is powerful enough for professional projects and small enough to fit in your pocket. It’s the ultimate. The H1n features built-in X/Y stereo microphones for capturing high-quality stereo sound. The microphone itself covers a wide area and focuses on the center of the sound field, allowing videographers to record crystal clear sound in almost any environment. Thanks to the compact and robust design of the H1N, it can record high-quality sound virtually anywhere. Overall, it’s one of the best microphones for vlogging
Pros:
- Functional design that is easy to work with
- A classic aesthetic that looks great in any environment.
- Plenty of good performance and great sound quality.
- Accurate recording pattern which reduces outside noise.
Cons:
- Not much durable
Audio-Technica AT2020
As long as they are in the markets, you can count on Audio Technica to provide you with a cost-effective and reliable product for every product you need. The same thing applies to condenser microphones. Audio Technica AT2020 has long been considered the starting microphone. It brings a perfect balance between price and performance. If you take a closer look, you will see that the AT2020 contains a high-performance condenser microphone, ideal for learning the tricks of the trade and which is usually familiar with the design of the microphone. The only thing you really need is the phantom power source, which usually means any audio interface or a real little mixer. Overall, this is one of the best microphones for vlogging.
Pros:
- One of the best cost-effective solutions out there.
- Great platform for beginners and those on a budget.
- Good performance right out of the box.
- Easy to work with on a daily basis.
Cons:
- Comes with no accessories included in the package.
BEHRINGER B-1
If you need a good return on your money, it is likely that Behringer will appear on your list. This is what they are known for. The Behringer B-1 is one of the most interesting condensers in the budget that still offers excellent sound quality. It’s also a good choice if you like vintage design. The good thing about the Behringer B-1 is that it incorporates some features that you do not often encounter with its direct competitors. We are talking about attenuation blocks and filters. The basic material is a good quality material that can do the job and even more. For this price, it’s really one of the best microphones for vlogging.
Pros:
- A vintage design that looks cool but is also piratical.
- Great performance guaranteed by a proper 1″ condenser diaphragm.
- Loaded with all the right features for this price range.
- Comes with accessories that allow you to get started immediately.
Cons:
- May not fit all standard aftermarket shock mounts.
MXL 2006
MXL is another trusted name in the industry that you can trust. This applies whether you are a beginner or intermediate user. MXL 2006 is involved in a wide range of fields as a very robust microphone for general use. It’s pretty sturdy, stylish, well built and is something you can count on for your daily work. The package itself is quite simple. You get a microphone and a shock mount, all in a beautiful hard shell protective cover. In other words, you need an audio interface and an anti-pop filter. If you have a tight budget and want something better, MXL 2006 works pretty well in most cases and applications and is one of the best microphones for vlogging.
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Pros:
- Functional design that is easy to work with
- A classic aesthetic that looks great in any environment.
- Plenty of good performance and great sound quality.
- Accurate recording pattern which reduces outside noise.
Cons:
- Solid wood construction offers good aesthetics but also the necessary durability
Samson C01
Samson’s designs follow very simple reasoning. It’s all about function rather than form, although the function in some cases definitely dictates the form. Samson C01 is both functional and aesthetically acceptable. Simson has the habit of opting for super neutral looks if they do not do something specific. Because C01 is pretty standard, they followed this neutral policy everywhere. In terms of performance, it works reasonably well. The sound quality is pretty good considering the size of the diaphragm they packed inside. This is still a large opening unit, but the opening is smaller than many other LD condensers in this range. In addition to the microphone, a protective cover is included. Overall, this is one of the best microphones for vlogging.
Pros:
- A simple and neutral design which fits in anywhere.
- Good build quality that is reliable and durable.
- Great sound quality thanks to compact but rugged hardware.
- A wide range of applications outside of voice recording.
Cons:
- A few more accessories would have been great.
MXL 990
It’s no secret that the MXL 990 is one of the most popular condensers on the market. There are so many reasons why they are too long to mention. What counts for us is the legendary performance, simple design, and consistency of the MXL 990. This is a great option for those who need a proven option. The package is pretty simple. You get the microphone, a standard screw mount, a patented damper, and a good protective case. With the large and wide diaphragm, you can use the MXL 990 in almost any application other than YouTube. The microphone is a bit used, but still one of the best microphones for vlogging.
Pros:
- One of the most trusted designs in this market segment.
- Great build quality that is relies on simplicity and ruggedness.
- Great performance is overall with plenty of headroom to play with.
- Comes with a good set of accessories.
Cons:
- The screw mount could have been better.
Nady PCM-200
Sometimes the microphone you use is not only a tool but also a style statement. Especially when the microphone is visible in your videos. Nady PM-200 appears as one of the most interesting condensers on the market. You are looking at a classic design that has a lot of this vintage value. Appearance is not all that this microphone has to offer. It actually contains a large set of material. The condenser capsule is a standard cardioid capsule, but it works pretty well. The thing to keep in mind about this design is that you are limited in terms of mounting options. Overall, this is one of the best microphones for vlogging.
Pros:
- A timeless classic design that will look great on video.
- Good sound quality thanks to the proper hardware inside.
- Good build quality for this particular price range.
- Comes with a hard shell protective case.
Cons:
- Limited mounting capabilities could be an issue for some.
Tascam TM-80
Tascam microphones are renowned for their reliable performance. Better still, this execution usually has a very reasonable price. Tascam TM-80 perfectly reflects the purpose of this brand. This is a standard microphone that shares the design with a number of microphones in this range. It was not a problem for Tascam in the long run. Aesthetic hitting is not as important when you control your performance. Tascam TM-80 certainly does that. It’s a well-built package that works well with a number of different media, allowing you to configure it as you wish. In general, it’s an excellent starting template and one of the best microphones for vlogging.
Pros:
- Simple but functional design that just works.
- Great aesthetics have a strong neutral vibe.
- Build quality that makes it pretty reliable and durable.
- Features decent accessories in the box.
Cons:
- The tripod that comes with it could have been better.
Rode smartLav+
Because YouTube content creation often takes place outdoors, using a bulky microphone is not always an option. If this is the case for you, something like this SmartLav+ could be the perfect solution for your needs. It is an ultra-compact microphone that allows you to work easily and is great in terms of overall performance. Of course, it should be noted that the use of lavalier microphones is quite limited. For example, they are not something you would use to record ambient noise. However, if you only need to record your own voice or the voice of someone you interview, you should usually find this microphone quite impressive.
Pros:
- Compact design that you can take out anywhere, anytime.
- Good build quality by one of the most respect brands.
- Great performance under various operating circumstances.
- Lightweight and cost-efficient solution.
Cons:
- Good for recording wearer’s voice but not much more.
Final Words
At the end of the day, the Best Microphones For Vlogging can be described as a good basic performance. All the rules for condensers also apply here, although you do not have to be as strict. The models on our list represent a large number of options for beginners and advanced users. If we had to choose a model from the full list, Rode NT-USB would take over. The reason is that it offers the best combination of performance, specifications, and features for the price. That said, all this is great.
