USB vs XLR Mics For Streaming! - What You NEED To Know in 2021!

I liked B and C

Microphone c and d were way ahead

Did you try the new AT2020USB-XP? Thanks

32c and you are wearing a hat and two shirts....

My guess was B was the podmic, unequalized, and C was the podmic, equalized, and I definately prefered C :) I am planning on getting the sm7b and a rodecaster pro 2 <3 right now I am running a sennheiser mke 600, but it is way too sensitive, and picks up everything.

ah hh you have the exact same USB and XLR mics as I do. Thanks for this vid! I move around a lot when I stream so I prefer the condenser (AT2020) as it pics me up nearly a foot away (I do have a very quiet studio though). I found the podmic dropped out if I moved my head to the side even a little. Plus USB is just easier when I don't need the podcaster for sound effects etc.

blind mic test:
A: USB
B: USB
C: XLR
D: XLR

Edit: Ayy good show. I was hoping I was right because I genuinely want to try an XLR mic. and I preferred the 'sound' of the both C and D over A and B. D was a bit annoying on my ears, but I still preferred it over A.

I don't believe a cheap XLR set up will sound better than a usb. xlr become better when you want to reach a certain level (that you don't need in your case). And by the way, when testing a usb mic, to be fair, you should not just plug and record. With voice meter banana you can add effects (echo +-;tone +-, a 15 band equaliser...) then also check the result after applying the filters you usually use.
usb mics come from another world (Skype, games...) that's why the industry is snobby about them. But since the same brands are building both usb and xlr these technologies will get closer and closer. Some are even offering a double plug (xlr or usb).
When you test mics, please add what cable and audio interface you use and which filters you apply. It helps to see ou the mic sounds and to compare with other reviews.
Keep up the great work, your videos are full of super useful infos 👍👍

Hey man what's your thoughts on DIY Perks microphone? I just bought a TLM 103 SPECIFICALLY to record vocals for an album I'm working and I'm looking to get an apogee symphony interface to couple with it. But a friend of mine told me to do the diy perks microphone but that one is only usbc. However the apogee does have a usbc port. thoughts on this?

THE LIVING ROOM SET UP IS LITERALLY MY LIFE RN!!!!!!! Have a few more months till I move out and have a private set up lolllllll

What is the thing on top of all these streamer's microphones that looks like a slightly smaller microphone?!

Your video helped me go towards the USB option. The XLR complication just isn't worth it for me in terms of benefits. Thank you!!!

I actually use both when I record my videos. I use the yeti to get the gameplay sound, and now for voiceovers, I use the Rode podmic or the Xm8500 into the minifuse 1 audio interface

Which ones are b and c?

The Podmic is too much on the high side for me. I ended up going with the Shure SM7B, SE DYNAMITE pre line amp, and the Rodecaster Pro. That has been the best combo for me.

Do you have a setup for the xlr mic because I had previously bought one and I have a rode microphone with a native instruments komplete audio 6 audio interface and wanted to go ahead and use it for the stream.

what's your opinion about the hyperx solocast? it's a 60$ microphone so it's more of a budget version, but it seems pretty good for it's price

A/B sound the same and C/D sound the same. the last two seem to have a deeper bass. other than that they both sound alright

It seems I recognized the more natural/deep sound of C microphone, which was the xlr indeed!
Nice useful content! 🙂👍

wow the audio interfaces used to be so much more expensive why did they drop in price so much in less than a year

quick question! for streaming on a xbox one x with the intentions to switch to pc when accessible, what are your recommendations?
Edit: with specifications where i can mute if i need to on the go with no issues! thank you sir

a australian reviewer that dont say it 50 bucks then Australian it 200 instant sub

So I have an x2 stellar xlr mic connected to my Scarlett 4i4. I also use the beyedynamics closed back headphones connected to the scarlett but I can’t seem to figure out why I can still hear my own voice through the headphones. Is there a way to fix that so I don’t hear my own voice?

B sounded the best, only me?

Mic C wins, but I haven't gotten past the mic tests....

Despite the fact that I'm looking for a mic for recording vocals, this video was one of the most helpful and insightful for deciding which mic type would be better to go with. I was originally going with a USB but got caught up in the quality of XLR mics. This video made me realise that a USB mic is perfect for my first mic and time goes on, I can save up for all the necessary components for an XLR mic.THANK YOUUUUU

When it comes to guessing mics, the noise floor was obvious in A and D. I can't comment on which one was which. B sounded okay but C was more natural.

I thought a and b sounded better

B was by far the best
A came in second
I wouldn't even consider C and D for purchase.

The free overlay link is expired?

correct me if I am wrong but doesn't fethead do the same thing as cloudlifter except way cheaper?

I already have the audio interface because I play bass any good suggestions for mics

Me watches this to avoid wanting to spend money on an XLR

Also me *now wants a Shure sm7b

Do you have a video/would you do a video specifically for equalizing for your voice (not yours yours, the watcher's yours), or like, if there's ways to tell how you should depending on where you voice naturally hits? Would be super helpful.

This was so helpful thank you so much

I'm a newer streamer! You've been an absolute lifesaver, man. I've watched almost all of your videos. I know part of this is to 'make content' but you've helped a lot of people! You're a good guy! Thank you so much. <3

I have had bad luck with USA microphones. I now use the new PD-70 Presonus dynamic broadcasting microphone with the Focusrite solo audio interface

The sad part of this is the audio in your room isn't very great haha.

Initial Guesses - (after learning the answers)
A: USB (correct)
B: XLR (wrong)
C: XLR (correct)
D: USB (wrong)

50/50 but I'll take it! I am currently using a Blue Yeti but have followed along with the previous audio videos so I think it's doing the job. Thanks for the tips!!

The timing! I am preparing to stream and your videos were just what I needed to gain more understanding!

Do you need phantom power with condenser usb mics?

I use the Blue Yeti on the Compass arm (aka the Yeticaster) and I think it's pretty great. The audio quality changed dramatically from what I was using before (Turtle Beach headset.. gotta work with what you have lol). I love it. My viewers love the change in quality too. USB mics have come such a long way in recent times to the point that you probably don't need to be shilling out several hundo... at least not in the beginning.

Sure, an XLR would be the 'endgame' result but for now, my mic and set up, I love it and so do my viewers and if they're happy, i'm happy!

I've recently picked up the goxlr and a mic for it, I was curious do you need different audio sources in obs like when you use voicemeeter or do you just use your desktop or mic audio as a source and the goxlr mixes everything else for you? I know you disable any other audio sources and have it listed under the mic/auxiliary section. I just want to make sure the stream hears whatever I hear.

Thanks for this. I just done my first stream couple of days ago. Streamed it directly from my ps4. If things goes well I'll be getting a pc, mic and the works , so was just researching about mics and found this video very helpful. Thanks pal 😀

Doing a blind sound test and then waiting 10+ minutes before revealing which tests were which mics without replaying the tests was annoying, having to scrub back and forth to hear the test and the corresponding mic was not fun.

In a sea of audio-themed videos I've watched on this topic, yours have been the most helpful. Thanks! :D

I'm using a HyperX Quadcast and it is a great sounding USB microphone. It costs $120 USD. (the red one not the newer one)