best mics for discord
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7 Best Mics for Discord to Elevate Your Voice in 2023

Introduction

Whether you’re a gamer, NFT creator, or just love to connect with your community on Discord, one thing is for sure: you need a high-quality microphone to elevate your experience. Sure, visuals are important, but let’s not underestimate the power of crystal-clear audio. After all, who wants to strain their ears trying to decipher what their friend is saying during a heated gaming session or community chat?

That’s where we come in. In this article, we’re going to give you the lowdown on the best mics for Discord. With millions of people logging in every day to connect, collaborate, and play games with each other, having the right microphone can make all the difference. While a gaming headset is great for chatting and playing, a dedicated mic can take your audio quality to the next level.

So, sit tight and get ready to discover the best microphones for Discord that will take your experience from average to awesome.

What are the Best Mics for Discord?

Users getting a microphone for Discord, Zoom, podcasting, or streaming often want one with good audio quality and easy setup. They would prefer a plug-and-play microphone instead of dealing with the hassle of XLR cables and an audio interface.

Therefore, all the microphones on this list are USB microphones, some with the option for an XLR connection.

Here are our top picks for the best microphones for Discord:

1. Shure MV7 – Most Versatile Microphone (US$249.00)

Why would you want this microphone?

You need one microphone with professional studio sound to be used in many applications.

Shure MV7 Black
Shure MV7 White
Shure MV7 Top
Shure MV7 Back

Overview:

The Shure MV7 is one of the best microphones for Discord in terms of audio quality, flexibility, and controls. It is the USB version of the legendary Shure SM7B used by countless podcasters and is perfect for close-mic situations requiring vocal clarity and a balanced tone.

The Shure MV7 is an amazing USB dynamic mic for anyone looking for a high-quality microphone for Discord that gives good sound pickup and much better rejection of unwanted background noise compared to most USB mics. It also has a similar sound quality to the SM7B, giving a clear sound quality and a warm tone to your voice despite having a narrow frequency range.

A touch panel interface on the microphone offers control over microphone gain, headphone level, monitor mix, and muting. The best part is there is no noise when operating these touch controls since they do not use mechanical buttons, ensuring there won’t be any awkward bumps and clicks midway through your conversations.

The Shure MV7 has a versatile mounting yoke, adaptable for a wide range of microphone stands, and a stylish and sturdy all-metal design. However, it does not have a rotatable knob on the yoke, which means you’ll have to rotate the entire yoke to remove the microphone from a desktop stand.

The ShurePlus MOTIV desktop application also provides simple real-time audio processing in addition to the simple touch panel controls. This user-friendly real-time audio processing application enables you to tweak various mic settings such as gain, add EQ, compression, and limiter to enhance your audio quality.

You can also save your audio presets, mute the mic and adjust the computer playback mix versus the headphone monitoring volume through the software. Although the app interface is easy to navigate, its processing capabilities can greatly improve your audio output.

The Shure MV7 offers incredible flexibility with its USB and XLR connection. You can simply plug the mic into a computer or smart device through USB for a fuss-free setup. But if you want analog instead of digital recordings for better sound quality, connect it to an audio interface like a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 through an XLR cable. The XLR output gives the option for connecting to other analog outboard gear, like compressors. Also, it is possible to provide audio output to two devices simultaneously using the XLR and USB port.

If you are looking for a superb dynamic microphone with an XLR and USB port for streaming, gaming, or podcasting, the Shure MV7 is certainly the best microphone for Discord.

If you’re keen to learn more, check out our full review of the Shure MV7.


Product Info

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid polar pattern
  • Transducer Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
  • Power Requirements: Powered through USB or Lightning connector
  • Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 16,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -55 dBV/Pa (1.78 mV/Pa) @1kHz
  • Max SPL: 132 dB (Digital Output)
  • Output Connection: Micro-B USB / XLR
  • Headphone Output: 3.5mm (1/8″)
  • Weight: 0.55 kg (1.21 lbs)
  • Accessories: 10-foot Micro-B to USB-A cable, black windscreen, 1 m Lightning cable

Features

  • Touch panel for muting, headphone mix, monitoring volume, and gain control adjustment
  • Headphone output for monitoring
  • ShurePlus MOTIV desktop application for audio processing

Pros

  • Professional, clear, and warm studio-quality sound
  • Has USB and XLR outputs for analog or digital recordings
  • Plug-and-play microphone. Does not require an audio interface when using the USB output
  • The ShurePlus MOTIV software provides simple audio processing
  • Intuitive touch panel controls that do not make sounds when adjusting

Cons

  • No mic stand included
  • Micro-USB instead of Type-C
  • Does not reject plosive sounds well
  • Difficult to remove from a mic stand due to the fixed knob at the yoke


2. Rode NT-USB+ – Best Value for Money (US$169.00)

Why would you want this microphone?

You want to get the most out of every dollar you are paying for a microphone in terms of features and sound quality.

Rode NT-USB+
Rode NT-USB+ front with pop filter
Rode NT-USB+ front
Rode NT-USB+ back
Rode NT-USB+ accessories

Overview: 

When it comes to audio recordings, Rode is a household name synonymous with audio quality. If you thought the Rode NT-USB condenser mic was great, wait till you see the re-modeled NT-USB+. It is certainly one of the best microphones for Discord for getting professional studio-quality sound at the best possible price.

The Rode NT-USB+, being a condenser USB microphone, has a somewhat flat frequency response, giving it a natural sound. The trebles are crisp and clear without sounding artificially colored like a dynamic mic.

Compared to the older Rode NT-USB, the NT-USB+ has a stronger presence boost in the mid and lower frequencies, and this can be boosted even more with the Big Bottom effect, giving you a full, authoritative tone. However, you don’t want to speak too close to the mic; otherwise, its proximity effect will be overwhelming.

The mic’s cardioid pickup pattern does well in isolating your voice while rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and back. The microphone rejects plosives quite well, and attaching its pop filter only slightly improves the rejection. The pop filter does, however, attach very firmly to the ring mount and does not fall out of position easily.

The Rode NT-USB+ excels at spoken applications like podcasting and voiceovers due to its deep and rich tone, which makes it a great USB microphone for Discord. It also does quite well for singing and recording instruments like acoustic guitars.

On the side of the mic, there is a headphone monitoring jack as well as dials for adjusting monitoring levels and mix controls between the system and mic audio levels. These microphone features come in handy when you want to sample the audio or listen as you are recording the mic input and making any fine adjustments.

Lastly, the big question remains, what functions and features have improved since its upgrade from the older Rode NT-USB microphone? Below are the 3 main improvements in the newer NT-USB+ model:

Upgrades from the Rode NT-USB to NT-USB+
  • APHEX® powered DSP (digital signal processing) that offers advanced audio processing capabilities, including a compressor, noise gate, high-pass filter, as well as the renowned Aural Exciter™ and Big Bottom™ effects. The Aural Exciter enhances mid-range and treble frequencies to sound fuller and more vibrant, while the Big Bottom causes low tones to sound boomier.
  • Upgrade from USB-B to USB-C output for seamless plug-and-play connectivity with a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets.
  • Built-in Revolution Preamp™ that has an ultra-low noise level even when you turn up the gain. This eliminates the need for boosters, lifters, or external processing.

Product Info

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid polar pattern
  • Transducer Type: Pressure gradient condenser
  • Power Requirements: 5V @ 500mA (USB Bus Power)
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: N/A
  • Max SPL: 118 dB
  • Output Connection: USB-C
  • Headphone Output: 3.5mm
  • Weight: 0.54 kg
  • Accessories: tripod stand, pop filter, storage pouch, ring mount, 3m SC29 USB cable

Features

  • High-gain Revolution Preamp™ with ultra-low noise
  • Internal DSP (digital signal processing) with APHEX® audio processing through RODE Connect or RODE Central app
  • Dials to adjust the monitoring level and headphone mix controls
  • Zero latency stereo headphone monitoring
  • Detachable pop filter and tripod stand

Pros

  • Best bang for your buck microphone
  • A versatile and beginner-friendly plug-and-play microphone
  • Deep, rich, and crisp studio-quality sound
  • Many upgrades from the older NT-USB microphone
  • Can achieve a digitally enhanced professional sound through AHPEX® audio processing that is incredibly simple to use
  • The pop filter is compact and screws in firmly into the ring mount, unlike flimsy clip-on pop filters
  • Good for recording music and vocals

Cons

  • Has minor grounding issues where electronic hums and buzzes can be heard at times
  • No gain dial; the gain has to be adjusted in the sound settings
  • No mute button


3. Elgato Wave:3 – Best Microphone for Streaming (US$149.99)

Why would you want this microphone?

You want a microphone that can manage all your audio sources in one digital audio mixer for streaming.

Elgato Wave 3
Elgato Wave 3 front
Elgato Wave 3 back

Overview:

Are you a passionate gaming streamer who’s tired of dealing with annoying clipping while screaming in excitement? Do you also want to add soft background music on Spotify to entertain your audience while playing? And what about talking to your teammates on Discord without your viewers hearing them?

You might also want to add cool effects like compression, EQ, and robotic voice to your mic input. But handling all these input sources seamlessly on one digital audio mixer and channeling them to your streaming software seems like an impossible task.

Well, not anymore! Introducing the Elgato Wave:3, the ultimate solution to all your streaming needs. With this USB microphone, you can easily achieve high-quality audio with advanced processing features and seamless control over all your input sources.

You can rest assured that you’ll get good audio quality as the Elgato Wave:3 was developed with the audio technologies company Lewitt.

The Wave:3 is a condenser USB mic with a flat frequency response and a very balanced sound quality compared to other USB mics. It keeps your voice crisp and clear without adding any coloration, there is little sibilance, and the low ends are not muddy. This makes it a great mic for long streams, as neutral-sounding tones are easier on the ears. This also means you will lose a little of the bassy, authoritative tone.

This USB mic has several controls, such as a multi-functional dial at the front adjusting the headphone monitoring volume, gain control and mic vs. system mix. There is also a capacitive mute switch at the top of the USB mic that does not make any clicking sounds when you engage it.

The Elgato Wave:3 is packed with features for streaming, such as its exclusive Clipguard technology. This anti-clipping feature is a real plus for any live streamer who loves screaming or talking in an unbearably loud fashion. It intelligently detects when the mic input is peaking and reroutes the signal to a path with a lower volume, and this keeps the input sound clean without clipping, no matter how much you scream.

The one feature that makes the Elgato Wave:3 stand out as one of the best microphones for streaming is the Wave Link mixer software. This software allows you to mix up to 9 audio input sources (including the Wave:3) in one virtual panel and output the final mix to your headphones and to the live stream.

You can add audio input channels such as a browser playing some Youtube LoFi, your Spotify app playing your favorite playlist, your Discord server for communicating with your teammates, and even a second (or third) microphone for guests on your stream.

The volume for these audio sources can be independently adjusted or muted for your headphones and stream audience. There are also thousands of VST plugins like EQ and reverb that can be added to the input channels to give them some added sound effects.

While the Elgato Wave:3 has so many awesome streaming features, I have a couple of gripes with it.

Firstly, even though the desktop stand that comes with the Elgato Wave:3 provides a quick and easy setup for the USB mic, it is a little too short. A boom arm is a better choice to allow your mic to set up at an optimal distance to your face to reduce background noise. 

Secondly, the body is made of plastic and feels cheap. And lastly, the shock mount and pop filter are sold separately. This is quite disappointing because they fit so well with the microphone that I wish Elgato would throw these accessories into the package at a slightly higher price for the microphone.

But I’m willing to overlook these minor issues, as this is still one of the best microphones for Discord and one of the best equipment for streaming.

If you’re keen to learn more, check out our full review of the Elgato Wave:3.


Product Info

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid polar pattern
  • Transducer Type: 17 mm electret condenser
  • Power Requirements: Info not available
  • Frequency Response: 70 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -25dBFS (min gain), 15dBFS (max gain)
  • Max SPL: 120dB (140dB Clipguard engaged)
  • Output Connection: USB-C
  • Headphone Output: 3.5mm stereo
  • Weight: Mic & U-Mount 280 g/Base 305 g
  • Accessories: 2.5m USB-C cable, mic stand, boom arm adapter

Features

  • Anti-clipping Clipguard technology (turned on by default)
  • Wave Link streaming mixer that blends up to 9 input channels (including the Wave 3 USB mic) and creates two separate output mixes for you and your audience
  • Input channels in Wave Link can be equipped with third-party VSTs
  • Multi-functional dial for adjusting gain control, headphone monitoring volume, and the mix between the mic and system audio
  • Zero-latency headphone monitoring
  • Capacitive mute switch

Pros

  • Good audio quality that sounds balanced and not overly boosted in any of the frequency range
  • Many incredible features for streaming, such as the Clipguard technology, Wave Link mixer, and capacitive mute switch
  • The Wave Link virtual mixer is a powerful audio tool for streaming
  • Plug and play microphone
  • Very good value for the price
  • The microphone is simple to use (but not Wave Link)

Cons

  • The plastic body feels cheap
  • Short mic stand
  • Accessories like the shock mount and pop filter are sold separately
  • Wave Link might be a little confusing to set up for the first time


Why would you want this microphone?

You want the safest choice for a microphone, something that has been tried and tested by many.

Blue Yeti front
Blue Yeti back
Blue Yeti side

Overview:

It’s hard to do a review for microphones for Discord without covering the classic Blue Yeti, the grandfather of USB microphones. This USB microphone, just like the Shure SM7B, is easily one of the most recognizable microphones on the internet, with thousands of content creators using it.

The Blue Yeti is a great USB mic for many situations, whether podcasting, gaming, or streaming.

When unboxing the Blue Yeti, your first impression is how robust it feels. It is a heavy mic, after all, weighing 1.55kg (including the desktop stand)! The mic looks modern and trendy and comes in 3 aesthetically pleasing colors, with navy blue being the classic color.

The Blue Yeti might not deliver a professional studio-quality sound with its small condenser capsules, but it does offer crisp and decent audio quality. If you’ve ever used a cheap in-built computer microphone, you’ll be thrilled with how much better your voice sounds on this USB mic.

It is still a great USB microphone for Discord, Zoom, or chatting with friends online. Your Discord friends will be floored by how much clearer and crispier your voice sounds compared to the average online chatter. However, you can further improve its audio quality with the right Blue Yeti settings.

One of the key microphone features of the Blue Yeti is its tri-capsule array that allows you to switch between four pickup patterns – cardioid, stereo, omnidirectional, and bidirectional. These pickup patterns are fantastic for switching between recording yourself, two persons, or a group of people which usually requires several microphones. But you would mostly stick to the cardioid polar pattern if you are mostly using this USB microphone for Discord, Zoom, or streaming.

The front of the Blue Yeti has a mute button with an indicator light to show that it is powered on or a flashing light when it is mute. There is also a gain dial and a headphone volume dial.

Another stand-out feature of the Blue Yeti is its audio processing software, the Blue VO!CE software. This powerful suite of vocal effects and modulation tools lets you modify your voice in real-time, giving you endless options to keep your audience and friends entertained. You can choose from EQs, noise reduction control, compression, noise gate, limiter, and even explore presets that make your voice sound like a robot, chipmunk, or classic AM radio announcer.

Plus, the Blue VO!CE software is compatible with any Yeti family condenser microphones (including Yeti, Yeti Nano, and Yeti X) as well as Logitech gaming headsets.

If you’re keen to learn more, check out our full review of the Blue Yeti.


Product Info

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo
  • Transducer Type: 3 x 0.55 in (14 mm) condenser capsules
  • Power Requirements: 5V 150mA
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -47 dBV/Pa (4.5mV/Pa) @1kHz
  • Max SPL: 120dB
  • Output Connection: Mini-B USB
  • Headphone Output: 3.5mm
  • Weight: 0.55kg (1.55kg including the desktop stand)
  • Accessories: USB cable, mic stand

Features

  • Multiple pickup patterns – cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo mode
  • Gain control dial
  • Zero-latency headphone monitoring with volume control dial
  • Mute button
  • Enhanced Blue VO!CE broadcast vocal effects

Pros

  • Simple and easy-to-use microphone
  • Very recognizable
  • Four polar patterns selection which gives flexibility for different situations
  • Practical USB mic features like gain control, headphone volume dial, and mute button
  • Blue VO!CE audio processing software provides tons of effects
  • Discord Certified

Cons

  • Decent but not the best audio quality
  • It might be a little bulky


5. HyperX Quadcast S – Most Trendy-Looking Microphone (US$139.99)

Why would you want this microphone?

You are into gaming microphones and want to look modern on camera by matching your RGB setup.

HyperX Quadcast S black front
HyperX Quadcast S black back
HyperX Quadcast S black controls
HyperX Quadcast S white front
HyperX Quadcast S white back
HyperX Quadcast S white controls
HyperX Quadcast S white mute sensor

Overview:

If you’re a gamer who goes crazy over RGB lighting and looking for a USB mic with some serious style, you might want to check out the HyperX Quadcast S. If you already have a setup full of RGB, like your keyboard, mouse, and computer, the addition of the RGB from the Quadcast S is going to dazzle your Discord friends and stream followers.

Like many gaming microphones, the biggest impression of the Quadcast S is that it looks stylishly sleek. With the help of its HyperX NGENUITY software, the dynamic effects and breathtaking RGB lighting will add flair to any gaming setup or stream

I find that the Quadcast S has a warm sound quality, with a bass response that’s stronger than the Blue Yeti, but the mids and trebles are still crisp with good clarity. And just like the Blue Yeti, it features four polar pattern selections, but if you’re a gaming streamer, you’ll most likely stick with the cardioid polar pattern.

It has a capacitive “tap to mute” sensor that allows the microphone to be muted with a single tap, avoiding awkward broadcasting mishaps. The RGB lights go off when you tap the mute sensor, indicating the mic is on mute.

The Quadcast S has a gain dial at the base of the microphone, which turns smooth, and a headphone jack for monitoring. However, there’s no physical dial for adjusting headphone volume. Instead, you have to use the NGenuity software, which can be a bit of a hassle.

Another great feature of the Quadcast S is its built-in pop filter and built-in shock mount, which seriously adds value to the microphone since these additional accessories often have to be bought separately from the microphone. The built-in shock mount is effective at reducing handling noise, but unfortunately, I noticed that the pop filter is not the best at rejecting plosives.

Another downside is the microphone is very lightweight and might have trouble holding down a boom arm like the Rode PSA-1. And, while the RGB lights are cool, there’s no switch to turn them off, so they’ll always be lit up when powered.

With the HyperX QuadCast S, you know you’ll look great streaming, making it one of the best microphones for Discord to look trendy.

If you’re keen to learn more, check out our full review of the HyperX Quadcast S.


Product Info

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo
  • Transducer Type: 3 x 0.55 in (14 mm) electret condenser capsules
  • Power Requirements: 5V 245mA (white light)
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -36dBV/Pa (15.8 mV/Pa) @1kHz
  • Max SPL: Info not available
  • Output Connection: USB-C
  • Headphone Output: 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Weight: 0.55 lbs (0.25kg)
  • Accessories: USB cable, mic stand

Features

  • RGB lighting with dynamic effects customizable through the HyperX NGENUITY Software
  • Built-in pop filter
  • Built-in shock mount
  • Four polar patterns selection – cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo mode
  • Gain control adjustment at the bottom of the mic
  • Headphone monitoring
  • Tap-to-mute sensor with LED indicator

Pros

  • Incredibly modern and stylish with its dynamic RGB effects
  • Good, clean condenser sound quality with some warmth in the audio
  • A good amount of controls, such as multiple polar patterns, gain dial, and mute sensor
  • Don’t need to purchase a pop filter and shock mount, as those are built into the mic
  • Plug and play
  • Discord Certified

Cons

  • No physical dial for adjusting headphone volume. It must be done through NGenuity software
  • Very lightweight and is unable to hold down a boom arm like the Rode PSA-1
  • Not the most effective built-in pop filter
  • NGenuity software does not have many effects other than adjusting the RGB lights and the volume

HyperX Quadcast S black front

HyperX Quadcast S


6. Rode X XDM-100 – Best Sounding Microphone (US$249.00)

Why would you want this microphone?

You want a microphone with the best professional sound quality and the capability to manage audio sources for a live stream.

Rode X XDM-100
Rode X XDM-100 with pop filter and shock mount
Rode X XDM-100 top
Rode X XDM-100 on boom arm

Overview:

The Rode X XDM-100 is an upgrade to the Rode Podcaster and is Rode’s answer to other popular streaming USB microphones like the Elgato Wave:3 and BEACN Mic. However, given its hefty price tag, can it stand up to its competition?

Right off the bat, the XDM-100 looks very similar to the Electro-Voice RE20, so there’s already the weight of expectation for it to perform just as well. The all-metal body is built like a tank, with a sophisticated matte black finish and a touch of modern flair with its red accents.

The XDM-100 is a dynamic mic with a cardioid polar pattern that effectively isolates your voice while rejecting background noise like the keyboard, mouse clicks, and reflections. It also makes sense to compare the XDM-100 with the Shure MV7, which is also a dynamic cardioid mic at the same price.

The Shure MV7 has a brighter tone, whereas the Rode X XDM-100 has more bass and a warmer, mid-forward tone, which can be further boosted to sound more authoritative with the Big Bottom effect. Regardless of how they sound, both microphones have professional studio-quality sound.

In my opinion, the Rode X XDM-100 has the best sound quality of all microphones on this list. Despite being a dynamic mic, the XDM-100 has a very wide frequency range with a natural sound and good voice clarity, and, as mentioned, a strong bass like that of a ribbon mic.

Normally with other microphones, when they throw in free accessories like pop filters and shock mounts, they often look and feel cheap and don’t work well. But this is not the case for the XDM-100’s shock mount and pop filter.

First, the pop filter looks unique and solid with its rubberized casing around the pop shield; it fits snuggly into the mic and rejects plosives very well. The shock mount is the same as the one provided with the Rode NT-1A and is highly effective at reducing shocks and bumps.

Also, if you were to purchase the Elgato Wave:3 together with its shock mount and pop filter, that would set you back at around $220, which is already close to the price of the XDM-100.

There are only a few controls on this USB mic, it has a headphone jack positioned awkwardly away from the mic USB output, a dial for controlling the headphone monitoring volume, and it also acts as the mute button. It does not even have a gain-control dial on the mic, which is unfortunate.

However, the main selling point of XDM-100 is its integration with the UNIFY virtual mixer, a powerful audio tool for streaming and gaming, similar to the Elgato Wave Link.

While all USB microphones can be used with UNIFY, only Rode X microphones (currently only two models: XDM-100 and XCM-50) have access to granular control over the audio processors such as the noise gate, compressor, Aural Exciter™, and Big Bottom™ due to their internal DSP (digital signal processor). With these audio processors activated, you will immediately achieve a deep and rich broadcasting tone for your voice.

UNIFY allows you to mix up to four microphones as well as six audio sources like your browser, Discord, Spotify, your gameplay, and even a gaming console like a PlayStation 5 or Xbox (but this requires additional steps). The mixed audio can be recorded or channeled to various outputs such as headphones, OBS live stream, Discord, studio monitors, etc.

Despite UNIFY’s powerful suite of audio and streaming tools, I’ve heard of too many people who disliked the user experience and encountered hiccups, such as not detecting the microphone properly, the mute button only working when the software is enabled, not having a standard EQ function, etc. And the worst thing is, all the functions of the XDM-100 have to be managed through UNIFY as there are hardly any controls on the microphone.

When paying $249, you don’t expect to face this many software and user experience issues. At least the Shure MV7 works perfectly fine at the same price tag. If not for its buggy UNIFY software, the Rode X XDM-100 would have made it at the top of this list as the best microphone for Discord, gamers, streamers, and podcasters.


Product Info

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid polar pattern
  • Transducer Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
  • Power Requirements: N/A
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: Info not available
  • Max SPL: Info not available
  • Output Connection: USB-C
  • Headphone Output: 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Weight: 0.7kg
  • Accessories: PSM1 Shock Mount, SC29 USB-C cable, 3m Headphone Extension Cable, Pop Shield

Features

  • High-gain Revolution Preamp™ with ultra-low noise
  • Internal DSP (digital signal processing) with APHEX® audio processing through UNIFY app, with effects like the Aural Exciter™ and Big Bottom™
  • Zero latency stereo headphone monitoring with volume control and mute button
  • High-quality pop filter, shock mount, and headphone extension cable included
  • Integrated with UNIFY virtual mixer software (for Windows only)

Pros

  • One of the best-sounding microphones on this list
  • High-quality internal preamp that has very low noise even when the gain is turned up
  • The Aural Exciter™ and Big Bottom™ effects can give your voice a rich broadcast tone, even with little audio knowledge
  • The UNIFY virtual mixer is a powerful audio tool for streaming (if there are no issues)
  • Very well-built and modern all-metal design
  • Solid pop filter and shock mount that work well

Cons

  • All the functions and features of this USB mic are done through UNIFY
  • The UNIFY software is buggy and not the most user friendly
  • Does not have an EQ function on the UNIFY software
  • Uses a mechanical mute button instead of a capacitive one, and it only works when UNIFY is enabled
  • It might have a noticeable lag if you do not use the headphone jack for monitoring
  • Headphone monitoring might be susceptible to radio interference (but does not get translated to the recorded output)
  • The headphone jack and microphone output are not next to each other


7. Samson Q2U – Best Beginner Microphone (US$69.99)

Why would you want this microphone?

You’re on a tight budget and want to upgrade your audio with a mic that sounds good and is easy to use.

Samson Q2U on mic stand front
Samson Q2U on mic stand back
Samson Q2U front
Samson Q2U back
Samson Q2U accessories

Overview:

If you’re new to microphones, on a tight budget, or just want to sound better than everyone else on Discord relying on their PC microphone, then the Samson Q2U is a good mic to consider. It is affordable, sounds good for its price, is simple to use, and has the flexibility of USB and XLR connection.

The Samson Q2U is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. It is solid, well-built, and looks like the iconic Shure SM58 dynamic microphone.

The Samson Q2U does produce quite decent audio quality, not breathtaking, but good for the price you’re paying. It has a good amount of mids without being too muddy and sounds natural, but it does not have strong bass and lacks clarity in the air frequencies due to its narrow frequency range.

For just $70, the Samson Q2U proves that you can still have a good mic packed with features.

For one, you won’t find yourself staring blankly at a plain XLR microphone, wondering what to do next; it is common for entry-level XLR mics to have no microphone features other than their output connection. Instead, the Samson Q2U is ready to be used right out of the box with its USB output that can be plugged straight into a computer. It also has an XLR connection in case you wish to upgrade your setup and work with analog outboard gears for better audio quality.

Another useful feature is its headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, with buttons controlling the monitoring volume. It would have been great if there was a way to control the mix between the headphone monitoring and the system audio, but I can’t complain much for something that costs $70.

There is also a switch to turn the microphone on and off, which is very useful for online conferences. An LED indicator light switches between green and red to show whether the mic is active or muted. A cool feature of this indicator light is that it starts to blink whenever your audio is peaking.

All in all, the Samson Q2U is one of the best mics for Discord if you are looking for an affordable, beginner-friendly upgrade to your audio from your cheap PC microphone.


Product Info

  • Polar Pattern: Cardioid polar pattern
  • Transducer Type: Dynamic (moving coil)
  • Power Requirements: N/A
  • Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 15,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity: -54dBV/Pa (2 mV/Pa) @1kHz
  • Max SPL: 148 dB
  • Output Connection: Mini-B USB, XLR
  • Headphone Output: 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Weight: 0.7lbs (0.32kg)
  • Accessories: Tripod stand with extension piece, mic clip, windscreen, 2.25m USB cable, 3m XLR cable

Features

  • USB and XLR connectivity (can be used simultaneously)
  • Mechanical On/Off switch
  • Headphone monitoring with volume control
  • LED indicator to show On/Off status and warning for peaking levels

Pros

  • The most affordable microphone on this list
  • Good value for money
  • Has decent audio quality and practical features
  • USB and XLR output gives flexibility
  • Beginner friendly plug and play microphone
  • Sturdy and solid build
  • On/Off switch is useful for video conferences

Cons

  • The mechanical switch produces some noise when turning on or off
  • Not so good at rejection plosives and sibilance
  • No controls for adjusting the mix between monitoring and system playback


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The best types of microphones for Discord are USB mics with a cardioid polar pattern, simply for their easy plug-and-play setup and high directionality for picking up your voice.

XLR microphones can be used as well, but they need an audio interface to convert the audio analog signal into digital format for a computer program to understand. We have great recommendations for good-quality budget audio interfaces.

Whether to use a dynamic or condenser mic is less crucial and has more to do with preference. A dynamic mic can isolate your voice and reject background noise better but often lacks clarity in treble and higher frequencies. If you’re keen, we have an article recommending the Best Dynamic Mics in the market.

On the other hand, a condenser mic is more sensitive and picks up nuances across all frequencies with great clarity, but the downside is that it tends to pick up background noise from the room too.

If you want a microphone for Discord that can be boomed out of frame so that it doesn’t block your view, you should consider a shotgun microphone. Shotgun microphones have better directionality and off-axis rejection than cardioid condenser mics due to their super-cardioid polar pattern and a long interference tube. Here are our recommendations for some of the best shotgun mics.

Also, if you are feeling adventurous and want your voice to sound vintage like Elvis Presley or coming from an old radio station to impress your Discord friends, you can consider a high-quality ribbon microphone. However, they are not recommended as they are often expensive, fragile, and require additional gear like an audio interface.

There are many other types of microphones, and knowing the distinctions between the different types, their features, and their characteristics will be helpful when choosing the best microphone for Discord.

An external XLR microphone or USB microphone has much better audio quality compared to a gaming headset. This is especially important if you are streaming or having a conference call; good-quality audio is necessary for retaining people’s attention.

Discord Certification is a quality assurance that your headset or microphone is compatible with the Discord platform, ensuring you won’t experience any disconnects, sound glitches, or mic issues that can ruin your gaming experience.

The Blue Yeti and the HyperX Quadcast S on this list are Discord certified. It does not mean the other microphones are not compatible with Discord.

Also, this neither means they are the best microphones for Discord nor better than other mics on this list. In fact, there are other microphones on this list with better features and sound quality than the Blue Yeti and HyperX Quadcast S, like the Shure MV7 or Elgato Wave:3, which also work very well with Discord.

Some other applications for a microphone for Discord are podcasting, streaming, and recording instruments like acoustic guitar, or even recording a cover of your favorite song! You can even use condenser microphones for recording ASMR due to their high sensitivity!

If you are using a dynamic microphone, it can also be used for podcasting due to its good noise-rejection capability. A dynamic microphone can also handle high sound pressure levels to record loud instruments like electric guitar amps and drum kits.

However, having a good vocal microphone is not enough to get you high-quality recordings when it comes to recording vocals and musical instruments. You will need to know how to set up a home recording studio, such as choosing and placing studio monitors, acoustically treating the recording space, etc.

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2 Comments

  1. Wow, really well researched and well written article! Really impressed with all the microphone recommendations. I was searching for a good plug-and-play microphone to chat with my Discord friends and was considering the Blue Yeti for quite awhile since so many people have been talking about it.

    But after seeing your recommendations, I think I’ll go for the Elgato Wave 3, I really like the idea of the Clipguard feature and the Wave Link software!

    Keep up the good work!! 🙂

    1. Thanks so much for your kind compliments! Yes that is true, many people often recommend the Blue Yeti because it has been in the game for many years, one of the first few USB mics in the market, so you won’t go wrong with it if you purchase that. But I often recommend the Elgato Wave 3 to people as well because you’re getting so much for the price you pay, not just a great mic! The Clipguard and Wave Link are really game-changers indeed!

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