Ever watched a video with horrible audio? You most likely didn’t finish it. It was much too painful. This illustrates how crucial high-quality audio is to creating a video someone will actually want to watch in its entirety. Make sure the audio in your videos is crystal clear by investing in a high-end microphone. Here are two of the best microphones for recording YouTube videos?
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The Importance Of Audio
It’s easy to get caught up in the visual aspect of making videos, but don’t forget the importance of audio. There’s no better way to hijack your videos than to have poor-quality audio. The built-in audio on smartphones, webcams, and cameras, although good enough for some applications, doesn’t make the grade when creating YouTube videos. This is where a separate microphone comes in handy, and will become your new best friend. Get silky smooth audio, that complements your videos, rather than distracting from them.
Compare videos made with a mic, to those made without one, and there’s really no comparison. Microphones are not that expensive, so if you’re serious about creating videos on YouTube, you’ll definitely want to consider purchasing one. This is one of those little-effort-big-reward types of investment.
Audio For You Tube Videos
When choosing a mic, consider how the mic performs, the value it will provide, and of course the cost. Here are two of my favorite mics for recording YouTube videos. Both are easy to use. Simply set them up, and start recording. This is unlike lavalier mics, that must be hooked up to an external audio recorder or smartphone.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, with no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
Best Microphones For Recording YouTube Videos
1. Rode VideoMic Studio Boom Kit
Rode has established a name for itself, which comes as no surprise, because their microphones produce amazing audio. The mic fits on the hot shoe of your camera, and comes with a cord to plug into the camera’s mic input. The Rode VideoMic is a well-made, solid shotgun mic that comes with a 10-year warranty. You can’t go wrong with this microphone, and the boom makes it even more versatile.
Shotgun mics are unidirectional, meaning they must be pointed directly at whoever is talking, in order to get exceptional audio. The closer you are to the mic, the better the sound quality.
The Rode mic is especially awesome for travel because it attaches directly to the camera’s hot shoe, making it ideal for filming on location. Thanks to its superior suspension and sturdy construction, the Rode can go the distance. The Rode is also good for sporting events, broadcasting, music videos, or interview-style videos. Basically, it’s great for any application where the subject can’t wear or hold a mic.
Headphones
I like using headphones while recording audio as they allow me to better hear what is being recorded in real time, giving me better control over my audio. I find that they most definitely boost audio quality. For instance, I can adjust my positioning in relation to the mic based on the quality and intensity of my voice. Additionally, since the sound is directed right into my ear, all background noise is filtered out.
When buying headphones, think comfort and quality. Invest in closed headphones that go over your head, and completely cover your ears, rather than earbuds. Make sure they’re lightweight and have adequate padding around the ears for optimal comfort since some recordings can get long. Also, I wouldn’t recommend microphone/headphone sets that you can’t separate. Opt for standalone headphones. Checkout this Sennheiser wireless headphone system.
Rode VideoMic Studio Boom Kit features:
Features:
- Easy to set up
- Includes Video mic, adjustable stand, and stand adapter
- Sturdy construction
- Rycote suspension system for attaching to hot shoe
- Black music stand comes with tripod base and boom arm
- Mic mounts to the boom to capture elevated audio
Pros:
- Comes with a 25′ extension cable for use with boom
- Has two settings: normal and high-pass filter, which eliminate outside noise and internal white noise
- Lightweight and portable
- Doesn’t take up a lot of space, making for easy storage
- Convenient for vlogging
Cons:
- Mic must be close to the subject when not using a boom
- Does not include wind cover
2. Blue Yeti Microphone
This is the microphone I’ve been using to record screencasting tutorials and YouTube videos. It has taken my audio to an entirely new level. I can now listen to my videos without cringing. The Yeti is a condenser microphone, which are the preferred mics for studio recording. These types of mics require an external power source. I plug mine into the USB port of my computer when recording screencasts. Condenser mics shine at producing realistic and superior sound.
The omnidirectional mode is able to pick up sound from all directions. This makes it suitable for music performances, podcasting, Skyping or game streaming. The bidirectional mode records from both the front and rear of the mic, making it ideal for capturing interviews, vocals, conference calls, and voice overs. I bought an adapter off eBay that allows me to use my Yeti on my iPhone, which I’m super excited about. The Yeti is affordable and easy to use. Plug it in and enjoy the rich, full-bodied sound.
Boom Arms
Many YouTubers and podcasters use boom arms with their microphones. The advantages include the ability to move the microphone during recording without producing distracting background noise. You can also move the positioning of your body. For instance, if you want to change from sitting to standing or visa versa. Booms can be moved, swiveled, or folded as needed, in terms of their angle, position, and proximity. This feature makes it convenient for moving the mic away from you or closer to you during recording.
Booms are also convenient for not having to strain your neck or back to talk into the mic. Another plus of using a boom is that it won’t pick up noises and vibrations from the table or desk that your mic is on. They’re also great space-savers. Check out this sturdy and reliable boom that is designed specifically for the Blue Yeti.
Blue Yeti Microphone Features:
- 3 condenser capsules for recording in a variety of situations
- Weighs 3.51 pounds
- Multiple pattern selection, including stereo, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and cardioid
- Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
- Conveniently plugs into a computer USB port
- Controls recordings in real-time
- Plug-and-play: plug it in and it’s ready to go
- Uses lithium batteries
Pros:
- Sturdy and compact
- Ideal for podcasting, interviews, voiceovers, musical instruments and vocals, conference calls, and field recordings
- Zero-latency headphone output
- Mute button
- Both Mac and PC compatible
- Can detach mic from stand
Cons:
- Condenser mics require an external power source
- There is no turn off switch on the mic. It has to be unplugged
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Key Points
Both the Rode and Yeti Blue microphones produce exceptional audio. These mics are a steal when you consider how much better your videos will be. The Rode is a shotgun mic that attaches to the hot shoe of any DSLR. This makes it great for traveling and filming on location.
Shotguns mics are the most effective when aimed directly at the subject, however, the boom circumvents this feature.
The Yeti Blue is a condenser mic that depends on an external power source. It’s simple to use and is applicable for making screencasts, tutorials, and YouTube videos. Both mics deliver high-quality value for the price.
Do you create YouTube videos? What microphone do you use? Let me know in the comments:)
I thought when making videos that the built-in mic of cameras and cellphones are enough to get the job done. However, I have now realized it’s better to have an external mic to ensure the sounds quality is good.
I will look into these types of microphones when my budget allows.
I hope the Rode is available in my location. If it’s not available, maybe there is an alternative one.
Unfortunately, the built-in mics of smartphones and cameras aren’t sufficient to produce high-quality audio. Do consider a Rode or a Yeti depending on what you’re using it for.
You can purchase the Rode online~
Nice, I will check this out. My daughter needs a mic for vlogging. I’ve been encouraging her to start her online gig as early as she is not. She loves making videos and is excited to take classes in video editing after the holidays.
This might just be the perfect gift for her. Thanks for sharing!
That’s really cool your daughter is vlogging. She’ll definitely need a mic to make her videos shine. A microphone would be the perfect gift!
I Believe that micro phones are vital to producing high quality sound. I’ve experienced this firsthand when I couldn’t understand an audio message.
I see from the article that I am not up to date with the latest technology. I would like to find out more. I’ll be googling this topic to learn more about it.
Thank you for this post!
Hi Robert,
Thanks for reading my post. Microphones are absolutely vital to get good quality sound. There’s nothing worse than not being able to understand audio.
Check out the mics to see if they’ll fit your needs.
Holly, this has come along at just the right time for me.
I’m getting heavily into internet marketing, with books successfully published on Amazon and several websites in the health and fitness space. I’ve joined Wealthy Affiliate and am in the process of building my first affiliate site.
I’m pretty much on top of everything except the one thing I’m constantly being told I need to do, and that’s make videos.
I made one using my several years old video cam with its built-in microphone. I tried getting a lapel mic but it just didn’t work.
And you’re right. Really good sound quality makes all the difference. Look how popular sound bars for TVs are!
So thanks for this. I’ll be checking out the ones you recommend.
Thanks for commenting Phil.
Congratulations on getting your books published on Amazon. That’s awesome! Video marketing is all the rage these days, and with good reason. People love watching and listening to videos.
Lapels mics are good for certain applications, but for YouTube videos, screencasts, and tutorials, I would get the Yeti Blue microphone. Sound quality can make or break a video.
I have several websites, and my goal this year is to start creating YouTube videos. I think the Yeti Blue Microphone is the one that will work for creating all of my screencasts, and the price is pretty reasonable for a great quality microphone. I see where you were able to get an adapter for your iPhone, do you know if an adapter is available for android phones?
Hi Janell,
The Yeti is a great mic and perfect for screencasts. Jump on the YouTube bandwagon this year. It’s easier than you think.
I would think Android would have an adapter.