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Top Budget Microphones for Streaming

May 14, 2025

Best Budget Microphones for Live Streaming and Podcasting

Introduction

  • Presenter: Craig Pro from Think Media
  • Objective: Compare seven budget microphones to determine the best fit for live streaming or podcasting.
  • Key Point: All microphones discussed are solid options, each with their own pros and cons.

Audio Sample Tests

  • Conducted audio sample tests on each microphone in a controlled indoor environment.
  • Microphones Tested:
    • ATR 2100x (XLR)
    • Samsung Q2U (XLR)
    • Samsung Q9U (XLR)
    • Audio Technica AT2020 (USB)
    • Rode PodMic
    • Audio Technica AT2020 (XLR)
    • Shure MV7X

Categories of Microphones

  1. Combo Microphones (XLR and USB outputs)
  2. USB Only Outputs
  3. XLR Only Outputs

Combo Microphones

1. Audio Technica ATR 2100x

  • Price: $48 - $79
  • Features:
    • Comes with USB Type A, USB Type-C, and XLR cables
    • Includes a tabletop stand and mic holder
    • Built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring
  • Pros: Low price, USB-C compatibility
  • Cons: Slightly lower sound quality, issues with plosives

2. Samsung Q2U

  • Price: ~$70
  • Features:
    • USB functionality, XLR inputs, headphone jack
  • Pros: Good sound quality
  • Cons: Uses mini USB-B port, requires specific cables

3. Samsung Q9U

  • Price: $100 - $149
  • Features:
    • USB-C port, physical switches for frequency adjustments
    • Comes with a large windscreen
  • Pros: Stylish, full sound quality
  • Cons: Requires EQ adjustments, needs good preamp or audio interface

USB Microphones

Audio Technica AT2020 USB+

  • Features:
    • Condenser microphone
    • Has headphone jack with mix dial
  • Pros: Sensitive to sound, less noise
  • Cons: Not good at canceling background noise, lacks low-end frequencies

XLR Microphones

1. Audio Technica AT2020 (XLR)

  • Price: $99
  • Features: Similar to the USB version
  • Pros: Consistency in sound with USB version

2. Rode PodMic

  • Features:
    • Compatible with Rode's audio interfaces
    • Strong build quality
  • Pros: Cool design, good sound quality
  • Cons: Weaker preamp, lacks low-end frequencies

3. Shure MV7X

  • Price: ~$179
  • Features: Exclusively XLR, dynamic microphone
  • Pros: Best sound quality on the list
  • Cons: No accessories, loose windscreen

Final Recommendations

  • Best Overall Sound: Shure MV7X
  • Best Value: Samsung Q2U
    • Considerations: Price, included accessories

Additional Notes

  • Consider using Opus Clip for repurposing long podcast episodes into social media content.
  • Features such as physical switches, preamp quality, and USB vs XLR outputs are crucial to consider based on individual needs.

Full transcript