10 ‌best microphones for YouTube to buy in India

Highlights
  • You can buy microphones for both outdoor and indoor use
  • You have different type of microphones available in the market
  • These work with smartphones, DSLR cameras, and PCs as well

YouTube is a popular platform that has empowered millions across the globe. People can set up an account, create content and monetise their efforts. With the advent of smartphones, anybody can do that with a reliable camera. But in most cases, people forget the purpose of audio, which is equally if not more important. Thankfully, now you have tools to improve on that as well. Microphones have become portable and affordable, so you should invest in a good microphone to improve the quality of your audio. So, if you are starting in the podcast, recording or streaming arena, these are the 10 best microphones for YouTube to buy in India.

Things to consider before buying microphone

  • Your purpose for recording: Before you start searching for a microphone, you should know your end-product. Do you want to record podcasts, musical instruments, or capture audio for video or live game streams? Based on that, you need to adjust the budget, variety, choice of brand, and more.
  • Frequency level: Microphones generally carry frequency detail which tells you how the product is able to replicate the sound signals picked up by its components. The higher the range, the better the output comes out.

Types of microphones

Most of you might think how can mics be different. But in reality, they are. You have Lavalier, Studio, and Shotgun microphones.

  • Lavalier: These are basically the clip-on mics that are used for filmmaking and taking interviews on-the-go.
  • Studio: You generally call them condenser microphones that help you record content in studio environment. Such mics help block excessive noise and give you the perfect audio output.
  • Shotgun: This mic is also used mostly for production and in TV studios. The sound is processed in front of the mic which is ideal for quick piece-to-camera (p2c) output.

Polar patterns: Microphones are supposed to capture audio in the right way. Generally, mics these days feature cardioid pattern, which records sound in the heart-shaped form. You also have bidirectional mics that pick up sound from all sides, which works in some cases.

Connectivity: Probably the least prioritised but this plays a big part in how the mic connects to your system. It could be either standard Type B port, USB Type C or even microUSB. Based on what works out the best for you, generally go for a mic which includes plug-and-play feature.

Best microphones for YouTube to buy in India in 2021

1. Blue Yeti

Blue Yeti is one of the top choices for vloggers, not only because of its quality and performance but the overall reliability of the brand. Its USB-based microphone offers dynamism which makes it useful for recording podcasts, streaming, gaming, and even attending video calls. It even gets a condenser microphone option for laptops or PC. You can either make it stand on the adjustable stand or hang it to a module. Blue Yeti has developed Blue VO!CE software to enhance the quality of your recordings, advanced modulation and HD audio samples.

It lets you record in four pickup patterns, including omnidirectional, bi-directional, stereo, and flexible cardioid. The unit features onboard controls to let you set the volume, mute the audio, and more. The Blue Yeti mic delivers audio without any latency in your recordings. For the price, buyers call it the best in the segment. As an aspiring Youtuber, Blue Yeti is a must-have accessory.

2. Sennheiser MKE 200

Sennheiser MKE 200 is another option that doesn’t cost as much as the Blue Yeti but still is a premium model. It is a directional condenser microphone and is ideal for connecting with DSLR cameras and mobile devices for vlogging purposes. You can attach the MKE 200 to the top of a camera, or plug it through the headphone jack on a smartphone. Thanks to the directional setup, you can isolate and enhance the audio quality of your video. Sennheiser has equipped the MKE 200 with an internal suspension mount and integrated wind protection to prevent excessive shaking of the unit.

The company has packed all the components of the microphone into a compact design that supports 360-degree audio capture. And since it does not require a battery, you don’t have to bother about charging after using it every time. The size of MKE 200 makes it likeable for vloggers, and its compact design allows them to attach it with multiple devices in their setup. For some of them, Sennheiser as a brand vouches for its quality.

3. Blue Snowball iCE USB Mic

If you seek a stylish and functional microphone for YouTube, the iCE USB mic from Blue Snowball checks itself out. It features a custom condenser capsule that promises crystal-clear audio quality, much better than what a laptop or PC mic offers. The retro design adds a nice appeal to your desk, and even your videos come out stylish with top-notch audio performance. It has got cardioid pickup pattern that delivers on the audio front, especially when you are streaming, recording a podcast, or taking calls.

The microphone comes with an adjustable desk stand so that you can position it based on your audio levels. You just have to plug and play to get the iCE USB mic working on Mac or PC. You can pair the mic with the Sherpa companion app to make alterations to the recorded content. Buyers call it the best HD studio recorder, giving you the professional touch in regular audio content. The sound quality also impressed many, with some calling it a good alternative to the Blue Yeti. It is one of the best mic for YouTube that you can buy today.

4. Audio-Technica AT2020

Another quality microphone for YouTube that we can suggest comes from Audio-Technica. The AT2020 is a cardioid condenser studio microphone that is ideal for projects done inside houses. It promises high SPL handling and a wide dynamic range which makes it versatile for different use cases. The brand has custom-engineered the low-mass diaphragm, which provides a wider frequency response. The cardioid design ensures improved noise isolation from the sides, giving you crisp and clean audio content while recording. The microphone gets a threaded stand mount that securely attaches to give you clean audio. General buyers call it the best for its price. With the best sound quality and strong build quality, it’s worth your money.

5. AKG Lyra Ultra-HD

Another premium option comes from a Samsung-owned AKG which has the Lyra Ultra-HD microphone. It comes equipped with a four-capsule adaptive array for quality AKG sound. It produces audio quality at 24-bit/192kHz high resolution. AKG has tuned the Lyra to help you record podcasts, shoot videos for YouTube, record vocals and game streaming as well. The best part about Lyra is that you can easily connect it to a wide range of devices like Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.

You get zero-latency audio during recording which shows its effects when listening through headphones. The device comes bundled with Ableton Live 10 Lite software which helps you create your tracks, produce and edit them on the go as well. What do buyers have to say? Lyra gives them perfect quality for recording instruments, the crisp audio comes to the fore. The convenience of using it via USB Type C is also a big appeal for buyers.

6. Maono AU-PM420 USB Podcast Condenser

Going down the price spectrum gets you brands like Maono, which has its USB Podcast condenser up for grabs. This model offers a high-res sampling rate that translates into excellent audio production. You can pair it with either Windows or Mac system and use it for podcast recording, video shoots and streaming as well. The AU-PM420 features a cardioid polar pattern which helps reduce excessive noise in the audio, giving you clearer output.

The company has bundled the microphone with a durable art set along with a pop filter and windscreen cap to lower the wind flow while recording. The overall build quality of the Maono condenser microphone includes an acrylic mirror, zing alloy, and iron net wrapped around the module at the top. Ideally can be set up on any desk for best results. Many call it the perfect audio tool for beginners, delivers as a studio microphone setup, and probably the best you can get at this price in the market.

7. SHURE MV51

The most expensive audio unit you have is Shure MV51. This condenser microphone features a large diaphragm that produces best-in-class audio quality. Shure has added five DSP preset modes like speech, singing, flat and loud among others. It gets Apple MFI certified, which makes it compatible with iPhone, iPad, and even iPod without needing additional adapters to work. You will love its metallic construction with a vintage-inspired design. But even on the technology front, this microphone is well equipped to tune the equaliser, audio gain for best results. And yes, the integrated stand means you can place it on any surface close to the PC. Fantastic product, top-notch audio delivery and five stars are what most people reviewing this microphone have said.

8. Rode LAVGO Lavalier Go Professional-Grade Wearable Lapel

Best value

If you need something more portable, the Rode Lavgo lapel microphone is worth considering. You can easily wear it on your collar to shoot videos or record interviews with crip, noise-isolated audio. The professional-grade lapel microphone includes an omnidirectional condenser capsule, along with a 4.5mm microphone. Thanks to a 3.5-mm jack, you can plug it with any smartphone that supports wired connectivity. The cable has been reinforced with kevlar material for extra solidity and to avoid sudden breakage. Connect the mic and cover it with the shield to block excessive noise during recording. Most people found it excellent for using with DLSR camera, phones and record content. The sound is crisp and the noise gets effectively blocked to give you clear content.

9. Maono AU-100 Condenser Clip On Lavalier

Maono also has a clip-on condenser lavalier microphone with a similar use case like the Rode Lavgo, assisting you with hands-on recording, and moving around with it attached to the collar. Maono AU-100 features an omnidirectional condenser which makes it ideal for podcast recording, smartphone, DLSR and PC as well. The length of the cable is long enough to let you conduct multi-person interviews, or make video calls.

Maono has made it using lightweight materials so that you don’t feel uneasy while wearing it on the tie, collar, or pocket. It works with specific camera apps like Open and Promovie for recording video on Android phones. The microphone includes a dual switch to move between smartphone and camera. What works in favour of Maono AU-100 is its performance and quality for the price. The wide compatibility also makes it a decent choice for those on a limited budget.

10. Boya BYM1 Omnidirectional Lavalier Condenser

The last is probably one of the most preferred by vloggers as well. Boya BYM1 gets a top vote from buyers, making it the customer’s favourite, even though it is the most affordable audio gear you can get in the market. The omnidirectional condenser microphone is ideal to shoot videos on the go and can be used with an array of devices like smartphones, DSLR cameras, camcorders, and PC as well. It comes equipped with an Omni pickup pattern that produces audio 360-degrees. Use the built-in switch to move between using camera and smartphone. The whole kit is all you need to record videos or even audio for that matter. And thanks to its size you can carry it anywhere, clip it easily and use it. Great budget option, users love its durability and the resulting audio delivered by the microphone.