Are you a new Twitch streamer looking for the perfect microphone on a budget? You might be wondering whether to choose an XLR microphone or a USB microphone. XLR microphones use a special cable that connects to an audio interface. While USB microphones plug directly into your computer. The main difference is that XLR mics usually give you better sound quality and more control over your audio.
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With that in mind, here are my top picks for the best budget XLR mics:
Audio-Technica AT2020 – $99
My first top pick for the best budget XLR microphone is the Audio-Technica AT2020. This mic has excellent sound quality, a sturdy build, and is easy to set up, making it perfect for new Twitch streamers. With a price tag under $100, it’s a great value for the quality you get.
The Audio-Technica AT2020 features a cardioid polar pattern — meaning it picks up sound mainly from the front, reducing background noise. This mic is also a condenser microphone; making it the better choice if you prefer being more than a couple of inches away from the microphone
The AT2020 also uses phantom power, thus requiring an audio interface
Samson Technologies Q2U – $54.99
My second top pick is the Samson Technologies Q2U, another budget-friendly option. It offers both XLR and USB connectivity, making it a great option for a streamer who’d prefer to hold off on buying their audio interface. Priced around $60, it’s a fantastic value for the performance it delivers.
The Samson Q2U also possesses a cardioid pattern, the main difference being that this is a dynamic capsule. Meaning you need to be very close for this mic to pick up your voice.
Additionally, it comes with a built-in headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring, allowing you to hear your voice in real-time as you stream.
However, if you’re wanting to look at some higher end streaming mics: check out this article on one of the best microphones other streamers are using!
To use the XLR output of these microphones, you’ll need an audio interface, like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, which converts the XLR signal into a digital signal your computer can use. The Scarlett Solo is a popular choice for streamers because it’s affordable.
Be aware the Scarlett Solo does only have one input, so you cannot plug in more than one microphone
To get the most out of your XLR microphone, we recommend investing in a boom arm and a pop filter. A boom arm allows you to position the mic closer to your mouth for better sound, while a pop filter helps reduce plosive sounds, like “p” and “b” noises.
Both the Audio-Technica AT2020 and Samson Technologies Q2U are excellent budget XLR microphone options for streaming on Twitch. They offer great sound quality, sturdy builds, and ease of use at affordable prices. An audio interface is also required! Checkout this comparison of two of the most popular audio interfaces for twitch streamers.
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