The Razer Seiren V3 Pro arrives as a pro‑level streaming microphone that finally feels like the centerpiece of Razer’s recent run of impressive peripherals. It pairs studio‑grade hardware — a large 30 mm dynamic capsule, USB‑C and XLR outputs, and tactile controls — with deep Synapse software and Chroma RGB flair, aiming to satisfy both serious creators and RGB enthusiasts.

This review cuts through the marketing: I’ll show what the mic actually sounds like, how its software and features stack up against rivals, and whether it’s worth swapping in for your current setup.

Razer had no input, nor did it see the contents of this review, prior to publication.

What it is

The Razer Seiren V3 Pro ($249.99 / €289.99) is a hybrid dynamic microphone tailored specifically for streamers, podcasters, and music producers.

At its heart sits a custom 30 mm dynamic capsule purpose-built to capture broadcast-style depth and natural warmth.

Structurally, it features a robust, resonance-resistant zinc unibody frame paired with an integrated, vibration-dampened adjustable arm mount.

To round out its premium aesthetic, it includes a gorgeous Razer Chroma RGB lighting ring that doubles as a real-time status and live mute indicator, which can be enabled by the mic button.

Quick set up

Unboxing the Razer Seiren V3 Pro is refreshingly simple. Unlike many high-end microphones that leave you scrambling to buy external accessories, this mic is entirely ready to rock right out of the box.

It features an included desktop stand, a built-in shock absorber, and a removable pop filter. Just plug it in via the included USB Type-C cable, complete a quick configuration, and you are up and running.

If you want to jump into the pro tier immediately, you can just as easily route an XLR cable (not included) straight from the base into an audio interface or mixer.

It’s a frictionless setup that gives you studio-grade enhancements with zero technical expertise required.

How it's different

The Seiren V3 Pro separates itself from the pack by flawlessly bridging mainstream USB convenience and professional XLR performance.

Its primary direct competitor in this hybrid category is the HyperX Flipcast, which we've also reviewed. However, the Seiren V3 Pro secures a massive hardware victory right away: it includes a high-quality desktop stand and integrated shock mount in the box, whereas the Flipcast notoriously ships without a stand or boom arm, forcing an immediate extra purchase.

Furthermore, the software support here is on an entirely different level. While HyperX’s NGENUITY app offers rudimentary controls, Razer Synapse unlocks deep, granular audio customization:

• 32-Bit Float Support: Available via Synapse, this format captures a dramatically wider dynamic range to effectively eliminate digital clipping and distortion.
• Advanced Audio DSP: Houses an advanced parametric EQ, noise gate, compressor, limiter, and AI noise remover directly powered by an onboard hardware engine.
• Synapse Advanced Mixing: Allows for multi-channel stream routing right within the application interface.

What it's great at

The biggest hardware triumph here is the dual-connectivity workflow. Having both USB-C and XLR connections on one microphone offers massive advantages, though it comes with standard hybrid trade-offs:

• The Pros: It provides immense versatility. Newcomers can start with a simple, plug-and-play desktop configuration and seamlessly transition into an advanced analog signal chain down the road without buying a new microphone. Interestingly, you can keep both the USB and XLR cables plugged in simultaneously and dynamically switch between them on your Windows PC.
• The Cons: You are paying a premium for dual internal electronics, and advanced Synapse software functions (like 32-bit float, the parametric EQ, and advanced mixing) are strictly limited to the digital USB connection.

During testing, there wasn't a noticeable difference in tonal warmth when swapping between the two connections, but the USB interface emerged as the clear favorite for me purely because it unlocks Synapse's superior sound features and DSP suite.

My experience otherwise with the mic has been great. You can hear it in action in the short review video accompanying this article, as well as on our recent Windows Central Podcast, Episode #396.

For now, I plan to keep using this mic over my HyperX ProCast. While the ProCast is an excellent, gold-sputtered large-diaphragm XLR condenser, it is strictly analog, requires 48V phantom power, and entirely lacks the modern digital conveniences, RGB integration, and software agility that make the Seiren V3 Pro so effortless to use daily.

Plus, while the ProCast had an original MSRP of $199.99 and dropped as low as $99.99 on sale, it now appears to be discontinued and increasingly hard to find, completely out of stock at both Best Buy and HyperX.

The Razer Synapse software features offer brilliant audio tuning, particularly the automatic environment noise test and AI noise remover. They do a spectacular job of silencing background hums and room reflections.

The Razer Synapse setup here was awesome: Hit a button and record yourself talking for 10 seconds. Hit another button and say nothing for 10 seconds. Then answer a few questions, e.g., what is your goal here (streamer, podcast, general, etc.) and what do you have fans running, environmental noise, etc. From that data, the system suggests your tuning, which you can then accept, and you're done. You can re-run the process anytime in Synapse should anything change.

The only minor catch is that the aggressive noise cancellation can occasionally cut your voice out a bit during quieter moments. Because of this, some manual tweaking of the noise gate threshold may still be needed to get it dialed in perfectly.

Finally, if you are already invested in Razer’s ecosystem—sporting a Razer keyboard, mouse, or monitor—adding this mic beautifully completes the package. The Chroma RGB ring integrates flawlessly into your existing lighting profiles, satisfying RGB enthusiasts while giving clear visual feedback on your live mute status via the tap-to-mute sensor.

Who's it for

This microphone is built for the forward-thinking content creator. It is perfect for game streamers, podcasters, and hybrid musicians who want beautiful aesthetic flair and USB simplicity today, but demand the studio-grade security of an XLR output as their production setup grows.

Should you buy the Razer Seiren V3 Pro?

You should buy it if ...

✅ You want USB‑C now, XLR later.

✅ You use Razer Synapse/Chroma and want full integration.

✅ You need onboard DSP (32‑bit float, AI noise removal) to cut post‑work.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You prefer a pure XLR, software‑free workflow.

❌ You’re on a tight budget and don’t need RGB or Synapse.

❌You need full feature parity on macOS without Windows Synapse.

Admittedly, my "you should not buy ifs" here are nitpicky. You can just use this as an XLR mic with a software-free workflow if you want and not worry about USB or software. But there are also more affordable XLR-only mics, hence the con.

At $249.99, Razer positions the Seiren V3 Pro firmly in the higher-end premium tier compared to the HyperX Flipcast (which currently sits at $179.99 against a $229.99 MSRP) and the now-evaporated ProCast.

However, for me, the incredible Razer Synapse DSP more than makes up for that higher cost. The sheer quality of the out-of-the-box hardware processing saves massive time in post-production. I didn't expect that to be the big selling point, but it's clever software and the kind of "don't think about it" setups I prefer.

While you could look at other heavy hitters at this price point like the Shure MV7+ or SteelSeries Alias Pro, Razer brings an unmatched physical build quality, out-of-the-box completeness, and ecosystem synergy to your desk. It delivers studio sound, simply and effortlessly.

Whatever your reason for wanting one — to become a content creator, because you're always in voice calls, or even because you want to dabble in music — choosing the best microphone for you can feel impossible.

That's even without considering the differences between easy-to-use USB microphones and more flexible, professional XLR microphones. What if you could choose a microphone that does both just as well, though? That's where HP and HyperX are coming in with the FlipCast, an ultra-premium microphone that tries to be the best of both worlds.

I've been using the HyperX FlipCast, and it is a really good, high-end microphone for a variety of use cases. It's also expensive, lacks a mount or stand in the box, and falls behind in software customization compared to other options. Whether it'll be worth spending this much depends on how much you value that dual USB/XLR input capability.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HyperX and HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Refined hardware and excellent audio quality

Like many of the most popular professional-grade microphones, the HyperX FlipCast is a front-address dynamic microphone with a sleek, matte black cylindrical design. Of course, it also boasts some of the gamer-esque details I expect from HyperX.

That includes the RGB light strip in the middle, which is fully customizable... but turns off when the microphone is muted. This is similar behavior to the HyperX QuadCast 2 S I reviewed, but the FlipCast also has an LED indicator strip that turns red when muted, so I wish I could choose to have the RGB lighting stay on.

Speaking of that LED indicator meter, it's one of the FlipCast's best design features. By default, it indicates audio levels, but the multi-function wheel behind it can switch between headset volume, monitoring levels, and microphone gain. In general, the FlipCast's onboard controls are intuitive and useful, even if the touch-sensitive mute button feels a little too easy to press.

It all helps the FlipCast look and feel like the premium microphone its price tag suggests, but how good it is at actually capturing sound is obviously even more important.

The HyperX FlipCast is absolutely a high-resolution microphone with some serious recording props, even if it doesn't boast a wide array of different pickup patterns. It's a front-address microphone, so you'll want it pointing directly at your mouth.

Overall, audio quality is deep, clear, and consistent, exactly as I expected. The FlipCast feels similar in quality overall to the aforementioned QuadCast 2 S, but its AI noise cancellation is even better. This microphone is genuinely among the best at filtering out unwanted background noise, even without relying on the high-pass and presence boost filters built into the FlipCast.

I wouldn't say the FlipCast decidedly takes the crown among other high-end microphones in this price bracket (companies like Shure still wear that crown), but it certainly doesn't disappoint.

USB and XLR versatility, but simple software

The biggest selling point for the HyperX FlipCast is the inclusion of both USB and XLR connectivity. All-in-one USB microphones can be more affordable and are far easier to set up and use, but XLR microphones can deliver greater audio fidelity and support modular upgrades and enhancements.

Why would you want both in one microphone? Well, the FlipCast can support a dual-PC setup with simultaneous USB and XLR, or be easily used with different setups, but the real advantage is that you can invest in a great plug-and-play microphone now, and then upgrade to a more professional XLR setup down the line without having to buy a new mic.

The HyperX FlipCast isn't unique here, but dual USB/XLR microphones aren't exactly common — especially from major brands. The most well-known is likely the Shure MV7+, which you can get for $299.99 at Amazon.com and is critically acclaimed.

That microphone is a fair bit more expensive than the FlipCast (and also doesn't include a stand in the box), but you're also getting Shure's legendary audio quality and greater suite of software features and integration. This is the FlipCast's greatest weakness; HyperX NGENUITY is intuitive, but it lacks the deeper customization that brands like Shure and AVerMedia offer for their microphones.

It's also worth mentioning that, if you're confident you'll never want a full XLR recording setup, you can get an excellent USB microphone for less (like the aforementioned HyperX QuadCast 2 S, which does have a stand in the box).

HyperX FlipCast review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a microphone with both USB and XLR connectivity.
• You need intuitive onboard controls and software.
• You want consistently great audio recording and noise cancellation.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You don't really need a high-end XLR microphone.
• You don't want to pay extra for a proper microphone mount.

The HyperX FlipCast is an excellent studio-grade microphone that's competing with some of the most popular on the market, with consistently great audio quality, an attractive and intuitive design, and surprisingly effective AI-powered noise cancellation.

It can also grow with you thanks to USB and XLR connectivity, which is a huge boon for anyone investing in themselves for content creation or other professional endeavors. That makes the HyperX FlipCast a top-notch option in my eyes, but just because other high-end, front-address microphones forgo including a stand in the box doesn't make it any less annoying here, and you're already paying a nice chunk of change for the FlipCast.

Still, HyperX is once again proving its accessories aren't just for gamers with the FlipCast. It may not be the absolute best microphone across every category, but it does deliver more than enough to earn my recommendation. If this is the microphone for you, the HyperX FlipCast is now available for $229.99 at BestBuy.com and at Amazon.com.

If you also want the exact microphone arm mount I used, that's the HyperX Caster available for $139.99 at HP.com. Check out my in-depth HyperX Caster review for more information on it.

When I agreed to review the HyperX FlipCast microphone, I didn't expect I'd need a mount, as there's no stand included in the box. I've tested a number of microphones and mounts, but I'm always moving between headsets, webcams, and microphones for my audio recording needs, so my desk is often bereft of a boom arm.

So, HP and HyperX sent me its premium Caster arm for microphones and cameras, and I decided to review this often-overlooked accessory alongside the FlipCast microphone.

After a few weeks of using and adjusting, I can say with confidence that the HyperX Caster does boast the sleek design — and toolless installation and adjustment — to compete with the best microphone mounting solutions... but it's also ludicrously expensive, so all but the most determined or affluent are likely better off with a more affordable alternative.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HyperX and HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Easy setup, easy adjustment, easy headaches

A microphone arm isn't terribly complex, so I won't waste time in this review. The HyperX Caster's sleek, subtle design is reminiscent of other premium mounting solutions, but this microphone arm boasts a completely toolless setup.

There's only one clamping option, but the included C-clamp should provide enough leeway to support most desks and tables. You have 360 degrees of rotation, and three spring-assisted joints that can all be moved independently, capped with a standard 5/8-inch mounting thread (with 3/8-inch and 1/4-inch adapters in the box).

I've absolutely no complaints about the Caster's appearance, and it feels reliably constructed. There are also tracks for cable management built in that are equally easy to wrap your mind around. Once the HyperX Caster is properly set up, you're left wanting for nothing.

Setting up the HyperX Caster can be a real pain, though, and it's because of those "simple" spring-assisted joints. Tension dials in each joint adjust the strength of the springs, so you can tune the Caster to the weight of your microphone or camera, and ideally be able to move your microphone around freely without needing to make follow-up adjustments.

It works, but setting the tension in the joints can take a lot of trial and error, and the dials themselves feel cheap and fragile (none of them broke for me, but I can't say I wasn't worried). There's also very obviously a "happy medium" the joints prefer to stay in, so it's another exercise in patience if you need to adjust the HyperX Caster to a more extreme position.

It doesn't help that the Caster is simply large, even by microphone arm standards, so it's not as well-suited to compact, space-restrained setups.

HyperX Caster review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a premium microphone mount and are willing to pay for it.
• You want toolless installation with easy, intuitive adjustment.
• You have plenty of space to make use of this range of motion.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You just need a basic mount for your microphone or camera.
• You have limited space or a setup that won't work with a C-clamp.

Choosing an arm mount for your microphone or camera is definitely setup endgame, a way for content creators and professionals to take things to the next level. Microphone arms rarely break the $100 barrier, though, and the HyperX Caster soars across that threshold.

Is it worth the price? I think so, but only if you're actually willing to pay that much. Most people won't be, and that's fine. There are plenty of other excellent microphone arms that cost less and still do the same basic job.

Once you properly set up the HyperX Caster, though, I have to admit it looks great and is incredibly convenient for perfectly positioning your microphone or camera without having to think too hard about it. If that's what you need, you can get the HyperX Caster for $139.99 at HP.com.

You can also find more information on the microphone I used to test the HyperX Caster by checking out my in-depth HyperX FlipCast review.

Many gamers may not be fully aware, but HP isn’t just making printers and productivity-focused PCs — the company also maintains a significant presence in the gaming industry.

HP’s OMEN and HyperX brands have continued to grow in scale and ambition, and have also increasingly separated themselves from HP’s more mundane consumer efforts. Case in point, the dedicated event at which HP announced a slew of new gaming hardware and accessories.

I was invited to attend this unique event by HP, and arrived early to go hands-on with the brand-new HP OMEN PCs and HyperX audio gear. I came away impressed and intrigued, especially by the beastly OMEN MAX 45L gaming desktop that pulls out all the stops.

Gaming to the MAX with a new flagship desktop

The HP OMEN 45L is dead; long live the HP OMEN MAX 45L, the most absurdly powerful pre-built desktop PC to ever come out of HP’s laboratories.

On the inside, you’ll find some insane hardware… but not entirely unfamiliar. The OMEN MAX 45L is powered by the latest from AMD and NVIDIA, up to the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and GeForce RTX 5090, to be exact. You can also get crazy amounts of RAM and plenty of PCIe Gen5 SSD storage, but none of that is what makes the OMEN MAX 45L special.

Much of that you can also find in the refreshed HP OMEN 35L (which I’ll talk more about later), but this desktop’s overwhelming presence is due to its unique cooling solution. HP’s “CRYO CHAMBER” brand has returned, but you haven’t seen it like this, yet.

I’ll admit, the OMEN MAX 45L does look odd in person. It’s like a normal gaming desktop wearing a hat, but it’s all for a purpose. Different paths for airflow and improved use of ambient air result in substantially improved thermals, and in turn allow users to truly max out this PC’s hardware.

HP has already impressed me with the depth and granularity of its overclocking and power management features with recent OMEN hardware, but the OMEN MAX 45L goes a step further by letting you overclock the memory, CPU, and GPU — and HP was very excited to tell me there are no artificial limitations here. You can really push this hardware to the max.

It’s this promise of truly “extreme” performance thanks to the OMEN MAX 45L’s overclocking capabilities that presumably justifies its position at the top, but I’ll have to test it for myself to see if it really earns that distinction.

Leaving behind the RGB and flying under the radar

The biggest surprise of HP’s event, though, was how much I really loved the new “Stealth Edition” OMEN 35L. The OMEN 35L hasn’t changed much since I reviewed it, apart from a spec bump to the latest AMD and NVIDIA internals, but this version takes the same hardware and slots it into a sleek, nondescript, matte black case devoid of RGB lighting and bold glass.

I was a fan when I covered the product’s announcement, but this desktop looks even better in person. It’s clean, and it makes a lot of sense why Riot Games chose this specific computer as the standard for its VALORANT esports league.

I love RGB lighting as much as the next gamer, but there’s also a depressing lack of “sleeper” hardware that HP is filling here — and the positive reception has apparently already been immense.

I don’t expect this OMEN 35L to be a drastic departure from last year (apart from slightly improved performance and hopefully more stable software), but I am very interested to check out the Stealth Edition.

A different approach to AMD and Intel laptops?

One of the more interesting things I learned during this HP event is how the company is approaching AMD and Intel SKUs for its OMEN gaming laptops. I recently reviewed the flagship HP OMEN MAX 16 (2025) and liked it well enough, and now it's getting an AMD variant — with a twist.

The original OMEN MAX 16 is powered by Intel Core Ultra HX-series CPUs, Intel's most powerful mobile chipsets. The downside is that the integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) isn't powerful enough to enable full Copilot+ PC status, making them lesser AI PCs in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Instead of using the AMD equivalent, like what's found in the ASUS ROG Strix G16 (2025) I reviewed, the new OMEN MAX 16 is actually powered by AMD Ryzen AI chipsets. That means less raw power, but far greater efficiency and a whole lot more smarts for artificial intelligence features.

HP told me it's because it found people want that choice, and many value battery life enough to trade some CPU performance for it. I'd certainly make that choice, so I'm all for HP's slightly more unique approach here. The standard, mid-range HP OMEN 16 is getting the same AMD/Intel treatment, too.

Leveling up your audio with new HyperX accessories

HyperX joined the fun during this Level Reforge event, too, showing off two new wireless gaming headsets and two new microphones. I got to check them all out to varying degrees, and I think this is an exciting lineup for a few reasons.

Possibly the most interesting of the bunch to me personally is the HyperX Cloud Flight 2, a new multi-platform, mid-range headset. It's ultra-light and made of plastic, so it's not the most premium feeling, but HyperX is doing some interesting things here.

All the basics are covered — angled 50mm drivers, Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, an Xbox-specific version with added features (like a built-in chat mixer), up to 125 hours of battery life, an upgraded 10mm boom microphone, and more.

On top of that, though, HyperX designed the headband cushion, earcup cushions, and magnetic faceplates to all be easily removable and replaceable. More than that, the headset's RGB lighting actually covers the entire area underneath those faceplates, allowing light to shine in through cutouts; that opens a lot of possibilities for customizing your headset, and HyperX is looking into expanding those options for consumers.

There's even an internal microphone so that you can continue to do voice calls without the awkward boom microphone attached, which a lot of headsets that claim to double up as wireless headphones lack.

I also tried out HyperX's new flagship Alpha 2 wireless headset, which immediately feels extremely polished and premium with its understated, RGB-less, metal-infused design. It's sleek and comfy, the audio sounded excellent in my limited testing, and HyperX is promising a ridiculous 250-hour battery life.

That headset will be going up against the Razer BlackShark V3 Pro I reviewed, though, so the performance will have to be top-notch to justify its higher price tag of $299.99 at HP.com.

I did check out both of the new HyperX microphones, too, although I wasn't really able to test them. The premium FlipCast for $229.99 at HP.com could be a fantastic option for those who want to get into content creation of any kind but aren't quite ready to invest in a full (often expensive) XLR-based setup; the FlipCast also boasts USB input for casual plug-and-play, as well as a smart and attractive design with a dynamic LED meter.

I actually have the HyperX FlipCast in to review, so you can expect my in-depth thoughts on it in the coming weeks. I don't have the SoloCast 2 yet, but I am excited to eventually check it out. This is HyperX's most affordable USB microphone, and it looks like it'll be a direct competitor to the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) I reviewed and loved.

It'll be interesting to see if the SoloCast 2, which costs $59.99 at HP.com, can offer the same level of quality and features as that microphone.

A fun and creative way to show off new products

I do want to spare a moment to talk about the event itself, because this wasn't your normal tech briefing. HP got a bunch of well-known Twitch streamers and content creators together in a game-show format, with the goal being to "reforge" a broken blade by excelling at a variety of mini-games.

Beyond the awkward, forced jokes of the beginning, this event was actually really enjoyable to watch. The games were fun, and the synergy between teams and the excellent hosts led to some hilarious moments.

In between event beats, HP announced its new products with flashy commercials and casual interviews between obviously passionate (and often nervous) nerds, which made the products feel like they were truly made for gamers, by gamers.

HP seemed very pleased about the reception to the event, too, as this was the first time the company has ever attempted something like this. I and many others had plenty of feedback to give for future iterations, and it does seem like we can expect Level Reforge to return next year.

I always appreciate engaging with a company that actively seeks out criticism, too, and I chatted with various HP OMEN and HyperX leads and engineers on new and existing hardware.

For example, one of the demo areas used the HP OMEN Transcend 32 OLED monitor I reviewed, but had been afflicted with a dreaded forced pixel refresh. I had an open and shockingly productive conversation with a member of that team about my review and all my criticisms for what is genuinely a great monitor, and it reassured me that future HP OMEN monitors will actually be better because of feedback from actual users.

Thank you, HP, for inviting me out to Level Reforge. I had more fun than I honestly expected I would. As for what comes next, stay tuned to Windows Central for my reviews of the new HP OMEN and HyperX gear!

In addition to a modest addition to the HP OMEN hardware family, HP and HyperX also announced humble horde of new accessories — and any one may be what you were looking for to complete your setup.

Today's unveiling includes two new HyperX Cloud wireless gaming headsets and two new microphones. For many, the long-awaited follow-up to HyperX's hugely popular Cloud Alpha Wireless headset will be especially interesting, as will the unique FlipCast microphone and its dual USB/XLR inputs.

Those of us with more modest tastes, though, will be drawn to the reasonably equipped Flight 2 gaming headset or the compact, all-in-one SoloCast 2 microphone. There's a little something for everyone here, especially for existing HyperX fans looking for an upgrade.

First, we have two different microphones. There's the HyperX SoloCast 2, the follow-up to the company's compact, cute-and-friendly budget microphone. It's still an all-in-one USB condenser microphone with a standard cardioid polar pattern, but now in a more squared-off design.

This is for the casual consumers who need higher quality and higher resolution recording, but don't want to break the bank or invest in a hardcore recording setup. Depending on the pricing, the SoloCast 2 could be an excellent option.

The more exciting of the two microphones is easily the FlipCast, a more premium microphone with a unique design and a standout feature.

Not only is it significantly higher resolution (the same 32-bit/192KHz sampling rate as the premium HyperX QuadCast 2 S microphone I reviewed, actually), it also supports both USB and XLR output. The FlipCast can be a high-quality USB microphone in any situation, but it's ready to grow into expanded XLR setups with audio mixers and studio decks — and it can even handle dual-PC streaming setups.

I also quite like the design, including the raised LED level indicator and the onboard controls. If the FlipCast delivers on the quality and ease-of-use front, it could be the perfect microphone for those who know they may need more in the future.

Next, we have two new HyperX Cloud wireless gaming headsets, also split between an option for everyone and an option for those who want something more premium and... unique.

The HyperX Cloud Flight 2 Wireless is the latest, more affordable wireless gaming headset from HyperX, and features a refreshed design with removeable magnetic faceplates and RGB lighting. HyperX apparently designed this headset to be more modular, with swappable headbands, ear cushions, and faceplates.

At its core, though, it's still a HyperX gaming headset. You get angled 50mm HyperX drivers, a detachable 10mm boom microphone, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless modes (with onboard controls), and up to 100 hours of battery life. Interestingly, HyperX also baked in an internal microphone, so you can still take calls even without the main microphone (albeit at a lower quality).

There is an Xbox version for those who need it, too, which I cannot say about the more premium, PC-focused HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 Wireless headset.

Right off the bat, HyperX addressed some of the biggest concerns with the original Alpha: the design is sleeker, there's now Bluetooth connectivity (including simultaneous source mixing), and you get even larger and more dynamic audio drivers.

Battery life isn't quite as impressive as the original, but with up to 250 hours of juice, the HyperX Cloud Alpha 2 is still a technical marvel. All that, and HyperX is also including a new RGB Base Station, which includes a volume dial, audio controls, and programmable macro buttons. It's a cool addition that will appeal to some users more than others, but it does help the Alpha 2 Wireless stand out.

Stay tuned, because as you're reading this I'm in Los Angeles with HP, going hands-on with these new products. My initial impressions will be appearing on Windows Central soon.

More people than ever before need a good webcam on their desk, and webcams that can intelligently keep you in frame are especially popular options. But what about a gimbal-tracking webcam with two cameras?

That's the idea of the EMEET PIXY, a new premium webcam that combines its primary 4K camera with a secondary, AI-assisted sensor aiming to improve focus, tracking, and image quality.

It's an interesting idea, and EMEET is delivering its vision at a surprisingly accessible price point. This is a lot of webcam for $160, and EMEET's software offers a ton of features — including for setups with multiple cameras and microphones.

All of that is great, but I still have some concerns about the stability of this software and the camera's firmware, as well as a potential privacy issue that may immediately drive some people away.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by EMEET. EMEET had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

EMEET PIXY review: Pricing and specifications

I wouldn't describe the EMEET PIXY as a budget webcam by any means, but the price is competitive for a premium, 4K webcam with AI-assisted gimbal tracking — and that's before you consider the unique dual-camera design.

You can pick up the EMEET PIXY for $159.99 at Amazon, which includes the detachable mount.

This webcam should work with most modern devices that support, well, webcams, but the EMEET STUDIO software is only available on Windows and macOS.

In the box, you'll find the EMEET PIXY dual-camera webcam, the detachable and adjustable mount, a 1.5m USB Type-C to USB Type-C 2.0 cable, and a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter.

EMEET PIXY review: What I like

There are only so many ways to design a gimbal-tracking webcam in a way that makes sense, so it's no surprise the EMEET PIXEL isn't a drastic departure from what I consider the peak of the category, the OBSBOT Tiny 2 webcam I reviewed.

You get a "squircle" base containing all the crucial components, capped by the mechanism that manipulates the camera housing. It's a clean look, and EMEET used premium materials and achieved some fine build quality.

It's that camera housing where the PIXY deviates from the norm, though, thanks to its dual cameras. Both utilize the same large 12MP sensor, but only one is actually used for imaging — the other is only for assistance, collecting additional information with AI to support the primary camera.

I can't say for certain exactly how effective this is, but we'll get into that later. The EMEET PIXY only needs USB 2.0 to function, so it's compatible with a wide range of devices. It's obviously designed with Windows and macOS in mind, though, as that's where you'll find the EMEET STUDIO software.

As a final note, the detachable mount provides a solid amount of adjustability and works great, and it uses a standard 1/4-inch thread to make it easy to incorporate the PIXY into your custom setup (or use a tripod).

EMEET really did nail the fundamental hardware here, which makes the pricing all the more impressive. The gimbal tracking is smooth and relatively quick, with a good range of motion and support for manually disabling the camera by pointing it down.

When the PIXY is active, you can expect good image quality. The 4K sensor is actually at its best when pared down to 1080p and 30 FPS (where it can employ digital zoom to further keep you in frame), but it always boasts good detail retention, color reproduction, automatic white balance and exposure adjustment, and fast autofocus.

It's certainly not the best, but I do believe the PIXY punches above its weight for image quality, with solid low-light performance to boot. EMEET claims that the secondary camera is dramatically improving autofocus and tracking speeds, while also improving the image quality for facial data; I'm still not certain it's worth all the fuss, but the PIXY does look good.

Supporting the EMEET PIXY is a triple-array microphone, which is far better than most competing microphones (at least on paper). In practice, the PIXY's mics are good. They didn't blow my mind by any means, but these microphones do a fair job of capturing your voice and mostly mitigating unwanted background noise, and there are different recording modes to adjust the noise cancellation to your environment.

One of the PIXY's major selling points (beyond the dual camera) is its software, though, which admittedly does provide quite a lot of functionality.

The EMEET STUDIO isn't just an app to manage the PIXY; it also wants to be your hub that ties together your entire recording setup, including supporting multiple cameras and audio sources.

In addition to the image quality settings, filters, and various presenting modes for the PIXY, there's also an audio mixer and even an AI-powered storyboarder that aims to provide some direction and insight into how to create using your setup. It's a lot, but it's clear EMEET did think about how to provide additional value beyond the hardware alone.

At least right now, though, that software may also be the PIXY's downfall...

EMEET PIXY review: What I don't like

The EMEET STUDIO software's abundance of features leads to a messy interface with unclear navigation at times, but it's mostly fine. Performance is also mostly fine, with some instability leading to stutters, freezes, and even a handful of crashes during my testing period.

For all the features this app offers, it's also missing some basics, like custom backgrounds and blurring — most modern video conferencing software can do this itself, but 1) native solutions are almost always better, and the PIXY may even be more capable with its second sensor, and 2) EMEET STUDIO isn't just designed for video conferencing alone, so you can't always rely on another app to offer those features.

There's no IR sensor for Windows Hello facial recognition, either, which is always disappointing. Oh, High Dynamic Range (HDR) is missing, too.

The PIXY's firmware is also rough around the edges. The STUDIO's overly aggressive update notifications are annoying, the firmware updates themselves constantly fail (even if you're careful to close any app that'd ever use your webcam), and the PIXY itself is prone to randomly losing you and drifting off to the side, refusing to enter privacy mode and turn off, and more.

My greatest concern, though? After one failed firmware update, the PIXY stopped responding entirely, stubbornly remaining upright... but with its LED indicator inactive, which should mean it's turned off.

The problem is that the PIXY was constantly recording (I could see the video in STUDIO and other apps) and refused to turn off or enter privacy mode until I unplugged it and restarted my computer. That's clearly a bug, but the main issue is that it proves the LED indicator isn't hardwired to the camera — meaning the PIXY could theoretically be on without you knowing.

That's a major privacy concern, and while pre-release software and firmware updates did noticeably improve the PIXY's experience during my testing period, I'm not certain that's a problem that can ever be totally fixed on the firmware side.

EMEET PIXY review: Also consider

EMEET PIXY review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a gimbal-tracking webcam for way less than $200.
• You want reliable quality at 4K with fast autofocus and tracking.
• You have a multi-camera setup and want software that can manage them.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You're easily annoyed by minor software issues.
• You're particularly concerned about protecting your privacy.

On the hardware front, the EMEET PIXY is an almost unbeatable deal for a 4K, gimbal-tracking, AI-assisted webcam. You can see where EMEET cut some corners to dip so far below the $200 barrier, but the PIXY really is a great option that might earn a spot among the best webcams.

Most of my issues can and likely will be resolved over time through continuous software and firmware updates (I saw multiple versions of each during my testing period), but I always advise buying a product for what it is now, not what it could be, so bear that in mind.

I can recommend the PIXY, especially if you know you want 4K recording and smart gimbal tracking, but don't want to break the bank. That recommendation does come with a caveat, though: privacy.

I'm not saying the PIXY can be exploited by any means, and the privacy mode is as effective as it gets, but a bug proved that the PIXY can be on without its indicator LED reflecting that state, and that's concerning enough to merit a warning to the privacy-conscious among us.

If you can accept that shadow of doubt, the EMEET PIXY offers a lot of bang for your buck, and you can pick it up now for $159.99 at Amazon.

A great, reliable monitor can make all the difference in the world when trying to get work done, and HP is one of the best places to get one.

There are countless monitors for all manner of use cases, but the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) tries to meet every need.

This is a productivity-focused display that seemingly boasts every feature you could ever want, so you shouldn't need anything else. In fact, the HP 734pm even wants to be the bridge that connects all your other devices and monitors — it's just that capable.

If you need a true all-in-one monitor, this may be exactly what you're looking for. All this hardware packed into one chassis does introduce some compromises, though, and you are paying for it all (even the features you'll never use).

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HP had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

HP 734pm review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A widescreen, IPS LCD monitor with built-in video conferencing and multi-device productivity features.
• Who is it for? Those who need the ultimate companion for connecting multiple devices, monitors, and accessories together while working or communicating.
• How much does it cost? The HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) retails for $1,229 at HP, but I have seen it go on sale already.
• What did I like? The high-quality display, the solid Windows Hello webcam, the Thunderbolt 4 hub, and the wealth of extra features.
• What did I not like? The finicky setup process, the minor annoyances during use, and the high price tag.

HP 734pm review: Pricing and specifications

There are plenty of 34-inch, curved, WQHD monitors on the market, and many don't cost much, either, but few (if any) boast as many features and capabilities as this one.

Those extras are why the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) retails for $1,229 at HP, which is a steep cost for a display of this caliber.

I have seen this monitor go on sale already, though, and even below $1,000. Any price under that line is far easier to swallow, but most of those discounts are coming from third-party sellers, so caution is advised.

In the box, you'll find the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm), its two-piece stand with toolless assembly, a 100 x 100mm VESA mount adapter, the AC power cable, and one each of DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 4, and USB Type-C to USB Type-A upstream cables.

• Back to the top ⤴

HP 734pm review: What I like

The HP 734pm wouldn't stand out in a crowd of 34-inch widescreen monitors with its 1900R curved display, predominantly plastic chassis, and silver colorway. It looks fine and the build quality is acceptable, but nothing is special about it, either.

That's fine for a productivity-focused monitor, and the 734pm is at least easy to put together. The two-piece stand easily clips to the back of the display and feels very solid. You still get height, tilt, and swivel adjustability, too, although the 734pm doesn't support vertical pivoting.

You'll find most of your ports neatly aligned and labeled on the back of the monitor, with two USB ports stashed on the bottom at the center, a discrete power button off to their left, and a button/D-Pad combo for controlling the On-Screen Display (OSD) on the back right side.

It's a good setup, and that OSD gives you a ton of control over your display settings, color profile, KVM/PiP/PbP settings, hardware features, and more. You can also install the HP Display Center to manage most of these options with your mouse and keyboard and install firmware updates, too, which worked great (once I got it working).

Of course, the HP 734pm is dominated by the display, a curved, 34-inch, 21:9 expanse. The resolution is fairly basic at WQHD (1440p, but wider), so this isn't the sharpest monitor, but HP used a very nice IPS LCD Black panel here.

In my testing, it actually surpassed HP's promises for 98% adherence to the DCI-P3 color gamut and a max brightness of 400 nits, which was great to see. In general, this screen is consistently comfortable and accurate across all brightness levels.

It's also far punchier than your average IPS LCD panel, thanks to the use of "Black" technology to massively boost contrast levels. On top of that, the HP 734pm has a refresh rate of 120Hz, so it's noticeably much smoother than your typical office-bound monitor.

Viewing angles are perfectly fine for a curved monitor, and an anti-glare coating does a suitable job combating reflections. At over 500 nits, though, the HP 734pm is bright enough to overcome a lot of glare without that treatment.

Widescreen monitors have their drawbacks for consuming content, but few would complain about this monitor when gaming and beyond. At the very least, it's an excellent screen for staying productive and multitasking.

What makes the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) truly special, though, extends far beyond its widescreen display. This monitor is truly packed with features.

It starts with a full-blown USB hub powered by Thunderbolt 4, giving you access to a ton of extra ports for connecting all the accessories and peripherals you could ever want.

With up to 100W of Power Delivery, any USB4 or Thunderbolt-equipped laptop should be able to take full advantage of the HP 734pm and all its features and ports. DisplayPort and HDMI are on board for desktop PCs, too, and a USB Type-C upstream port (which can also handle video input with 65W of Power Delivery if you'd prefer) will connect you to that USB hub.

Don't worry, there's more. The HP 734pm has dedicated Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports for daisy chaining multiple monitors, so you can instantly connect your device to multiple displays with a single cable (or two).

Thought I was done? You also get full Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) and HP Device Bridge 2.0 support, so you can control multiple connected devices with the same keyboard and mouse (even at the same time), and even share files between those devices by using your monitor as the bridge.

The HP 734pm is already doing more than the vast majority of monitors, but it has a lot more to offer beyond that.

A built-in proximity sensor supports Human Presence Detection (HPD) features, so the HP 734pm can automatically wake up or go to sleep as you approach or leave your desk. An ambient light sensor can also automatically adjust the brightness to match your environment, too.

Finally, the HP 734pm is equipped with everything you need for video conferencing, including a 5MP webcam with High Dynamic Range (HDR) support, dual-array noise-cancelling microphones, and quad speakers. That webcam even supports Windows Hello facial recognition, so you can instantly sign into your computer with a glance.

The webcam is surprisingly solid, with good detail and color reproduction, although it won't best dedicated webcams. Still, getting Windows Hello is awesome, and the HP 734pm can natively handle auto-framing and background blur with any device, without the use of any additional software or drivers.

The speakers are also shockingly loud, easily able to fill an entire room with noise, and the microphones seem to do a great job of avoiding picking up on that speaker noise during a video conference. The HP 734pm is seriously set up to do it all.

• Back to the top ⤴

HP 734pm review: What I don't like

I'll start with the basics. Where ASUS easily has the best solution for VESA monitor mounting with its adapter (which screws to your VESA solution and then clips to the back of the monitor just like its stand), HP requires that you detach the stand bracket and install the VESA adapter. Only then can you screw the monitor to your VESA mounting solution, which is just as awkward as you'd imagine with such a large display.

I also wish the left/right and up/down buttons were shortcuts for changing volume and brightness faster than diving into the OSD menu, too.

The HP 734pm does support HDR content, but only meets the DisplayHDR 400 standard and doesn't do a great job of it. If that's a high priority for you, look elsewhere. This monitor isn't the most suited for gaming, either, with an average 5ms response time.

While the dual-array microphone and speakers sound fine, any decent headset will easily give them a run for their money. The microphones sound hollow and grainy, while the speakers very quickly lose clarity and depth at higher volumes, making complex audio like music sound terrible.

Above everything, though, the HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) is simply annoying sometimes. So many ports and intersecting features make it an exercise in patience to connect your devices and accessories and actually get them to work, even if you're meticulous in your approach (I set up a lot of monitors).

Even when everything is set up properly, the HP 734pm often stumbles anyway. Auto switching to the wrong (often inactive) video inputs, failing to properly switch over the USB hub, and even occasionally resetting certain settings.

The HP Display Center simply refused to connect to the 734pm for days, despite correctly recognizing it was connected, before randomly working out of the blue (with no new updates).

While it seems clear that it's not intended and may be due to a hardware fault (I have been working with HP on this issue), I also have to mention how the microphones were incredibly unreliable in working at first, and when they did the noise cancellation completely ruined the audio quality, making them unusable.

All of these annoyances were temporary or have mostly stabilized over time, but the HP 734pm still runs into occasional hiccups that disrupt my workflow to fix. When everything works, it works awesome, but so much complexity inevitably leads to chaos.

• Back to the top ⤴

HP 734pm review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

HP 734pm review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a true all-in-one monitor with full video conferencing hardware.
• You value using your monitor as a cross-device USB hub.
• You need a curved, widescreen monitor with a quality IPS LCD screen.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You won't use all the features this monitor offers.
• You have no patience to handle any tech-related oddities.

The HP 734pm is juggling an absurd number of hardware features behind the scenes, and I can only imagine how technically challenging it is to get it all working seamlessly.

HP did a great job, for the most part, resulting in one of the most capable and comprehensive productivity monitors I have ever had on my desk. It's a challenge to find the features this monitor doesn't have, and they all at least get the job done.

Is every feature of the highest quality? No, and you feel that more when this monitor costs as much as it does, but you have limited options if you truly want your primary screen to be a hub that connects all your devices, displays, and peripherals.

If you don't need all those features, there are arguably better ways to spend your money, especially if you're completely fine with supplying your own webcam and microphone. There's something special about a single monitor that can do it all, though.

The HP Series 7 Pro 34 WQHD Conferencing Monitor (734pm) is now available for $1,229 at HP, and I do consider it worthy of being counted among the best monitors you can buy right now.

• Back to the top ⤴

Few audio brands carry the prestige and reputation of Shure, well-known for its high-end gear tailored toward musicians, streamers, and professional creators.

The Shure MV6 is a little different. It's an accessible USB microphone positioned for "gamers," but it's really Shure's attempt to break into a new price segment with a more affordable product.

Shure's iconic design language and famously excellent audio recording quality can be found in the MV6, the latter being a great companion to the more approachable price tag and easy plug-and-play set up.

An awkward mute button, chunky stand, and lack of onboard controls are peculiar decisions, though, and the MV6's software is functional but does lack in advanced features some users may expect.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Shure. Shure had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Shure MV6 review: Cheat sheet

• What is it? A mid-range USB cardioid microphone focusing on delivering premium audio recording.
• Who is it for? Gamers and streamers looking for a straightforward, high-quality microphone with a simple setup process.
• How much does it cost? The Shure MV6 retails for $149 at Amazon. You can also find it for $149.99 at Best Buy.
• What did I like? The excellent and consistent audio quality, the plug-and-play USB interface, the attractive pricing.
• What did I not like? The lack of onboard controls and other confusing design decisions, the lack of advanced software features.

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: Specifications

In the box, you'll find the Shure MV6 USB microphone, the two-piecer 12cm round base stand, and a 1m USB Type-C 2.0 to USB Type-C 2.0 cable. There are no USB Type-C to USB Type-A or 1/4-inch mount thread adapters in the box.

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: What I like

The Shure MV6 isn't a major departure from the rest of the company's microphone portfolio, with its matte black, cylindrical zinc alloy casing. Light green accents prove this product was designed for "gamers," but this design is otherwise quite simple.

Being a USB microphone, getting the MV6 set up requires no more than plugging a USB Type-C cable into the bottom of the microphone and attaching the other end to your Windows PC, macOS computer, or mobile device.

It's a dead-simple plug-and-play process, and it's just as easy to piece together the two-part circular stand or mount the MV6 on any standard 5/8-inch tripod or arm. The MV6 is designed so that the top of the mic should be facing you, not the side, but it's pretty easy to position.

You don't need it for the MV6 to work, but you can also install Shure's MOTIV software on Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS for some additional options. The MOTIV Mix app on Windows PCs also acts as an all-in-one mixer for managing all your audio devices, if you want that added functionality (you can set it to just display device settings, though).

You'll find a basic slider for managing the tonal quality between dark and bright, monitor mix controls. There are also toggles for auto gain control, denoising, popper stopping, and high pass filtering.

These are simple options, but the fundamentals are covered.

You don't have to tweak anything for the MV6 to sound great, though. Audio recorded through this microphone is clear and detailed, and the automatic background noise cancellation does an excellent job of dealing with low-frequency sounds.

With up to 24-bit and 48 kHz recording quality, the MV6 isn't the highest resolution microphone out there, but it still captures plenty of depth in recordings and is adept at isolating your voice.

As I mentioned, though, the biggest selling point for this USB microphone is that it sounds this good without touching a single setting. Advanced users and professionals may require more control, but the MV6 works with a wide variety of devices and sounds wonderful out of the box.

Muting is handled by a capacitive button on the top, and you can monitor your recordings with a 3.5mm audio jack on the rear. The external pop filter is easily removed to expose the cardioid microphone behind its green-tinted cage, if you need that.

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: What I don't like

The Shure MV6 may stand out as a fantastic plug-and-play option, but Shure erred too far on the side of simplicity in some cases, with both software and hardware.

For the former, you won't find multi-band equalizers, granular control over noise suppression, and echo cancellation. There also aren't any unique effects and filters like reverb or half-stepping, customizable profiles, or any other advanced settings in Shure's MOTIV software.

The MV6 is firmly a unidirectional microphone designed for one user, too, so you won't be able to switch between omnidirectional, stereo, or other polar pickup patterns.

There are some oddities on the design front, too. The plastic mute toggle set into the metal casing has so much give that it feels like an incredibly cheap button, but it's actually a capacitive touch surface with zero tactile feedback and only a subtle LED glow to indicate if the MV6 is muted or not.

You won't find any onboard audio or monitoring controls on the MV6, either, so you will need Shure's software to change any settings. The included base stand is weirdly massive and lacks any adjustability whatsoever, and the included cable is incredibly short.

None of this is a dealbreaker on its own, but altogether may be enough to push you toward a different USB microphone in this price segment.

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

Shure MV6 review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if ...

• You want a simple plug-and-play microphone with great audio quality.
• You need a USB microphone that works with all kinds of devices.
• You have faith in Shure's reputation for quality and reliability.

❌You should not buy this if ...

• You need in-depth software customization options.
• You really value having onboard volume and monitoring controls.

Podcasters, streamers, musicians, and all manner of content creation professionals rely on Shure for all their audio recording needs, often with extremely expensive and customized setups.

The Shure MV6 is a more affordable entry point to the brand, though, delivering the consistently clear audio and industrial design with simple plug-and-play functionality and an accessible price point.

What the MV6 sets out to do, it does with aplomb, but it hasn't immediately become my top recommendation for those seeking a great microphone to get them started. The MV6 is really good, but its few pain points make a handful of other microphones easier to suggest.

My go-to is absolutely the AVerMedia VERSATI go you can get for just $69.99 at Amazon, a phenomenal value for a really capable microphone. There's no denying the guarantee of quality attached to the Shure brand, though, and that alone will make the Shure MV6 a very compelling choice for $149.99 at Amazon.

• Back to the top ⤴

I'm a snob when it comes to audio. For years, I fought over the slightest tonal differences between devices to hunt for the perfect microphone to carry my beautifully ugly voice.

During this time, I've tried over a dozen headsets, including console and PC gaming headsets, Blue Yeti mics, and more. If I were to sound terrible, I would let audio equipment make me sound prettier.

That's when I landed on the SHURE SM7B five or so years ago; I had found my champion. Now, that microphone is $399, while the NZXT Capsule Elite is a mere $89.99.

I'm sharing this story with you so you can better understand my audio journey and where you are on that path. Hopefully, it will help you figure out if the Capsule Elite is right for you.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by NZXT. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

NZXT Capsule Elite review: Specs and features

• Affordable compared to competitors
• Nice metallic finish for the grills.
• Easy-on-the-eyes aesthetic.

Off the stand, literally, the microphone comes housed in a durable plastic body with steel grilles and aluminum knobs. The stand is a solid, stable piece of metal that feels hefty and well-centered, so bumping your microphone won't send it needlessly flying across your desk. The front is your standard silver metallic finish, while the back grille is white and blends with the rest of the housing.

Some LEDs are also on display, both front and back—the front acts as a volume meter for separate headphones and microphone audio. The back is a simple display RGB that you won't personally see during use. It could add a trim flair to your camera's broadcast if used for streaming.

• Back to the top ⤴

NZXT Capsule Elite review: The good

• Fantastic sound quality.
• A plethora of customization options that are intuitive to use.

Off the bat, let me say the audio quality is pretty decent. It won't hold up to the juggernauts like a SHURE SM7B, but it more than soundly beats any standard headset microphone. I did quite a few tests using Audacity to capture the sound quality of the microphone and was pleasantly surprised.

The Capsule Elite produces a warm sound that is a cut above traditional microphone headsets, even at the higher end. I'd even argue that the Elite is better than most middle-range microphones or, at worst, on an even playing field. When it comes to dialing in your specific tones, the NZXT CAM Software offers the kitchen sink.

The level of customization this microphone comes with rivals my GO XLR. Seriously, built into the NZXT CAM software is a de-esser, de-popper, noise gate, compressor, and equalizer. I appreciate the fact that these exist; they're wonderful additions you won't generally see in these middle-range microphones. Although, there are some limitations to how well these settings perform.

The difference is ever so subtle and does a terrific job for its price range. The voice equalizer, which will make the most difference for podcasters, gamers, and streamers alike, has a decent range that will cover most cases. It doesn't reach the lengths of something like a GO XLR, and it has a limited range of what it can achieve. However, unless you want to spend an additional $250 for a GO XLR, the software is excellent!

• Back to the top ⤴

NZXT Capsule Elite review: The bad

• Plastic main body.
• Can be hard to mount to an arm.

I mentioned the application I used to capture the audio earlier because the CAM Software made my voice sound awful using the built-in playback testing feature. I'm unsure what was happening, but don't use this when testing your mic. Instead, lean on free programs like Audacity or listen to your voice over Discord. It's leaps and bounds better.

I also wasn't entirely enthralled by the plastic housing this microphone comes in. While the aesthetic was pleasing to see, it felt odd to the touch. Even my oldest desktop microphones generally came in some form of metal cast. The white plastic feels somewhat cheap, and for a $90 microphone, I expected a little more.

A Blue Yeti microphone only costs an additional $10 and comes housed in a firm, fabulous metal cast. It's premium in both looks and feels. The Capsule Elite is encapsulated by hard white plastic that doesn't quite fit to my liking.

Another annoyance was the attached arm. When I went to test the Capsule Elite with my Rhode mic arm, I couldn't use it. Why? The arm attached to the Capsule Elite only bends in one direction, and based on my current setup, I couldn't make it work without some additional adapters.

Since the arm only bends in one direction, I wasn't able to orient the microphone once I screwed it on. The arm itself doesn't rotate at the pivot point, which meant while fully attached, the microphone was pointed away from me. If the arm was omnidirectional, or the base of the arm itself could rotate, this would have eliminated the problem entirely. It's not a great issue if you're a streamer looking to show off your mouthpiece.

• Back to the top ⤴

NZXT Capsule Elite review: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

✅ You want a microphone that will highlight that beautiful voice.

My friends always comment about how good my microphone sounds, which is due to the fact I use a SHURE SM7B and GO XLR on my home setup. These same friends commented on the fact my voice sounded different, but they still said they were jealous about how good I sounded. Making your friends jealous is always good fun.

✅ Looking for something with high customization without having to spend extra on more audio equipment

Most streamers will eventually upgrade to a microphone that requires extra audio equipment, such as an audio interface or mixer, to power it. The NZXT Capsule Elite offers a taste of that in a much cheaper package.

You should not buy this if ...

❌ You plan to use a mic arm stand

Or at least, plan on possibly needing an extra adapter to make it work. Your arm may work after all.

❌ You're looking for something that can move

The audio quality will drop unless you're right in front of the microphone. Some users may not be aware this isn't something that can be freely moved without penalty. Like any more "profession" mic, you'll need to be front and center to get the most out of it.

For what the NZXT Capsule Elite offers at the price point, it's an excellent deal. At this point, it really comes down to what look you're after. When placed up against a base Blue Yeti, the main difference will be what kind of sound profile you're after and what style you have a preference for.

Other microphones in this price zone, like the Razer Seiren, are far behind in terms of software and voice quality. The Capsule Elite is looking to make its presence felt as it takes on the giants of the industry with its first dive into the premium experience. This microphone should make waves.

• Back to the top ⤴

The popular HyperX brand of gaming accessories and peripherals is now owned by HP, and since then has expanded its portfolio to appeal to gamers, streamers, and creators of all kinds.

The HyperX QuadCast 2 S is an evolution of the company's critically acclaimed microphone. This isn't a complete overhaul, but rather a focused refinement that makes an already amazing microphone even better. At $200, you get incredible, high-resolution recording, an attractive design, and a wonderfully easy setup process.

I wish HyperX would give you more options and the QuadCast 2 S certainly makes its presence known on your desk, but it's basically impossible to fault the core experience that it offers. For those who want a straightforward, plug-and-play USB microphone, the HyperX QuadCast 2 S could jump to the top of your shortlist.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by HP. HP and HyperX had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

QuadCast 2 S review: Pricing and specifications

• The QuadCast 2 S retails for $199.99, which includes a shock mount.
• This is compared to the QuadCast 2 at $150 and QuadCast at $140.

The HyperX QuadCast 2 S is the more premium variant of the dual-model follow-up to the HyperX QuadCast microphone that we reviewed. Where that microphone retailed for $140 (and can now be found for less), the QuadCast 2 family starts at $150 with a refined design, new shock mount, and a handful of new features like the multifunction button. For an additional $50, you can add higher resolution recording and more customizable RGB lighting.

Yes, the HyperX QuadCast 2 S goes for $199.99 at Best Buy, so it's not exactly an affordable microphone. This is a USB microphone, so you don't need a more professional (and expensive) XLR interface; this microphone is plug-and-play, not requiring additional driver, firmware, or software downloads to use. It should also be compatible with most devices that support audio recording over the USB 2.0 standard, including mobile devices and consoles (Xbox may require additional workarounds thanks to platform-specific restrictions).

In the box, you'll find the HyperX QuadCast 2 S microphone, the preinstalled shock mount, the detachable stand, a 3m (9.8ft) USB Type-C to USB Type-C cable, and a USB Type-C to USB Type-A adapter. This microphone is covered by HP's 2-year standard warranty.

• Back to the top ⤴

QuadCast 2 S review: The good

• The design is clean, well-constructed, and intuitive to set up and use.
• Recording quality is among the best I've tested for a microphone.
• Onboard controls are nice to have, and RGB lighting looks great.

The HyperX QuadCast was a decent microphone in terms of aesthetics, but the second generation is the epitome of refinement. Cleaner branding, sleeker lines, a bolder shape, and less seemingly unused space make this matte black cylinder stand out among the rest of the matte black cylinders. The hexagonal grille dividing us from the QuadCast 2 S' RGB lighting returns, but it too looks better than ever. The rear ports are even off-center, so they're not obstructed by the stand.

When you go to set up the QuadCast 2 S, you'll discover that refinements permeate more than just the surface. You still get a shock mount to minimize errant vibrations sabotaging your recordings, but it's redesigned and easier than ever to install or uninstall the QuadCast 2 S microphone. It supports standard 3/8in and 5/8in threading for the included stand or whatever mounting solution you prefer. Adjustability is limited to the angle, but everything here feels reassuringly constructed.

This isn't an XLR microphone, which may make some professionals lose interest but will make the rest of us sigh in relief. Instead, a simple USB Type-C connection enables compatibility with a wide range of devices; as long as your device supports audio recording over USB (and via third-party peripherals), you should be good to go. Simply plugging in the QuadCast 2 S opens the door for recording, the default RGB lighting, the touch-sensitive mute button, and the multifunction dial.

No drivers, no firmware, no software necessary — just plug and play. Of course, those who want more control can install the free HyperX NGENUITY software app, which lets you customize some basic settings and get very in-depth with the RGB lighting. This microphone doesn't boast the best-looking lighting I've seen, but being able to individually customize each of the over 100 LEDs, choose from multiple patterns and even customize the angle those patterns cascade across the microphone, and create unique presets for individual games gives you a lot of options.

A microphone can look as good as it wants, though, it's only as useful as its ability to record audio. Fortunately, that's actually the QuadCast 2 S' greatest strength. HyperX upgraded the resolution to 32-bit, complete with a 192kHz sampling rate; that's a lot higher than your average microphone, and it elevates HyperX's recording prowess to new heights. This microphone sounds lovely.

You can choose from four polar pickup patterns (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo) with a simple long press of the multifunction button, with each taking full advantage of the triple condenser capsules contained inside. Audio recorded with the HyperX QuadCast 2 S is crisp, detailed, and even. The QuadCast 2 S does a remarkable job isolating your voice and adjusting to variations in your frequency, avoiding clipping, tinniness, and unwanted noise.

Noise cancellation is also excellent. You'll still hear the clacking of keyboard typing in the background, but I never once had an issue with feedback loops when joining video conferences over speaker. Even the roar of the air conditioner, heater, or lawn mowers outside my apartment couldn't break the seal.

This is one of the better sounding microphones I have ever used, and it's genuinely impressive that the QuadCast 2 S accomplishes it with zero tweaks out of the box. HP has begun to use HyperX to tune the audio on its gaming products like the HP OMEN Transcend 32 QD-OLED gaming monitor I reviewed (and am using right now), and it's not difficult to understand why.

Finally, I do want to talk about these onboard controls and accompanying indicator lights. The touch sensor on the top is only for muting and unmuting the microphone, and it is exactly as responsive and definitive as it should be. There's also an LED ring around the sensor, which lights up as you change polar patterns to indicate in which directions the microphone will pick up audio, which is a great touch.

Finally, there's the multifunction button and knob. By default, this controls microphone gain levels and your polar pickup pattern, and also gives you a real-time Volume Unit (VU) meter to reflect what level of audio the QuadCast 2 S is picking up. If you connect headphones via the 3.5mm audio jack for microphone monitoring, you can press the multifunction dial to also switch between headphones volume control and monitor mixing. It works well, the LEDs are responsive and change color to indicate the current control mode, and it reduces the reasons you may have to open up HyperX NGENUITY or your capturing software.

• Back to the top ⤴

QuadCast 2 S review: The bad

• The base experience is great, but NGENUITY doesn't give you many options.
• This is also a large microphone, so it does take a fair amount of space.

The greatest advantages afforded to USB microphones are often ease-of-use and cost-effectiveness. The HyperX QuadCast 2 S delivers on both counts, but there is one area that perhaps betrays HyperX's relative infancy in this market: software. The HyperX NGENUITY software acts as a hub for your ecosystem of HyperX devices and peripherals, but your options are relatively limited when it comes to the QuadCast 2 S.

As I stated before, lighting is the exception — you have a lot of control there. You're able to change what you're able to control from the microphone itself (volume, monitor mixing, muting, polar pattern switching, etcetera), and also enable a high pass filter. There are no options to customize noise or echo cancelation, no equalizer, no adjustable noise cate, no filters; the QuadCast 2 S' software experience is frankly barebones, so you'll have to rely on third-party software like NVIDIA Broadcast or your capturing solution (if you use one).

Beyond that, the QuadCast 2 S is just... large. It's not massive, but it certainly takes up more space than your average microphone. Those who have limited real estate on their desk may want to keep that in mind.

• Back to the top ⤴

QuadCast 2 S review: Also consider

• Back to the top ⤴

QuadCast 2 S review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a flashy mic that works great out of the box

With its clean design and customizable RGB lighting, the QuadCast 2 S is a good-looking microphone. More importantly, you also don't need to do anything for it to work and sound great the moment you set it up. That alone is valuable to a lot of people.

✅You need the highest resolution audio possible

With up to 32-bit resolution and 192kHz sampling rate, the QuadCast 2 S beats out most of the competition (usually restricted to 24-bit) when it comes to just how much information is being captured. This helps give the QuadCast 2 S the edge in terms of raw audio recording quality.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You need the ability to tweak absolutely everything

The HyperX QuadCast 2 S doesn't really need any tweaking to sound great, but there are still plenty that require that added customization. If you're one that wants all the dials, switches, and settings, HyperX NGENUITY will only disappoint you.

I've used microphones that sound just as good as the HyperX QuadCast 2, but I'm not certain I've ever used a microphone that sounded this good the moment I plugged it into my PC. USB microphones are already known for their convenience, but HyperX really delivered the goods with the QuadCast 2 S. On top of that, the build quality and design are all top-notch, with some excellent ease-of-use additions and highly customizable RGB lighting.

I'd prefer a more compact microphone and there are many who will definitely miss having more ability to tweak and adjust everything to their heart's content, but even more people simply want a microphone that makes them sound good and doesn't require a ton of effort or investment to get there. In that regard, the QuadCast 2 S may only be rivaled by its more affordable sibling, the QuadCast 2 (which drops the RGB lighting and loses some recording quality).

If you've already decided this is the microphone for you, the HyperX QuadCast 2 S is available to buy for $199.99 at Best Buy.

• Back to the top ⤴

If you need the flexibility to get the most out of your microphone or webcam, you need a dedicated arm for mounting.

There are plenty of options for mic arms, especially from generic brands, but the guarantee of quality and compatibility that comes from an established company can't often be passed up. AVerMedia's FLEXI go (BA311L) is a great example, with a durable and highly practical design that provides a ton of adjustability to suit any setup.

This is a great mounting solution, but it has one fatal flaw — it simply costs too much. You wouldn't expect your mic arm to cost a fair bit more than the microphone you attach to it, but the AVerMedia FLEXI go is more expensive than its recording counterpart.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by AVerMedia. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

FLEXI go review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) mic arm retails for $99.99, making it one of the more expensive mounting solutions.
• For reference, the AVerMedia VERSATI go microphone only costs $69.99, so you're paying a lot more just to have more positioning options.

If you look online, you can find any number of generic yet functional microphone and webcam caster arms for around $40-50, with the option to spend more if you desire a name-brand alternative with a sleeker design or more features. The AVerMedia FLEXI go has the former but lacks a lot of the latter, with the AVerMedia name carrying a guarantee of quality, but not the promise of a great value.

The AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) mic arm retails for $99.99 at Amazon, making it one of the more expensive in the category. However, you're getting a very analog design with no spring assistance or sleek and smooth hinges. AVerMedia positions the FLEXI go as a great companion to the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone that costs $69.99 at Amazon, but this product doesn't feel like you should be paying so much.

In the box, you'll find the AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) microphone arm and c-clamp mount, and two Velcro straps for cable management. This product is covered by a 30-day limited warranty.

• Back to the top ⤴

FLEXI go review: The good

The pros highlights

• The FLEXI go is well-built, with a sturdy aluminum construction and wide compatibility with different microphones and webcams.
• You also get a wide range of adjustability, although it does rely on a very manual screw system.

The AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) microphone arm is broken into two parts — the two-part aluminum tubing and the c-clamp for mounting to your desk or table. Construction is excellent, with no part of the FLEXI go feeling cheap or flimsy, a positive side effect of such an industrial design.

The c-clamp mount provides a solid amount of leeway for adjusting to different desks (up to 55mm), the total package is relatively light (964.9g), gives you a little over two feet of length, and supports up to 1.5kg in weight. Standard 1/4-inch mounting support (with a 5/8-inch thread adapter in the box) means the FLEXI go will be compatible with most mics and cameras.

When you attach your microphone or webcam, you'll find you have an excellent amount of adjustability in three places. The arm connects to the c-clamp with a 360-degrees ball joint, the arm is hinged in the center with 180-degrees of movement, and there's a second ball joint at the end of the arm to provide 360-degrees of adjustability for your connected accessory.

There are also two basic Velcro straps in the box to help secure the cable for your mic or camera to the FLEXI go. It's an extremely practical design that trades refinement for simplicity, and once you've made your adjustments the FLEXI go (BA311L) is rock solid — there's very little give, and everything stays perfectly in place over time.

• Back to the top ⤴

FLEXI go review: The bad

The cons highlights

• By far the biggest flaw with the FLEXI go is its price tag, which feels far too high for the product you're getting.
• Yes, the build quality is there, but other offerings in this range are more refined and fluid.

The AVerMedia FLEXI go mic arm is on the small side, and folds easily for traveling, but its usability is that of a much more affordable mic arm (and its range is limited).

There is no spring assistance or smooth hinges here — every minute adjustment has to be made manually and with two hands. It's practical but utilitarian, and doesn't reflect the price you're paying.

In this price range, you can find mic arms that look better, are easier to adjust, and even have more features like integrated cable management or any form of shock absorption. The BA311L just can't compete on the design front, and it feels especially odd when it costs more than the microphone AVerMedia positions alongside it.

When you can find functional mic arms for literally a quarter of the price, the FLEXI go becomes hard to justify.

• Back to the top ⤴

FLEXI go review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a compact mic arm with solid build quality

The FLEXI go breaks down into two parts, and the actual arm folds neatly in half for quick transport. It's a compact design and the aluminum construction is sturdy.

✅You don't mind trading convenience for more permanent adjustments

The best mic arms (and monitor arms, for that matter) are designed for quick and easy adjustments, but that does mean the potential for gradual drifting or falling. The FLEXI go stubbornly resists change, but it's a lot more of a pain to adjust when you need to.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You're looking for a great value

If all you need is a practical and reliable arm to mount your microphone or webcam, chances are excellent that you can find an equivalent to the FLEXI go for far less than what you'd pay here.

As a product, I honestly have few complaints about the AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) mic arm. Many of its weaknesses are simply byproducts of its design, with its competitors being the inverse.

All of those compromises are cast in a harsh light when you're paying $100 just to mount your microphone or webcam, though, and that price tag stings even more if you look at the most popular microphone and webcam mounting solutions. I reviewed the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone, and it's a genuinely phenomenal value at just $69.99 at Amazon.

On the other hand, the BA311L retails for $30 more, or $99.99 at Amazon, making it a surprisingly costly purchase considering this product's positioning. It'd be an easy recommendation at half the price, but as it stands, this is a very good microphone mounting arm that you're probably better off avoiding (unless you really like this design approach).

• Back to the top ⤴

Anyone who creates content, streams, works, or learns from home, or otherwise has a need to record themselves talking a lot needs a good dedicated microphone in their setup.

The best microphones can quickly rise in cost, but it's quite possible to obtain an excellent overall mic at an approachable price. That's the goal of AVerMedia's latest microphone, the VERSATI go (AM310G2). While oddly named, the AM310G2 is, at its core, focused on simplicity — a simple design, simple ease of use, and simply good recording quality.

At just $70, the VERSATI go is honestly a fantastic value microphone that punches above its weight class. It looks good, the build quality is great, the recording quality is that of a more expensive microphone, USB connectivity means support for a ton of devices, and AVerMedia still gives you plenty of software options for customization. The AM310G2 can be awkward, and it's limited in one key way, but any weaknesses are easy to forgive when it costs so little.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by AVerMedia. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

VERSATI go review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone retails for $69.99, a very reasonable price for a well-balanced, quality mic.
• AVerMedia also offers the FLEXI go (BA311L) microphone boom arm for $99.99 if you need a more flexible setup (for an oddly high price compared to the mic).

I previously reviewed the AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350 (AM350), which is one of the more premium USB microphones in AVerMedia's catalog. By comparison, the VERSATI go targets a more accessible price range and a more modest, compact design. The AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone retails for $69.99 at Amazon, making it a great choice for amateurs or those on a budget.

This is a USB microphone, meaning it doesn't require an XLR audio interface to work. Furthermore, it's compatible with a wide range of devices via its USB Type-C port, including Windows PCs, macOS computers, Android devices, and iOS/iPadOS devices. There's also a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting a wired headset.

In the box, you'll find the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone with a 3/8-inch mounting thread, a 3/8-inch swivel joint mount with a 5/8-inch mounting thread, a 5/8-inch tripod mount, a 5/8-inch-to-1/4-inch thread adapter for the swivel joint mount, and a standard USB Type-C to USB Type-A data and power cable. The AM310G2 should be covered by AVerMedia's 36-month limited warranty.

• Back to the top ⤴

VERSATI go review: The good

The pros highlights

• The AM310G2 microphone's design is a pretty standard affair, but it still looks clean and, more importantly, feels like a quality product.
• It also does an excellent job as a microphone, with clear, deep, isolated vocals and respectable background noise cancelation.
• If you go through the trouble of installing the supported software suite, you can also dig up a solid number of options and features for customization.

A microphone holds a prominent position on your desk by necessity, given the need for proximity to your mouth, so its first job is to look the part. Fortunately, while the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) won't stand out in a crowd, it at least doesn't fail. This is an all-black, all-metal cylinder with tasteful cutouts and embedded red LEDs. It's clean, and the AM310G2's build quality is reassuring in the best way.

It's practical, too, for the most part. You have a standard 3/8-inch mounting thread on the side, which you can use to attach to the swivel joint mount (which, in turn, attaches to the included tripod or a mic boom arm of your choice). That swivel mount provides a good deal of flexibility, even if making adjustments is extremely... manual. What matters, though, is that the AM310G2 mic can make a home almost anywhere, and that's good.

Connectivity and power are handled by a single 5V USB Type-C port, which provides easy plug-and-play support on a variety of platforms. No drivers, no necessary software — just power on and begin recording. It's another highlight of the VERSATI go and its design ethos. There's also a 3.5mm audio jack to hook up a headset, which could be great for those using the AM310G2 with mobile devices.

Hook it up, hit that record button, and harp away with the AM310G2, and you'll come away pleasantly surprised. USB microphones are getting better all the time, and the VERSATI go does a remarkable job competing with far more premium audio recording setups. Audio is smooth, clear, and detailed through the AM310G2, with a suitable amount of depth and low end to provide a strong foundation.

The AM310G2 does a respectable job isolating your voice, too, filtering out unwelcome background noises while preventing clipping. The default audio EQ can feel a little harsh, and the VERSATI go is certainly a little more hollow than the best microphones, but performance is miles above what I'd expect from a $70 microphone — indeed, I'd put the AM310G2 above the far more expensive Razer Seiren V3 Chroma I reviewed in terms of pure recording quality, but obviously below the far more premium AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350 I reviewed.

You don't need any software to use the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone, but you can install the company's Streaming Center software for more features.

AVerMedia includes a lot, too, with relatively in-depth options for noise suppression and echo cancelation (including support for NVIDIA RTX Broadcast), noise gates, a de-esser (for reducing lip and mouth sounds while recording), a variety of preset equalizers (and custom 10-band EQ customization), and even various effects like half-stepping, amplification, reverb, and compression. It's a full suite, giving you a decent amount of control over the AM310G2's sound profile.

• Back to the top ⤴

VERSATI go review: The bad

The cons highlights

• The VERSATI go (AM310G2) nails the fundamentals as a mic, but there are a few oddities.
• The physical mute switch is in an awkward position on the reverse side of the microphone, for example.
• In order to access any microphone settings, you also have to download the entire Streaming Center software suite and dive through hidden menus.

One of the most important functions any mic can have is a mute button or switch, and the AM310G2 does deliver. The only problem? That tiny circular button is stashed away on the reverse side of the microphone, so you have to awkwardly reach around and blindly feel with your finger to access it. It's the same deal with the volume dial for connected headsets, with little indication of which way is "up" or "down."

Something that's less of a flaw and more of a limitation is that the VERSATI go (AM310G2) is only designed for one person. By that, I mean this microphone doesn't support multiple pickup patterns, so it's nearly useless for broadcast or conference scenarios involving multiple people — it's designed for one person to use it while at a closer distance.

One of the VERSATI go's greatest strengths is also one of its biggest weaknesses. On one hand, AVerMedia has built support for a number of software features normally reserved for more expensive microphones into the AM310G2. On the other hand, you have to install AVerMedia's Streaming Center app. This isn't a dedicated device management app — this is an all-in-one platform for configuring and using all of your streaming and content creation devices.

It's frankly overkill if the AM310G2 is your only AVerMedia content creation device. On top of that, the menus to configure your microphone the way you want are hidden and buried. The obvious place ("Device Setting") doesn't recognize the mic, but you'll see a hidden ellipsis menu pop up if you hover over the AM310G2's name in the mixer section. Hit that, go to "Audio Settings," and configure it to your heart's content. The features are there; the way to them is just plagued with inconveniences.

• Back to the top ⤴

VERSATI go review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want an affordable, accessible microphone that doesn't compromise on quality

If you're on a budget or you simply need a competent and reliable microphone that's easy to set up and easier to use, the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) is an excellent option.

✅You want a microphone that gives you a good number of customization options

One of the more surprising elements of the VERSATI go (AM310G2) is just how much AVerMedia lets you tweak or alter digitally. Using the Streaming Center software, you have a fair number of settings you can customize.

You should not buy this if ...

❌You need a microphone for recording multiple people at once

The VERSATI go isn't designed with multiple simultaneous audio sources, so it's not effective at recording more than one person at a time. This mic is affordable enough and easy enough to use, so picking up more than that isn't that big of a deal, though.

Even the widely agreed upon standard for USB microphones, the Blue Yeti X we reviewed, is rarely found for less than $100. Accessible microphones separate from the nameless dregs that compromise on quality to achieve dirt-cheap prices aren't as common as you'd think.

That's where the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) comes in. I didn't think much of this mic when I first set it up, but its unassuming appearance disguises a thorough approach to designing a reliable, well-rounded microphone. The build quality is airtight, the sound quality is crisp and clear, and you even get a bevy of software customizations that are only made possible through AVerMedia's long-standing audio expertise.

The AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) only costs $69.99 at Amazon, and I've even seen it go on sale for a little less than that. It's frankly a dead simple recommendation at that price, and you're almost guaranteed to be pleasantly surprised. I have a separate review for the AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) mic boom arm, but you can pick up the FLEXI go arm for $99.99 at Amazon to obtain the complete, low-cost (ish, but only because of the mic arm) and low-effort audio recording setup.

• Back to the top ⤴

Logitech's Blue Yeti microphones are a staple for content creators, gamers, streamers, and podcasters because of their high-quality audio but affordable price point. Thanks to some pre-Black Friday markdowns, the Yeti line of microphones is even more budget-friendly than ever. The legendary Blue Yeti is available for $99.99 from Best Buy, discounted $30 from its regular price of $129.99.

🎃The best Black Friday deals🦃

• 💽Seagate Xbox Series X|S Card (2TB) | $199.99 at Best Buy (Save $160!)
• 📱iPad 9th Generation (64GB) | $199.99 at Best Buy (Save $130!)
• 🎮Xbox Series X (1TB) | $449.99 at Best Buy (Save $50!)
• 🖥️ABS Cyclone Desktop (RTX 4060) | $1,099.99 at Newegg (Save $400!)
• 📺HP Curved Ultrawide (34-inches) | $349.99 at Best Buy (Save $130!)
• 💽WD_Black Xbox Series X|S Card (1TB) | $99.99 at Best Buy (Save $50!)
• ⌨️Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed | $101.99 at Best Buy (Save $98!)
• 🖱️Razer Basilisk V3 Wired | $39.99 at Best Buy (Save $30!)
• 💽WD_BLACK Handheld SSD (2TB) | $179.99 at Best Buy (Save $60!)
• 🎧Astro A50 Wireless (Xbox & PC) | $149.99 at Best Buy (Save $100!)

A top-classic USB microphone for creators

If you're creating content online—whether as a streamer, a podcaster, or some other variant of influencer—you know all too well that you only have a few brief seconds to capture a viewer's attention. Many creators focus on eye-catching visuals, but viewers have reported that they are likelier to turn a video or live stream off if the quality of audio is poor.

However, if you're just getting started in video creation or live-streaming, you may not want to pour a lot of money into your setup until you know if you're going to stick with the hobby. Many creators start off their hobby or career using Blue Yeti microphones because they offer such high-quality audio recording at a budget-friendly price point compared to the competition.

The Blue Yeti is a USB condenser microphone that produces clear, broadcast-quality recordings using Blue's proprietary three-capsule technology paired with four pickup patterns. The microphone can be further enhanced using Blue VOICE effects and features studio-level controls for headphone volume, gain control, and more. With all these options, it's not hard to understand why the Blue Yeti is considered by us here at Windows Central as the best microphone for streaming.

There are some drawbacks to consider with the Blue Yeti, though. These are heavy microphones and can take up a substantial amount of space on your desk. If you want to mount one to a microphone arm, you'll need to consider your specific arm's weight limits before connecting a Yeti to it. You'll also definitely want to consider using an arm, as the technology used for these microphones can be sensitive enough to pick up any vibration through your desk when the mic is in use, including keystrokes on a neighboring keyboard.

If the size or price of the Blue Yeti is a concern, but you still want to invest in upgrading your audio quality for gaming, Discord calls, or even Zoom meetings, there's good news! There are two smaller, more lightweight and even more affordable options from Blue—The Blue Yeti Nano and the Blue Snowball—and they are also on sale right now. Though the discount is not as steep as it is for their larger brethren, both the Yeti Nano and the Snowball can be great entry points to quality audio recordings. The Blue Yeti Nano is currently $79.99 (was $99) in the Vivid Blue color from Best Buy, while the Blue Snowball is just $37.99 (was $49.99) in Black from Amazon.

Over time, Razer has kept expanding into new product categories and diversifying its lineup, and it seems the company can't resist doing so without sprinkling in its iconic Razer Chroma RGB lighting. Apparently, the same holds true for microphones.

The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is one of the latest dedicated microphones out of the black-and-green company, aimed at gamers, streamers, and content creators with a sleek all-black design, lots of bright RGB lighting, and the promise of great audio quality without a complicated setup. I've been using the Seiren V3 Chroma has my primary mic for a while now, and it does mostly deliver on all of its promises.

This is indeed an attractive mic and boasts some impressive build quality, and it's dreadfully easy to plug in via USB and begin recording right away. This is undoubtedly a great option for anyone who wants a dependable mic that also looks good in their setup, although the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is a little on the expensive side and, at least in this case, Razer Synapse falls short in terms of software features and customization.

This review was made possible thanks to a review sample provided by Razer. The company had no input nor saw the contents of this review prior to publication.

Seiren V3 Chroma review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma retails for $129.99, and is available in black, white, and pink colorways.
• Recording quality-wise, the Seiren V3 Chroma does feel closer to what I'd expect from a great $100 microphone.
• However, the mic is excellent from a build quality and design perspective, and the RGB lighting does help it stand out.

The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is a mid-sized, USB-powered supercardioid condenser microphone that falls in the mid-range category. You can pick up the Seiren V3 Chroma for $129.99 at Best Buy in black or white, with an exclusive pink color also being offered for $129.99 at Razer. Razer positions the Seiren V3 Chroma as an easy-to-use microphone perfect for gamers, streamers, and content creators, with the RGB lighting across the top half of the microphone being a big selling point.

To this end, the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma does have built-in memory to retain its audio and Razer Chroma profiles, so you don't need Razer Synapse for it to function. However, Razer's software suite does grant access to some additional features and customization. In the box, you'll find the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma microphone and a braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable. Razer also offers a standard 12-month warranty for the Seiren V3 Chroma.

• Back to the top ⤴

Seiren V3 Chroma review: The good

The pros highlights

• The Seiren V3 Chroma is, in fact, a very easy microphone to set up and use, basically only requiring you plug it into your PC.
• The design is clean, the microphone is well-built, and the RGB lighting is also very well done.
• Recording quality is solid, retaining a fair amount of detail and clarity while managing microphone gain.

One of the biggest advantages of a USB microphone versus a more professional XLR mic is ease-of-use and a simple setup, and the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma nails both aspects. All you need to do is plug it into your PC, and it'll work right away without any software or driver downloads required (yes, that includes the RGB lighting, multi-function mute button, and front dial).

If you do want more control, Razer Synapse 3 gives you more features and various options to make the most of your new mic. The Seiren V3 Chroma does have some onboard memory, so while you can't switch between different profiles on the fly, it'll at least remember whatever you do in Synapse. I never once had any issues with the mic working or doing exactly what I need it to do, and that reliability is precisely what you want from a creative or professional tool.

From a design perspective, the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma appears at first glance to be a fairly standard pill-shaped microphone, but closer inspection reveals a fit and finish that punches above this mic's weight class a tad. It's a very clean design in any color and looks great even with the RGB lighting enabled, and everything feels high-quality and durable, including the stand, swivel mount, cable, and how everything pieces together. Enable the RGB lighting, and it all looks even better.

That Razer Chroma support will understandably be a little much for some, but you can cycle between various settings via the mic itself or get super granular with Razer Synapse. Rainbow waves are cool but can be overwhelming, so I stuck with a nice purple when I'm recording or idle and a red when I'm muted.

A mic is only as good as its recording quality, though, and the Razer Synapse is what I would describe as good, but it's certainly not setting a new bar for the category. Voices are clear and detailed with a fair amount of warmth, and when you engage the digital gain limiter, the Seiren V3 Chroma does do a solid job managing volume levels and preventing unwanted artifacts or noise in recordings.

This is a $130 mic that sounds mostly on par with the very best $100 mics like the original Logitech Blue Yeti, so you basically need to weigh if you fancy the design enough to pay a little extra.

• Back to the top ⤴

Seiren V3 Chroma review: The bad

The cons highlights

• Razer Synapse lacks some basic features like EQs, granular control over gain and other elements, and more.
• The Seiren V3 Chroma also lacks any meaningful background noise cancellation beyond a simple noise gate.

Annoyingly, the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma simply doesn't support the new Razer Synapse 4 at time of writing, despite older Seiren microphones being supported by the new hub. Support is likely coming, but I will be talking about the older Synapse 3 here.

The Seiren V3 Chroma doesn't need Synapse to work, but download it, and you'll get some limited options to customize the multi-function capacitive button at the top, adjust mic and sidetone volume levels, toggle the digital gain limiter (including an automatic option that works quite well), and toggle some basic features like a "radio voice EQ" and a simple noise gate. There's also the Synapse stream mixer, but if you need mixer software, you're almost certainly not using Synapse.

Everything that is here does work well, but Synapse doesn't give you fine control over the digital gain, there's no custom EQs beyond the "radio voice" profile that basically makes you sound louder and a little sharper, and you don't have any options whatsoever for background noise cancelation.

You heard that right. Razer Synapse claims the noise gate filters out lower and quieter sounds from the background when you're not talking, but you'll get mixed results. The Seiren V3 Chroma at least had no issue recording every single click and clack from my keyboard at full volume, and that's just one example. You'll want to keep that in mind: your voice will sound good with the Seiren V3 Chroma, but so will everything else.

• Back to the top ⤴

Seiren V3 Chroma review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

✅You want a dependable, easy-to-use microphone

The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is simply a good, plug-and-play USB microphone that you don't have to think too hard about using, with a high-quality design and solid recording quality that will stand up whether you're gaming, streaming, or creating.

✅You're invested in the Razer Chroma ecosystem and need more

Razer knows its fans, and its fans love RGB lighting. The Seiren V3 Chroma would've been a great $100 microphone that blended in with that extremely competitive bracket, but that extra price nets you an attractive and colorful design that stands out.

You should not buy this if ...

❌Great noise suppression is a must

Noise suppression is really difficult to nail in any microphone, but Razer doesn't seem to have invested much effort with the Seiren V3 Chroma. Beyond a simple noise gate, the Seiren V3 Chroma seems content capturing most of what's happening in your environment, so those dealing with a lot of noise should avoid this.

There's a lot of Razer Chroma in my current PC gaming setup, so I have to admit the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma fits right in and looks awesome. I have a lot of control over how my setup looks, and it's so easy to change everything with a few clicks. The Seiren V3 Chroma also sounds more than good enough for my needs, and it's clearly a quality product.

Is the Seiren V3 Chroma the best microphone, though? Well, if you don't care about the RGB lighting at all, then something like the Logitech Blue Yeti will cost you less and sound just as good, if not a little better. There are also some compact microphones like the Elgato Wave Neo that sound shockingly good considering their size and price. If you really value great background noise suppression, many microphones will do a better job or at least give you the options to finetune it yourself.

I still really like this microphone, and its design will probably keep me from returning to the objectively more premium AVerMedia Live Streamer Mic 350 I reviewed previously. This hardware is excellent, so there's always the chance that Razer will add some new features and capabilities via software, too (perhaps when the Seiren V3 Chroma finally gets Synapse 4 support). I have to review a product based on what it is now, though, and there are too many great microphones to forgive one for simply being good.

• Back to the top ⤴

Practically everyone in the gaming space has heard of Elgato. It's one of, if not the biggest, companies that deal with PC peripherals and, more specifically, streaming equipment. It's known as one of the best in the business for delivering exceptional quality and value for money, and its latest Neo range is no different.

For those unfamiliar, Elgato's Neo series is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly range designed to provide optimal quality at an accessible price point. But does it deliver on the latter? In short—yes. 

I've been actively using the Elgato Wave Neo as my primary microphone for a few weeks now, and I can't say I'm disappointed. It's a cheaper alternative (coming in at $89.99 at Amazon) that still offers high-quality sound output, but what about it is so great? Let's find out.

This review was made possible by a review unit provided by Elgato. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Wave Neo: Price, specs, and availability

Pricing highlights

• The Wave Neo is priced at a very reasonable $89.99 in the US.
• The Wave Neo has changeable pop filters (other colors sold separately), a built-in stand, and Elgato sound software, so you can create your perfect setup.
• The Wave Neo is made from over 60% recycled materials. 

The Wave Neo is Elgato's cheapest microphone you can buy to date, and, understandably, some may be wondering what has been sacrificed for that lower price offering. Elgato's premium microphone, the Wave 3, is priced at $149.99, a considerably higher price point than the Wave Neo. 

The Wave Neo is designed to be a cost-effective product that is simple in its approach and isn't designed purely for gaming and/or streaming. It's the perfect starting point for anyone looking to get started in content creation, as well as for someone who takes a lot of business meetings or works from home—the Wave Neo is your guy. 

Add to the fact that the entire Neo series is made from over 60% recycled plastic, its packaging is made from 100% plastic-free, recyclable materials, and has been created with less color to conserve water; it's easy to see why the Wave Neo is a winner. 

The Elgato Wave Neo is available from Amazon for $89.99 or directly from Elgato for $89.99. Sadly, at the time of this review, it is not yet available to purchase from Best Buy or Walmart. 

The box includes the Elgato Wave Neo microphone, the stand, a black pop filter, and a nylon-braided USB-A to USB-C cable. 

Wave Neo: Design and build quality

Design highlights

• The Elgato Wave Neo is the company's first white microphone, which looks stunning.
• The Wave Neo feels exceptionally high quality for Elgato's cheapest offering. 
• A sturdy metal base and pole accompany the Wave Neo.
• Elgato has thought of everything with the Wave Neo, including a neat little space to clip the microphone cable for tidier storage. 

If there's one thing we know about Elgato products, it's that they look and feel premium, and the Wave Neo is no different. I would argue that it's Elgato's best-looking microphone on the market.

The Wave Neo is meticulously crafted from a combination of premium metal and high-grade plastic, ensuring exceptional durability. The included cable, wrapped in a nylon braid, can be conveniently secured within the dedicated cable holder at the rear of the device, maintaining a sleek and organized appearance. The stand base is adequately weighted to provide unwavering stability. The tap-to-mute button requires minimal pressure for activation, and the integrated LED can be effortlessly adjusted to suit individual preferences, enhancing user experience.

It's clear that a lot of thought has gone into designing the Wave Neo, and there's not much to complain about in the design department. The only thing I would have liked was a bit more customization with how the microphone sits on the stand. I would have wanted to be able to turn it slightly for a better angle that suits me and my setup, as opposed to just being able to tilt it, but that's just me.

Wave Neo: Sound quality

Sound highlights

•  The Wave Neo delivers premium sound output for a much more affordable price point. 
• The included pop filter really helps to deliver crisp and clear sound.
• The included Wave Link software really helps to perfect your audio. 

As I have previously stated, the Wave Neo is Elgato's most affordable microphone offering, but does that mean its sound output is the worst? Well, the simple answer is no. I was extremely surprised by how premium the Wave Neo sounded, and I think you would be pleasantly surprised, too.

Let's get into the nitty-gritty of it, shall we? The Wave Neo isn't too dissimilar to it's Wave counterparts, using a cardioid polar pattern mic with a 96kHz sampling rate along with a max 24-bit resolution. It offers a 20-20,2000Hz frequency response with a sensitivity rating of -23dB mid gain and 7dB max gain. 

But what does all this mean? In short, it means that the Wave Neo is capable of capturing a wide range of frequencies with good sensitivity and minimal background noise. Is it the best on the market? No, but it's not trying to be. That being said, this is the best budget microphone I've ever had the pleasure of using. 

The included Wave Link software can be used with all of Elgato's Wave line and is a fairly simple way of enhancing your audio output, allowing you to fine-tune every little detail. You can also add effects to your voice, such as many different Fallout voices, so that's a win in my eyes. 

Wave Neo: Competition

There are so many microphone options out there that it can be hard to tell which are the best for you. Unsurprisingly, there are few decent offerings within the same price range as the Wave Neo. The HyperX QuadCast is a little cheaper due to its age and offers a similar sound quality, but it's all up to your preference. For me, the Elgato Wave Neo is the clear winner, as I prefer the crisp white color and minimalistic look. 

However, if you're willing to spend a little more, you can get the Elgato Wave 3, the company's studio-quality condenser microphone, for around $160. However, some argue that there isn't that much difference between the two microphones for the giant leap in price. The Wave Neo has a broader frequency response but is less responsive. Again, it comes down to personal preference. 

I would also recommend the SteelSeries Alias USB microphone. It is a lot pricier than the Wave Neo, selling for around $179.99, but if you're looking for a professional-grade microphone that will fit nicely in your set-up, this could be your guy. This mic is an all-in-one software solution that puts audio mixing, app routing, and AI noise cancellation all in one place for easy customization. It also has a 3x bigger capsule to capture a wide range of vocal ranges. 

Wave Neo: Conclusion

You should buy this if ...

✅You're new to content creation and need a starting point

If you're looking to get into content creation and need a cheaper alternative to get you started, look no further than the Elgato Wave Neo. It doesn't sacrifice sound quality for that cheaper price, and it's environmentally friendly. It's a win-win. 

✅You're looking at creating content or partaking in meetings on the go

The Elgato Wave Neo can be used with an Apple iPad or iPhone using a Lightning adapter cable. This means you don't need a fancy PC set up to enter the world of content creation. 

You shouldn't buy this if ...

❌You're a hardcore gamer looking for the best-quality microphone

I touched upon this earlier, but if you have the funds to spend a decent amount, then you can get a much better quality microphone for whatever you need it for: content creation, streaming, or just talking to friends in-game. 

Overall, the Elgato Wave Neo is an incredible microphone for its price point. Everything about it is almost perfect: its design, the build quality, the color, the sound quality — I genuinely have very little to complain about. 

Yes, you can get much better microphones when you spend more, but isn't that the same with anything? Elgato has really outdone itself here, creating a budget microphone with the best sound output possible. 

The Elgato Wave Neo is definitely a device that I'll be keeping in my set-up for the foreseeable future, and I cannot wait to test out their other products in the Neo range.

But, please, Elgato, make a white color alternative to all of your products.

Logitech's Blue Yeti condenser microphone has changed the audioscape of live streams and podcasts for an entire generation. The microphone is incredibly popular, for good reason. For a limited time, you can add one to your setup from Amazon for just $89. 

🔥More great deals🔥

• Surface Pro 9 laptop | was $1,099.99 now $933 at Best Buy
• Xbox Series X | was $499 now $449 at Walmart
• Insignia 50-inch 4K TV | was $299.99 now $209.99 at Best Buy
• Lenovo LOQ 15 laptop | was $949.99 now $599.99 at Best Buy

Professional-quality audio that's still beginner-friendly

If you've watched a video, a live stream, or listened to a podcast online in recent years, there's a good chance at least one of the content creators was using a Blue Yeti USB condenser microphone. The Yeti microphone utilizes a triple condenser can array to record audio, and users can select between cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo patterns using Blue VOICE software. All that power is packed into a sleek metal casing with a silver finish and topped off with a knob to adjust the gain setting.

Because of its budget-friendly price point and crisp, clean audio recording, the Blue Yeti has dominated the audioscape for content creators. With plug-and-play USB support and easy-to-customize settings, it is undeniably user-friendly. The Yeti is accessible for beginners, but still manages to be flexible enough that even more advanced creators can benefit from the high-quality sound. 

There are additional colorways available for this line of Yeti microphones, but at the time of writing this, only the silver model is marked down to the $89 price tag. The Blue Yeti includes an adjustable stand out of the box, but it is also compatible with boom arms. You will want to check that the boom arm can support the Yeti's weight, as the Yeti tips the scales at 3.2 pounds.

The Blue Yeti is an older model microphone, and Logitech has retired the Blue brand since it acquired the company in 2018. The company announced two new Yeti microphones at the end of 2023.

When it comes to streaming or content creation gear, most people may think of Elgato first. When it comes to accessible or high-end microphones, most people may think of companies like Blue Yeti or Shure first. For years, though, AVerMedia has been quietly making some of the best streaming and audio gear in the business for streamers and content creators, and its latest Live Streamer MIC 350 is no exception.

I've been using this premium USB microphone for a few weeks now, and it accomplishes exactly what AVerMedia clearly set out to do: bridge the gap between value-driven USB mics and professional-grade XLR mics with a high-quality, super convenient microphone. It sounds great, packs a solid number of features, and is built extremely well. The AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350 is on the expensive side for a USB microphone, but it justifies that cost for those after ultimate ease-of-use.

Disclaimer: This review was made possible by a review unit provided by AVerMedia. The company did not see the contents of the review before publishing.

Live Streamer MIC 350 review: Pricing and specifications

Pricing highlights

• You can pick up the Live Streamer MIC 350 by itself (with the stand) for $179.99, or get a bundle with the pop filter and shock mount for $199.99.
• The complete setup with the Live Streamer Arm will run you around $380, although any standard mic arm should work with the MIC 350.
• The MIC 350 is definitely on the expensive side for a USB microphone, but the premium hardware, ease-of-use, and great audio recording quality help justify that cost.

The AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350 (AM350) is a USB microphone. I'll go into more depth on why this matters in a while, but I will state that USB mics do tend to be more affordable options for streamers, content creators, and anyone that needs a great mic. The MIC 350 is not that, but it is still considerably more affordable than the majority of "professional-grade" XLR mics. In this way, AVerMedia is attempting to offer a convenient bridge for those that need higher quality recording quality without investing in a very expensive audio setup.

The Live Streamer MIC 350 largely succeeds, too. It retails for $179.99 at Amazon, which nets you the AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350, its bracket, its stand, a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable, a USB Type-A to USB Type-C adapter, and a 5/8" to 3/8" thread adapter for the bracket. For an extra $20, or $199.99 at Amazon, you can add the very useful pop filter and the shock mount, which can be helpful if you're planning to use a mic arm. This bundle is already a solid deal, but it also regularly goes on sale for the same price as the mic by itself, so I strongly recommend checking for that before buying.

If you don't already own a mic boom arm (the Live Streamer MIC 350 should work with any standard arm), you can pick up the AVerMedia Live Streamer Arm (BA311) for $179.99 at Amazon. That's a pretty costly $380 for the complete setup, and I wasn't able to test the Live Streamer MIC 350 with the accompanying mic arm, but you can check out Windows Central's review of the AVerMedia Live Streamer Arm to find out why this is simply one of the best mic arms you can buy for any mic. It should be an excellent companion to the MIC 350.

• Back to the top ⤴

Live Streamer MIC 350 review: Design and build quality

Design highlights

• The MIC 350 boasts a simple, attractive design with high-quality, all-metal construction.
• Everything feels premium and tactile, and the microphone in general feels built to last.
• The optional pop filter is great to have, but it is annoying to install and doesn't feel as premium as the rest of the mic.

In a lineup of premium mics, the Live Streamer MIC 350 is unlikely to stand out from the crowd. This is a good thing in my opinion, as AVerMedia's premium USB microphone features a sleek, matte black cylindrical design with subtle red accents. It looks great, but most importantly blends into practically any setup. The build quality is also exceptional overall.

The all-metal body is rock solid and beautifully constructed, immediately instilling confidence that this mic will survive years of wear and tear. It's also smartly designed, with tactile and high-quality controls on the front, a rotating bracket that neatly slots into place and is secured via toolless screws, hidden ports on the bottom for setup flexibility, and a standardized thread for the stand or a microphone boom arm (there's also a 3/8" thread adapter in the box).

If I have to criticize something, it's that the optional pop filter I received with my review unit is a little frustrating to install, requiring piecing together multiple parts and cinching them to the mic body. It also doesn't feel quite as premium as the rest of the mic; I suppose the tradeoff is that the mic looks very clean and seamless without the pop filter installed, since there are no obvious connectors or holes.

• Back to the top ⤴

Live Streamer MIC 350 review: Microphone quality

Mic highlights

• The MIC 350 generally sounds excellent, with solid range (especially for voices) thanks to its sensitivity.
• With two polar patterns and plenty of options through VibeEngine, the MIC 350 is well-suited to a wide variety of recording sessions.
• Its sensitivity can be a downside, however, with some peaking with voices when levels change quickly.

Let's get one thing out of the way: the AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350 (AM350) is a USB microphone. What does this mean? Well, USB microphones tend to be more affordable than the most obvious alternative, XLR microphones, which tend to be quite costly. USB microphones include built-in amps and audio interfaces, rarely require additional drivers or software to use, and offer highly convenient plug-and-play functionality. However, you usually sacrifice audio quality and versatility.

On the other hand, XLR microphones are where you'll find "professional-grade" quality. You'll need additional audio equipment (and software) for a full, functional setup, but XLR microphones often provide higher fundamental audio quality with less compression and significantly more flexibility with finding the perfect audio setup for you. The MIC 350 is a USB microphone with all the aforementioned benefits and compromises, but costs more than your average USB microphone (verging on high-end XLR territory).

AVerMedia is supplementing the ease-of-use of the USB standard with better-than-average recording quality, however. The company has partnered with legendary audio company Dirac to tune the MIC 350 alongside AVerMedia's fantastic hardware, and the result is one of the best-sounding USB microphones in the business. Can an XLR mic like the critically-acclaimed Shure MV7 do better? Sure, but that mic is more costly and less convenient. The MIC 350 genuinely sounds fantastic regardless of how you're using it, with its only real weakness also being one of its pros. This is a sensitive mic, great for picking up your voice from a decent distance without collecting background noise, but it does mean you need to be mindful of your voice levels, as the MIC 350 can be prone to peaking and clipping.

• Back to the top ⤴

Live Streamer MIC 350 review: Software and other features

Software highlights

• As a USB microphone, the Live Streamer MIC 350 requires no driver installations or additional software to function at its best.
• However, you can use AVerMedia's VibeEngine software to enable additional features and functionality.
• VibeEngine does pack plenty of features like customizable profiles, basic features for mic monitoring and audio quality, various audio effects, and more, but is average in its stability and performance.

One of the biggest advantages of a USB microphone is its ease-of-use. Unlike XLR microphones, which require additional audio interfaces, external amps, and even required drivers and software to fully use, the Live Streamer MIC 350 is fully functional just by plugging it into your PC's USB ports. The mic itself includes two dials (that also double as buttons), a switch to change polar patterns, and a 3.5mm audio jack for plugging in your favorite headset.

The top dial/button is used to control the volume of the microphone and to mute or unmute. The bottom dial is used to switch between mic and system volume monitoring for your connected headset (with the button toggling between them), but your headset does have to be physically connected to the mic in order for this button to function, which feels limiting. The switch to change between cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns works instantly and flawlessly, however, ensuring the MIC 350 is always best suited to the situation.

When it comes to VibeEngine, it works... Fine! There are plenty of features here, including all the basic options you'd expect from a mic, such as mic monitoring and basic tools for background noise cancellation and noise gates. You also get additional features for audio effects and overlays, though, which work decently well. AVerMedia's software in general is a little awkward to install and manage, though, and both performance and stability are inconsistent. It was one of my biggest issues with the AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 capture card I reviewed, too, so it's an area where AVerMedia can definitely improve.

• Back to the top ⤴

Live Streamer MIC 350 review: Competition

There are too many great microphones on the market to count, but the list is considerably shorter when you consider direct competitors to the AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350 (AM350). This mic is a bit of an oddball, consider its relatively high price tag for a USB-powered microphone. A lot of people can save a ton of cash and be fully satisfied with the tried-and-true champion of affordable USB microphones, the iconic Blue Yeti X. The Elgato Wave 3 is another high-cost USB microphone with great quality, but it's considerably less versatile than the MIC 350.

You could also consider the HyperX QuadCast or its slightly more premium S variant. Sennheiser also offers the complete Profile Streaming Set for the same price as the MIC 350 by itself. All of these mics are considerably more affordable than the MIC 350 while still offering the plug-and-play convenience of USB. If you'd prefer to spend more on a true high-grade XLR setup, there are plenty of options from Shure, Sennheiser, and more. The MIC 350 occupies a unique middle-ground, however. It's for those willing to spend a bit more for higher-quality recording without investing in an XLR setup and while retaining the convenience and ease-of-use of a straightforward USB microphone.

• Back to the top ⤴

Live Streamer MIC 350 review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if ...

You should not buy this if ...

AVerMedia is quickly becoming one of my favorite companies for streaming and content creation gear. Its software admittedly needs more refinement, but the company is consistently churning out reliable and high-quality hardware. The Live Streamer MIC 350 is no exception, expertly compromising between premium XLR audio gear and affordable USB microphone setups. It's still incredibly convenient and dead simple to use, but you're getting great recording quality and plenty of features.

That balance does mean the Live Streamer MIC 350 targets a specific (albeit large) group of users. You need to want greater quality than the average, acclaimed USB microphones from Logitech and HyperX can provide, but not want the added investment and setup required of most XLR microphones. The MIC 350 is more expensive than the former, but less versatile than the latter. For me, though, that's absolutely perfect. AVerMedia has managed to walk the line nearly perfectly, and the result is one of the best USB microphones on the market.

• Back to the top ⤴

Whether you stream games or record audio at your desk, it's important to have a good microphone. High-quality audio recordings make you sound more professional and improve engagement with your audience. On Cyber Monday, you can save 35% on the HyperX QuadCast S, which brings the excellent microphone down to $103.99. And you can save even more on the professional-level HyperX Procast XLR microphone, which is 42% off.

More great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

• Walmart: Black Friday deals on practically everything
• Dell: Top deals on laptops, gaming PCs, accessories, and more
• Alienware: Up to $800 off gaming laptops and desktops
• Best Buy: Big savings on video games, accessories, and more
• HP: Up to 84% of select HP Windows PCs and accessories
• Lenovo: Up to 50% of gaming towers, laptops, and accessories
• Newegg: Save on PC gaming accessories, components, and more
• Razer: Up to 43% off laptops and accessories with free gifts
• Top individual deals:
  • Xbox Series X + Diablo IV + Xbox Wireless Controller (Shock Blue) for $619.98 $479 at Walmart
  • Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD for $439.99 $249.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Stereo Headset — 20th Anniversary for $69.99 $45.73 at Walmart
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack for $229.99 $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma for $149.99 $89.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series X + $50 Best Buy gift card for $549.99 $399.99 at Best Buy for Plus/Total members
  • HyperX Cloud III Wireless for $169.99 $129.99 at Best Buy
  • Xbox Series S + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $299.99 $239.99 at Target
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $1,029.99 $749.99 at Lenovo
  • HP OMEN 34c for $479.99 $329.99 at Best Buy
  • Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K 27-inch monitor for $1,599.99 $1,299.99 at Samsung
  • Microsoft Audio Dock for $249.99 $46.04 at Amazon
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless for $349.99 $297.49 at Amazon
  • MSI GF63 Thin (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, RTX 4050) for $899 $599 at B&H Photo

Get an Xbox Series S for free on Cyber Monday

Both these microphones are used on the Windows Central Podcast, with Zac Bowden using the QuadCast and Editor-in-Chief Daniel Rubino going with the high-end Procast XLR mic, so you know these are going to be great.

HyperX packed a lot of impressive specs and features into the QuadCast S, especially when considering the microphone's price. The QuadCast S has four selectable polar patterns for recording audio, a dial for gain control, and a built-in anti-vibration shock mount. It also has customizable RGB lights that you can control with HyperX NGENUITY software. Those lights aren't just for looks, either. They turn off when you tap the top of the microphone to mute the recording.

Support for four different polar patterns helps you record audio in different situations. The QuadCast S supports stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional. Omnidirectional records from all directions make it a good choice for a group sitting around a microphone. Cardioid records in just a single direction, so it's good for podcasts and voice recordings. Bidirectional is designed for interviews or situations where two people face each other. Stereo is ideal for recording singing or instruments.

The QuadCast S is the successor to the well-reviewed HyperX Quadcast. The QuadCast S has some nice improvements, such as a USB-C connection and a built-in shock mount.

The more expensive Procast takes things up to another level. The microphone features a one-inch gold-sputtered externally polarized condenser, a cardioid polar pattern input, and an XLR connection for high-quality sound recording. The microphone also has a switchable -10dB PAD, an 80Hz high-pass filter switch, a snap-on metal pop filter, and a built-in shock mount to reduce noise and enhance clarity, making a fantastic option for those who demand the best (but without spending more than $200).

I've tested more microphones than I can count, from budget USB options to XLR premium picks, and nothing has ever beaten my favorite. The Earthworks Audio ETHOS XLR microphone never saw any discounts during Black Friday, but it doesn't matter because it's worth the standard asking price of $399 at Amazon or B&H Photo. Forget Shure; THIS is your next XLR mic.

More great Cyber Monday deals

• Amazon: Deals on Razer headsets, keyboards, and more
• Amazon: Gaming peripherals from HyperX, SteelSeries, and more
• Best Buy: Save on all Logitech accessories
• Newegg: Up to 83% off peripherals
• Newegg: Up to 85% off gaming
• Walmart: Deals on gaming gifts

• Top individual deals:
  • TP-Link Deco X55 Wi-Fi mesh 3-pack was $229.99 now $179.99 at Amazon
  • Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma was $149.99 now $89.99 at Best Buy
  • HyperX Cloud III Wireless was $169.99 now $129.99 at Best Buy
  • Lenovo LOQ Tower (17IRB8) + 3-months Xbox Game Pass Ultimate was $1,029.99 now $749.99 at Lenovo
  • HP OMEN 34c was $479.99 now $329.99 at Best Buy
  • Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K 27-inch monitor was $1,599.99 now $1,299.99 at Samsung
  • Microsoft Audio Dock was $249.99 now $46.04 at Amazon
  • SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless was $349.99 now $297.49 at Amazon
  • MSI GF63 Thin (Core i5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, RTX 3050) was $899 now $599 at Newegg

Graduating to XLR is worth it for the Ethos alone

Earthworks Audio's flagship microphone is an XLR condenser option designed for broadcasters and professional streamers. Its price point might initially cause concern for newcomers. Still, I haven't stopped using it since my Earthworks Audio Ethos review. I tried it in a simple home setup to see how it could appeal to anyone looking to invest in a high-quality mic, and it proved its worth.

The standard silver model is packaged with a custom foam windscreen and a 3/8" screw thread adapter. However, the matte black variant jumps to an eye-watering $749 without including any extra accessories, so stick with the regular edition.

Earthworks Audio doesn't manufacture cables, and you'll need to provide 24-48v 10mA of Phantom power to power the Ethos. The foam windscreen performed admirably as a pop filter, even when positioning myself only a few inches away. Considering I've needed to pick up additional shields to clip onto previous microphones, this performance out of the box is incredible.

If the Ethos still feels excessive, the Elgato Wave DX is $69.99 at Amazon for Cyber Monday, with the Wave XLR for $119.99 at Amazon, offering one of the most affordable avenues for XLR microphones.

However, without any processing, the Wave DX does pick up a disappointing amount of noise. You'll need to use a set of post-processing plugins to shape your recordings into something more professional, which is a huge selling point for the Earthworks Audio Ethos when it skips that step.

We've reviewed the NZXT capsule microphone before here at Windows Central, and while it's not a new model, this price drop from $99.99 to $59.99 makes this USB microphone a killer deal if you're new to streaming, podcasting, or even just want better audio for your gaming party chat.

The NZXT Capsule USB mic is already a fantastic buy for anyone looking for a plug-and-play product that is easy to set up, gives great audio quality and won't break the bank, but I've never seen it this cheap and just had to share this deal. 

For its modest price, the NZXT Capsule is a fantastic choice if you want a good quality condenser mic to improve your streaming skills. There are of course bigger better microphones out there, which you check out on our best microphones for streaming list but you'll pay a hefty price for them. If you're new to the world of streaming, or thinking of starting a podcast you may not want to break the bank on top-of-the-range equipment straight away.

The NZXT Capsule already performs solidly in the audio department at its sub-$100 price point, so to see it at $60 makes this a must-recommend for newbie audiophiles. It's no frills, easy to set up and solely focused on doing its job —delivering great audio.

NZXT was generally known for its cases and PC components before entering the mic market with this USB mic, but it’s made good headway with such a good quality offering at an aggressively priced $100. You get 96kHz at 24-bit sound resolution with a 20Hz to 20kHz standard frequency response, and a dynamic range that caps out at 120dB. These are incredibly competitive specs for $60 if you can grab one.

The mic looks the business too; with a matte black or white finish that you can easily match with the rest of your setup. On the fore, you have two volume knobs to control input and output, and a front-facing grill. 

The NZXT Capsule USB microphone only supports a cardioid polar pattern due to its front grill, so you won’t get much sound input from anything but a forward facing direction. This is perfect for streaming and gaming though as you don’t want your mic picking up background noises. The mic also comes with a stand that’s easy to set up and features a quick release button.

Any drawbacks? 

If you are looking for a boom arm with this mic, the promoted NZXT arm is pretty pricey and comes at the same price as the mic so I wouldn't recommend it. Thankfully, the NZXT Capsule USB Mic has standard fittings so that you can buy a much cheaper boom mic arm from Amazon. There are several inexpensive options to choose from, and it's likely, if you already have an arm, that this mic will fit easily.

For $60, you'll not want to miss the chance to snap this up, so keep in mind that Amazon Big Deal Days run through till October 11, and this will likely jump back up to $100 after that, so go quick!

Big Deal Days: Frequently asked questions

The specifics for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are now publicly available, with minor hints as to which brands and categories will enjoy significant discounts. Rest assured, we'll update this page with the latest dates and details whenever the company releases more information.

What you need to know

• RØDE is participating in the NAB 2023 show in Las Vegas, running from Sunday, April 16, until Monday, April 17, at the B&H Booth in Central Hall #C8317.
• Unveiling seven new products and a collection of updates to its existing range, visitors can see the new hardware in person during the event.
• New accessories have been designed for streamers, including the Streamer X, a combination video capture card and audio interface with 4K30 / 2K60 video input.

In its biggest ever product announcement, Rode unveiled seven new products and a collection of updates at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas. Among the range of high-end audio accessories is the previously-unveiled 5th Gen NT1 microphone, which supports both XLR and USB, alongside some new hardware designed specifically for streamers and content creators. Showcasing the latest products at the B&H booth all weekend, you can still sneak a peek until the end of Monday if you're nearby.

It's an almost overwhelming list of new stuff from Rode, but at least a couple of new products will appeal to streamers and prospective podcasters. As an avid Rodecaster Pro II production studio fan, it's been an easy recommendation to anyone looking for a flexible and powerful console to control multiple microphones with built-in processing effects. One of the only real downsides to the Rodecaster Pro II is its size, but Rode has an answer for that.

The Rodecaster Duo is a slimmed-down version of the Pro II, offering two analog XLR inputs rather than four. You still get the same quad-core audio engine inside featuring built-in Revolution Preamps and APHEX audio processing to get the most out of practically any device you connect. Even the cheapest XLR mic sounds fantastic when routed through the Pro II, and the Duo is set to offer the same with an extra 3.5mm combo headset jack.

Under the Rode X sub-brand, the Streamer X is an outrageously cool combination of a 4K30 / 2K60 video capture card and audio interface combined into a single console. A single combination input port features the same ultra-low-noise, high-gain preamp and processing as its Rodecaster siblings, alongside ports for headsets and connectivity for Rode-branded wireless mics. Double USB-C ports support a two-PC streaming setup, and its HDMI ports support up to 2K120 / 4K60 pass-thru. Very cool.

Still my favorite streaming equipment, the Rodecaster II Pro even benefits from a firmware update as part of the NAB 2023 show, unlocking a previously hidden feature. Rode has kept support for its series IV wireless mics lurking inside, including the ultra-compact 2.4GHz Wireless ME mics, to act as a receiver unit for cable-free audio. This offers much more freedom for anyone looking to stream with wearable lav mics without losing out on the post-processing effects featured in the production studio.

Anyone comfortable with the Wireless GO II portable microphones will benefit from a new firmware update, unlocking extra features like recording to .wav format and start/stop recording via the power button. Rode's previously XLR-centric PodMic also sees a new variant with the PodMic USB, adding a direct connection for your Windows PC alongside the traditional analog input. Plus, a new Rodecaster backpack offers portability for the production console, and an upcoming Wireless GO II charging case promises to keep the receiver and transmitters powered up.

Windows Central take

I've reached out to Rode to query sample availability, so stay tuned for potential hands-on reviews from me. The Rode X Streamer X is a mouthful of edgy naming styles but seems to be one of the most incredible things the Australian manufacturer has ever made. Replacing a mess of capture cards and XLR console cables with one single unit would be a blessing for streamers. It wouldn't be difficult to recommend it if it was even half as good as the Rodecaster Pro II studio, so fingers crossed I can find out for you.

It's getting to the point where Rode could cover every inch of a streamer's setup, and I'm fine with it. Some of its production console software can be tricky for newcomers to learn since it involves a bunch of menus for routing audio, but the result is always fantastic. The Rodecaster Duo looks brilliant, too, and I'm hoping it'll be a decent enough drop in price from its full-sized Pro II sibling so I can convince more people to pick one up.

What you need to know

• The RØDE Wireless ME is a follow-up to its clip-on Wireless GO range of wearable microphones.
• Both rechargeable 2.4GHz transmitter and receiver units feature broadcast-quality mics capable of recording from up to 100m for up to 7hrs.
• Available in the US for $149 MSRP from Amazon and B&H Photo, with more third-party listings expected soon.

Legendary audio vendor RØDE has manufactured some of the best microphones I've ever used, including the NT-USB+, which still enjoys a permanent space on my desk. Today, it expands its range with more hardware aimed at creators, specifically those on the go. Perfect for filming viral content for TikTok and YouTube Shorts or home-made cinematic features, the Wireless ME is a wearable follow-up to its already successful Wireless GO, designed to be even more user-friendly.

Lucky enough to receive a pre-release sample unit, I've seen these beauties in person, and they're slick. RØDE boasts up to 7hrs of rechargeable battery life while recording from line-of-sight distances up to 100m, which is a far better solution than the masses who seem adamant about holding wired lavalier mics directly in front of their mouths (please stop.)

They'll undoubtedly become my primary microphone solution when filming content for our official Windows Central TikTok channel, thanks to a companion app appropriately named RØDE Capture. First, let's look at the specs to see what kind of hardware lurks inside these dinky clip-on mics.

Considering the compact size, this 2.4GHz wireless system has some impressive specs, with broadcast-quality microphones built into both the transmitter and receiver, so you can wear whichever you prefer when recording. RØDE even allows a third transmitter to connect and act as an additional mic, perfect for group interviews or even an ad-hoc podcast.

On a personal note, RØDE's inclusion of its latest GainAssist tech is a particularly exciting feature. It'll automatically adjust the levels on each device in the Wireless ME system, saving the need to watch a visual equalizer and fret about clipping constantly. It might sound minor to some, but it's heartbreaking if you've ever set up a project only to reach the edit and found the audio totally blown out.

The Wireless ME is compatible with all standard cameras, mobile devices, and Windows desktops, using any available companion apps, including RØDE Capture for iOS. Complete control over audio levels, signal processing effects, and deeper configuration options are all available, alongside video options like resolution, frame rate, and zoom control, alongside a new Dual Cam mode using the front and rear-facing cameras simultaneously.

Designed and manufactured in Australia, the RØDE Wireless ME is now available in the US from Amazon and B&H Photo. More third-party retailers are expected to follow suit with extra listings at the $149 MSRP. Stay tuned for my hands-on impressions coming soon, or grab it below for your own projects.

What you need to know

• Rode's long-standing flagship NT1 condenser microphone has been updated with cutting-edge technology in this 5th Gen revision, available now for $249.
• Introducing its Dual Connect feature, the NT1 5th Gen supports both XLR and USB connectivity for analog mixers or digital recording on a computer.
• This latest model features the world's first 32-bit float digital output alongside audio processing effects for studio-grade audio.

Rode has officially launched a 5th Generation revision to its iconic NT1 microphone, the same model they've been manufacturing since the 1990s. This latest update features revolutionary upgrades inside and out, with the vendor claiming it's the world's first 'unclippable' mic. If you're looking for studio-grade recordings, the NT1 5th Gen covers all the bases.

Featuring XLR and USB connectivity support, you can record via analog mixers or directly into a computer with a standard plug-and-play setup. On-board DSP effects carry over from many other models in the Rode range, including the recent Rode X XCM-50 condenser microphone aimed at gamers, which was strictly reliant on USB.

Launching at $249 MSRP on Amazon, the NT1 5th Gen stands out from the crowd as the first microphone with a 32-bit float digital output, capturing the full dynamic range without signal clipping. It's a fantastic addition that removes the need for exhausting pre-recording prep when recording analog, saving the adjustments for afterward. The USB digital output still features the ultra-low-noise, high-gain Revolution Preamp seen on the Rodecaster Pro II production studio with fine-tuned post-processing via Rode companion apps.

Packaged with a studio-grade shock mount and pop filter, the NT1 5th Gen is available in black or silver and includes XLR and USB-C cables. Rode has contacted Windows Central with a sample unit, so a review will follow soon. Check the official Rode NT1 5th Gen product page for a full breakdown of specifications and features.

Some of the best USB microphones are priced far too high for too little return, often loaded with unnecessary flair without ever improving the fundamentals. Monoprice has successfully fought against that pricing style for years with a varied catalog of electronics generally aimed at the consumer market, including cables, headphones, and screens, only recently approaching the gaming scene with its Dark Matter subbrand.

The Sentry streaming mic targets PC gamers with its sci-fi aesthetics and RGB lighting, but can it stand up against the stiff competition? It's undoubtedly aiming to rival a particular popular USB option, and the test recordings provided surprising results.

Dark Matter Sentry: Price, availability, and specs

Monoprice sells the Dark Matter Sentry streaming microphone through its official website for $100 MSRP. The microphone is packaged with a tripod desk stand, USB-C cable, and a user manual. Sold in metallic black, the internal accent LEDs can display pink, yellow, white, blue, or green colors. Monoprice provided a sample for this review but did not see the article's contents before publishing.

Dark Matter Sentry: First impressions and setup

It's immediately obvious from the emblazoned box what the Sentry streaming mic is supposed to be: an affordable alternative to the Blue Yeti USB microphone, re-packaged with a gamer aesthetic. A list of the four available polar patterns advertised on the rear explains the benefit of switching away from the standard cardioid mode, including a stereo setting for aspiring ASMRtists.

Anyone who knows me will be familiar with my rampant defense of the Blue Yeti and other USB microphones. A new competitor aiming for the same omnidirectional category must prove worthy to win a recommendation, and Monoprice gains some favor since I've owned a bunch of its headphones, cables, and other accessories that never disappointed me. The presentation is certainly on point with this Dark Matter subbrand, but it'll have to prove itself in tests.

The setup process barely exists. You'll need minimal effort to construct the tripod desk stand with a single, chunky screw, and the included USB-C cable fits through a cutout to connect to the Sentry. There are no specific drivers and no companion desktop applications either. This straightforward experience relies on Windows to choose the best USB microphone driver, and I was ready to record in barely a couple of minutes.

There is a color-selection button on the underside of the Sentry, and the tripod almost obscures it, but I could still reach it well enough for it not to matter. If you're considering attaching a microphone arm, you'll likely need an attachment since Dark Matter has opted for a thick 5/8" thread style. It's not a big deal, but I had to search my junk drawers to find an adapter. Appropriately, it was the same thread adapter I used on my old Blue Yeti. Deja vu.

Dark Matter Sentry: Microphone test

For its price, the Sentry streaming mic offers a pretty impressive flat response in the standard cardioid mode. There is a modest amount of background noise at a medium gain, but nothing you couldn't remove with VST plugins during live broadcasts or basic filters during post-processing. Plosives prove to be an issue, and the metallic frame hardly does anything to prevent popping when speaking head-on.

Since nothing especially fancy is happening under the hood, you'll pick up any noise within earshot from the Sentry, especially in the bidirectional or omnidirectional modes. Again, it's a no-frills microphone relying on its offering of multiple polar patterns, so if you're particularly close to a desktop PC with loud fans, you'll probably benefit from a few audio filters to reduce unwanted sounds. Additionally, I was disappointed with the omnidirectional mode, which doesn't seem to record evenly from all sides.

Admirably, the stereo mode sounds fantastic, as it usually does with any microphone offering the same binaural function. If you're close enough to the Sentry to warrant lowering the gain, you can reduce noise and enjoy the channel-shifting effects as you move around. It's often an appropriate setting for recording instruments, semi-realistically replicating the acoustics of a room. Still, Dark Matter is aiming at streamers, so the ASMR community is more likely the target audience here.

Dark Matter Sentry: What I don't like

There are a few natural downsides to cutting costs, and the Sentry suffers in a few areas. If you're trying to undercut the competition aggressively, it can be tricky to hide some budget design choices. The top-mounted mode button changes between each polar pattern and highlights the RGB, but a dedicated switch controls the color from underneath and exposes bare LEDs inside the housing.

It simply doesn't look good at all. There's nothing to diffuse the lights inside and no way to dim the brightness. You can hold the color button to disable the RGB altogether, but I don't see why there are no options for scaling down the dazzling lights. Whether using the Sentry with its tripod desk mount or a microphone arm, these glaring LEDs will be up in your face. I know gamers are supposed to crave multi-color lighting, but this isn't the way to do it. Turn the lights off.

Although the desk mount has a convenient cutout for the USB-C connection, the cable precariously protrudes from the port, which makes it look incredibly fragile. I'll never understand why some products can't manage to fit their ports flush. It would undoubtedly reduce my anxiety and stop me from wondering what could happen if the Sentry tipped over, potentially shearing the connector clean off.

It's not a significant downside, but it's clear that cutting corners to hit this price point has left its mark. There's more evidence of cheap parts in the gain and volume knobs doubling up as a mute button, which turns with wobbly and weak resistance, hinting they could fail not too far into the future. Even high-end models give out eventually, but I can't guarantee how long the Sentry would last. Monoprice confusingly offers a '1 year pixel perfect warranty' on the Dark Matter mic, which is bizarre because it's obviously intended for displays, so take that with a pinch of salt.

Dark Matter Sentry: The competition

The main competitor for the Dark Matter Sentry streaming microphone is obviously one of the Blue Yeti variants, with the original model usually selling for $130 MSRP. It regularly sees discounts around the web, reaching as low as $100 on Amazon as I wrote this review, matching Monoprice. Saving a little cash on the Yeti Nano allows access to cardioid and omnidirectional polar patterns. Still, it's hardly worth the drop without the fantastic stereo mode from the standard model.

In our Blue Yeti X review, we scored it favorably for its simplistic setup and stellar recording quality, but the price jumps too high for it to be a real competitor to the Sentry. If you can find the regular Blue Yeti USB microphone for sale at the same price as Dark Matter, I urge you to buy the Yeti instead. The RGB gamer aesthetics don't push the Sentry's value higher than its main rival, but if Monoprice can undercut the Yeti with discounts? Sure, grab it for a close enough experience.

Dark Matter Sentry: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

• You want an affordable USB microphone with stereo patterns.
• You're an RGB-loving gamer with a taste for sci-fi aesthetics.
• You prefer simplistic hardware with no mandatory apps.

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You want a premium USB cardioid microphone.
• Your desk is too cramped to fit a tripod stand.
• Your environment is particularly noisy.

Monoprice is usually reasonably modest with its hardware, offering a great balance of value for money, and the Dark Matter gaming subbrand aims to match the same ethics with the Sentry streaming microphone. It's nothing groundbreaking, but it performed better than I expected for a model remarkably similar to the number one best-selling USB microphone: the Blue Yeti. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the Sentry bolsters the Yeti as one of the all-time greats.

Launching at $100 MSRP means Dark Matter could suitably undercut the Yeti by offering discounts far lower than its primary rival. Listen to my audio samples, and you'll hear how the omnidirectional modes can provide a similar enough feature set, justifying some drops in overall build quality. It won't rank alongside the best streaming microphones, but the Sentry is an affordable alternative that could fit a tighter budget.

If you want to enter the world of content creation, you'll eventually need a microphone. Whether live streaming, producing videos or starting a podcast, you might feel that your hardware isn't up to scratch. Especially if you compare yourself to those who turn a fun hobby into a successful career, it's easy to assume you need a high-end mic coupled with a desk full of expensive accessories, but is there really anything wrong with a standard USB-powered microphone?

I've used many desktop mics in my career and personal life, and there's some truth to the value of premium hardware, but a recent trend has made things so much easier for newcomers with the power of AI. You could sit and read through my ramblings about polar patterns, sample range, and bit depth, but only a select few people genuinely care about that. Besides, those interested in the specifics aren't letting others dictate which microphone they should buy, nor should you.

⚠️⚠️Stop gatekeeping microphones⚠️⚠️

Some recent Twitter discourse featured wildly misguided information about USB microphones, specifically the Blue Yeti, one of my all-time favorite options that served me well for over a decade. I'm sure this Twitter user had good intentions since they followed up with some explanations and recommendations — still, the slander against my cherished, multi-pattern USB mic sparked a heated debate among creators.

A huge benefit to working in tech is getting hands-on with new hardware for review, but I'm unlikely to shake the frugal lifestyle from my youth. I hate spending money; there's no getting around it. In 2010, I wanted to upgrade from a bargain-basement 3.5mm microphone connected to an unshielded port on a terrible motherboard, so I opted for the USB-powered Blue Yeti after weeks of agonizing debate.

The original silver-colored Yeti still works today, albeit with a slightly wonky volume knob caused by an accidental drop. Whoops. We were even gifted a second Yeti for my partner in 2020 since we usually shared the original between us, and that's when you start to notice one of the only downsides to USB mics: desynchronization.

Ports on your motherboard inherently restrict USB audio devices, and two devices are never guaranteed to be aligned perfectly during recordings. It is possible to calculate the necessary milliseconds of delay and fix it with some tweaks to record group podcasts with multiple USB mics, but it's rarely a permanent fix. Still, it's understandable to feel frustrated when things could be better out of the box, and some users expect studio-quality playback with zero effort.

Enhance your livestream audio for $0

Most USB microphones offer a relatively flat response in their recordings, utterly unaffected by post-processing. Some fancier models might have built-in noise reduction or other enhancements, but even basic variants can mimic premium alternatives with a few simple plugins without spending a dime. If you're planning to broadcast your audio in a live setting, OBS Studio is a free app for Windows, and it's my favorite option for streaming and recording all kinds of other content.

There is a collection of free audio filters pre-installed on OBS Studio, with plenty more community-made options available around the web. You can solve almost any microphone issue with at least one of these plugins, ultimately combining them to find the perfect balance for your mic. For example, a noise suppressor helps reduce unwanted background sounds; which is ideal if you're running air conditioning on a hot day or your desktop PC is close enough to hear the case fans.

If you're a quiet speaker, you don't need a specific microphone designed for hushed or feminine tones, just a simple compressor. Not every problem needs solving by throwing cash at your screen, and you shouldn't blindly take advice from anyone gatekeeping a category of hardware. It'll take at least one afternoon of studying to learn how to use audio filters to their best effect, but a quick search immediately finds a massive collection of helpful tutorials on YouTube.

Adobe Podcast — hack your mic quality

It's a wild scenario when Adobe, of all companies, is leading the way with a free audio-enhancing tool. The same Adobe, who priced me out of all their software and drove me to open-source alternatives, somehow managed to create one of the most useful web-based plugins I've ever used in its Adobe Podcast beta (formerly Project Shasta.)

Inherently designed to simplify the podcast recording process, Adobe is working on a straightforward app to replace complicated mixers and post-processing edits. Think of it like a virtual conference meeting where everyone can join a web-based audio chat room; only this time, the host can save the whole session and generate a professional finished product with barely any effort.

Using the same technology from its Adobe Premiere Pro software, recordings will automatically transcribe the speech to text, ready to edit as a script instead of cutting up complex audio waveforms. It all sounds fantastic, but the best part is the AI-powered Enhance Speech tool, which Adobe has already released, sneakily hidden in a small drop-down menu.

If you're editing videos, podcast episodes, or interviews to post online later, the Enhance Speech tool from Adobe is perfect. It'll remove background noise and make your speech sound like it's being recorded with professional equipment. Even with a $10 lavalier microphone, I can supercharge the recordings with this free tool, and nobody would ever know it initially sounded like trash.

An ethical future for AI?

Whether you're streaming live speech or recording it for later use, there are some seriously impressive methods to improve the quality of any microphone. No matter which variant you can afford, there are advancements in this vague and ever-evolving AI category to augment your audio, depending on your interpretation of the term. Just because I 'graduated' to the so-far-unbeatable Earthworks Audio Ethos XLR mic doesn't mean you should avoid USB models.

Above all, I won't stand for slander against my precious Blue Yeti. That little silver-coated trooper served me well for over a decade and saw me earn paid narration work after some mild post-processing cleanup. You could do far worse than the number-one-selling USB microphone from Blue, no matter how you feel about Logitech's eventual ownership. Other variants might have taken its place as the best streaming microphone, but there's never been anything wrong with the Yeti.

High-end microphones like the Rode NT-USB+ appeal to more than singers and musicians since USB-powered condenser models offer one of the fastest routes to professional-sounding audio for content creators. Skipping complicated mixers and extra power needed for studio-grade XLR mics, this refresh sticks with modern USB-C connectivity to keep things simple.

The original NT-USB was a highly praised, long-standing choice for creators thanks to its simplicity and versatility. Refreshing such an iconic product can be tricky, and the NT-USB+ doesn't look much different on the surface. I set out to determine if Rode made enough significant internal upgrades to make this refresh worth your money, leaning on my years of experience using similar alternatives.

RODE NT-USB+: Price, availability, and specs

Rode sells the NT-USB+ condenser microphone through its official website and third-party retailers, including Amazon, for a $169 MSRP. The microphone is packaged with a desk stand, adjustable ring mount, detachable pop filter, and a 3m Rode SC29 USB-C cable for appropriate devices. A replacement USB-A to USB-C cable, such as the official Rode SC18 is also compatible.

RODE NT-USB+: First impressions and setup

I'm a long-standing user of USB microphones, so the prospect of Rode updating one of its flagship models was exciting, especially when the chunky box arrived containing a sample model for this review. The presentation of the NT-USB+ is as professional as anything else you might pick up from the Australian audio manufacturing giant, sticking to its digital focus by opting for QR code links to instructions on its website.

It matches the intention of always offering accurate information and guidelines for its products, so the only piece of literature you'll find in the box is a tiny regulatory safety guide. Not that there are many ways to interpret how a USB-powered microphone works, but first-time adopters might be a little wary of how to set up this high-quality model on a Windows PC without step-by-step instructions if disconnected from the Internet.

You get a 3m USB-C to USB-C cable in the box, alongside a handful of helpful accessories that I'll cover shortly. For connectivity, you'll need a desktop computer with USB-C ports or a compatible adapter to use the NT-USB+ out of the box. Alternatively, many modern laptops and 2-in-1 tablets have USB-C as standard, like the Surface Laptop Go 2, which I'll be using for some tests. As mentioned in the specifications, Rode offers its official 1.5m SC18 cable for around $15 if you prefer traditional USB-A ports.

I saw the original Rode NT-USB amass thousands of positive reviews across various digital storefronts, cementing itself as a premium choice for USB condenser microphones. Refreshing a certified classic is always risky, especially when improvements appear to have only subtle effects on specifications.

Checking the NT-USB+ specs shows its frequency range and polar pattern are unchanged, alongside a relatively minor tweak to the aesthetics, including the nested LED now illuminating blue when connected.

Still, a critical change on the NT-USB+ is a jump from 16-bit depth on the original model to 24-bit 48kHz. Rode has focused on the internal components for this upgrade, including the Revolution preamp offering ultra-low-noise recordings at higher gain levels.

Functionally, the outward usability of the updated model is the same and remains plug-and-play with identical volume knobs handling zero-latency unfiltered monitoring and separate processed audio monitoring.

The intentions of this refresh are similar to the gaming-focused enhancements made to the Rode X XCM-50, somewhat of a successor to the original NT-USB Mini. A focus on improvements for the internals with a modest refresh of the aesthetics is fine if the microphone can perform well enough in tests, and it's certainly worked out in the past for this reliable brand.

Overall, my first impressions of the NT-USB+ microphone itself were fantastic. It's a solid unit with a hefty construction, weighing around 540g without accessories, and no part exhibited rattling or felt otherwise loose. Both volume knobs have just the right amount of resistance but can be adjusted with a single digit, easy enough to find the ideal monitoring level and keep it there.

RODE NT-USB+: Microphone test

I started my tests for the NT-USB+ as I do for any USB microphone, with a recording made directly into Audacity with zero post-processing effects and using only the default driver provided by Windows. With a pair of 3.5mm wired headphones connected to the unit, you can switch to the USB playback audio device and monitor the sidetone, helping you determine which effects have the most significant impact.

Out-of-the-box performance of the NT-USB+ is fantastic, with no noticeable noise coming through on recordings; impressive considering my desktop PC was spinning its several fans only a few feet away. The included pop filter works well enough, though not as effective as some foam variants I've used. Still, it's far better than nothing and a generous inclusion in the package.

Activating almost the entire suite of post-processing effects, skipping only the high-pass filter, demonstrates an effortless ability to provide studio-quality vocals. These results should convince any budding podcaster that the NT-USB+ is a worthy choice. Plus, the versatility of being a plug-and-play microphone expands its usefulness to practically any creator looking to record almost anything from instruments to interviews.

Manual control over the immediate sidetone volume pairs beautifully with its post-processed variant fed back from your PC, laptop, or compatible mobile devices running the Rode Central app. It's always a relief to see an equally-high recording performance from any microphone used without its companion software, improving reliability without spoiling spontaneous opportunities to record quality audio in a hurry.

Thankfully, raw recordings made with the NT-USB+ are crisp and clear enough to apply any post-processing effects in a digital audio workstation afterward. This USB condenser microphone excels at its base level, with or without software. It's a tough category to approach, with hundreds of variants claiming to offer crisp, professional results. In this case, Rode hit the mark in my testing with improvements over an already-fantastic predecessor.

RODE NT-USB+: Accessories and software

Including a mesh pop filter and desk stand with the upgraded NT-USB+ matches the original model and would be an unusual move for Rode to remove these high-quality freebies.

Unfortunately, if you plan to use the plastic tripod, you'll need patience with its imbalanced shape. Since the adjustable ring mount has the microphone floating away from the stand, it's not always possible to completely tighten the screw thread and have the capsule facing you.

Once I found the perfect place to position this USB microphone, I noticed it was too easy to knock it over. You can remedy this issue with a slight backward tilt by loosening the thumbscrew on the ring, but it can affect the effectiveness of the cardioid polar pattern and remove some range from your voice in recordings.

Naturally, a microphone arm can solve these issues entirely, but it would be a separate purchase with added cost. It is possible to wrangle the table mount into a sturdy position, but beware; it might not be the best setup for your environment.

Rode pushes companion apps for the NT-USB+ with a focus on Rode Central. It does contain the critical post-processing effects from APHEX but is somewhat barebone for visual feedback. There isn't much else that the developers could do to fill the space besides some larger and fancier variants of the effects icons to help occupy the space. Thankfully, the app uses barely 16MB of RAM while idle in the background, so it's not a problem to leave it running.

For anyone intent on starting a podcast, the Rode Connect app pairs well with the NT-USB+ and three compatible microphones connected to a single device with access to post-processing effects. Versatility continues with the Rode Reporter app designed for iOS and Android, built upon a simple interface ready for spur-of-the-moment recordings backed up with the same APHEX effects included in my testing. Your options for this microphone are plentiful without being tied to a desktop PC for live enhancements.

RODE NT-USB+: The competition

Until now, the Blue Yeti family was my go-to USB microphone without consideration for anything else. That all changes with the NT-USB+ proving just as easy to use for absolutely anyone. It doesn't compete with the multi-polar patterns on offer from the Yeti, but the recording samples speak for themselves. The bonus of a pop shield will appeal to live content creators, not only for the recording benefits but even for a subtle visual flair of professionalism.

It's tough competition against the high-end Blue Yeti X, matching the price point more closely than its cheaper siblings, and prospective buyers will need to consider their needs. There's parity with its sample and bit rate of 48kHz @ 24-bit. The Yeti X has an advantage by offering extra omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo polar patterns. These spatial audio effects are popular with ASMR communities but might not appear to those primarily streaming video games.

A major deciding factor for the NT-USB+ is whether you have the proper ports since USB-C isn't as common as Rode assumes. Using the port on the microphone body makes total sense; it's slim, capable of high-speed transfers, and can connect either way around. Unfortunately, not everyone will have USB-C connections on their desktop or a laptop over a few years old.

The Blue Yeti X takes the win in this category by sticking with traditional USB-A to micro-USB, which has a much higher likelihood of compatibility with practically any desktop. If you're aiming for portability with the NT-USB+, you'll perhaps appreciate the modern connection type since it supports more modern tablets and some of the best 2-in-1 laptops. Consider your options and whether you'll need extra cables first.

RODE NT-USB+: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

• You want to sound professional with post-processing effects.
• You want a high-quality USB condenser microphone.
• You have a device with a compatible USB-C port.

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You want a multi-directional microphone.
• You don't have enough desk space for a wide tripod stand.
• You don't have a USB-C port and are unable to replace the cable.

There is nothing to complain about regarding the performance of the NT-USB+ microphone. I found it a capable, premium USB-powered option for professional audio with minimal effort needed to raise recordings to a level that would suit any would-be podcast host or musician. If you have a suitable USB-C port, its tight cardioid polar pattern makes it easy to record high-quality vocals, instruments, and practically anything else.

If you don't have a microphone arm to mount this hefty metallic mic, you might find the tripod desk stand a little cumbersome to manage. Finding the perfect position for recording without it toppling over can be a tricky balancing act, but the detachable pop filter is still a welcome addition to the package. Its downsides are minor, and the NT-USB+ will join the ranks as one of the best microphones for streaming.

The Shure SM7B dynamic microphone has dropped in price to just $359 at Amazon. This mic has been around for a long time, but it's also insanely popular and rarely drops from its $400 price tag. In fact, you'd basically have to go back to this same holiday shopping weekend last year to find it going for this same sale price. If you missed it then, don't miss it now because you'll probably have to wait another year.

In the world of content creation, the Shure SM7B stands alone as the standard for mics. Whether you're streaming live on Twitch, making podcasts, creating longform content on YouTube or doing a makeup tutorial on TikTok, you're probably looking at the Shure SM7B as the tippy top of the line when it comes to quality audio. Even if you're using a less expensive mic, you're probably thinking about the day you'll upgrade to this one. Today may be that day. 

Start with how the mic captures your voice (or instrument or sound effects or whatever). It uses a smooth dynamic cartridge that can produce a reproduction of your speech or music in a way that sounds clean and natural. It also uses a combination of air suspension, shock isolation, and pop filters that helps reduce the sounds you don't want like the pops of your keyboard keys or heavy breathing. 

The SM7B uses an XLR connection, so you can easily connect to professional interfaces like the GoXLR or the Focusrite Solo. You can use these to really tune your audio and get it setup just right every time. 

Microphones are critical for almost every modern workspace. The simplest mics work fine for video calls but don't offer much versatility. Content creators tend to spring for a mic that covers more avenues like video narration and live streaming, usually starting with a USB all-in-one solution. 

The next step up is often XLR, an analog alternative that usually offers less latency and higher fidelity recordings. It's not the easiest hardware to approach for beginners since you can't plug XLR cables directly into your average desktop Windows PC. 

Earthworks Audio presents Ethos, a condenser microphone designed for broadcasters and professional streamers. Its price point could cause concern for newcomers, but I spent the weekend trying it out in my simple home setup to see how it could appeal to anyone looking to invest in a high-quality mic.

Earthworks Audio Ethos: Price, availability, and specs

Earthworks Audio sells the Ethos XLR condenser microphone through third-party retailers, including Amazon. Available for $399 MSRP, the silver model is packaged with a custom foam windscreen and a 3/8" screw thread adapter. A matte black variant is also available with the same accessories for $749 MSRP.

Earthworks Audio Ethos: What's good

My first impressions of the Ethos microphone lined up with the mission statement advertised by Earthworks Audio; to be sophisticated and uncomplicated. The mic is relatively straightforward in design, with a solid construction that doesn't exhibit any rattling or weak joints. Manufactured from a single piece of stainless steel, this dense mic measures a hefty yet well-balanced 454g.

You can remove the foam shield for a peek at the inner workings, screwing it apart for any required maintenance, but there's no sign of loose parts causing issues here. The Ethos is adjustable without needing tools and remained robust no matter how much I inspected its components, matching its apparent ambition to be a speedy and reliable plug-and-play option.

During my initial analysis of the so far impressive Ethos, the M2-R rotating ball-joint mount stood out as my favorite addition. Operating with a single thumb screw, the Triad-Orbit attachment spins around to help find the perfect position, with four cutout sections for an even firmer lock. If you're planning to attach this microphone to a somewhat simpler arm mount, this extra degree of freedom is magnificent.

Earthworks Audio includes a 3/8" screw thread attachment with the Ethos, saving me from digging around in boxes of miscellaneous accessories. Attaching the mic onto a mounting arm barely took a minute, rotating it into the perfect position for recording. If you have a suitable XLR cable with enough slack, there's plenty of maneuverability straight out of the box.

Besides the rotating mount, the only functional feature on the Ethos is the pin 2+ XLR port located at the rear. The pins are in no danger of damage, fitted flush into its body with a notch for the usual locking mechanism found on standard cables.

Earthworks Audio doesn't manufacture cables, and you'll need to provide 24-48v 10mA of Phantom power to power the Ethos. There's nothing unusual about this connection or its requirements, and the results coming up soon will verify their necessity. My setup is equal parts excessive and primitive since I'll be connecting to the Rodecaster Pro II production station, albeit in a home office that was never designed to be a recording studio.

Starting with a completely flat equalizer, the Ethos sounded fantastic when recording vocals. The included foam windscreen performed admirably as a pop filter, even when positioning myself only a few inches away. Considering I've needed to pick up additional shields to clip onto previous microphones, this performance out of the box is incredible. If you're planning to record narration exclusively, you could happily connect this mic to a basic XLR mixer without boosting or live effects and edit recordings later.

A crisp and clean signal lends the Ethos well to post-processing effects. I barely needed to raise the gain since this condenser mic is already more sensitive than other models I'm used to, and there's very little work required to shape what some might consider a professional sound.

Any experienced studio technician could strive for perfection with equalizer levels, especially with the fantastic flat performance on the Ethos. Still, this mic doesn't need a preamp and provides divine audio quality with practically zero effort.

Sitting further away doesn't drop the quality, though I recommend choosing a better recording location than my bare-walled home office. The simplicity and setup speed make this mic a little more versatile than a podcast-focused XLR model.

The boosted sensitivity provided by the condenser setup over dynamic proves useful for accurately recording instruments, but the crisp high-end is a real treat for vocals. Anyone connecting two Ethos mics into a simple 2-port mixer would be well on their way to an interview setup for a professional podcast.

Earthworks Audio Ethos: What's not so good

There is very little negative to say about the Ethos, at least from a functional standpoint. The microphone is exceptionally well made and sounds fantastic with or without post-processing, matching its marketing toward professional broadcasters and at-home streamers. Still, some points should be considered before picking up this high-end mic.

Initially launching at $699 MSRP, the stainless-steel Ethos has dropped significantly to a far more affordable $399 price point. Unfortunately, the same discount has not been applied to the matte black variant, which remains around an eye-watering $749. If you're not a fan of the 1970s glossy aesthetic found on the standard model, the asking price for a darker option is staggering.

Most of the Earthworks Audio microphone range feature a steel finish, so it makes sense for the most prominent model to be cheaper. Regardless, anyone looking to match a darker studio setup with an appropriate matte black mic will be significantly out of pocket. Hopefully, the alternate color sees a price drop or is removed entirely. At this price increase, it's practically pointless to choose anything but the standard model.

From a practical standpoint, the Ethos loses a tiny amount of favor by not including an XLR cable. As mentioned earlier, Earthworks Audio doesn't manufacture any, but the partnership with Triad-Orbit for its mount implies there could be options for official recommendations.

If this microphone were pitched solely toward professional broadcasters, this wouldn't feel as much of an issue since many studios usually have an abundance of spare XLR cords. Right now, the marketing focus is almost evenly split with streamers, an audience that often prefers an out-of-the-box functionality.

Newcomers to the XLR standard will need a secondary journey to find an appropriately high-quality cable. It's not too difficult to be swayed by shoddy cords that talk big but could lump you with shoddy components that may diminish the Ethos' performance. Perhaps a 'we recommend' section on the included quickstart guide and website could help convince the streaming audience to pick up this otherwise perfect microphone.

Earthworks Audio Ethos: The competition

For streamers looking to graduate from USB microphones to something more professional, XLR condenser variants are top-shelf for broadcast-quality audio. You have a little more versatility than a dynamic model, and the higher sensitivity found on the Ethos means you don't need it placed right in front of your face at all times.

To match the same flexible use case, the Rode Broadcaster is a $419 condenser microphone that jumps ahead in price but doesn't match up in all of its specifications. Sensitivity is the same at -34.0dB, but the frequency range caps out at 20,000Hz and uses a standard cardioid pattern instead of supercardioid.

The Shure SM7B is a $500 condenser option for XLR that uses a dynamic diaphragm, focusing on recording close-up voices. Its 50 to 20,000Hz frequency range isn't up to par with the Ethos, but you get another fantastic foam widescreen for similar plosive prevention. Where the SM7B shines is its independence from phantom power, but an extra $100 might not be enough to convince on saving some energy.

If the Ethos feels excessive, the Elgato Wave DX with Wave XLR offers one of the most affordable avenues for XLR microphones. Without any processing, it does pick up a disappointing amount of noise. You'll need to use a set of post-processing plugins to shape your recordings into something more professional.

As with any XLR option, it needs a mixer for connection like the Wave XLR and an XLR cable. If you pick up the whole Elgato Wave package with an official microphone arm, you'll be spending around $400.

Matching the price of an Ethos with no extras is tempting for Elgato customers, but I used the cheapest microphone arm I could get my hands on and only prioritized a high-quality XLR cable. Consider picking up the Elgato Wave XLR mixer for $170 for a simple USB-C connection to your PC.

Earthworks Audio Ethos: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

• You prefer a clean, simplistic design and an easy setup.
• You want a versatile, high-end XLR microphone.
• You plan to record more than just vocals.

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You want a basic streaming microphone.
• You prefer all necessary accessories to be included.
• You don't have desk space for XLR mixing equipment.

Earthworks Audio has taken the design and manufacturing process of the Ethos microphone extremely seriously, resulting in a sturdy and elegant construction loaded with high-end components. The design is straightforward, perhaps even leaning toward professional studios than desks of energetic gamers, but it's undoubtedly one of the best microphones for streaming if you want XLR.

Its versatility goes far beyond just recording vocals and might be a little excessive for your average content creator. Still, if you pair the Ethos with accessories of equal quality, it should last you for many years. A $399 microphone is a hard sell for newcomers to the XLR scene, but Earthworks Audio is offering outrageous value for money. Skip the expensive matte black alternative and grab this stainless-steel beauty.

What you need to know

• RODE has unveiled a new USB-C microphone that offers studio-quality recordings.
• Designed for creators, the NT-USB+ uses a condenser capsule with a cardioid pattern ideal for vocals or instruments.
• A reimagining of the original NT-USB, this next-generation refresh features internal DSP effects powered by APHEX processing technology.

RODE is an established brand in the world of audio, offering a wide range of microphones for practically any scenario. Today, it revealed a next-generation refresh of its NT-USB microphone from 2014. With a form factor inspired by the original, the NT-USB+ includes a suite of enhancements to provide studio-quality recordings directly to your PC or any compatible device.

"The original NT-USB was an instant success when it launched almost a decade ago, setting a lofty standard for studio-quality USB microphones,” explains CEO Damien Wilson in an excerpt from the accompanying launch PR.

“With the NT-USB+, we are setting a new standard. We have kept the form factor and functionality that made the original such a success and introduced several new features, integrating cutting-edge technology for the next wave of creators. Plug-and-play USB audio has never sounded this good," Wilson continues.

Its compact design lends the NT-USB+ to portability and will appeal to users looking to keep their desks free from clutter. USB-C connectivity allows for simple plug-and-play but is best when connected to the companion RODE Central software on PC or mobile, which you can also find inside the RODE Connect podcasting app.

Boasting the same ultra-low-noise and high-gain Revolution preamp technology found in the fantastic Rodecaster Pro II production studio, the NT-USB+ combines a high-pass filter, noise gate, compressor, and many more effects to deliver a broadcast-quality tone. A 3.5mm headphone port on the rear uses dedicated volume and mix dials for zero-latency monitoring and helps reduce trailing cables.

The NT-USB+ will roll out to storefronts from today, and the RODE Connect app has a separate download available from the official website free of charge. Already offering studio-quality audio to a gamer-specific audience with the RODE X XCM-50 USB condenser mic, the NT-USB+ seems set for a broader appeal to all kinds of creators.

RODE was generous to reach out to Windows Central with a sample unit, so stay tuned for our upcoming review of the NT-USB+ to see how it compares to some of the best microphones for streaming.

Video games and live streams have blended into a gigantic new medium, and starting your broadcast with various hardware and software is easier than ever. Rode has been a well-known audio manufacturer for many years, famous for its high-quality microphones and equipment. However, they previously seemed to aim at a more professional market than budding creators.

Looking to tackle this growing audience with its new Rode X streaming and gaming division, new microphones are on sale with an accompanying audio software suite named Unify. Are these gamer-centric microphones worth the upgrade over the standard Rode range? I spent the weekend testing this USB-powered condenser variation for our Rode X XCM-50 review to find the answer.

Rode X XCM-50: Price, availability, and specs

Rode sells the XCM-50 USB condenser microphone through its official website and third-party retailers, including Amazon, for a $249 MSRP but is offered for $149 in some areas. Packaged with an adjustable tripod, 3m headphone extension cable, and a 3m Rode SC29 USB-C cable for appropriate devices, a replacement USB-A to USB-C cable like the official Rode SC18 is also compatible.

Rode X XCM-50: What's good

My first impressions of this all-metallic microphone were fantastic; it's incredibly well-built and feels sturdy enough to withstand more than a few knocks and bumps around a gamer's streaming setup. The XCM-50 is fixed into a rotating cradle with a super-stiff grip, allowing easy access to the USB-C and 3.5mm headphone ports at the rear. The cradle connects to the included tripod mount or any compatible microphone arm using an included screw thread after removing a rubber cap.

Anyone familiar with audio equipment will find no issues getting started. Still, luckily for even the most novice streaming beginner, you don't need any severe tools since there's a wide enough slot to tighten the thread with a coin or keyring, as I did. The three-legged mount is the most curious part of this package, far from the standard flat-base table stands that come with similar microphones.

The plastic tripod mount fixes to the metallic XCM-50 with threaded screws that are easy enough to tighten by hand, keeping with the theme of accessibility and a simple setup. At the top end, a ball joint allows you to tilt the microphone just enough, which works in junction with the already-adjustable cradle. It's a novel idea, if somewhat reminiscent of a handheld gimbal for cameras. With enough space on your desk, you'll be able to maneuver this mic into a comfortable position.

Since the XCM-50 is packaged with a 3m USB-C to USB-C cable, I opted for a Rode SC18 USB-A variant that was generously included with the review unit. Not everyone has a modern motherboard or up-to-date laptop with the necessary port, but switching the cable didn't cause any issues. There's a gigantic 3m headphone extension cable too, so it's doubtful you'll run out of length during setup.

The new Unify audio software is a massive part of the Rode X brand, and full access is included with the XCM-50. Designed as a virtual mixing studio, it can route up to four USB microphones and six virtual sources into one, much like the Rodecaster Pro II does in a physical sense. A QR code on the box directs you to everything you need, ditching the need for paper manuals and allowing for the latest advice direct from Rode.

If you're not used to the concept of routing audio, it'll likely take a brief learning session to wrap your head around exactly what's happening, but the results are tremendous. The Unify app automatically applies a series of live Aphex-branded signal processing, which can be individually adjusted to your liking. This perfect blend of hardware and software has the XCM-50 jumping a few steps ahead of its competitors.

Should you bypass the Unify app altogether, for whatever reason, raw recordings from the XCM-50 still sound great. Without taking advantage of the internal DSP, everything sounds suitably flat but remains crisp. If you were in a pinch and couldn't access the Internet, you could record high-quality vocals in a plug-and-play manner for later processing. Even the default Unify settings sound fantastic, elevating your voice with professional broadcast quality, so there's no reason not to use it.

If you can overlook the hoarse voice, you can hear how the XCM-50 makes my voice sound well-rounded and booming, even when I'm sick. Mixing my audio sources helps simplify streaming with OBS Studio, and the live soundboard snippets come in handy for fun moments. Even cable management is a little easier using the live monitoring function since I can route all the audio back to the headphone port. The physical volume control knob combined with a mute button is equally well-made and easy to use in a pinch.

Rode X XCM-50: What's not so good

If you don't have a microphone arm to mount the XCM-50, you'll need to rely on the plastic tripod mount. Although it is well made and does a fantastic job of holding the metallic microphone in place, the legs themselves aren't so sturdy in every position. Each has a notch towards the top, which clicks into position at full stretch, spreading out in each direction across your workspace.

It can technically stand up without fully extending the tripod legs, albeit with less stability. If your desk has a material covering, this will help keep it elevated as high as you might need. Still, one or two errant touches will eventually see it sinking to the lowest point unless you can anchor it against something solid. Using two front legs partially extended and the rear end out all the way is a satisfactory compromise, but more notches along the legs would have improved things.

Streamers and gamers generally need to prioritize other equipment on a desk. Some will likely spring for a microphone arm to swing it comfortably out of the way above everything else. The XCM-50 tripod does creep a little too much on a compact desk setup, and you might find it takes up some of your keyboard and mouse space if placed directly in front of you. The standard screw attachment leaves plenty of alternatives, so consider your options first.

Since the XCM-50 is a USB-C microphone, that's the only cable you should expect to find in the box. Without USB-A, you might struggle to connect to anything but the latest desktops and laptops with the appropriate ports. Any replacement cable of reasonable quality should work just fine, and it's a minor setback that'll likely only affect the kinds of consumers who hang on to their technology as long as possible.

Seeing six new audio outputs and two input sources appear in Windows could be intimidating for casual users since you could accidentally select one with no playback.

Without setting the microphone up in Unify, the XCM-50 floods you with audio devices that, at first glance, all seem to do the same thing. Perhaps if the automatic drivers installed by Windows stuck to a singular output, it would be more suitable as an ad-hoc microphone when needed for quick recordings without Internet access.

Any gamer looking for a quick plug-and-play microphone needs to double-check their setup, especially since it's not designed to connect to any consoles out of the box. The downsides are relatively trivial but worth noting when comparing against the competition. PC gaming with the Unify app is where this microphone shines, so stick to what it does best, and you won't be disappointed with its performance during live streams.

Rode X XCM-50: The competition

There isn't a shortage of USB microphones to choose from, and plenty offer high-quality recordings just like the XCM-50. If you're not too interested in video game streaming but still want the same build quality, you can get practically the same experience with Rode's own NT-USB Mini, which comes with a standard flat base stand for your desk.

You'll still have access to audio software similar to Unify with Rode Connect, and the included USB-A to USB-C cable supports older hardware. The two microphones are so strikingly similar that the XCM-50 feels more like a special "gaming edition" than an entirely new product. A $100 jump for an extra DSP chip and access to the full range of Unify software tools means if you never plan to make full use of these extras, you're only paying extra for red paint and a tripod.

Considering you can pick up the Elgato Wave 3 for the same price point, you'll benefit from a more straightforward flat stand than the desk-hogging Rode X tripod, and it comes with a standard USB-A cable to boot. Whether or not Elgato's Wave Link audio suite compares with Unify is up for debate, but I would personally lean towards the Rode X pairing alongside a decent microphone arm.

Rode X XCM-50: Should you buy?

You should buy this if ...

• You want a high-quality condenser USB mic.
• You want to enhance your livestreaming voiceovers.
• You stream from multiple applications and sources.

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You don't want to change to new audio software.
• You won't use live audio processing effects.
• You have limited desk space.

The XCM-50 is exceptionally similar to the standard Rode NT-USB Mini at a glance, but the best features are hidden inside. Rode X isn't just a lick of paint to appeal to gamers; it's a range of hardware tweaks paired with the fantastic Unify app, all aimed at making life easier for streamers and live content creators. The DSP effects give you a studio-quality voice for narration, and submixing all your sources into one place makes volume management a breeze.

It'll be easy to recommend it to anyone who needs the best microphone for streaming since the live processing effects sound equally as good as a high-end XLR mic with a physical preamp. The desk tripod mount isn't for everyone; you'll need plenty of desk space to angle it into the best position and still have room for a mouse and keyboard. Only pick up the XCM-50 if you're confident you'll use all the extra functions.

What you need to know

• Rode has unveiled a range of hardware and software under its new Rode X brand, a streaming and gaming division.
• The Australian audio manufacturer has introduced two USB-powered microphones and UNIFY audio mixing software as part of the new range.
• Both the $149 XCM-50 condenser microphone and the $249 XDM-100 dynamic variant are on sale now, with the UNIFY software available under a subscription model.

Secretly developing the new Rode X range for the last three years, the Australian manufacturer is already well-known for high-quality microphones and processing equipment like the Rodecaster Pro II. This fresh sub-brand targets an audience of gamers and prospective live streamers with two brand-new USB-powered microphones and software to accompany them.

“For more than three decades, RØDE has been the go-to audio brand for the world’s creators. We have made it our mission to provide professional audio solutions to musicians, filmmakers, podcasters, and broadcasters. Now we’re doing the same for streamers and gamers.”, explains Rode CEO Damien Wilson in an excerpt from the accompanying launch PR.

Firstly, the XCM-50 is a $149 USB-powered condenser microphone designed with gamers in mind and is optimized for live streaming. This professional-grade microphone features a built-in desktop tripod stand and swing mount, plus an internal pop shield and shock mount to reduce pops and other noise during recording.

You can mount the XCM-50 to a microphone arm, but the desk mount makes it much easier for beginners to start content creation. A headphone port allows latency-free monitoring with adjustable volume and a mute button ideal for privacy moments during live streaming.

Next is the $249 XDM-100 USB-powered dynamic microphone, featuring professional-grade components to deliver ultra-low-noise recordings with a high-gain Revolution preamp. High-resolution 24-bit audio at 48KHz converts from analog to digital over USB with pristine audio quality.

The same noise-filtering as the XCM-50 is included, alongside a studio-quality dynamic capsule and tighter cardioid polar pattern to reduce background noise like keyboards and mice during streams. Zero-latency monitoring is still available via a headphone jack with dedicated volume control and a mute function on this high-end microphone.

Unify is software designed to make life easier for streamers and gamers by consolidating complex audio-routing tasks into one easy-to-use app, mixing up to four USB-powered mics or other recording devices with six virtual sources into one interface. Managing sub-mixes for inputs and outputs makes for easy volume management, plus live voice effects add an element of fun alongside its studio-grade audio processing.

“The launch of RØDE X marks an exciting new era for RØDE,” says Damien Wilson.

“In addition to these two incredible microphones and UNIFY, we have a suite of groundbreaking products currently in development that are going to shape the future of audio for streaming and gaming. This is just the beginning.”

Both microphones are available for purchase now, and the Rode X Unify app can be downloaded separately from the official website with a $5 monthly or $45 annual subscription. More products are planned for the new Rode X sub-brand, set for release in 2023 and beyond.

Stay tuned for our upcoming review of the XCM-50 to see how it compares to some of the best microphones for streaming.

What you need to know

• HyperX, now owned by HP, has announced its new ProCast XLR Microphone
• The mic features an XLR connection, a cardioid polar pattern input, and a gold-sputtered large diaphragm condenser capsule.
• The HyperX ProCast large diaphragm condenser mic will be available in the U.S. through Amazon, Best Buy, and the online HyperX Shop for $249.99 MSRP starting in October.

When it comes to microphones, you can go from cheap to extraordinary, depending on your needs, profession, and income level. For those who fall into “pros” or with the ability to justify dropping $250 on a PC microphone, the new HyperX ProCast XLR will do the trick.

The mic, which looks much like its others, including the excellent QuadCast, swaps out three 14mm electret condenser capsules for a massive “one-inch gold-sputtered externally-polarized condenser.”

It also drops a standard USB connector for a more professional XLR one, resulting in more precise sound quality and letting you connect to an external XLR mixer.

The ProCast frequency response remains the same (20Hz~20kHz) vs. QuadCast, but the overall quality from the large diaphragm condenser and XLR cable results in a much richer sound for vocals.

And unlike the QuadCast, which has options for stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, and bidirectional polar patterns, the ProCast only offers cardioid. Cardioid is the most commonly used one (it’s most sensitive at 0° and least sensitive at 180°) as it focuses on the sound source.

HyperX also notes that the ProCast features “a switchable -10dB PAD allows the microphone to handle loud audio sources and an 80Hz high-pass filter switch helps to reduce unwanted low-end frequencies.”

Like other HyperX microphones, the ProCast also includes a snap-on metal pop filter and a built-in shock mount to reduce background noise and steady the mic.

However, to likely keep costs down, no XLR cable is included, so you’ll need to buy your own (in addition to an XLR USB mixer, like the popular Beringer U-Phoria UMC22). Likewise, there is no base stand to connect to the 3/8-inch and 5/8-inch mount adapter.

Availability

The HyperX ProCast large diaphragm condenser mic will be available in the U.S. through Amazon, Best Buy, and the online HyperX Shop for $249.99 MSRP starting in October.

If you’d like to hear the ProCast in action, tune into the Windows Central Podcast this Friday at 1:30 PM ET, as I’ll be using it, while co-host Zac Bowden will be using the HyperX QuadCast, letting you compare the two.

For those on a budget, check out HyperX's new $100 DuoCast USB microphone, complete with RGB lighting. And for more ideas, see our best microphone for streaming guide.

What you need to know

• HyperX just announced its DuoCast USB microphone featuring RGB lighting and support for high-res audio.
• New color options were also announced for the HyperX QuadCast S and HyperX SoloCast microphones, both of which can now be ordered in white.
• The HyperX DuoCast is available now for $100, and the QuadCast S and SoloCast are available in white for $160 and $60, respectively.

HyperX just announced a new microphone for streamers, the DuoCast. It supports high-res 24-bit bit-depth and up to a 96kHz sampling rate, which should help deliver clear audio. The mic sits between the entry-level SoloCast and the high-end QuadCast, both of which also gained new color options today. The HyperX DuoCast is available now for $100.

The HyperX DuoCast USB microphone is designed to work with the PS5, PS4, Macs, and PCs. The DuoCast does not work with the Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, so you'll have to pick up one of the best Xbox headsets to stream audio on those devices.

The microphone has an internal pop filter and a low-profile shock mount. Streamers can also adjust gain and select between two polar patterns (cardioid or omnidirectional) to fine-tune their audio setup.

HyperX also built LED lighting into the DuoCast, which is controllable through HyperX NGENUITY software.

Starting today, the HyperX QuadCast S and SoloCast are also available in white. These have both been out for a while but gained new color options today. The SoloCast also gained support for high-resolution 24-bit bit depth and up to a 96kHz sampling rate.

Fun fact, we use a pair of HyperX QuadCasts, which are among the best microphones for streaming, when recording the Windows Central Podcast.

Grab the Razer Seiren X USB streaming microphone for just $54.99 at Amazon. That's $10 lower than it has ever been and $20 off what it has regularly sold for at the retailer. The MSRP is $100 so the mic has dropped 50% since its release, making this a bargain if you're in the market for a great way to record your audio.

The Seiren X is one of several USB mics in Razer's lineup, but it is one of the best. If you just want to eliminate all the hassle of setting up audio and get right to recording your voice in the best possible way, This is a wired mic that connects via USB, which makes it easy to use with your laptop or computer.

• See all the Prime Day deals: USA | UK | Canada | India

Get a Razer Seiren X for less on Prime Day

With a built-in shock mount, you don't have to worry about vibrations from jostling your desk or typing on your keyboard somehow getting picked up by the mic. You'll get smooth, uninterrupted audio every time. Plus the super-cardioid pickup pattern the microphone uses helps to eliminate background noise like the clicking of a mouse or the clack of a mechanical keyboard. The farther away those noises are, the less they'll be picked up. Ideally, the only thing anyone should hear through this mic is exactly what you want them to hear. 

And if that's not the case, you'll know it thanks to zero-latency monitoring. Zero Latency means you can hear your voice in real-time without getting an echo of yourself, helping you stay oriented while also making sure the audio you're recording is on point.

Stay tuned to Windows Central for the next few days as we're rounding up all the best Prime Day laptop deals and Prime Day monitor deals too if you're really looking to upgrade your gaming setup.

Audio is so important these days. Whether you are a content creator or just need a quality mic for your next work-related meeting, an audio upgrade can make you seem more professional. Today you can get the Shure MV7X XLR microphone for just $131 at Newegg if you use the code 93XST42 during checkout. This is normally a $180 mic, but it is currently on sale for $161 at Newegg and other retailers. The code taking another $30 off is unique here and a part of Newegg's Shell Shocker deals, The Shell Shocker page features temporary price drops that change each day, so you know this deal won't last long. Not only is this price better than any other retailer, it's the best price we've ever seen.

The MV7X is a great mic for podcasting and other forms of content creation because it uses a dynamic cartridge, a cardioid pick-up pattern, and a shock mount. This leads to maximum voice isolation so only the crystal clear sound of the words you utter are picked up. The cardioid pattern ensures devices behind the mic, like your keyboard or speakers, aren't making noises that will be picked up. Dynamic mics are also very different from condensor mics (like the Blue Yeti) and tend to be more focused on the details of your voice rather than grabbing sound from a wider area.

Since the mic uses an XLR output, that makes it easy to connect to professional interfaces like the GoXLR or the Focusrite Solo. This gives you the flexibility to adjust your audio to perfection and set it up right every time. With the right device you can even combine multiple mics or pair the recording of your voice with the recording of an instrument.

The mic is also compatible with a wide array of mic stands and even includes an extra adapter for different sizes. Shure backs up the MV7X with a two-year warranty.

You can currently find the JLab Talk Pro professional plug-and-play USB microphone on sale for $81.09 through Amazon. That's a low price and worth talking about because Best Buy currently has the JLab Pro advertised as a "Deal of the Day," but it's only at $90. Save some money at Amazon. Plus the street price is around $120, and you can find it going for even more than that at other retailers. At this low price it's essentially the same price as its lesser version, the JLab Talk, which is going for $80 right now in most places.

Both the Jab Talk and the Jab Talk Pro USB condenser mics are on sale at Best Buy today as part of Best Buy's deals of the day. The regular Jlab Talk is down to $59.99 and the Pro version is on sale for $89.99. The regular mic price matches the lowest we've ever seen, and the Pro version is within $10 of the best price we've ever seen. Either option is a great deal and the prices will expire tonight.

The JLab Talk series is a great lineup of easy-to-use mics that can help you improve how you sound. Whether you're doing voice overs for a YouTube video or looking to produce a new podcast, you'll be able to get studio-quality sound with these mics. Both mics include three condensers and tons of control for you.

You'll get professional-grade recordings up to 96kHz/24BIT with the Jlab Talk or up to 192kHz and 24BIT with the Pro mic, giving you clear, detailed audio every time. You can optimize the sound based on your needs, too, so you'll sound great even if you're just joining a Zoom call.

The four directional patterns are key to how your audio gets picked up. The pattern you use depends on what you're trying to do. Cardioid, for example, is a popular choice for gamers trying to stream because it's designed to pick up all the sounds coming from the front of the mic (i.e. your voice) while not picking up the sounds coming directly behind the mic (like your keyboard or mouse clicks). Experiment with the other patterns, too, especially if you want to record an instrument or work with a partner to do some voiceovers or something like that.

You'll also get some other features like gain adjustment, volume control, a 3.5mm aux input for real-time listening, and more. Since the mics are plug-and-play, you will not need any extra drivers or anything to get going either.

The Blue Yeti X is often recommended if you're wanting to spend a little and need to communicate with friends and guildmates. It's also a fantastic microphone for streamers, thanks to included features, sound quality, and ease of use. It's also not too expensive.

Best overall: Blue Yeti X

Streaming to an audience requires you to be entertaining to watch, good (or not so good) at games, and have a microphone to capture your voice. A cheap headset with a built-in microphone would suffice, but it won't provide the best experience for viewers who tune in. To take your streaming game to the next level, you need to purchase a microphone that offers a far superior sound quality.

The Blue Yeti X is one such microphone, and it happens not to cost a small fortune. The excellent sound capture results in crisp audio to allow your audience to hear everything. It's also straightforward to use — there's no need to purchase an elaborate sound system thanks to the USB interface. Simply plug and talk.

If you're not a fan of using the included stand, which only raises the microphone slightly off the desk, the Yeti X can be hooked up to a microphone mount or arm. This will allow you to configure the microphone in a custom setup. You might also want to pick up a pop filter for even better sound quality.

Whether you're an enthusiastic gamer, part-time streamer, or a "filthy casual," the Blue Yeti X is a microphone worth purchasing for the sound quality alone.

Runner-up: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+

Audio-Technica makes some great microphones, and the AT2020USB+ is a stunner. In fact, it's hard to believe this thing costs what it does. Just like the Blue Yeti, you can plug this microphone into your PC using a USB cable. You can also hook up your favorite pair of cans to hear what the device picks up.

Using the cardioid polar pattern allows the microphone to better capture your voice alone, more effectively shielding it against distortion from the unit's sides or rear. The AT2020USB+ is ideal for podcasting, gaming, field recording, and home studio recording, depending on what you plan to use it for. Just don't expect to use XLR cabling and equipment with this mic, unless you buy the non-USB version, of course.

Premium sound: Aston Stealth

Aston is a British brand specializing in microphones and audio equipment. The Aston Stealth is the company's attempt at creating a microphone for streamers and gamers, packing in all the advanced features you'd expect from an Aston mic, including profiles that alter more than just EQ values.

Using an XLR interface, you can hook this thing up to your available mixer, and the sleek black design looks great with any PC setup. It's also built like a tank, designed to take a beating or two should you decide to use one in a live stage environment.

Should you be looking out for a new premium condenser microphone, the Stealth is a cracking studio solution that can easily take your audio to the next level. It'll likely be overkill for most gamers and beginner streamers, but when you're ready to move up to premium equipment, the Aston Stealth should be shortlisted.

Gamer's delight: HyperX QuadCast

HyperX is a reliable brand that produces some killer PC accessories and gaming hardware, including some excellent headsets. The company's first attempt at a standalone microphone resulted in the HyperX QuadCast, and you should consider it for your gaming setup.

Not only does it look solid and is durable enough for use on the go, but the QuadCast also offers excellent audio recording capabilities, a total of four polar patterns to choose from, and supports most mounts and stands out there, depending on dimensions. The only downside may be the red RGB lighting, which cannot be disabled.

Portable pick: Razer Seiren V2 X

When you find yourself switching locations frequently and need a microphone that can be taken along for the ride, the Razer Seiren V2 X is one you can rely on. Thanks to its built-in shock mount, this microphone can quickly be attached to different mounts without much hassle. It has a super-cardioid pickup pattern, which is more focused on your voice and does a solid job of isolating background noise.

Throw in zero-latency monitoring through headphones, and you've got a great package at a great price. Usually, with Razer hardware, you'd expect to pay a small premium, but this microphone is rather affordable. The only things holding this microphone back are the ever-so-slightly lower quality compared to some of the other offerings here, as well as an adapter to attach a boom arm.

Value pick: AmazonBasics Desktop Mini

The AmazonBasics Desktop Mini microphone is surprisingly good. You wouldn't think it would be worth considering the price, but the online retail giant has shocked us with other products. This mic is no exception. It's not the best-sounding microphone out there, but you shouldn't expect that.

The affordable price is matched by an easy-to-use USB interface that lets you simply plug and speak. That's also a highlight if you're just starting out and don't fancy diving into the deep end when it comes to audio equipment. But when you want to get serious with streaming, you'll want to invest in a better microphone.

Bottom line

The Blue Yeti X is a reliable microphone that offers high-quality recording for any streamer. That said, it's not the best solution for every streamer, which is where our alternative picks come into play.

When you're ready to go full-time with streaming, a microphone like the Aston Stealth would be a solid purchase. It sounds incredible, offers some advanced recording features like profile switching, and will work with most mixer setups.

With a great microphone from our list, all you need is a webcam. We rounded up the best webcams for Twitch to compliment your streaming setup.

A great mic, and great audio in general, is essential for content creation. Whether you're trying to be the next YouTube star or want to stream games live on Twitch or whatever, don't overlook the need for solid audio. The JLab Audio Talk USB condenser microphone is a solid choice, and right now you can get it for just $59.99 through Best Buy. That's an excellent price and one of the best we've ever seen. It drop about $10 lower during Black Friday, but it was easy to miss that deal if you weren't looking for it. Outside of the holiday shopping weekend, today's price is the best we've ever seen for a mic that can often sell as high as $100. This is even $20 better than Amazon's current price, but the Best Buy sale is one of the deals of the day and won't last long.

The Jlab Talk is right smack dab in the middle of the Jlab Audio USB mic lineup. You can save on the other members of that group today as well. The Jlab Talk Go, for example, is on sale for $27.74 through Amazon. This mic normally sells for around $50, although it has been mostly hovering around $40 in recent months. This drop is the lowest it has ever been on Amazon. You can also upgrade to the JLab Talk Pro, which is down to $81.09 at Amazon. The street price for that mic is around $120, and today's deal is within about $6 of its lowest price ever.

If you haven't heard of the Jlab Talk series, these are high-performance mics that are designed to sit on your desktop and provide studio-quality audio. With the Jlab Talk you get a recording sample rate of 96kHz and a bit depth of 24 bits. It's great for recording your voice, instruments, random sounds, or whatever.

The mic has four directional patterns you can choose from including cardioid, omnidirectional, stereo, and bidirectional. The pattern you choose will determine how your mic picks up the audio it is hearing. That can be important depending on what you're doing. Cardioid is one of the more popular patterns for content creators because it's designed to pick up noise coming from the front of the mic while ignoring the audio coming from behind. If you want to talk without the mic picking up sounds from your keyboard or mouse, that's a good way to do it.

Other features include gain adjustment, volume control, a 3.5mm aux input so you can monitor your audio with no latency, and more. It's also plug-and-play so you can get to work without needing any drivers or software.

The Blue Yeti is often recommended if you're simply playing games and need to communicate with friends and guildmates. It's also a fantastic microphone for streamers too, thanks to included features, sound quality, and ease-of-use. It's also not too expensive.

Best Overall: Blue Yeti

Streaming to an audience requires you to be entertaining to watch, good (or not so good) at games, and a microphone to capture your voice. A cheap headset with a built-in microphone would suffice, but it won't provide the best experience for viewers who tune in. To take your streaming game to the next level, you need to purchase a microphone that offers a far superior sound quality.

The Blue Yeti is one such microphone, and it happens to not cost a small fortune. The excellent sound capture results in crisp audio to allow your audience to hear everything. It's also incredibly easy to use — there's no need to purchase an elaborate sound system thanks to the USB interface. Simply plug and talk.

If you're not a fan of using the included stand, which only raises the microphone slightly off the desk, the Yeti can be hooked up to a microphone mount or arm. This will allow you to configure the microphone in a custom setup. You might also want to pick up a pop filter for even better sound quality.

Whether you're an enthusiastic gamer, part-time streamer, or a "filthy casual" the Blue Yeti is a microphone worth purchasing for the sound quality alone.

Premium Sound: Aston Stealth

Aston is a British brand specializing in microphones and audio equipment. The Stealth is the company's attempt at creating a microphone for streamers and gamers, packing in all the advanced features you'd expect from an Aston mic, including profiles that alter more than just EQ values.

Using an XLR interface, you can hook this thing up to your available mixer, and the sleek black design looks great with any PC setup. It's also built like a tank, designed to take a beating or two should you decide to use one in a live stage environment.

Should you be looking out for a new premium condenser microphone, the Stealth is a cracking studio solution that can easily take your audio to the next level. It'll likely be overkill for most gamers and beginner streamers, but when you're ready to move up to premium equipment, the Aston Stealth should be shortlisted.

Gamer's Delight: HyperX QuadCast

HyperX is a reliable brand that produces some killer PC accessories and gaming hardware, including some excellent headsets. The company's first attempt at a standalone microphone resulted in the QuadCast, and you should consider it for your gaming setup.

Not only does it look solid and is durable enough for use on the go, but the QuadCast also offers excellent audio recording capabilities, a total of four polar patterns to choose from, and supports most mounts and stands out there, depending on dimensions. The only downside may be the red RGB lighting, which cannot be disabled.

Portable Pick: Razer Seiren X

When you find yourself switching locations frequently and need a microphone that can be taken along for the ride, the Razer Seiren X is one you can rely on. Thanks to its built-in shock mount, this microphone can quickly be attached to different mounts without much hassle. It has a super-cardioid pickup pattern which is more focused on your voice and does a solid job of isolating background noise.

Throw in zero-latency monitoring through headphones, and you've got a great package at a great price. Usually, with Razer hardware, you'd expect to pay a small premium, but this microphone is rather affordable. The only things holding this microphone back are the ever-so-slightly lower quality compared to some of the other offerings here, as well as an adapter to attach a boom arm.

Value Pick: Fifine Microphone

The Fifine microphone is surprising good. You wouldn't think it would be worth considering at the price, but you'd be wrong. This mic delivers a solid option for streamers who are just getting started and don't have a huge budget for equipment.

The affordable price is matched by an easy-to-use USB interface that lets you simply plug and speak. That's also a highlight if you're just starting out and don't fancy diving into the deep end when it comes to audio equipment. But when you want to get serious with streaming, you'll want to invest in a better microphone.

Bottom line

While every microphone that made our list is a solid investment for streamers looking to up their audio quality, the Blue Yeti rises above the competition to deliver a stellar product with fantastic high-quality recording.

This microphone delivers everything you could need in one robust package, and it's an investment that is well worth every penny. It's not a particularly expensive mic, and you get great features that will ensure your viewers can hear every word while you stream. It also features latency-free playback, excellent sound quality, and the ability to plug in and start recording without hassles involved.

Want to make your audio sound even better when recording your next podcast or YouTube video voiceover? The JLab Audio Talk USB mic is a great option, and today it's down to its lowest price ever at just $49.99 at Amazon. You can also find this price at Best Buy, but the mic normally sells for between $60 and $80. It was going for as much as $100 earlier this summer.

The JLab Talk is a great mid-range mic, but it's not the only member of the Talk lineup on sale right now. You could also go for the JLab Talk Go. This is a more budget-oriented and portable version of the mic, and right now it's down to $43.99 at Amazon. That's a $6 discount off its regular price. You could also grab the step-up mic, the JLab Audio Talk Pro on sale for $119.99. We have seen it go lower than this in the past, but the price is still $30 off what it was going for in June.

What you get is a high-performance mic with three condensers, a recording sample rate of 96kHz and a bit depth of 24-bits. It's not a mic that's meant to travel but rather sit on your desk and regularly give you the upgraded and consistent audio you desire. Whatever sort of content creation you're into, whether that's streaming on Twitch or building up a community on YouTube, you'll get quality sound. Record your voice, play an instrument, have podcast-like debates, or whatever.

The mic also includes four directional pattern modes to help you decide how you want your audio to be picked up. Choose between Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Stereo, and Bidirectional. The pattern you pick depends on what and how you're recording and how you want that audio to be picked up. Cardioid, for example, is the most popular pattern for YouTubers and Twitch streamers because it's designed to ignore sound coming from behind the mic, which would include things like the typing of a keyboard or click of a mouse. But you will need to find the pattern that works best for you, and don't forget to change it up if your setup changes!

The mic has a lot of other controls as well. It comes with a gain control for adjusting to any distortion, a volume control, and a 3.5mm aux input. Connect a pair of headphones and get real-time listening. It's also a plug-and-play mic that doesn't require any drivers, so you can just plug in and go. Comes with a 6.5-foot USB-C cable and an adjustable stand.

What you need to know

• Razer announced the Seiren V2 Pro and Seiren V2 X microphones today.
• The Seiren V2 Pro is a professional streaming microphone, and the Seiren V2 X is built for more casual streaming.
• The Seiren V2 Pro ($150) and Seiren V2 X ($100) are available starting today.

Razer announced the Seiren V2 Pro and Seiren V2 X microphones today. The Seiren V2 Pro is a professional mic that looks to compete with the best microphones for streamers. The Seiren V2 X is a mic aimed at casual streaming that follows the popular Seiren X. Both new microphones are available starting today. The Seiren V2 Pro costs $150, while the Seiren V2 X costs $100.

The Seiren V2 Pro has high pass filters and analog gain limiters to help capture desired audio. Razer highlights the following features:

• Dynamic Microphone, to Enable Rich, Powerful Vocal Capture
• 20 Hz Frequency Response to Capture Full Range of Audio
• Analog Gain Limiter to Prevent Voice Distortion
• Superior Dynamic Range and Precision with 24 Bit Rate

The Seiren V2 X is a condenser microphone with supercardioid pickup patterns. Some of the Seiren V2 X's main features are:

• 25mm Condenser Microphone for Natural Vocal Quality
• Supercardioid Pickup Pattern for Greater Voice Isolation
• Analog Gain Limiter to Prevent Voice Distortion
• Superior Dynamic Range and Precision with 24 Bit Rate

Both microphones work with Razer Synapse for customization, such as independently adjusting input and output levels of multiple audio sources. They also each support sound profiles.

If you're not creating content, you're just consuming it. Be on the side making money from the hobby. Get out there and put together some YouTube videos or stream on Twitch or something. It's not hard to get started, and who knows? You could go viral or be the next TikTok star! One thing I do know is the key to a great video is great audio. Don't underestimate what crystal clear voice can do for whatever content you happen to create.

Not all mics are created equal. There are very specific qualities you will want to keep an eye out for, and you'll want to determine what's best for your situation. For example, do you want a condenser mic or a dynamic mic? Dynamic mics are much better at picking up large sounds from a single direction (like your voice or an instrument) but they also tend to be perceived as not as loud, requiring more tinkering with your equipment. Condenser mics can pick up a lot more, but that can mean certain sounds getting in the way of a good recording (like the clicks of your mechanical keyboard). That's just one example of many a preference you'll need to decide when buying a new mic.

Best Streaming Microphone Deals:

Picking the best microphone for PC gaming and streaming can be a troublesome experience simply down to how much choice there is out there. There are different types of microphones that support a variety of connections and recording types. The most common for PC use are USB microphones.

NZXT has been making cases and other PC components for many years now and the company is slowly moving into the audio space. The NZXT Capsule is its initial attempt, targeting gamers and content creators seeking a simple, yet powerful tool for recording their voice. In a competitive market, NZXT has managed to carve out a slice for brand fans and newcomers.

NZXT Capsule: Price and availability

The NZXT Capsule is now available in the U.S. and beyond for $130. This covers the microphone itself with the stand preinstalled. In terms of accessories, you only get a USB-C cable.

NZXT is also selling an optional boom arm mount that can be used with the microphone. It's possible to use this mic with your favorite mount with support for the same standard, but NZXT's own arm comes with a few handy features. Just be sure to bear the price in mind, coming in at a whopping $100.

NZXT Capsule: What's good

The NZXT Capsule is an impressive piece of kit. For starters, we've got a 96kHz at 24-bit sound resolution with a 20Hz to 20kHz standard frequency response. What this means is the NZXT Capsule has a little more headroom in terms of dynamic range, capping out at 120dB. Most microphones we've reviewed at this price point are 16-bit.

In terms of design, the Capsule fits in with other NZXT products. It's an aluminum body with a matte black or white finish. The black review sample we have today is particularly sleek-looking. On the front are two volume knobs for input and output, respectively. Above these is the grille, which faces frontwards since this microphone only supports the cardioid polar pattern.

The cardioid polar pattern is great for recording voice, which is precisely what NZXT designed the Capsule for. While it's good to have other patterns available for a more diverse tool, if you're solely going to be using the microphone for gaming and/or streaming, cardioid is perfect. The stand is preattached to the microphone and a button on the rear acts as a quick release.

Windows Central Audio Samples · NZXT Capsule - Windows Central

For audio recording, the NZXT Capsule is great. It won't be the best microphone you've used when compared to more expensive studio-grade solutions, but gaming and getting started in the streaming world is where this audio device will shine. For the price, it's a winner, especially if you already own NZXT products and want a more integrated setup.

NZXT Capsule: What's not good

There's not really much to dislike about the NZXT Capsule. My largest gripe is the lack of any LED indication when adjusting the volume knobs upfront on the microphone. One controls the recording volume and the other manages the level of output to connected headphones. The label for these is also difficult to see against the matte black finish.

It's a little difficult to manipulate the levels without any LED indication and as such you need to rely on what's displayed on the screen. If you somehow manage to crank everything way up, it'll take a few moments to get everything just right again. The knobs also continuously turn and there are no physical limits for making it easier to manage.

NZXT has stated the labels of these knobs will be made more prominent with release units.

NZXT Capsule: Competition

There's plenty of competition in the microphone market, especially when taking gamers and streamers into consideration. There are some great microphones in this price segment too, including the HyperX QuadCast and Movo UM700. NZXT's Capsule is a strong contender.

A good number of microphones designed for gamers in this price range come with stands designed for use on the desk. This can be useful for most cases, but some could find it annoying to have the microphone located in front of the keyboard, depending on placement — NZXT will gladly sell you a boom arm for $100.

NZXT Capsule: Should you buy it?

For what the NZXT Capsule is designed for, it's excellent. Should you be on the lookout for a good quality condenser USB microphone, you could do much worse. The design matches the company's catalog of other products, which allows you to stick to a single aesthetic and the microphone has no issue recording audio for in-game and/or some streaming.

You should buy this if ...

• You want a good quality condenser USB mic
• You're in the market to up your streaming game
• You already have a boom arm or want to use the included stand

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You have an external mixer for XLR connections
• You need something portable

The NZXT Capsule won't win awards for outstanding studio-grade audio quality, nor will it be able to go up against far more expensive microphones, but it's not designed to do either. It's a no-thrills microphone that's solely focused on delivering great audio quality for the price.

So long as you don't require a boom arm, which NZXT sells for $100, you shouldn't have any issues with the Capsule on the desk. Thankfully, everything is standard on the mic, allowing you to use far more affordable boom arms, and the optional headphone passthrough is a nice touch. A great first microphone from NZXT.

Buying the best microphone can be a tricky business, especially since there's no shortage of choice. If you're looking to get the best quality and control over your audio you're potentially considering a condenser microphone, which is the Movo VSM-7 comes in.

There are some pretty well-established players in this space, making it difficult to stand out. What Movo has here is a complete package, making it attractive to beginners and those who just want a good value setup.

Whether you're streaming or podcasting, or recording audio for any other reason, the VSM-7 is a worthwhile alternative to some of the more well-known brands.

Movo VSM-7: Price and availability

The Movo VSM-7 is available now in North America and Europe and can be bought on Amazon for $125/£108. The microphone comes as a full kit ready to go with an XLR cable, shock mount, and pop filter.

You will need a USB audio interface to use the Movo VSM-7 with your PC. For the purposes of this review, we're using the Audient Evo 4.

Movo VSM-7: What you'll like

The Movo VSM-7 is a condenser microphone with an XLR output, and as such will take its power from your USB audio interface. It supports both 24V and 48V phantom power, which means most current interfaces will be able to supply it with enough juice.

What makes the Movo VSM-7 particularly attractive is that it's a full kit in a box, ideal for beginners. You're going to need a pop filter and you're going to need a shock mount, and Movo just included them in the box so you don't have to worry about it. There's also the right cable, too, and while none of these items is perfect (more on that later), it's great to see all of this stuff has been thought about.

Spec-wise, here's what makes up the VSM-7.

Like all good condenser microphones, you get a choice of pickup pattern, ticking the three main boxes and each of them does what you would expect them to do. Most of the time you'll be in Cardioid mode with a polar pattern covering almost 180 degrees in front of the mic, but very little behind. This is the one to choose if you're streaming, too, giving you the best chance of minimizing your keyboard and mouse clicks.

Omnidirectional captures everything, and does a fine job of it, too, if you're in need of a microphone to attract all the audio in a room. Bidirectional has a more limited polar pattern, focusing on what's directly in front and behind of the microphone. Since I accidentally left this mode on while testing I can confirm it does its job really well, as evidenced by all the keyboard clicks recorded.

The Movo VSM-7 also boasts easy-to-use hardware controls. You'll have to remove the pop filter to change the pickup pattern, but on the sides, there are controls to enable the high pass filter, designed to eliminate low-frequency noise and the -10db pad which will drop the gain and allow you more headroom if you're struggling with distortion.

As a piece of hardware, the Movo VSM-7 is very good. It's a tad heavy, perhaps, so you'll need a decent boom arm or mic stand for it, but it has everything you need to get going and it feels like a quality product. But how does it sound?

Check out the sample below to hear for yourself. Used close to the mouth as is best with this type of microphone, the sound is warm and pleasing, and very clear.

Richard Devine · Movo VSM-7 sample

Movo VSM-7: What you won't like

The microphone itself is very good and while it's commendable that Movo included everything you need to get started, there are some quality concerns over the shock mount in particular. It just feels a bit flimsy, and this is no more evident than where you adjust its height and fasten it tight. It never sits straight due to how the screw literally just pinches everything together. It doesn't affect the microphone working correctly, but it's been driving me insane, and it doesn't even do up that tightly. If you push on the shock mount even lightly it will move.

Compared to the included shock mount on my Neat Worker Bee, the quality concern becomes even more evident. The Neat shock mount is a thick, well-made product with a substantial tightening screw that doesn't affect how the microphone sits. And that's on a microphone that costs similar money and weighs about the same.

The cable is also a bit cheap feeling. It works, and you get sound from it, but for how long is the question. For this review, I used my own Stagg 5-meter XLR cable, in part because the included cable wasn't long enough for my setup, but you can feel the difference in quality to even this affordable cable from the one in the box.

But, these are both issues that can be fixed. There's nothing fancy going on at the base of the VSM-7, so you should be able to use it with third-party shock mounts OK, and a better XLR cable doesn't cost much at all.

In terms of the mic itself, there's only really one point of contention and that's with the -10db mode. It's perhaps a little too much of a drop, considering how much extra gain it required to get back to comfortable audible levels. That could, in part, be down to the USB interface I've paired it with, but I feel like a -5db pad might well have been better overall. This is a microphone that will appeal to beginners, and I think that takes too much away to be truly useful to everyone.

Movo VSM-7: Competition

There is no shortage of condenser microphones on the market, and for the most part, the Movo VSM-7 stands toe-to-toe with them. One of the less obvious choices is the Neat Microphones Worker Bee, a similarly priced condenser mic that also comes with an included shock mount and pop filter. The Worker Bee is a bit of a hidden gem, and the quality hasn't gone unnoticed with the company being recently acquired by Turtle Beach.

The measuring stick for some time in this price range though has been the Audio Technica AT2020. It's available for a little less than the VSM-7 but without a shock mount, cable, or pop filter, so it loses out on overall value. But it's still considered one of the best in its class.

Movo VSM-7: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You want a good quality, great value condenser mic
• You're in the market to up your streaming game
• You want everything in one box

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You don't have a USB audio interface
• You need something portable
• You don't have a substantial stand or microphone arm to hold it

As a package, the Movo VSM-7 does represent excellent value, even if there are a couple of quality concerns with the accessories. Moving into the world of condenser microphones is worth it from an audio perspective, but it can be expensive. If you don't already have a USB audio interface handy, adding on that cost does raise questions over whether it's the right purchase for you, especially since there are some excellent quality USB microphones out there.

But condenser microphones are popular for a reason, and the rich sound quality you get with the VSM-7 is why. For folks who want total control over their audio and that demand the best quality, you're going to be shopping in this market.

The VSM-7 is a very good microphone, if quite large with all its add-ons attached and it's quite hefty, too. But for what you pay and how good it sounds, it's impossible not to be impressed with the Movo VSM-7.

As an entry-level content creator, one issue I'd always had was hunting down a solid microphone that wouldn't break the bank. There are dozens upon dozens of options out there, and I always felt a bit let down in various ways from the products I'd purchased. I'm using the Blue Yeti X right now as my go-to, but it's a fair bit pricier than what some might be able to invest in upfront. Thanks to Movo, though, there might be a cheaper option here.

This is the Movo UM700, a USB PC mic aimed at reducing the cost of entry to podcasting, game streaming, and beyond. I may find myself slipping it into our best microphones for streamers roundup after this review.

Movo UM700 mic: Price and availability

The Movo UM700 has a RRP of $99, but Amazon offers a free coupon bringing the price down to $79 instead, making it a great budget option for entry-level content creation. It's available from other major retailers as well, and seems to be well stocked as of writing.

Movo UM700 mic: What's good

The Movo UM700 sports an impressive spec sheet, offering 48kHz at 16-bit sound resolution with a 20Hz to 20kHz standard frequency response. The metallic body houses three recording capsules, and comes with a metal base with a rubberized underside for anti-slip stability. The swivel can be adjusted with two screws on either side, and provides some solid rigidity while also remaining adjustable on the fly. It also has a standard screw socket underneath, for mounting on shock mounts or swivel arms.

In the box you get a micro-USB to USB-A cable which has a far more generous length than a lot of competing products out there. Products like this tend to use micro-USB over USB-C because of the grooves that micro-USB has, helping it to hold the connection in place when angled vertically. To that end, it works as advertised, remaining in place without any issues.

When it comes to sound features, the Movo UM700 delivers. It has the four standard polar patterns, adjustable using a dial on the back. Cardioid for frontal-recording, stereo lets you create a dual-channel sound with left-to-right movements (good for ASMR), there's an omni-directional option for recording everything in the space regardless of the position, and an interview-style pickup pattern for recording both the front and the back of the mic, while ignoring the sides. All of the polar patterns I tested work as advertised, muffling the sound as advertised.

The audio quality is also no slouch either. Right out of the box in the above clip, the Movo UM700 delivers a clear and warm recording profile without obvious clipping or other distortions. The quality isn't the clearest you'll get in the world, but it does punch far above its weight considering the $79 asking price. The dial on the back lets you adjust the gain on the fly for finding the right audio level versus your distance from the mic, and the headphone live monitoring lets you keep your own voice levels in check when you're in the zone.

There's very little to complain about with regards to this mic, so the next section is going to be a bit tough to write.

Movo UM700 mic: What's not so good

The Movo UM700 is $79 (with the current coupon promo), and you do feel that "budgetness" in the construction to some degree. The dials don't have particularly great action, pivoting at a slight angle which feels almost like I'm unscrewing them. It's a minor gripe ultimately, since for the most part you'll probably set them and forget them, but I'm scraping the barrel here.

Additionally, I'm not a fan of mechanical mute buttons on these types of microphones. More and more products are opting for capacitive mute buttons instead, as to avoid interfering with the recording itself. When you hit the mute button on this, it produces a loud click, making it generally unusable if you don't want it to be picked up.

Finally, this thing is a fingerprint magnet. The matte finish for whatever reason seems to love smudges, despite the fact I blasted my hands with soap before unboxing it. I didn't wipe down some of the pictures so you can get an idea of what it looks like in a real setting, but again, minor gripe.

Movo UM700 mic: Competition

The Movo UM700 is a seriously high-value microphone at $79, but I have no idea how long that Amazon coupon offer wants to stick around. But honestly, even if this mic goes back up to $99 it remains a really great option. The Blue Yeti X, which I use, does offer better sound, and LED feedback for volume levels, which I find really useful, but it comes in at a hefty $170. I'm not sure that LED audio levels, brand name, and slightly better sound are worth the extra $90 bucks. I have to admit, I find myself incredibly impressed with what Movo has put out here, given the price.

Movo UM700 mic: Should you buy it?

The Movo UM700 isn't the most amazing or mind-blowing microphone out there, but it should be seen as an entry-grade option for those who are dabbling in content creation, and want to ditch their cheap headset mic or low-end budget option. This might be among the first "great" sub-$99 microphones out there for those who want to get serious about streaming, podcasting, or even recording music, with a decent array of features and solid construction.

You should buy this if ...

• You're a podcaster, streamer, or other content creator looking to elevate your content
• You want a great-sounding mic without breaking the bank

You shouldn't buy this if ...

• You want the absolute best sound recording quality

For $79 with the coupon or even $99 without it, you could do far, far worse than this mic. It has all the right features for those getting into content creation, and does exactly what it says on the tin: no frills, great product, high value-to-price ratio.

Most modern PC microphones, like the Blue Yeti or HyperX QuadCast, are large, heavy and too bulky to carry out in the field. The new Satellite microphone from Samson promises studio-grade quality in a compact package.

This is important for those who find themselves on the move often, but need to set up a studio environment quickly with a barebones equipment list — a microphone and laptop alone. This is where the Samson Satellite truly shines.

You'll love how portable the Samson Satellite is

Microphones, even USB recorders built for PC, are often bulky and not designed for portable use. You likely wouldn't take it on a work trip or out in the field. This is where the new Samson Satellite comes into play. It's not the lightest microphone on the market, but packs in a great many features into a compact package that makes it much easier to take along with you.

The design is a highlight, which doesn't come as much of a surprise as Samson makes some great-looking hardware with quality materials for a solid overall build. The Satellite is a prime example of this. Strong enough to withstand some bumps on the road, but light and compact enough to keep it portable. The outer shell itself is a mashup of aluminum and other metals. It feels premium.

What really makes this a rather special microphone is the inclusion of an integrated stand. Three arms can fold out of the main body to prop the Satellite up closer to what's to be recorded. A monitor switch is present on the front, alongside a knob to control the volume, mute button and polar pattern selector.

Speaking of patterns, this microphone supports Biderectional, Omnidirectional, and Cardioid. These patterns allow you to control just how the dual-condenser setup records sound. Whether you want the Satellite to record from all directions, front and back, or just the front, this is entirely possible.

Two other ports are located on the rear of this microphone, one for zero-latency headphone output and another for USB, which hooks up to your laptop or compatible smartphone. There's nothing to it when you want to unpack the Satellite and start using the microphone. Simply plug and play — this mic doesn't require additional drivers.

Hooking up the microphone to a desktop PC and laptop resulted in similar experiences. There are no drivers to install, which allows you to plug and start recording, and the audio quality is good. It's not as good as more pricey, larger microphones available for streamers and podcasting, but for the size, the quality here is more than good enough.

Where the Samson Satellite falls a little short

It's almost 2020 and we're still using micro-USB on some microphones. Blue is guilty of this and it seems Samson also doesn't see the need to move to the more user-friendly USB Type-C connection. It's not a deal-breaker by any means, but does require you to bring with you different USB cabling, depending on other hardware you pack.

The other drawback to the Satellite is a minor hit in versatility due to the size and restriction in technology Samson could cram inside the metal outer shell. Compared to similar, larger, and less portable USB microphones, the slight difference in audio quality is noticeable.

Should you buy Samson Satellite?

It's becoming increasingly difficult to choose a good microphone for streaming and podcasting since there are more viable options now from varying vendors than ever before. This microphone has its place, however. You should consider the Samson Satellite if you frequently travel and need a companion microphone that actually sounds good.

You don't require drivers on PCs or compatible smartphones, nor do you need a stand packed alongside the microphone, thanks to the integrated leg design. It sounds superb for the price and size, has support for three polar patterns, allows you to listen to the recording with zero latency, and works through USB.

It's just a shame the cable isn't USB Type-C, requiring you to pack different cables if other devices you use are not micro-USB. The Samson Satellite will be available this fall for $99.

It seems like all the gaming PC accessory vendors are hopping onto the microphone bandwagon and HyperX is the latest to do so with the HyperX QuadCast. This microphone is clearly marketed towards gamers but is capable of being used for streaming, podcasts, and general recording, too.

For the company's first attempt, it's pretty solid.

You'll love how easy HyperX QuadCast is to set up and use

The Blue Yeti remains a popular option for gamers, streamers and PC owners who seek recording equipment without having to invest time and funds into setting up dedicated audio equipment, like mixers. Razer and other gaming hardware vendors have started to produce standalone microphones, and now HyperX has joined the action.

HyperX's QuadCast matches the style and color scheme of other HyperX products with a similar black design with red accents. The microphone comes with a stand and shock mount, and both are pre-installed so the microphone is ready to be plugged in and used from the get-go.

The stand is made from metal with a rubberized underbelly and the microphone itself is a mix of soft plastic and metal with a red foam insert. Interestingly, this microphone has red LED lighting, which shows when it's recording sounds — tapping the mute button on top also turns off the LED. There doesn't seem to be a way to disable the lighting altogether, so this will likely annoy those who aren't fond of such features.

As well as the mute button being part of the top piece of the microphone, there's a volume rocker underneath the main unit and a polar pattern selector on the rear. This microphone supports stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid, bidirectional, allowing you to configure the microphone to your surroundings and application.

While HyperX included a metal stand, you don't have to use it and the company includes an adapter to hook up the shock mount to your favorite microphone stand or mounting arm. This is perfect for streamers and podcasters who tend to have such setups. The only drawback is you won't be able to interface with existing XLR mixers, with USB being the only connection available.

For sound quality, the microphone is very good. Whether you're communicating with clan mates on Discord, recording your own show or setting up a live stream, you'll sound clear with the HyperX QuadCast. Microphone quality has vastly improved in more affordable PC accessories and $140 seems like a solid price of this microphone.

However, if you're serious about studio audio quality, you'll want to look elsewhere and considerably expand the available budget for something like the Shure SM7B. For gaming and streaming on a tighter budget, the HyperX QuadCast is a solid option.

You may dislike the lack of XLR support

Whether you have your own existing sound setup prepared or plan to throw in additional equipment into the mix, the QuadCast only has a USB port and is designed to connect directly to your PC. There also doesn't appear to be a way of disabling the red LED lighting inside the microphone without muting it.

I would have liked to see an option to disable the lighting, as well as controls to manipulate the volume output for headphones directly on the microphone. Lastly, the mute button can be a little strange to operate, but it's a unique way of disabling the microphone without having to hit a physical button.

Should you buy the HyperX QuadCast?

The HyperX QuadCast is a great first attempt for the company. It's a solid microphone and has a lot going for it at this price point. The microphone sounds good, is well-made and can be used with aftermarket mounting options. There are only a few minor drawbacks that prevent it from being truly awesome.

Whether you're a gamer, use Discord to communicate with friends and guildmates, or need something to get you started in the streaming and podcasting world, the QuadCast is a fantastic microphone at a reasonable price.

You've probably heard about Blue microphones. They're highly recommended and relied on by many streamers, gamers and other content creators. The Yeti is regarded as among the best value USB microphones you can buy and Blue has released a new version called the Blue Yeti X.

What you'll love about the Blue Yeti X

The Blue Yeti X is the subsidiary's first microphone released under its new owner, Logitech. Competitors including Razer, HyperX and SteelSeries have been working on more professional-grade equipment and Blue appears to be the route Logitech is using to compete.

The new Blue Yeti X comes rocking support for Blue Voice software — previously spotted on the Logitech G Pro headset — which allows you to configure a whole host of options on the microphone. Aside from the software, very little has changed in terms of design for the Yeti X. It looks like a Yeti, but that's not a bad thing.

What draws people to Blue microphones is how easy they are to unbox and set up. The Yeti X is no different. Logitech (or Blue) includes everything you need to get started, including a quick-start chart showing off some of the features, a USB cable, and the microphone itself. That's everything in the box.

While the Yeti X looks like the normal Yeti mic, there are a few subtle differences. Instead of just three 14mm condensers found in the Yeti, the Yeti X has four. The sample rate has also been bumped to 48Hz at 24-bit instead of just 16-bit. Finally, there's live LED monitoring and integration with Logitech's software suite.

That doesn't sound like much, but it makes a substantial difference to the recording quality you can achieve, which is most important for streamers and podcasts. Now, this isn't going to compete against the Yeti Pro, but it's not positioned to do so. The audio quality of the Pro is superior to the Yeti X in every way.

The Yeti X offers an almost middle ground between the base Yeti and Pro. The build quality is fantastic, as you'd expect from the company, but the shape and size of this microphone continues to be an issue for more compact mounts and shock accessories. That said, you have everything you need right here to get started with a show for less.

As illustrated on the easy-to-follow cheat sheet included with the Yeti X, you have various options that can be configured using the single button on the Yeti X, located just below the Blue logo. This control handles gain, headphone volume levels, and blend, not to mention LED lighting for metering and showing whether you're muted.

The LED monitoring is a great addition to any USB microphone since you'll likely plug these accessories straight into a PC instead of a dedicated mixer box. Being able to tell when your voice levels are too low or high on the spot is handy. The control button on the flip side of the microphone allows you to switch between the four included polar patterns — an LED will let you know which one you have selected.

These patterns determine what space around the microphone is most sensitive to sound. For performance, the microphone is fantastic, but that's to be expected here. It's an improved Yeti, which makes it a great deal with the additional features and improvements. For streaming and podcasting, you'll sound crystal clear to your audience. Logitech's software is also very good at allowing you to fine-tune how the microphone is configured too.

The Logitech G HUB can also manage all other Logitech branded peripherals and gadgets you may have at hand and connected to your PC. You can switch up the polar pattern, adjust gain, tune EQ, and even select from Blue's own voice presets. It's a great piece of kit overall.

Yeti has yet another great option for those looking to start a stream or podcast.

What you'll dislike about the Blue Yeti X

The Yeti X isn't perfect. The use of Micro-USB instead of Type-C is baffling in 2019. This restricts the compatibility of the microphone with other cables you may own from modern hardware. At least we're not looking at a proprietary cable here.

The size and shape of the microphone may be an issue too, especially if you have a shock mount and boom already set up and ready to go. The stand on the Yeti X can be removed and there's the usual mounting on the bottom of the mic, but it would be good to see the microphone lose a little weight.

So should you buy the Blue Yeti X?

The Blue Yeti X is the first microphone released by the audio company after being picked up by Logitech. If this is an example of what's to come, the future looks to be bright for Blue microphone fans. This is one killer mic for podcasting, streaming, and recording audio in general at this price point.

If you already own the Yeti, the Yeti X may be worth considering if you'd enjoy having a live meter LED present to help you gauge how loud the sample is. Sound quality will be improved every-so-slightly, but that may not be worth the purchase of another microphone.

For everyone else, the Yeti X is worth considering, especially if you plan on starting up a stream or podcast.

A good stream is mostly about the streamer, but having a strong set up at your disposal certainly doesn't hurt. AVerMedia is one of our favorite companies for streaming gear, with some of the absolute best capture cards on the market accompanied by headsets, webcams, and even a USB microphone.

The last of those is what I have here, the AM310 USB microphone. It's a no-nonsense affair, and it's a great place to start for streamers in particular.

AVerMedia AM310 tech specs

• Type: Uni-directional condenser microphone
• Polar pattern: Cardioid
• Sample rate: 48 kHz
• Bit rate: 16-bit
• Power required: USB (5V DC)
• Sensitivity: -60 ± 5 dB (at 1 kHz, 0 dB = 1 V/u bar)
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz
• Dimensions (mic) (W x D x H): 90 x 130 x 270 mm
• Weight (mic): 468 g ± 5 g (1.03 lb ± 0.17 oz)

What you'll like about the AVerMedia AM310

If you're a gamer or a streamer, or both, then you'll love the AM310. That's precisely who AVerMedia targets this product towards, not least indicated by the combo pack this review unit came in with a webcam and a capture card. For the type of user who just wants a microphone that sounds good, doesn't cost a ton and doesn't bury itself in endless features, the AM310 fits the bill perfectly.

And it really is just a simple, good sounding microphone. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. When targeting gamers it's all too easy to shotgun a bunch of things people don't really need at a product, but AVerMedia has been very restrained, instead just concentrating on making it a good product.

The AM310 is built like a tank and has an associated, reassuring heft to it. The microphone body is pretty chunky, but it's dressed in a sleek gunmetal finish and adorned with only a single control on the front. The dial adjusts volume, or you press it in to mute and unmute. That's it.

Around back there's a single 3.5mm headphone jack with a switch to change between PC audio or mic monitoring. I like that AVerMedia included a control for this on the microphone very much, as it's not something my own regular mic has. You don't always want to hear your own voice while you're listening to your PC audio, and vice-versa.

There's not a lot else to the hardware. You get a stand included which is, well, it's a stand. It's sturdy enough so that the microphone won't topple over at the slightest touch, and the screw thread on the bottom allows you to mount to an arm if you wish, though additional accessories may be required depending on the arm you have.

Also, it sounds pretty good. You don't have to have it an inch from your mouth, either, to get a nice sound from it. Considering it's designed to be used on a desk, that's good to see.

What you'll dislike about the AVerMedia AM310

There's not a lot to dislike about this excellent microphone, but there are some things it would have been nice to see included just to complete the package. For one, you don't get a shock mount or a pop filter. The latter is an easy fix with a cheap accessory, but for a microphone that's designed to be used on a desk, it would have been nice to see some way to negate the impact of knocks.

It isn't the end of the world, but when you compare to another streamer focused microphone, the Razer Seiren X, which features an internal shock mount, it's something that it would have been good to see AVerMedia provide some kind of solution for.

Perhaps the most important omission for anyone hoping to use this other than in gaming and streaming scenarios is that there's only a single recording mode. The AM310 picks up sound directly in front of it, which is fine for streaming and may even help eliminate the noise of you clacking on a keyboard while you broadcast. But for podcasters or musicians, for example, may rue the lack of bidirectional or omnidirectional recording modes.

Should you buy the AVerMedia AM310?

Whether this is the microphone for you or not ultimately lies with what you intend to do with it. If you're a gamer or a streamer, then absolutely, you're getting a good package. It doesn't cost a lot, the sound quality is excellent, and it's so well built that should it get tossed across your room during a rage quit, it will easily live to play another day.

Musicians or podcasters may want to look elsewhere thanks to the limitation on recording modes, but apart from that, there's very little to complain about. A shock mount in the box would have been good, still.

Essentially, for streaming, this is a perfect microphone. It doesn't hide behind fluff or useless features, instead just doing one job and doing it very well.

In Europe, the AM310 is available through Amazon for £70.

When you plan on streaming or starting up a podcast, you need a microphone that'll record your voice with clarity. Modern headsets have come a long way in terms of microphone quality, but you can never beat a dedicated studio microphone. We've looked at USB gaming microphones from HyperX, Blue, and Razer, but now British-based Aston has the Stealth that promises exceptional audio recording quality.

Aston's streamer-friendly mic sounds great

USB microphones like the Blue Yeti or HyperX QuadCast have their advantages over studio condenser microphones like the Aston Stealth. With a USB microphone, you can simply plug it into the rear of your PC, and you're good to go. With a condenser mic, the setup process differs slightly in that you need additional equipment like a mixer and phantom power supply.

What this does allow for with the Stealth is a high level of customization using physical knobs, buttons, and software. And the Stealth has some handy features to get you started like auto-detection for 48V power, which can enable or bypass the built-in Class A preamp located within the unit itself. And the Aston Stealth is a powerful, versatile microphone, rocking some killer specs on paper.

This sleek-looking slab of metal is a dynamic microphone with four switchable voice settings, each tailored to deliver performance across a wide range of applications. These profiles aren't merely altering EQ, but are messing around with the signal at an advanced level, developed with the help of engineers, producers, and artists. V1 was found to be best suited for male voices, V2 for female voices.

The latter two voice settings are G for guitar, and D for dark, which essentially attempts to mimic classic ribbon microphones from older generations. For podcasts and streaming, I found V1 to be the best setting for my voice, which shouldn't come as a surprise. It would be worth playing between V1 and V2 alongside in-line manipulation and software to get it sounding just right, but the out-the-box quality is amazing.

And to pack all this technology into the microphone, Aston made a hefty product, and by hefty I'm talking 692g (1.52lbs) with a length and width of 196mm (7.72 inches) and 58mm (2.28 inches), respectively. It's massive, but built like a tank and should be able to withstand some knocks that come about through transportation and switching hardware on set.

Excellent audio without the drawbacks

When the Aston Stealth detects the supply of 48V, the pre-amp will activate, and discrete purple LEDs will turn on just below the voice settings wheel. It's a subtle lighting effect that looks better than the lighting effect on the HyperX QuadCast for sure, and you can even disable the lighting with a button adjacent to the XLR connection — nice!

As for actual sound quality, however, it's a whole different ballpark compared to other more budget-orientated microphones. The voice profiles work well to mix things up, depending on the application and who plans to use the microphone, but the pre-amp, when used in conjunction with other hardware and software, can produce some exceptional audio.

I get the idea behind the plastic mounting mechanism Aston went for with the Stealth, especially for stage performances, but it feels a little cheap compared to the rest of the microphone, and I would much rather have this expensive piece of tech secured in an external shock mount when hooked up to a boom arm to negate the wobble experienced when lightly pushing against the microphone.

The heavyweight and large size may also put some people off, but it's incredibly sturdy and as aforementioned is designed to take a hit or two. There's also the single XLR interface. No option for headphone pass-through or USB, so you'll be out of luck if you aren't comfortable in setting up such a microphone.

So should you buy the Aston Stealth?

The Shure SM7B has become the popular choice for many who are podcasting and streaming, but I reckon the Aston Stealth is the better choice for these two applications thanks to some of the clever tricks the company installed like the pre-amp and voice settings. This thing is clearly beyond the level of your headset or USB microphone in terms of versatility and performance.

After playing around with the microphone for a week, communicating with friends online and running through various tests, it's easy to record your voice with crystal clear results. Pairing up the Aston Stealth with the Creative AE-9 was pretty special too, though you'd probably be better off with dedicated external hardware.

If you're on the lookout for a new premium studio dynamic condenser microphone, the Stealth is a quality choice to take your audio game to the next level. It may be overkill for most gamers and beginner streamers (especially at the asking price), but when you're ready to invest in some high-end equipment, the Aston Stealth should be on your shortlist.