The Top 5 Gaming Microphones
You don’t need to be PewDiePie to know that sound quality is kind of a big deal when you're gaming. Prior to the rise of PC platforms like Steam and the explosion of YouTube, the gaming microphone landscape was a barren wasteland of a handful of headsets, rarely boasting any type of noise suppression and seldom a hint as to the polarity of the sound pickup. The upsurge in streaming, podcasting, gaming and everything in between has not only raised the bar for the casual gamer but has lowered the price ceiling on what was once a prohibitively expensive studio set-up rarely seen outside of recording studios or DJ booths. Here we’ve selected our five favorite options to satisfy everyone from the aspiring MLG streamer to the group of easy-going first-person-shooter enthusiasts to help you find the right one for you.
HyperX QuadCast
Come See What All the Hype-rX is About
Usually, microphones only excel at utilizing only one polar pickup pattern, but with the QuadCast’s four selectable patterns, you’ll never have to go wanting. Beyond its ability to very clearly convey your barked-out orders in a battle royale, this mic is versatile enough to handle one-on-one conversations in addition to roundtable discussions. Such versatility does come at a steeper price, but when considering the sleek bad-boy design, superior anti-vibration build, and slick user interface, it’s hard to find a product better suited for most gamers. In addition to a built-in noise reduction system and near-universal thread size, the QuadCast can take all of your AV projects to the next level.
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Instant mute with a single tap
- Included mount adapter
Cons:
- Gain control is very sensitive
- Bass is somewhat lacking
Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset
For Winning Games, Not Just Playing Them
Few gamers are able to capitalize on the sound of that distant footstep or errant gunshot so as to position their team around an unsuspecting enemy. This headset gives you exactly that opportunity. With the G Pro X, every in-game sound is rendered with precision, and your output is transmitted almost instantaneously due to the mic’s low latency. Furthermore, thanks to BlueVoice technology, lower frequency noises in your gaming environment such as a ceiling fan or electronic hum will simply drop off entirely. Weighing in at slightly over half a pound, built with high-quality aluminum, and reinforced with memory foam padding, your teammates (as well as your ears) will thank you for opting for Logitech’s immaculate attention to detail.
Pros:
- Passive noise cancelling
- Extremely impressive quality for price
- Striking minimalist design
Cons:
- Requires external PC sound card
- BlueVoice feature unavailable on consoles
V-MODA BoomPro Microphone
Casual and Cost Effective
The BoomPro is as stripped down as they come, and with good reason. Not every gamer needs the full spectrum of polarity, deep bass, and studio-level equalizers. Rather, V-MODA has designed a simple-yet-powerful omni-directional microphone that is capable of noise reduction and compatible with every console and computer. (Granted, an adapter might be necessary depending on how advanced your system is.) The 3.5mm jack may be a symbol of a bygone era to some, but the ability to have a clip-on mic with intuitive mute- and volume-controls in addition to a flexible boom at a fraction of every competitor’s price is plenty for those who simply want to play and be heard.
Pros:
- Boom cable is surprisingly sturdy
- Produces high quality sound
- Truly unbeatable price
Cons:
- Mute function doesn’t mute PC sound in addition to voice
- Not directly USB compatible
Razer Kraken X USB
Start Kraken’ Virtual Skulls with the Kraken
If you flinch at the idea of buying a headset that looks more angular than the Cybertruck and that has more flashing lights than the actual monitor at which you’re looking, you’ve scrolled to the right place. The Kraken’s mic boasts a cardioid polar pattern, ideal for picking up your voice while ignoring most ambient sound which could interfere with gameplay. Similar to the Logitech G Pro X , weight is barely an issue at 0.6 lb., and with an intuitive volume wheel placed conveniently near the earlobe next to the mute button, conversation control is seamless.
Pros:
- Over-ear Design
- Leatherette material for maximum comfort
- 7.1 surround sound
Cons:
- No active noise cancelling
- Fragile headband
Rode NT-USB
Take the Rode Less Traveled
You might imagine that holding the top spot on the gaming microphone totem pole would be a impossible game of trying to satisfy the myriad expectations of audiophiles. The Rode NT-USB makes no such attempt; instead, the cardioid-only polarity is indicative of Rode aiming to satisfy a single niche: lone-wolf podcasters, streamers, and gamers. The included pop filter assures an unparalleled, smooth tone seldom seen outside of professional recording studios, and the literal ‘plug-and-play’ set-up will allow you to hit the ground running.
Pros:
- Phenomenal sound quality for USB interface
- 20-foot cord included
- Fantastic customer service
Cons:
- Tripod is slightly wobbly
- Difficult to adjust levels
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of polar patterns microphones use?
The four polar patterns are stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid and bidirectional. Cardioid, being the most common, is focused on a singular source of sound, ideal for lone gamers, singers, podcasters and streamers. Omnidirectional is the polar opposite of cardioid as it picks up noise from all directions, preferable for round-table discussions whereas bidirectional and stereo are more suited for interactions between two distinct sources of sound.
I don’t care if my teammates hear some distortion in my voice, as long as they can hear what I’m saying. What’s so good about having a microphone for gaming?
Well, the fact is that unless you’re using your computer’s built-in mic (which may create a cascading echo effect, depending on your setup), you’ll need a mic to communicate with your teammates in real time. Now, do you need to spend an entire paycheck on one? No. But depending on your needs, you may deem a high-end mic a worthwhile investment – especially if you’re a streamer or Esports commentator. For obvious reasons, those particular niches have higher expectations when it comes to high quality. If you’re a casual gamer, a more budget-friendly pick like the V-MODA BoomPro or a headset like the Razer Kraken X will serve you excellently.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.