So What's The Best Gaming Microphone?

Choosing the best microphone for Gaming and Streaming in 2023 is critical for staying in budget or getting the best vocal quality. And with so many new mics from Razer, Elgato, Blue, HyperX, NZXT and more, I think a gaming microphone roundup is needed right now. So let's check that out in this roundup.

Buy items in this video from Amazon at the links below:
Cougar Screamer-X - Don't, just don't

TIMESTAMPS
Timestamps:
0:00 - Is the Best Gaming Microphone here?
0:33 - Condenser vs Dynamic Mic Explained
0:47 - ALL the Microphones!
2:03 - Blind Test with the Team
3:02 - Sponsor Spot
3:32 - Elgato Wave:3
4:36 - Blue Ember XLR
5:11 - HyperX ProCast
6:18 - Blue Sona
8:10 - Elgato Wave DX
9:24 - Beyerdynamic M70 Pro X
10:18 - Deity VO-7U
12:33 - HyperX DuoCast
14:28 - Razer Seiren V2 X
15:57 - Razer Seiren V2 Pro
17:04 - NZXT Capsule mini
19:04 - Cougar Screamer-X
21:09 - Blue Yeti X
22:30 - Guest Appearance (EposVox)
25:03 - Microphones I'm KEEPING!

Review unit provided free of charge by the companies listed OR purchased by Hardware Canucks. This video is sponsored byPhanteks. As per Hardware Canucks guidelines, no review direction was received from manufacturer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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[trunkstypingonakeyboard]

I think the mic market is reaching a point where almost all options offer good audio quality. I cant tell much difference between all the mics if im casually listening.

[slick-riq]

Excellent video!

I’ve started watching various mic review videos to start learning about the options.

This by far is one of the best videos, as your the only one I’ve seen who doesn’t just cover the sound quality, but also usability factors, future compatibility, and keyboard sound test — which is a huge factor!

[OXMStudios]

That nzxt sounds incredible, too bad they missed on adding more functionality to that front wheel. But for that price? I'm getting it.

[NightFoxZero]

I would've imagined the Senheiser Profile mic here as it's a super good price and given Dimitri's enjoyment of their headphones

[savagesniperrr]

Surprised the Samson Q2U isn't in here. That is usually the go to budget mic everyone recommends.

[JordonAM]

Wave Link for the Elgato Wave:3 makes the mic so flexible, especially with Wave Link being VST compatible so you can customize your sound however you want. Replaced my Blue Yeti OG with it and have not regretted it at all. ClipGuard is also a big seller if you often get excited and loud. High recommend for that mic if you're doing content creation and just chatting in general

[krunchy]

Shure MV7 seems to get skipped a lot - USB/XLR hybrid - a less expensive option of the SM7B and very close to the same sound - I can't tell the difference most times.

[bjornodin]

1. Blue Sona (Sonically outstanding! It brought out your best vocal qualities, while effortlessly dampening background noise and modulating your natural sibilance. All without sounding crunched or processed at all. I'd go so far as to say it has a touch of the classic Mullard sound🎙A warm and intimate sound, that brings you closer to the listener. ❤
2. HyperX ProCast. Very pro and very detailed, a much lighter touch on the processing side than the Sona. Way more open too, so I imagine it fitting well with recordings where stuff that is integral to the proceedings is goring on, various background noises, other voices etc.
3. Blue Ember. The value option in this bunch... Flat out just better than any of the rest and I'd go so far as saying it was only really outclassed by the Sona! I had a hard time deciding on 2nd place.
There are some more half decent ones in the bunch, but mostly they're overpriced, outdated or both.

[esaedvik]

Not a fan of Elgato's prices as their gear tends to be stupidly overpriced, but when I heard the Wave:3 was built by Lewitt, and I gave it a listen in reviews, I thought I'd test it out if I found it cheap somewhere. Now that I found one for 40€, I can say it's really nice. The software is the killer feature for sure, great mixer, and the fact that they added support for VSTs directly in the software and adding soundboards etc. to an FX channel, just pushes it way beyond anything else even double or triple the price.
I had a nice mic and interface already (Oktava MK-012 and Motu M2), but I like gear, so it's now my daily-ish driver.

[hinchlikescake]

HyperX Solcast is pretty great as well at $50. I have one and the quality is decent. Great budget microphone and comes with a capacitive mute button, which comes in super handy!

[redhonu]

I think the NZXT capsule mini sounds amazing for the price. Perfect for me who doesn't need it professionally.

[WookieeRage]

I've used a Blue Ember with a GoXLR for the past couple years, but keep running into issues with the GoXLR.
Fortunately I have a Wave 3 for backup and it has proven to be the most reliable piece of audio hardware I own. I would recommend it to anyone.

[LeBeautiful]

Okay this is hype. Thanks for this video.

[Bkob]

Great line up and I was surprised at how good some of these mic's sound. The PreSonus Revelator Dynamic microphone is my current mic I have been using and is on sale which is a steal for $99.

[soomi]

Thank you for recommending the Deity! Just purchased it for myself!

[CoalitionGaming]

Great vid! Would be cool to see the Maono PD400X USB/XLR dynamic, Fifine Amplitank AM8 USB/XLR dynamic, Fifine k688 USB/XLR dynamic, Mackie Element Chromium USB condenser, Tonor TD510 USB/XLR dynamic, and Tonor ORCA-001 USB condenser in a future roundup!

[DmonYT]

Really shotgun mics are what should be reccomended as they have a better pickup pattern and block sound from reflections in an untreated room. They’re also lighter and can be put on a stand easier.

[willgart]

will be cool to have the same video but for remote work needs.
so a lot of remote meetings and not for gaming usage.
so more open rooms, using speakers instead of headsets.

[heyflo]

The Deity VO7U, HyperX ProCast, Elgato Wave DX, Razer Seiren V2X are amazing. Really surprised by the two low budget ones (Wave DX & Seiren V2X), they sound really good for the price.

[slick-riq]

The Deity 7U and Elgato Wave 3 are top contenders.

I like the Deity for that auto-anti-peaking feature (not sure if that’s the right term).

What recently caught my eye is this FiFine AM8. I can’t really detect the more expensive options being noticeably “better.”

However, I haven’t seen anyone do a noise test with that — might be one to consider in an upcoming review video. :)