The 7 Best Microphones for Discord (2023)
A good microphone will allow you to be heard more clearly on Discord, enabling you to communicate much more effectively. Your friends can hear you with better clarity when you are gaming and you will also be able to make more of an impact when you are speaking.
There are plenty of great-sounding microphones specifically designed for the home market. Here is my roundup of the 7 ones you should consider.
My main recommended microphone is the Blue Yeti USB, which offers professional-quality sound along with the option of changing polar pickup patterns.
My second recommended microphone is the Blue Snowball iCE. Despite its low price, this Discord-certified mic sounds very clear and looks stylish.
The 7 Best Microphones for Discord (2023)
Let’s compare these in more detail.
1. Blue Yeti USB
The Blue Yeti USB microphone delivers broadcast-quality vocal reproduction, making it an excellent choice if you want to sound your best on Discord. Voices have excellent clarity and presence, delivering a professional-level feel that you don’t get from lesser microphones.
Pros
- Broadcast quality recordings
- Four pickup patterns
- An easily positioned design
Cons
- Picks up background noise
- No on/off switch
You can pair this microphone with Blue Voice software to add enhanced effects and advanced modulation to entertain your friends. You can even incorporate HD audio samples in order to add a new dimension to your recordings.
The pickup pattern of this microphone can be changed, allowing you to choose a pattern based on the number of people you are recording with. You have four patterns to choose from, specifically Cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, and stereo. This allows you to effectively use the mic in a variety of scenarios and ensure that you always get the best sound.
| Connectivity | USB |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, stereo |
| Audio Sensitivity | 120 dB |
| Bonus feature | Selectable polar patterns, flexible position |
The Blue Yeti USB mic provides plug-and-play convenience. You can also connect it directly to a mic stand or boom arm. The desktop stand has a positionable design that allows you to pivot the mic for different recording situations. Onboard audio controls include a mic gain knob, headphone volume, and instant mute.
2. Blue Snowball iCE
The Blue Snowball iCE is proof that you don’t have to pay a great deal of money to get great microphones for Discord. It has Blue’s custom condenser capsule, which delivers extremely clear sound that is far superior to the audio quality that you get from most computer microphones.
Pros
- Crystal clear audio
- Plug-and-play convenience
- Stylish, with an adjustable stand
Cons
- Only one polar pattern
- Picks up background noise
- The construction is not top-quality
The Blue Snowball iCE is Discord certified, making it perfect for that purpose. With plug-and-play convenience, it is also extremely easy to set up.
The iCE is well built and boasts an attractive, stylish retro design that looks great on camera. The desktop stand is adjustable, allowing you to find the optimal position for the best broadcast quality in any situation. The stand has a space-saving design so it will work well even in tight situations. The Ice comes in two colors, allowing you to find one that best fits your decor.
| Connectivity | USB |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Audio Sensitivity | NA |
| Bonus feature | Adjustable stand |
This microphone has only one pickup pattern, namely cardioid, but that should be fine for most situations. However, if you are going to often use the microphone in other scenarios, such as with a group of people, the lack of options could be an issue. But for the vast majority of Discord users, this could well be the only mic you need.
3. HyperX QuadCast
The HyperX QuadCast is clearly not designed for shrinking violets. However, for those who value a dynamic look, this mic, with its unmissable red lighting, may well prove to be a perfect choice.
Pros
- Excellent quality with a distinctive look
- Selectable polar pattern and gain control
- Anti-vibration shock mount and pop filter
Cons
- Plastic shock mount
- Not the best resolution capture quality
The QuadCast, which is backed by Discord certification, is more than just about distinctive looks. For the money, the sound that you get is top-notch. Muting the mic is also extremely easy as all you have to do is tap it. The light goes off when the mic is muted, so you know instantly when you are live.
The built-in anti-vibration shock mount of this microphone uses elastic rope suspension to fully isolate the mic and prevent unintentional rumbles from spoiling the feed. It also has a versatile adapter which makes it compatible with a variety of boom arms and mic stands. The integral pop filter suppresses plosive sound, so your voice sounds clear and undistorted at all times.
| Connectivity | USB |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid, Omni, bidirectional, stereo |
| Audio Sensitivity | 120 dB |
| Bonus feature | Selectable pickup pattern |
The Quadcast features a gain control adjustment which allows you to change the sensitivity of the mic. Additionally, you can select from four different polar patterns, so you can select the best pickup for the sounds you want to hear. The headphone jack allows you to monitor the feed from the mic, so you easily make the changes necessary for optimum sound.
4. Rode NT-USB
When you consider that Rode NT-USB is modeled after Rode’s studio mics, it is easy to see why so many content creators and gamers have opted for this mic. The NT-USB provides recordings of professional quality with a rich, full sound. The removable external pop filter allows you to filter out plosive sounds or remove the filter altogether if you prefer to use software to suppress those sounds.
Pros
- Studio quality sound
- Gain, mix controls, and pop filter
- Many accessories
Cons
- Plastic boom bracket
- One polar pattern
The NT-USB boasts a striking design which will make it a welcome addition to any video. This microphone has a zero-latency stereo monitoring jack that lets you hear the mic input in real-time, allowing you to ensure that you always get optimum sound.
This mic allows you to adjust the gain level which is particularly useful if your setup is picking up a lot of hisses. The mix between computer audio and the mic input can also be adjusted, giving you extensive control over the sound quality.
| Connectivity | USB |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Audio Sensitivity | 110 dB |
| Bonus feature | Gain and mix controls |
The NT-USB comes with an adjustable microphone clip and desktop stand, so it can be easily mounted on a mic stand or placed at the correct height on the table. Setup is a breeze – all you have to do is plug it in to get started. A pouch is also included to store the mic when you are not using it.
5. Audio-Technica ATR2500x
The Audio-Technica ATR2500x is a large diaphragm, side-address condenser microphone that is designed to offer precise and accurate recordings. The low-mass diaphragm delivers a great frequency response. A very high-quality A/D converter with up to 24-bit/192 kHz sampling rate is included, ensuring that you get the best digital audio quality.
Pros
- Accurate sound, good frequency response
- 24-bit/192 kHz A/D converter
- Durable, low-noise, metal construction
Cons
- Low-quality stand
- Only one polar pattern
The Audio-Technica’s durable metal construction has low self-noise, so you don’t have to put up with annoying static sounds when you do digital recordings. Its rugged build means that you will have no problems taking it wherever you need to. It comes with a tripod desk stand with folding legs that make it easy to carry around.
Plug-and-play convenience makes this microphone a cinch to use. It is fully compatible with Windows and Mac – simply plug it into your USB socket to get started. Two cables with USB-C and USB-A terminations are included, so you will have no problems connecting it to your setup.
| Connectivity | USB |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Audio Sensitivity | 140 dB |
| Bonus feature | Headphone jack with volume control |
The ATR2500x has a threaded stand mount that can be pivoted to find the ideal position while attaching securely to its stand or microphone arm. It also features a headphone jack that allows you to monitor the mic feed along with buttons on the front to control headphone volume.
Shure microphones are used extensively by professionals in the audio industry, so, unsurprisingly, they would have a great quality microphone for home use. The Shure MV5 is a digital condenser mic with a custom-tuned capsule that delivers pristine studio-quality sound.
Pros
- Studio quality sound
- Auto gain and EQ, preset DSP modes
- Retro, stylish appearance
Cons
- Controls are hard to reach
- Plastic design
- Audio-sensitive mic
This advanced microphone automatically applies gain, EQ, limiting, and compression to deliver the best possible sound. You also can select from three DSP modes (vocal, flat, instrument) to get optimal quality in different scenarios.
The Shure MV5 boasts a very stylish retro design and comes in two colors to complement any interior while the anodized aluminum desktop stand enhances the appearance of the mic. The mic’s integrated thread allows it to also be mounted on a standard camera tripod. The MV5 is optimized for portable use, so this is a mic you can easily take with you wherever you go.
| Connectivity | USB |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Audio Sensitivity | 130 dB |
| Bonus feature | DSP presets, auto EQ |
The MV5 is Apple MFi-certified and can be directly connected with the supplied Lightning cable to any iOS device without using any adapters or connection kits. It also comes with a USB cable that can be used to conveniently connect it to a PC or similar device. This microphone includes a built-in headphone jack, allowing you to monitor the sound.
7. Razer Seiren X
The Razer Seiren X is specifically designed for streamers, combining excellent performance with value for money. It comes with a condenser capsule with a wide frequency range and superior transient response. The built-in shock mount prevents noise from contaminating the feed. A zero-latency headphone jack allows you to monitor the sound in real-time without being distracted by echos,
Pros
- Clear sound with shock mount suppression
- Supercardioid polar pattern limits noise
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Suitable only for one user
- Not the best low and mid-range frequencies
The Razer is built to a very high standard from anodized aluminum. Its slim profile is sleek but unobtrusive, allowing viewers to focus on you. Being compact, this mic can be used even when desk space is tight while making it very easy to carry around. The stand provides sturdy support while not calling attention to itself. Its modular design makes it easy to disassemble and take around.
The Seiren X boasts a super-cardioid polar pattern, which is even more limited than the cardioid pickup pattern. This effectively suppresses noise coming in from the background and ensures that the person speaking is heard loud and clear.
| Connectivity | USB |
| Polar Pattern | Cardioid |
| Audio Sensitivity | 110 dB |
| Bonus feature | Built-in shock mount |
A zero-latency headphone jack allows you to monitor the sound in real-time without being distracted by echoes. A mute button is also included, while the volume control on the front allows you to easily find the optimum level.
Do you need a good microphone for Discord?
The microphones that you find on most laptops are of low quality. Consequently, your audience may not hear you clearly when you are on Discord. A good microphone is a worthwhile investment as it will allow your voice to be heard with greater clarity. You will be able to communicate more effectively while being understood more readily when you play games.
Are USB microphones better than XLR microphones?
Both USB microphones and XLR microphones offer similar sound quality as they often use the same components. The major difference is the USB mics can be directly connected to your computer’s USB port. In contrast, an XLR microphone has to be connected to an audio interface or mixer before the signal goes to your computer. While this will give you more control over the sound, for most purposes, a USB mic will do just as well and be more convenient.
What is the best Polar Pattern on a microphone for Discord?
Microphones typically have four polar patterns – cardioid, omnidirectional, bi-directional, and stereo. The cardioid pattern is perfect if you are the only one recording as only the sound source in front of the mic will be picked up, great for Discord.
Omni mode picks up sound from all around the mic while sound from both the front and rear of the mic is picked up in bidirectional mode. Stereo mode picks up a wider area in front of the mic is ideal when you have several people together like for a podcast or are recording music. Since most Discord users are single speakers, the cardioid pattern will offer the best sound.
What to look for in a Microphone for Discord when buying?
The most important factor to consider when buying a microphone for Discord use is vocal clarity. A good mic should be able to capture the detail and nuances of your voice to help you communicate more effectively.
The mic should also effectively record your vocals and vocal tonality. Every mic is different, so it’s a good idea to try a few to ensure that you are happy with how your voice sounds.
A good mic is not cheap. On the other hand, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get good results. Apart from audio quality, you should also check if the mic you are buying has useful features such as gain level control, mute button, shock mounts, and headphone jack.
If you plan on mounting the mic on a mic stand, make sure it has a compatible thread. Some microphones also have selectable polar patterns, which is handy if you are planning to use it for different means.
Summary
A high-quality microphone will sound much better than your computer microphone, ensuring that you sound clearer and communicate much better with your friends on Discord. If you are a regular user, it is a worthwhile investment that will make your sessions much more enjoyable.
My top pick is the Blue Yeti USB. This is a high-quality mic that offers superior voice quality and plenty of features.
My budget pick is the Blue Snowball iCE, which provides crystal-clear clarity along with plug-and-play convenience.
