The 5 Best Microphones Used By Entrepreneurs To Create Videos Online
This is part 3 of 5 of my Crushing It With Video series on how to create awesome videos for your online business.
- A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating & Recording Awesome Videos For Your Business
- How I Got Over My Fears & Recorded My First Video
- The 5 Best Microphones Recommended By Entrepreneurs For Online Video Creation
- Blue Yeti Tutorial: How To Use The Blue Yeti Microphone To Get Clear Audio For Your Videos
- How to Edit Your Videos With Screenflow
Every single day, I see people asking, “What microphone should I buy?” and they almost always get the same answer.
When I needed a microphone for my business, I knew exactly what microphone I wanted. I’ve been hanging out in lots of forums and Facebook groups doing market research and I knew what was good and what was not.
However, for many of you, your choice of microphone may not be so clear.
These are the top few microphones that I’ve seen entrepreneurs rave about repeatedly. You can’t go wrong with any of these microphones to film your online videos.
For your convenience, I’ve also added in my personal evaluation for each microphone from my experience.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
- The top 5 microphones that you should use for your online videos (without breaking the bank)
- The pros and cons of each microphone (+ my evaluation from personal experience)
- What to use if you want to start a podcast/ run webinars/ film online tutorials/ film with your phone and more!
Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links and I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase (to finance my Starbucks addiction), at no cost to you.
1. Blue Yeti Microphone
The Blue Yeti Microphone is by far the most popular choice. I own the Blue Yeti myself. Many entrepreneurs start out with that and declare that they love it. It’s functional, pretty and gives you a great sound.
Just some exclamations of love for the Blue Yeti from online entrepreneurs I see on a regular basis on Facebook… (I’ve blurred out their names and photos for privacy purposes).
Sounds good. 😉
Pros:
- Gives you a great sound – clear & professional audio
- Ability to set gain setting (how much noise the microphone takes in) and different modes (which direction the microphone takes sound in from)
- Fuss-free: Plug & play into USB port of computer
- Looks really good
- Very affordable for its quality
Cons:
- At times it takes up quite a lot of ambient noise, but you can easily fix this in your editing software
It is also great for webinars and creating online tutorials. I personally use it and love it.
Check out my tutorial for the Blue Yeti Microphone here.
Check out the Blue Yeti Microphone on Amazon here.
2. Blue Snowball
The Blue Snowball is for people who feel that the Blue Yeti Microphone is too expensive. It’s more affordable than the Blue Yeti, but you’ve to put your mouth real close to the Snowball for it to sound loud enough. I’ve seen people use it and put their mouths super close and it looks weird – maybe they just don’t know how to use it?
However, it gives superb quality sound for its price. If you’re on a budget, it’s a fabulous microphone to have.
The difference between the Blue Snowball and the Blue Yeti? The Blue Snowball is cheaper than the Blue Yeti. The Blue Yeti has better sound quality and takes in less noise.
Pros:
- Super affordable
- Plugs into USB port of computer directly
- Great quality for the price you pay
Cons:
- Quality not as good as Blue Yeti Microphone
- Fewer entrepreneurs raving about it
- Have to put mouth close to microphone
It comes with a cute little stand for the Snowball.
Note: This is the regular Snowball, not the Snowball Ice. The regular snowball has an ambient switch which reduces the amount of noise the microphone takes in. Unfortunately, it still takes in more noise than the Blue Yeti, but it’s great quality for the price.
Check out the Blue Snowball here.
3. Rode Smart Lav+
The Rode Smart Lav+ is hands down the most popular microphone for people who’re looking for a microphone that clips to their shirt. It’s a lavalier mic.
For some reason it’s popular among people that use Periscope, or if you want to record videos with your phone. I know of some bloggers that use it. 😀
Pros:
- Great if you move around a lot
- Best choice if you want something that clips to your shirt
- Great price
- Connects to iPhone/ DSLR
Cons:
- Not wireless
- Doesn’t connect to USB port
Check out the Rode Smart Lav+ here.
4. Rode VideoMic Pro
I have this too! I use it when I film videos with my DSLR camera: It plugs directly into my Canon T3i Camera. The sound quality is excellent. It works very well in windy weather due to its shock mount.
Pros:
- Super effective and plugs into your DSLR to give you HQ, professional audio
- High Pass Filter cuts out most background noise
- Great sound quality
- 3-way level control that offers -10dB, 0dB, and +20dB modes
- Super light (weighs like a feather!)
Cons:
- Price
Check out the Rode Videomic Pro here.
5. Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB
This is a big hit among podcasters. In fact, it is the recommended microphone by quite a lot of big podcasters. It has both USB and XLR outputs.
Pat Flynn, a blogger I love, recommends this for his podcasts.
Pros:
- Reasonable pricing
- Sound is great
- Suitable for podcasts
Cons:
- I see fewer ravings about this microphone for some reason
- Does not look as good as microphones mentioned above
- Largely monodirectional
Check out the Audio Technica ATR2100-USB here.
My Personal Experience & Thoughts
I personally use the Blue Yeti, and it has allowed me to film online videos, record online tutorials, host webinars and much more. I even bring it around when I travel because I need it for my business regularly.
If I film on my DSLR camera, I also personally use the Rode VideoMic Pro, and it works like a gem.
If you’re on a budget, the Blue Snowball works really well for the price it’s selling for.
If you’re looking for a microphone for a podcast, Audio Technica ATR2100-USB has quickly become a must-have for podcasters.
If you’re looking for a microphone that clips to your shirt (filming with your phone), you should go for the Rode Smart Lav+.
There may be other options, but I’ve yet to see people raving about other microphones much. There’s probably a reason why.
Alright, I just saved you a ton of time and energy by doing all the research for you. Onward with your video adventures!
xx Raelyn 🙂
Continue to the next part of this series: Blue Yeti Tutorial: How To Use The Blue Yeti Microphone To Get Clear Audio For Your Videos
This is part 3 of 5 of my Crushing It With Video series on how to create awesome videos for your online business.
- A Step-By-Step Guide to Creating & Recording Awesome Videos For Your Business
- How I Got Over My Fears & Recorded My First Video
- The 5 Best Microphones Recommended By Entrepreneurs For Online Video Creation
- Blue Yeti Tutorial: How To Use The Blue Yeti Microphone To Get Clear Audio For Your Videos
- How to Edit Your Videos With Screenflow
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