Microphones

How to Choose the Best Microphone in the UK in 2024

Microphones have become an integral part of modern life. Whether there is a streamer looking for something better for a headset mic, a musician who wants to record his new songs or a gamer who engages in intense Discord conversation, a microphone is needed. Microphones come in various types in the market, making them suitable for specific class of users. For beginners, this huge variety of mics can overwhelm them as they don’t know how to choose the best microphone. Concerning this, you can check out our mic collection, featuring gaming microphones, streaming microphones, podcasting microphones, USB microphones, wired microphones, wireless microphones, and more.

To make buying a mic easier for you, we have discussed some important factors that you should consider before making a final choice.

Factors to Look for in the Best Microphone for Your Needs:

Here are factors that you need to know:

Types of Microphones:

There are mainly three types of microphones:

• Dynamic Microphones:

Leaving aside the technicalities behind the working of dynamic microphones, they are relatively rough and tough, suitable for live performance. Dynamic microphones are simple but highly effective, capable of delivering ultimate performance.

Dynamic microphones are the least sensitive, making them suitable for loud and close sound, and live performance on stage because they are less prone to feedback, and they are also ideal options for recording in a room with sub-optical acoustics.

As recommendations, the AKG D112 is best for capturing low-frequency sound, the Shure SM7B is a premium dynamic microphone for overall performance, and the Shura SM57 and Shura SM58 are best for beginners.

• Condenser Microphones:

Condenser Microphones, also dubbed Capacity Mic in the UK, are the second major type. They are capable of pulling their charge from audio or mixed interface. Unlike dynamic microphones, they are sensitive, warm, and come with low self-noise.

Condenser microphones are known for reproducing high-frequency voices; therefore, they are preferred for amplifying all nuances of human sound. They are further divided into two types: large diaphragm microphones and small diaphragm microphones.

Large diaphragm microphones are the right choice for studio recording and small diaphragm microphones are known for accuracy and details, used for live sound and instrument recording. 

Neumann U87 and Audio-Technica AT2020 are examples of Condenser Microphones. Finally, the Blue Snowball iCE is one of the best choices you can make due to its condenser capsule technology for the best vocal sound transmission. Further, these headphone jack allows you to connect with your headset or gaming headset. For more options, you can visit our microphone collection.

Wired Microphone vs Wireless Microphone:

Both wired and wireless microphones offer strengths and weaknesses. Wired microphones are known for consistent sound quality, and lower latency. Moreover, they are affordable and they don’t require a battery. However, they suffer from limited portability and cable management. So, due to their plug-play design, you can connect them to your PC or Laptop.

Wireless microphones, on the other hand, allow convenience, freedom of movement, and versatility for working in different settings such as stage performances, field recordings, and presentations. But they have shortcomings as well such as interferences from other wireless devices, dependency on battery, and higher cost in comparison with wired microphones.

Sensitivity and SPL-Handling Capability:

This is also an important consideration. Sensitivity refers to how quiet a sound a mic can detect and reproduce. Though this sensitivity is measured through various systems, the thumb rule is the lower the better. Unlike sensitivity, SPL or Sound Pressure Level is the polar opposite. It denotes how high the volume of sound a pic can handle. Look for a sound with maximum SPL, measured in dB or Decibel. You should look for a mic with 120 dB SPL. 

Having discussed the salient features that you should look into, now we make some specific recommendations. 

Microphone Buying Guide

Here are our top picks for microphones suitable for various categories. 

• Best Microphone for Streaming: 

As a thumb rule, if you are streaming with no or little background noise, condenser microphones are the best choice for streaming, otherwise, go for dynamic mics. 

Shure SM7B or Blue Yeti X are recommended for streaming because they can produce professional and clear audio quality.

• Best Microphone for Gaming: 

Rode NT-USB+ is ranked as the best gaming microphone. It supports 20 Hz-20 KHz frequency response and USB-C type connectivity. It is sturdy and well-built, capable of producing exceptional sound quality.

• Best Budget Microphone: 

Razer Seiren Mini is the cheapest microphone you can buy in the market. Featuring USB connectivity, supporting 20Hz to 20k Hz frequency, and a Tap-to-mute sensor, the Razer Seiren Mini is a stylish-looking microphone that is ultraportable and capable of delivering decent performance.

• Best Microphone for Podcast:

Blue Microphone Yeti is ranked as the best microphone when it comes to the best microphone for podcasts. It is a condenser microphone, featuring USB connectivity, an omnidirectional polar pattern, and more.

How Can We Help You?

Morgan Ingland Ltd has carved out a unique name in the market by offering an extensive portfolio of wired and wireless microphones. We deal in all major mic manufacturers including Shura, Rode, AKG, Sennheiser, Neumann, Blue Microphone, and more. We love to help you find the best available mic for every kind of your need, be gaming setup including gaming PCs or gaming laptops, podcasting, streaming, singing, voiceover, TikTok, YouTube, conference calls, or more. Contact us today and enjoy exceptional sound reproduction with the help of our top-notch microphones at the best price in the market.