If you’re a gamer who uses a standalone microphone instead of the one on your headset, you’re already on track toward better sound quality than most. However, many “gaming” mics are of the condenser type, which might not be the best choice.
Why Condenser Microphones Aren’t Ideal for Gamers
Condenser microphones can sound excellent; that’s not the issue. The real problem with condenser microphones is their high sensitivity, which means they capture every little detail. While this is desirable in a studio setting for recording vocals, instruments, or ASMR sounds, it’s the exact opposite of what a gaming microphone needs to do.
A gaming microphone’s primary role is to clearly record your voice while minimizing unwanted sounds. Your teammates want to hear when your ultimate ability is ready for a counter-attack, not the flurry of keyboard clicks, creaking chairs, or your TV in the background.
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A condenser’s high sensitivity also brings in more background noise. It can capture sounds you’re not even aware of, such as PC fans, breathing, and even your mouse sliding on your mousepad. On top of that, condensers have greater levels of self-noise, the inherent electrical noise generated by the microphone’s internals. This noise can be further amplified by low-quality components in your motherboard or audio interface.
They also struggle with loud noises. Plosives (sound like “b” in “bat”) and sudden loud noises, such as yelling when you get excited during a fast-paced match, cause condenser microphones to clip (cut out or distort). Side note: it’s both funny and cringe-worthy when a teammate is flaming you, and their mic cuts in and out.
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Get a Dynamic Microphone Instead
Unlike a condenser, a dynamic microphone is passive and doesn’t need phantom power. It has less self-noise and is less sensitive. While you have to be close to a dynamic mic to sound good, it won’t pick up nearly as much background noise. Most dynamic microphones use a cardioid pattern, which focuses on what’s in front, capturing your voice while isolating background noise.
Sound quality is completely subjective when it comes to dynamic vs. condenser mics. Still, it’s worth mentioning that dynamic microphones typically sound warmer and more natural, which some might find more pleasant compared to the bright, airy tone of a condenser.
What isn’t subjective, though, is that dynamic microphones sound better in untreated rooms. Since they’re designed for live environments, they’re preferred by podcasters, radio hosts, and interviewers prefer them. Gamers benefit from this, too, as a gaming setup shares a similar need for clear sound in less-than-ideal conditions. They’re also more durable if that matters to you.
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Dynamic microphones don’t need a pop filter that might obstruct your face or vision, as they can handle loud input well. Plosives won’t cause clipping, and you can even yell into them. I’ve tested the Shure MV6 by screaming into it as loudly as possible, and it only slightly distorted the sound.
Shure MV7 podcast microphone
If you need something high-end for streaming or with both USB and XLR inputs, the Shure MV7 is worth a closer look.
Unless your gaming PC is inside a sound chamber, a condenser mic won’t sound as good as a dynamic one, even if it’s twice as expensive. Put simply, dynamic mics offer the perfect plug-and-play experience.
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Price is another major factor that benefits dynamic mics. While both condenser and dynamic microphones come in various price ranges, dollar for dollar, you’ll get more value from a dynamic mic. This is because dynamic mics are much cheaper to produce, on top of the aforementioned reasons.
A Condenser Mic Can Still Work With the Right Setup
While a dynamic microphone is the best option for most gamers, there are situations when a condenser mic might be better. For streamers who frequently leave their desk, a condenser mic is more suitable. If you’re a streamer who has to move around for challenges and other real-life activities, a dynamic mic might struggle to capture you while you’re walking around. Then again, you probably want a wireless lavalier microphone for that.
If you’re already stuck with a condenser mic, you can fix some of its drawbacks. First, purchase a basic boom arm, shock mount, and pop filter, and turn on the cardioid or supercardioid pattern. The arm will allow you to fine-tune the position of the mic, as it will sound better if it’s not too close to your mouth, and the shock mount and pop filter will reduce unwanted sounds caused by vibrations and plosives. If you want to go a step further, treat your room with acoustic panels.
Lastly, use a noise suppression tool if your microphone doesn’t have its own software. Discord allows you to use Krisp for free, and if you have an NVIDIA RTX GPU, you can use NVIDIA RTX Voice. These tools are handy with dynamic microphones as well, as they will isolate a human voice from any audio source. Just bear in mind that the better the source audio, the better the results the AI will get.
Condenser microphones can sound amazing, but they require a good setup and are overkill for voice chat. If you’d prefer a hassle-free setup and something that works really well for gaming and calls, get a dynamic mic instead. You won’t regret it. As a matter of fact, you won’t regret buying any type of standalone mic over a headset.
