How to choose your first USB microphone for streaming

For those starting out in streaming, a USB microphone is an excellent choice due to its simplicity and ease of use. In this article, we’ll cover how to select the right USB microphone, ensuring you get the best value for your money and achieve excellent audio quality.

Why choose a USB Microphone?

USB microphones are popular among streamers, especially beginners, because they are straightforward to set up. Unlike XLR microphones, which require additional equipment like audio interfaces, USB microphones connect directly to your computer via a USB port, making them convenient and hassle-free.

Key considerations when choosing a USB microphone

1. Sound quality: The most important factor is the sound quality. Look for microphones that offer clear, crisp audio with minimal background noise.

2. Frequency response: A wide frequency response ensures that your voice sounds natural and detailed. The HUD-600 available in the Stream Starter Kit has a wide frequency response from 50Hz to 18kHz which is wide enough to cover female adult voice (165 to 255Hz) and male adult voice (85 to 180Hz).

Frequency range	Usage / Role in Speech
85–300 Hz	Low-pitched sounds, fundamental frequency (pitch) for male voices.
300–500 Hz	Low-pitched sounds, some aspects of vowels and consonants.
500–1,000 Hz	First formant of vowels (F1), important for distinguishing vowels.
1,000–3,000 Hz	Second formant (F2) and part of the frequency range of consonants.
3,000–4,000 Hz	High intelligibility of consonants like /s/, /sh/, /t/.
4,000–8,000 Hz	Perception of fine details and voice quality (overtones).

3. Polar patterns: Different polar patterns (e.g., cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional) are suited to various streaming setups. Cardioid (unidirectional) is typically the best choice for solo streamers, as it focuses on capturing your voice while minimizing background noise. This is why the HUD-600 features a cardioid polar pattern.

4. Build quality: A well-built microphone ensures greater durability and longevity, especially with regular use. To provide lasting performance, the HUD-600 is constructed with a robust metal body

5. Ease of setup and use: USB microphones are typically plug-and-play, which means you won’t need additional drivers or complex setups.

6. Price vs. performance: While high-end microphones offer premium features, mid-range USB microphones can still deliver excellent results at a more affordable price.

Additional accessories to consider

Even though the HUD-600 comes with an integrated antipop foam and a metal stand, accessories like boom arms and shock mounts can further enhance audio quality and minimize unwanted noise.

Conclusion

A quality USB microphone provides a straightforward and effective way to achieve excellent audio for streaming. By focusing on key factors like sound quality, polar patterns, and build quality, you can find a USB microphone that enhances your streaming setup without breaking the bank.

Hercules Starter Kit, the best choice to begin

We have created the Hercules Starter Kit that combines an audio controller and a microphone, making it the perfect choice for those starting their streaming journey. This all-in-one solution ensures seamless compatibility between the microphone and audio controls, simplifying the setup process for beginners.
The audio controller provides precise control over sound levels, allowing you to easily adjust microphone input, balance background music, and manage other audio sources.
Paired with a high-quality microphone, this kit delivers professional-grade sound right out of the box, without the need for additional equipment. Designed to be cost-effective and user-friendly, our kit is the ideal starting point for achieving exceptional audio quality in your streams.