November 2022
Microphones: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Microphone rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2022.
Summary
As of 16 Nov 2022, Shure MV7 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed microphone with 6 expert endorsements. 1 experts out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 microphone' this month. It is followed by Blue Yeti and Blue Yeti X , with 4 and 3 expert endorsements respectively.
At a glance - November 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Microphone |
PCMag
|
MusicTech
|
PC Gamer
|
CNN Underscored
|
Tom's Guide
|
IGN
|
Just Creative
|
PianoDreamers
|
Music Grotto
|
Music Radar
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $224 |
Shure MV7
|
9
|
4
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
2
|
- | $100 |
Blue Yeti
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
19
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
+1 | $165 |
Blue Yeti X
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
-1 | $90 |
Rode PodMic
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
+4 | Check price |
Shure SM7B
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
8
|
-
|
10
|
|
6
|
-1 | $30 |
HyperX SoloCast
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
-1 | $150 |
Elgato Wave 3
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
-1 | $130 |
HyperX QuadCast S
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
9
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
-1 | $87 |
Rode NT-USB-Mini
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $30 |
Fifine K669
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $80 |
Blue Yeti Nano
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $192 |
Aston Origin
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
7
|
|
18
|
- | $199 |
Sontronics Podcast Pro
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
New * | $446 |
Electro-Voice RE20
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
|
20
|
- | $158 |
Rode Procaster Dynamic
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | $3295 |
Neumann U87 Ai
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Shure MV7 #1 in November 2022 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Shure MV7 as #1.
PCMag
Best XLR/USB Versatility
|
Pros
Excellent dynamic mic for vocals
USB (digital) and XLR (analog) connections
Shure Motiv app provides real-time EQ and basic controls while recording
|
Cons
No included mic stand or mount
|
PC Gamer
The best hybrid USB/XLR microphone
|
Pros
Excellent Vocals
USB/XLR combo
Versatile
Easy Use software
|
Cons
No mic stand
Uses micro-USB
|
Just Creative
The best USB microphone for podcasting
|
Pros
Good range and sound quality
Quite versatile
Comes with a direct to computer USB connection
|
Cons
Does not come with a mic stand included
|
Music Radar
The best microphone for content creation
|
Pros
Dual output adds versatility
MOTIV app is genuinely useful
|
Cons
USB-C connection would have been preferable
|
We ranked Blue Yeti #2 in November 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Blue Yeti as #1.
Tom's Guide
Editor's Choice / The best microphone overall
|
Pros
Versatile
Reasonably priced
Great sound quality
|
Cons
Not as precise as specialized mics
So-so mount
|
Just Creative
The best and easiest-to-use microphone for any user
|
Pros
Outstanding sound quality
Reasonable price
Has three condenser capsules ensuring crisp and clear sound quality
|
Cons
Could be lighter and more portable
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend Microphones.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of Microphones, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for November 2022 ranking
PCMag
MusicTech
PC Gamer
CNN Underscored
Tom's Guide
IGN
Just Creative
PianoDreamers
Music Grotto
Music Radar
We ranked Blue Yeti X #3 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Blue Yeti X as #1.
PCMag
Most Flexible Recording Options
|
Pros
Strong audio quality with four mic patterns, including cardioid and stereo.
DSP-free.
LED live metering.
Recording software included.
|
Cons
Lack of DSP presets not for those seeking EQ/compression baked into signal.
No pop filter or adapter for standard mic stand.
|
PC Gamer
The best microphone for podcasting
|
Pros
Best sounding Blue microphone
LED front panel
Blue Vo!ce software offers great flexiblity
|
Cons
Low stand
Better with a mic arm
Delicate ports
|
We ranked Rode PodMic #4 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Rode PodMic as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best microphone for serious podcasting
|
Pros
Fantastic sound
High build quality
Low price
Internal pop filter
|
Cons
Not ideal for newcomers
Stand not included
|
We ranked Shure SM7B #5 in November 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Just Creative
The best high-end microphone
|
Pros
Outstanding sound quality
Solid and rugged build
Easy to use
Great sound reproduction
|
Cons
Must be used along with a mixer
|
Music Radar
A treat for vocals in untreated rooms
|
Pros
Peerless sound quality for a dynamic
Excellent noise rejection
A joy to use in untreated rooms
Built-in pop filter, electromagnetic shielding, suspension and windscreen
|
Cons
Requires oodles of clean gain
|
We ranked HyperX SoloCast #6 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
PC Gamer
The best budget microphone
|
Pros
Sounds nearly identical to QuadCast Mic
Great price
Portable design
|
Cons
No gain control on mic, which makes this one fiddler than some for small tweaks
|
Tom's Guide
The best microphone on a budget
|
Pros
Very affordable
Good sound
Adjustable stand
Portable friendly
|
Cons
Limited controls
Cardioid pattern only
|
We ranked Elgato Wave 3 #7 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
PC Gamer
Best microphone for streaming and gaming
|
Pros
Clear audio
Digital mixer
Simple mounting
|
Cons
Single polar pattern
|
We ranked HyperX QuadCast S #8 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
PC Gamer
The best microphone with RGB
|
Pros
Easy to set use
Touch-sensitive mute button
Built-in Shockmount
Cool RGB lighting
|
Cons
RGB is not for everyone...
and costly
|
Tom's Guide
A gaming microphone with customizable lighting
|
Pros
High sound quality
Customizable lighting
Built-in shock mount and pop filter
|
Cons
Standard QuadCast is cheaper
|
We ranked Rode NT-USB-Mini #9 in November 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
PCMag
Best Compact Mic
|
Pros
Crisp, clear, DSP-free mic signal
Zero-latency monitoring mode
|
Cons
Fixed pattern
No gain knob
|
PC Gamer
The best microphone for entry-level content creators
|
Pros
Great Sound
Simple Compact Design
Decent Software
|
Cons
Software only works with NT Minis
Picks up background noise
|
Tom's Guide
A beginner’s mic with good sound quality
|
Pros
Easy to use
Adequate sound
Built-in headphone output
|
Cons
Gain-heavy audio
Stiff, non-adjustable stand
|
We ranked Fifine K669 #10 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Just Creative
The best budget-friendly USB microphone
|
Pros
Affordable price
Solid build
Good audio quality and versatile range
Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS
|
Cons
The cable could be better quality
|
We ranked Blue Yeti Nano #11 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Tom's Guide
A great compact Blue Yeti microphone
|
Pros
Great sound
Study build
Cheaper than the Blue Yeti
|
Cons
No stereo mode
Basic controls
|
Just Creative
The best portable microphone
|
Pros
Affordable
Great audio quality
Easily portable
Great sound reproduction
|
Cons
Gain can only be adjusted through the Sherpa app
|
We ranked Aston Origin #12 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Music Grotto
|
Pros
Versatile for most voices
127 dB max SPL
Custom, mountable end caps
Built-in shock isolation adds a layer of durability
|
Cons
No shock mount included
Low-cut filter doesn’t lend to dynamic vocals
|
Music Radar
An excellent low-priced condenser mic
|
Pros
Fantastic price
Boutique appearance
|
Cons
Very few
|
We ranked Sontronics Podcast Pro #13 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Just Creative
The best-looking podcast microphone
|
Pros
Good for recording speech and podcasts
Great unique design
Comes with an internal shock mount
Good price
|
Cons
Can have issues rejecting ambient noise when multiple sounds are being recorded
|
We ranked Electro-Voice RE20 #14 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Music Radar
The dynamic mic that thinks it’s a condenser
|
Pros
No proximity effect
No off-axis colouration
Superb rejection of unwanted sounds
Legendary for voice, but great for vocals and some instruments too
|
Cons
Needs a lot of clean gain
|
We ranked Rode Procaster Dynamic #15 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
Just Creative
The best microphone that’s built to work
|
Pros
Clear and focused audio
Solid build
Handles ambient noise extremely well
Comes with stand mount and a zip pouch
|
Cons
A bit pricey
|
We ranked Neumann U87 Ai #16 in November 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Microphones” rankings.
