Having studio-quality audio for your stream, podcast, or even for content creation can instantly signify you as a quality source of content.
If you’re looking to level up your audio, upgrading your equipment is the best place to start.
Equipment
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get studio-quality hardware! Investing in high-quality microphones, preamps, and audio interfaces is crucial for capturing clear, noise-free audio.
Microphone
A cardioid condenser microphone is generally a good choice for most streamers because of its wide frequency response and sensitive pickup pattern.
Don’t get confused by all these buzzwords. Cardioid simply means the microphone picks up sound primarily from the front, with some sensitivity to the sides, as seen in the graphic above. A cardioid pickup pattern also helps to isolate your voice and reduce background noise.
For streamers and content creators having a good quality microphone is one thing, but having a mic that also looks good for your viewers is paramount.
Streamplify MIC RGB Microphone with Mounting Arm and Pop Filter
- 16mm condenser
- 16bit, 48Hz sampling rate
- Fully adjustable microphone arm with shock mount included
- RGB lighting
- Integrated volume control
Endgame Gear XSTRM RGB USB Microphone with Shock Mount and Pop Filter
- 20mm gold-plated condenser
- 192kHz/24-bit sampling rate
- AI noise cancelling
- Shock mount and pop filter
- Touch-sensitive mute button
- RGB lighting
Shure SM7B Studio
Alternatively, if you’re looking to step up a level and invest in an XLR microphone, Overclockers UK now stocks a range of Shure microphones. The Shure SM7B Studio Microphone features a cardioid pickup pattern which is ideal for all types of content creation. What’s more, this microphone also is fitted with an Internal Air Suspension mechanism to prevent mechanical noise transmission and a yoke mount for precise microphone positioning.
Investing in an XLR microphone has significant benefits over those that use a 3.5mm or even USB connector! XLR cables offer a higher signal-to-noise ratio and better rejection of electromagnetic interference compared to unbalanced cables commonly used with consumer-grade microphones. This results in a clearer, stronger signal transmission with less noise.
Shure: Audio Excellence has Arrived at Overclockers UK
Headphones
If you’re levelling up your microphone quality, you might as well benefit from improved audio quality as well. Not all headphones are made equal. For professional audio editing, you’ll likely benefit from a pair of headphones designed with a wide frequency range alongside a 6.3mm connector or adapter for connecting to an external input.
Shure SRH840A Professional Studio Headphones
Shure SRH840A closed-back headphones offer exceptional sound quality thanks to their 40mm neodymium drivers and gold-plated MMCX connectors. These headphones are designed for longevity, featuring a lightweight, durable aluminium alloy frame and plush earpads covered in Alcantara, making them the perfect choice for extended listening sessions.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wired Gaming Headset
The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro headphones are a versatile and highly capable audio solution for gamers and audio professionals alike. With their 40mm neodymium drivers and wide 10–40,000 Hz frequency response, the Arctis Nova Pro headphones deliver exceptional audio clarity and detail, making them ideal for critical audio tasks.
Additionally, the inclusion of the Gen 2 GameDac, an external DAC and amplifier, enables these headphones to deliver high-fidelity audio with ease. The built-in equaliser further enhances the audio performance, by allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences. Whether you are working on an audio edit or engaging in immersive gaming sessions, the Arctis Nova Pro headphones offer the ultimate audio experience, with the added convenience of being able to switch between modes for optimised audio.
Elgato WAVE Panels
Once you’ve levelled up your equipment, you can still make more improvements, including the space you record in.
Sound panels are designed to absorb and reduce unwanted ambient noise, improving the overall sound quality of your recording. The result is a clearer, more professional-sounding audio recording. Additionally, thanks to their unique interlocking design, ELGATO Wave Panels look great on your wall!
- 6 Acoustic treatment panels
- Dual density foam
- EasyClick frames
- Modular design
Ready to level up your audio?
What audio equipment do you currently use? Don’t forget to drop a link to your stream, podcast, or gaming content down below for us to check out 🙂
Not answered your streaming questions in this article? Head over to the Overclockers UK Ultimate Collection of Streaming Guides – we’ve pulled together every blog we’ve written about streaming and put them in one easy to access place. May your questions be answered there.
- 4 min read
Robert Mullane
Author
When not working, you'll find me in VR or losing in bottom-tier Valorant matches. I write about all topic's tech and gaming with a particular focus on representation in gaming, virtual reality, and LGBTQ+ themes. If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.
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