The Best XLR Microphones for a PC Setup

It needs an interface with plenty of gain. A yoke in the box is unique to it among these picks, while the Wave DX uses a 5/8in mount with adapters in the box. You also get air suspension shock isolation and a close-talk windscreen.

XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. Low-output dynamic mics may need a high-gain interface or an inline booster. It was the highest-priced of the 7 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the NT1 Signature and the rest.

It needs an interface. An internal pop filter and shock mount reduce plosives and desk bumps, and its all-metal body is built to last. You get a swing mount in the box here, which sets it apart from the AT2020 and its a stand mount in the box.

You also get a design built for broadcast voice. XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. Low-output dynamic mics may need a high-gain interface or an inline booster. Its price falls between the NW-040 and the Wave DX, based on our last check.

It mounts on 5/8in threads with adapters. Its speech-tuned dynamic capsule works with any XLR preamp without a booster, according to Elgato. The cardioid pattern is forgiving if you move off-axis.

A 5/8in mount with adapters in the box is unique to it among these picks, while the PodMic uses a swing mount in the box. XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. Low-output dynamic mics may need a high-gain interface or an inline booster. On price it sat third of 7, between the cheaper PodMic and the pricier SM58, at the time of writing.

It is the long-running stage standard. No other pick in this guide offers a stand adapter in the box; compare the Wave DX, which has a 5/8in mount with adapters in the box. It also offers a cardioid pattern that rejects sound from behind.

XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. Low-output dynamic mics may need a high-gain interface or an inline booster. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing. When we checked, only the Wave DX and cheaper picks cost less, and the AT2020 cost more.

It needs phantom power. The NT1 is one of the quietest condenser mics in terms of self-noise, and its tight cardioid pattern focuses on the voice. It shares a condenser capsule with the AT2020; the Wave DX goes with a dynamic capsule.

XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. As a condenser it needs 48V phantom power from the interface. Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing. Its price falls between the AT2020 and the SM7B, based on our last check.

It needs 48V phantom power. Like the NT1 Signature, it has a condenser capsule, while the Wave DX uses a dynamic capsule. No other pick in this guide offers a stand mount in the box; compare the Wave DX, which has a 5/8in mount with adapters in the box.

It also comes with a studio condenser design. XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included. You also get this: cardioid pattern.

Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the NW-040 at the time of writing. When we checked, only the SM58 and cheaper picks cost less, and the NT1 Signature cost more.

Its cardioid dynamic capsule gives high gain before feedback, and the metal body is solid. It needs an XLR interface or mixer. It suits podcasting, vocals, streaming and instrument recording.

Its extended frequency response gives warm, natural vocals. It also comes with a low price tier. XLR-only: it needs an audio interface or mixer, plus an XLR cable if one is not included.

Low-output dynamic mics may need a high-gain interface or an inline booster. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the PodMic was closest.