If you are a gamer or a streaming enthusiast who records your own gameplay, the mic position is going to affect the sound quality of your microphone.
You will have more control over your voice if you place the mic where it will pick up what is happening close to it; this means placing it in front of your mouth and on the side that corresponds with which hand you use for recording.
That being said, there are many other factors to consider such as what type of headset you are using or whether the game you are playing has a lot of background music that may interfere with your voice.
Other considerations include how comfortable you are with having a mic above/below your mouth and whether you have better control over your audio if it is on either side.
There are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to recording your own gameplay or streaming online.
A lot of this will depend on the type of headset that you are using.
Some headsets have a really high-quality microphone that will pick up your voice even in the best conditions and some headsets will need you to place your microphone much closer to where you are speaking.
There are also other considerations such as what types of games you want to play and whether they would be better off being recorded through a webcam or if playing them live with the audience is more important.
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Table of Contents
How to Find the Best Mic Position for Gaming & Streaming
1. Mic Adjustment
Decide what type of mic you want. You have two options: USB or headset.
USB mic: The USB can be easily set up and is a great alternative for someone who already has a gaming keyboard and either just wants to add a mic to their computer, or someone who has no other option and must use the speakers that came with the computer.
Most USB mics will come with software that allows you to adjust the audio levels of your microphone so that they are at an appropriate level for streaming or recording.
(Source: PCGamer.com)
2. The Ideal Position
Your mic needs to be positioned where it can pick up your voice; this means that you will need to place it on one of the sides of your mouth and about 3-4 inches in front of it.
Depending on what type of headset you have, you may need to angle the mic down a little so that it is picking up what you are saying.
3. What type of Headset is being used?
A lot of this is going to depend on the type of headset that you are using.
Some headsets have a really high-quality microphone that will pick up your voice even in the best conditions and some headsets will need you to place your microphone much closer to where you are speaking.
There are also other considerations such as what types of games you want to play and whether they would be better off being recorded through a webcam or if playing them live with the audience is more important.
4. What type of game is going to be played?
If you are playing a game and talking at the same time, then it is going to be hard to hear what is being said by anyone in your party if the microphone is not close enough to pick up your voice. In addition, if you are recording in a game, it is going to be hard for the player to hear what is being said if the mic is not up close.
5. Mic on Top or Below your Mouth
A lot of this will depend on how comfortable you are with having a mic above or below your mouth. There are a lot of reasons why you may be able to have more control over your audio if it is on either side.
6. Background Noise from sources
If there are a lot of other people in the room, then having a mic closer to where you are speaking will be more important than having one that picks up sounds from another room.
(Source: streamscheme.com)
FAQs
In which position should a microphone be held?
The microphone should be held in an upright position because this helps in the natural capturing of sound. In this manner, the sound waves will be direct in front of the microphone and this gives it a clear and precise recording. In order to prevent noise distortion, it is best to hold the microphone away from your mouth. It should also not be held perpendicular to your mouth since this could distort the sound waves.
When talking on the phone or recording words for a speech, you should place the microphone about two inches away from your mouth which will allow for clear as well as undistorted recording.
Should my mic be upside down?
Yes, your mic should be upside down while gaming in order to avoid creating a lot of background noise. In addition, putting the mic upside down will make the transmitter easier to hold and will prevent you from getting hit in the head by your headset. Your microphone is just better off being put upside down rather than up right.
How do I get the best out of my mic?
The first thing you want to do is make sure that your mic is not upside down. When the mic is upside down, it will pick up a lot of background noise and make it difficult for teammates to hear you. Pushing your mic away from your mouth when speaking will also help reduce your background noise. Don’t forget to buy a pop filter if you’re streaming or recording too!
How far should my mic be from my face?
This will depend on the type of microphone that you are using. Typically, a microphone will be anywhere from 1 inch to 6 inches away from your mouth in order to get quality sound.
Moreover, most people prefer mics between 1.5 to 5 inches away from their mouth to avoid picking up too much of their breathing sound. This breathing sound will create background noise in the game and make it difficult for people to hear you.
Do I need a pop filter for streaming?
Yes, pop filters are extremely beneficial when streaming or recording because they remove the harsh “popping” from consonants in words such as P, T and S.
FAQ:
Q: What type of microphone should you buy for gaming and streaming?
A: A: USB microphones are among the most prevalent for gaming and streaming fare, but you’ll sometimes see the more widely used professional connection standard, XLR, make its way into high-end units.
Q: How far should a microphone be from your face for streaming?
A: How to Position a Microphone for Streaming How to position your mic heavily depends on whether you are using a dynamic, condenser or headset mic. If you’re using the desktop stand that comes with many microphones, you should place the microphone 6 to 12 inches away from your face if you can.
Q: Is a desktop mic necessary for gaming?
A: But now, with prices tumbline, technology improving, and streaming becoming so ubiquitous, a great desktop mic is almost a necessary part of your gaming rig these days. And, not only will it ensure you sound silky smooth on your stream, you can also net high quality audio over Discord or in your Zoom meeting.
Q: How to use a microphone properly?
A: Using your fingernail, lightly scratch the metal basket on both faces of the mic. The one that sounds louder is the front. Next, position the front of the flat circle only about 4 inches from your mouth (Yes, this is too close). Start to talk.