Best Retro Style Streaming Microphones

Streaming has become a key component of the gaming industry. Actually, audio is one of the most important components of any streaming.

More and more people are streaming on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. So, if you have always desired to put on a live podcast or show your prowess at Fortnite, bandwidth and a mic is all you care.

The best mic for streaming will allow your voice to be heard loud and clear, regardless of what you are streaming. Poor quality audio, on the other hand, will drive away audiences.

That is why we have researched the best microphones for streaming. What you will discover from our guide is that a good pair of computer speakers doesn’t have to cost a lot or take over too much space.

Best Old School Streaming Microphones

Here are few of the best old school microphones for your streaming setup.

1. Shure Super 55 Deluxe

The Shure Super 55 Deluxe dynamic mic combines modern reliability and performance with vintage style appearance. It features a signature chrome-plated satin die-cast housing for a vibrant appearance.

At the heart of it is a super-cardioid dynamic capsule that gives a rich sound while filtering out unnecessary noise. Its shock-mounted cartridge reduces handling noise, giving you quiet operation.

With Shure Super 55 Deluxe vocal mic, you will have the best of both worlds: modern performance and vintage look.

The Super 55 Deluxe is suitable for studio recording, podcast, on stage, and other related recordings. Besides its stage-friendly reliability, durability, and accurate pickup pattern, this mic also works well for studio recordings. You can also use it anywhere a classic stand-mounted mic is desired.

The combinations of updates make this mic an ideal choice if you are looking for a classic-yet affordable mic with dramatic improvement in sound quality. While it might take a while to get used to the Super 55 Deluxe, it is one of the coolest mics ever.

Main Features

• Iconic chrome-plated look with vibrant additions
• Super cardioid polar pattern
• Customized frequency responses that suit natural vocals and speech
• Shock-mounted cartridges to control noise
• Frequency response ranges from 60Hz to 17KHz
• Excellent off-axis rejections and super gain before feedback
• Its self-tensioning swivel mounts feature allows for tinting through 45 degrees forward.
• The mic comes with zippered storage bag

2. The Fin Dynamic Microphone

The Fin Dynamic Microphone from Heli Sound captures impressively natural, clear sound. It is ideal for live recording and broadcast applications.

Its special magnetic structure with a huge 1-1/18” aluminum voice coil assembly allows for exceptional performance. Its frequency response ranges from 60 Hz – 18 KHz.

Other than this, the Heli Fin mic exhibits a tight linear cardioid pattern. You should expect breath blasts to hit the diaphragm directly due to its dual pop screen design.

What is quite impressive about this mic is its chrome finish. The steel body that is copper-plated is also double chrome-plated to give it a deep chrome finish.

Another fun part of this model is the four LED lamps mounted internally. With its ⅝-inch 27-thread connection, you can mount the Fin on booms or floor stands.

Generally, The Fin mic is heavily built and of good quality. As the name suggests, it can handle dynamic recording situations. Besides streaming, this microphone looks awesome for instrumental amplifiers, vocals, speech, and harmonica. Perhaps its only drawback is that it has no handling noise damping.

Main Features

• End fire or polar pattern cardioid with uniform front-to-back discrimination
• Has a frequency response of 60Hz – 18kHz
• Steel case structure with chrome casing
• Comes with an impedance of 600 Ohm balanced
• The diaphragm has a large diameter with low-mass aluminum
• Its magnetic structure is iron, neodymium, and boron
• The package includes an aluminum carrying case

3. Blue Baby Bottle SL Condenser Microphone

At first glance, the Blue Baby Bottle SL mic doesn’t look much of a baby, but if you were to compare with its behemoth predecessor, The Bottle, you will agree with its description.

The Blue Baby Bottle SL is part of Blue’s new Essential Series. It is a condenser mic with a cardioid pattern.

It features a 100 Hz hi-pass filter and a -20dB pad, which is user switchable. So, it’s a nice touch for varying applications. Its capsule is fortified with a Myler, gold-sputtered cover.

The frequency response for the Blue Baby is 20Hz – 20KHz, which is a significantly broad frequency range. With an SPL of 134db, you can throw it any amount of volume without worrying about damage. Simply put, close-miking will be less likely to be an issue.

For a non-tube microphone, we can say it is extremely warm – just don’t expect it to be as rich and warm as the initial Bottle. But when you take into account its price point, you will be impressed.

Main Features

• Robust output with a high-frequency response
• A warm and classic sonic signature that balances an array of voices and instruments
• Suitable for home studios with USB audio interfaces
• Handcrafted diaphragm ensures stable performance
• Upfront sound with a rich mid-range, neutral bottom, and a smooth top end
• High-pass filters minimize rumble and mud, while a -20dB pad control loud sources

4. MXL R77 Classic Ribbon Microphone

The new MXL R77 is an eye-catching, gold- and chrome-colored ribbon mic. This microphone weighs just 860g and features a passive design that is based around a tiny aluminum ribbon transducer, thus creating a natural sound quality with a strong low end and complete midrange.

Streamers rave about its unique sound quality, especially when connected to top quality gaming PCs. It also produces great sounds when paired with instruments, such as guitars.

The sound of these machines is enhanced when connected with MXL R77 ribbon mic because it smoothes out the notes, which often sound jarring when broadcasted through a condenser mic.

Another interesting feature of R77 that is worth mentioning is the glossy, vintage exterior. The chrome and gold metal finish radiates elegance.

Generally, R77 is aesthetically pleasing while also keeping up to the high level of technical standards.

But note that this mic is not the most budget-friendly option available. But what it lacks in affordability is justified by superb performance and quality.

So, if you are searching for a quality high-end streaming mic from MXL, then R77 is undoubtedly a significant investment. But as with most ribbon microphones, be careful not to drop it.

Major Features

• Figure-8 polar pattern
• Warm sound with a full midrange and a strong low end
• The package includes premium Mogami cable and wiring
• Robust, high-quality ribbon microphone laced with a custom gold and chrome finish

5. MXL V67G Large Capsule Condenser Microphone

Another perennial top performer ribbon microphone from MXL is the V67G Large Capsule. Designed mainly for vocals, the mic combines a transformer-coupled output and a Class A FET circuitry for an open and pure sound.

It is one of the most aesthetic condenser microphones you will ever find. It got that exceptional, green vintage body combined with a gold-plated round grill. If you are those streaming enthusiasts who love to show off their gear to their audience, and interestingly, most people do, then you will love the V67G mic.

In terms of performance, the MXL V67G mic produces a sound that most described it as an old school tube mellow. Basically, the mic creates a warm tone and authenticity to the voice. On top of this, the background hiss is almost unnoticeable.

You will be excited not only because of how great this mic sounds, but it is also relatively affordable.

Of course, you won’t expect it to deliver similar results as a high-end professional streaming microphone. All things considered, its performance is impressive, but its glitzy vintage is probably what stands out the most.

Main Features

• Tube-like rich midrange
• A robust microphone that adds warmth to vocals
• Produced clear sound
• Class A FET design for exceptional vocals
• Large-diaphragm that can handle a wide frequency response

6. Shure 520DX Green Bullet Microphone

This nifty piece gives you total control over the mic output and adds recognizable sonic quality to your vocals. Actually, it is a legend in its own right. This harmonica mic is a perfect tool for any live streamer.

It comes with a handy volume control knob, which is at the base. So, it is easy to make adjustments, even when the streaming is on.

You wouldn’t be concerned about taking your hands off your harp or your mind off your performance. Besides this, the Shure 520DX attached cable has a standard ¼-inch phone plug.

Legend harmonica players often refer to this mic as the Green Bullet. Originally designed in 1949, its signature green and chrome casing is designed to fit perfectly between your hands and your harmonica. It sounds great, too.

Other things that make the Green Bullet special are its omnidirectional pattern, smooth and progressive saturation, reduced dynamic range that adds punch to transients, and instant retro vibe.

But it tends to be noisy, probably due to its design. So, you may need to use denoisers, filters, or a gate to reduce the amount of noise.

Main Features

• New rugged cartridge with enhanced response
• New volume control knob that allows you to make adjustments mid-performance
• Attached 1/4 -inch cable
• High-impedance, omnidirectional
• Fairly wide frequency response – 100 to 5KHz

7. Samson Meteor Condenser Microphone

Samson Meteor is one of the best plug-and-play condenser mics. When it comes to look and feel, the Meteor features an aesthetic design with a retro chrome grille appearance. The mic sits on three-fold-down legs.

Given that a majority of podcasters and streamers nowadays show their microphones to their audience, the look of a mic has never been as important as its performance.

This could be the reason we are seeing several eye-catching mics like the Meteor on the market.

Looks asides, the Meteor also allows for quality recording. It has one of the largest condenser diaphragms among the USB mics category. You will most likely be impressed with the sound quality.

But again, most condenser mics need a decent condition for quality recording. Other than that, it is a great piece of USB mic for anyone looking for simplicity and a good level of sound quality.

Not to forget that it is also easy to set up, compact, and eye-catching. Perhaps its major flaw is that the mic lacks gain control.

Main Features

• Stylish and fairly minimalist
• Easy to plug and play setup
• Large (25mm) diaphragm for rich audio recording
• Smooth, flat frequency response – 20Hz to 20KHz
• Cardioid pickup pattern
• Fold-back leg design allows for optimal positioning

How to Choose a Streaming Microphone?

The landscape for microphones, accessories, and configurations is vast, and there are many things to consider.

For this reason, you should be able to understand your ideal microphone setup, room layout, mic types, and an overview of key accessories. With that said, here are the main factors to consider while choosing a streaming mic:

Sound quality

Most manufacturers will try to seduce you with eye-catching words regarding sound quality. Unfortunately, some of them are exaggerated. So, allow your ears to be the final judge.

Listen for the right balance between low (bass), mid, and high (treble) frequencies.

You will find out that most speakers will exaggerate either the bass or treble – usually at the expense of the others.

The speaker you should look for is the one that produces full, detailed audio that sounds naturally good as the creator intended.

Your Work Space

Here, your workspace refers to where the streaming takes place. Are you standing or sitting? Are you using a table or a desk? How much room around your mic do you have? How high or low the ceilings are?

Unless you are planning to have a headset microphone, these factors play a key role in improving your audio setup. In short, you need a microphone that fits your workspace.

Microphone Setups

There are different audio capture setups you can choose. You can opt for an all-in-one headset with a mic, a desktop mounted mic, or a mounted microphone on a swing arm, especially if you have a professional studio. Headsets usually come with simple configurations and are cheap. Sadly, they produce poor quality sound.

Desktop mics are also relatively affordable and offer better quality than a headset. Their only drawback is that they can pick up vibrations from other computer accessories like a mouse and keyboard. They can also clutter your desk.

If you are a professional streamer, buy an arm-mounted mic since it allows for maximum configurations and is quite flexible. Unfortunately, arm-mounted mics are not cheap and might need a decent amount of space for a swing arm mount.

Microphone Types

For streaming microphones, these are two main types of mics: dynamic and condenser mics. Each has its good and bad sides. For instance, condenser mics are ideal for vocal recording and often built with accuracy in mind.

But they may be too sensitive to pick on unwanted sounds, such as air conditioning, echo, or a dog barking across the street. Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, are not very sensitive, more durable, and typically cheaper.

Besides this, you may also want to consider choosing a USB microphone for its convenience and simple setup. With a USB mic, all you need is a computer with a USB port and your voice.

Time to Stream

To this end, you should be able to choose one that fits your situation.

We hope that our guide helped you answer some critical questions and key points of choosing the best quality streaming microphone.

But be careful not to take long to decide and take action. Good luck out there!