Best Mic for Noisy Environment - 7 Microphones Reviewed
Mar 3, 2022
Looking for the best mics for noisy environments? If so, you've come to the right place.
A big reason why so many content creators struggle to record high-quality voice recordings is that they're located in a noisy environment. Naturally, this makes it a good idea to get a microphone that can reject background noise. But which microphone does this the best?
In this article, you will learn:
Best Microphone for Background Noise
Read on and discover the best microphones for noisy environments.
Best Microphone for Background Noise
Finding the best microphone for background noise is a difficult process. Every recording environment is different, and each microphone excels in different situations. Luckily, there are a handful of microphones that perform well across the board in all environments.
1. Shure SM7B
Listen to any large podcast and there's a good chance the audio was captured using the Shure SM7B. For many content creators, this has been the go-to microphone, as it is capable of capturing high-quality audio while rejecting background noise.
Unlike most microphones on the market, the SM7B comes equipped with a built-in windscreen. This built-in windscreen helps reject background noise while also ensuring plosives do not overpower the ears of listeners.
Something to keep in mind when it comes to this microphone is that an audio interface is needed to use it. Since this is the case, this microphone is typically not the most budget-friendly option available.
Specifications and Features:
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Size: 13.29" x 7.2" x 4.79"
- Weight: 2.03lbs. (0.92kg)
- Output: XLR
Pros
- Smooth and warm sound
- Durable construction
- Low noise
Cons
- Audio interface needed
- Not ideal for beginners
2. Samson Q2U
If you've done any research into the best budget-friendly microphones available on the market, there's a good chance you've come across the Samson Q2U. This microphone isn't only a great option because of its price but also become of its noise rejection.
The Samson Q2U is a dynamic condenser microphone. These types of microphones are great at rejecting background noise. They are built for spoken word recordings and are placed close to the speaker's mouth due to their sensitivity (or lack thereof).
A unique feature of this microphone is the USB and XLR outputs. That's right- you can record audio via USB or XLR. This makes the Q2U a flexible microphone with an easy upgrade path, which will save you money in the long run.
Specifications and Features:
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz
- Size: 13" x 4" x 10"
- Weight: 0.70lbs. (0.31kg)
- Output: USB/XLR
Pros
- Zero latency monitoring
- Background noise rejection
Cons
- Poor included stand
3. Shure SM58
The Shure SM58 has been around for ages now. If you've ever watched a band perform live, there's a good chance this microphone was used. But, this microphone isn't only for musicians- it works great for capturing spoken word recordings with minimal noise as well.
Like the SM7B, the SM58 needs an audio interface to be used. However, since it is a relatively budget-friendly microphone, purchasing an audio interface alongside it makes more sense for those with a smaller budget.
The build quality of the SM58 is impressive- especially for the price. It is a very sturdy and durable product, which is why many people have an SM58 that they purchased years ago, still in perfect condition.
Specifications and Features:
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-15kHz
- Size: 10.29" x 4.90" x 3.40"
- Weight: 0.70lbs. (0.31kg)
- Output: XLR
Pros
- Build quality
- Warm and smooth sound
Cons
- Audio interface needed
4. Shure MV7
Looking at the Shure MV7, you'll notice that it has a strong resemblance to the SM7B. This is because it is meant to be a more compact version of the SM7B. It's safe to say that this goal was accomplished.
Regarding the recording quality of the MV7, it sounds great. It does a great job at rejecting background noise, leading to clear and crisp recordings. No matter what type of videos you create, this microphone will work for you.
Similar to the Samson Q2U, the Shure MV7 also has USB and XLR outputs. This flexibility makes the microphone a great option for those who do not own an audio interface but still want to capture high-quality audio.
Specifications and Features:
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Response: 50Hz-16kHz
- Size: 4.29" x 12.29" x 5"
- Weight: 2.31lbs. (1.05kg)
- Output: USB/XLR
Pros
- Recording quality
- Noise rejection
- USB/XLR outputs
Cons
- Loose windscreen
5. Shure Super 55 Deluxe
The Shure Super 55 Deluxe attracts a lot of eyes due to its design. But, even better than its unique design is the fact that it does a great job at rejecting background noise. While you won't see many content creators using it, it is a great product.
Something important to note is that while it looks cool, the form factor of the Super 55 Deluxe makes it difficult to use in different environments. For example, you cannot hold this microphone in your hand and talk into it effectively like you can with the Samson Q2U.
Build quality-wise, the Shure Super 55 Deluxe is a sturdy product. You would think that dropping it would lead to disaster, but this isn't the case. So, if you were to own this microphone, you could rest knowing that it's not a delicate product.
Specifications and Features:
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Response: 60Hz-17kHz
- Size: 10" x 5" x 3.37"
- Weight: 1.44lbs. (0.65kg)
- Output: XLR
Pros
- Unique look
- Decent tone
Cons
- Microphone stand necessary
- Difficult to use with a windscreen
6. Samson C01U Pro
Often forgotten about, the Samson C01U Pro is a great budget microphone that does a superb job in noisy environments. Looking at the components and design decisions for this microphone, it's clear that background noise reduction was one of the main focuses.
Dynamic microphones with a cardioid polar pattern have traditionally been the best at rejecting background noise. The C01U Pro has a rare hypercardioid polar pattern, which gives it an even tighter range than the basic cardioid pickup pattern.
Usually, sensitive microphones do a poor job at rejecting background noise. However, the Samson C01U Pro is different. It is a sensitive microphone so it requires little gain (which is helpful with the USB output) but it doesn't have distortion issues, making it a great mic.
Specifications and Features:
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-18kHz
- Size: 9.25" x 5.8" x 2.8"
- Weight: 0.99lbs. (0.44kg)
- Output: USB
Pros
- Sound quality
Cons
- Weak headphone jack
- Poor included stand
7. Electro-Voice RE20
Sometimes, paying a decent chunk of money for a microphone is worth it. This is the case when it comes to the Electro-Voice RE20. It does a great job at rejecting background noise and it does not produce plosives, even when the speaker is very close to the microphone.
Sound-wise, this microphone is a popular choice among podcast hosts. The RE20 has a relatively strong low end, meaning that it captures the low frequencies of the speaker's voice and makes them more prominent.
You'd expect a microphone of this price to have a good build quality, and this is certainly the case. Sure, you shouldn't throw the microphone around the room. But, it can handle the odd bump or drop. So, you don't need to worry about this expensive product breaking easily.
Specifications and Features:
- Polar Pattern: Unidirectional
- Frequency Response: 45Hz-18kHz
- Size: 1" x 1" x 9"
- Weight: 1lbs. (0.45kg)
- Output: XLR
Pros
- Sound quality
- Build quality
- Built-in pop filter
Cons
- Audio interface needed
Conclusion
You now know what the best microphone for a noisy environment with lots of background noise is. While there are plenty of great options available, some are more expensive than others and require different equipment to use.
