Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 11 hours ago
I've reviewed 47 microphones on this channel. That's 1.9 million views
worth of testing. In this video I'm breaking it all down — my actual
favorite, the ones I'd never buy again, and the microphones I'd recommend
to anyone starting out or upgrading their setup.
No brand deals influenced this list. Just honest takes from someone
who's had every one of these in front of their face.
The most important mic tip I can give you has nothing to do with which
microphone you buy — and I'll share it before anything else.
———
🎙️ MICROPHONES MENTIONED (affiliate links):
• Shure SM7B — amazon.com/dp/B0002E4Z8M?ref=t_ac_spc_accepted_tile&linkCode=tr1&tag=darkenedcyr06-20&linkId=B0002E4Z8M_1772240616690
• FiFine K688 — amazon.com/dp/B0B8SNVK5K?ref=t_ac_spc_accepted_tile&linkCode=tr1&tag=darkenedcyr06-20&linkId=B0B8SNVK5K_1772240616689
• FiFine AM8 — amazon.com/dp/B0C74G9RLH?ref=t_ac_spc_accepted_tile&linkCode=tr1&tag=darkenedcyr06-20&linkId=B0C74G9RLH_1772240453256
• Elgato Wave 3 Mk II — elgato.sjv.io/aN1BOW
• Lewitt Ray — amzn.to/442cr6h
• K669D (Best $30 Mic) — amzn.to/4eluyZZ
📋 FULL MIC REVIEW PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxSvOlNtZEG0D2FMjKLjtEBHw8AjzvDhQ
------------------------------------
We are an Elgato Ambassador! Get a discount when you order your favorite Elgato products with my link! elgato.sjv.io/aOdJZR
Are you a Console Streamer? Then you need Lightstream!
golightstream.com/darkenedcyrus
Discount Code: DarkenedCyrus (25% off 3 months!)
We are an AVerMedia Partner! Go check out their AWESOME Inventory and get an exclusive discount with my coupon code!
Code: Cyrus
Link: sdqk.me/bPFV6hdj/9f8lj0GW
------------------------------------
Check out my website to book 1 on 1 Coaching, editing services, and more! https://www.darkenedcyrus.live
Join The Darkness Discord! discord.gg/ftRsYvq
------------------------------------
Check out my website! - darkenedcyrus.com
BRANDS! Here's my Media Kit - https://darkenedcyrus.live/mediakit
------------------------------------
Come Watch My Stream!
Twitch - twitch.tv/darkenedcyrus
------------------------------------
Socials
Twitter - twitter.com/DarkenedCyrus
Instagram - instagram.com/DarkenedCyrus
------------------------------------
Channel Started - 7/12/2019
YouTube Partner Program - 11/7/2020
10k Subs - 7/18/2022
20k Subs - 3/13/2024
Timestamps:
0:00 I’ve Reviewed 47 Microphones (Why This Matters)
0:20 What This Video Will Cover
0:45 Why Audio Matters More Than Video
1:20 The #1 Mistake (Mic Placement)
2:20 Cheap vs Expensive Mics (Does Price Matter?)
3:10 My Favorite Microphone (Shure SM7B)
4:20 Why It’s NOT Worth It for Most People
5:10 Worst Microphone I’ve Ever Used
6:10 Another Mic to Avoid (Joby Wavo Pod)
7:00 Budget Mics That Actually Sound Good
8:10 The FIFINE K688 & AM8 (Best Value Picks)
9:30 Best Feature-Packed Microphones
10:00 Lewitt Ray (Auto Gain Mic Explained)
11:10 Elgato Wave 3 Mark II (Best Overall Pick)
12:10 Best $30 Microphone (Hidden Gem)
13:00 What You Should Buy (Final Advice)
13:40 What Tutorials Do You Want Next?
14:00 Outro
I've reviewed 47 microphones on this channel. That's 1.9 million views
worth of testing. In this video I'm breaking it all down — my actual
favorite, the ones I'd never buy again, and the microphones I'd recommend
to anyone starting out or upgrading their setup.
No brand deals influenced this list. Just honest takes from someone
who's had every one of these in front of their face.
The most important mic tip I can give you has nothing to do with which
microphone you buy — and I'll share it before anything else.
———
🎙️ MICROPHONES MENTIONED (affiliate links):
• Shure SM7B — amazon.com/dp/B0002E4Z8M?ref=t_ac_spc_accepted_tile&linkCode=tr1&tag=darkenedcyr06-20&linkId=B0002E4Z8M_1772240616690
• FiFine K688 — amazon.com/dp/B0B8SNVK5K?ref=t_ac_spc_accepted_tile&linkCode=tr1&tag=darkenedcyr06-20&linkId=B0B8SNVK5K_1772240616689
• FiFine AM8 — amazon.com/dp/B0C74G9RLH?ref=t_ac_spc_accepted_tile&linkCode=tr1&tag=darkenedcyr06-20&linkId=B0C74G9RLH_1772240453256
• Elgato Wave 3 Mk II — elgato.sjv.io/aN1BOW
• Lewitt Ray — amzn.to/442cr6h
• K669D (Best $30 Mic) — amzn.to/4eluyZZ
📋 FULL MIC REVIEW PLAYLIST: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxSvOlNtZEG0D2FMjKLjtEBHw8AjzvDhQ
------------------------------------
We are an Elgato Ambassador! Get a discount when you order your favorite Elgato products with my link! elgato.sjv.io/aOdJZR
Are you a Console Streamer? Then you need Lightstream!
golightstream.com/darkenedcyrus
Discount Code: DarkenedCyrus (25% off 3 months!)
We are an AVerMedia Partner! Go check out their AWESOME Inventory and get an exclusive discount with my coupon code!
Code: Cyrus
Link: sdqk.me/bPFV6hdj/9f8lj0GW
------------------------------------
Check out my website to book 1 on 1 Coaching, editing services, and more! https://www.darkenedcyrus.live
Join The Darkness Discord! discord.gg/ftRsYvq
------------------------------------
Check out my website! - darkenedcyrus.com
BRANDS! Here's my Media Kit - https://darkenedcyrus.live/mediakit
------------------------------------
Come Watch My Stream!
Twitch - twitch.tv/darkenedcyrus
------------------------------------
Socials
Twitter - twitter.com/DarkenedCyrus
Instagram - instagram.com/DarkenedCyrus
------------------------------------
Channel Started - 7/12/2019
YouTube Partner Program - 11/7/2020
10k Subs - 7/18/2022
20k Subs - 3/13/2024
Timestamps:
0:00 I’ve Reviewed 47 Microphones (Why This Matters)
0:20 What This Video Will Cover
0:45 Why Audio Matters More Than Video
1:20 The #1 Mistake (Mic Placement)
2:20 Cheap vs Expensive Mics (Does Price Matter?)
3:10 My Favorite Microphone (Shure SM7B)
4:20 Why It’s NOT Worth It for Most People
5:10 Worst Microphone I’ve Ever Used
6:10 Another Mic to Avoid (Joby Wavo Pod)
7:00 Budget Mics That Actually Sound Good
8:10 The FIFINE K688 & AM8 (Best Value Picks)
9:30 Best Feature-Packed Microphones
10:00 Lewitt Ray (Auto Gain Mic Explained)
11:10 Elgato Wave 3 Mark II (Best Overall Pick)
12:10 Best $30 Microphone (Hidden Gem)
13:00 What You Should Buy (Final Advice)
13:40 What Tutorials Do You Want Next?
14:00 Outro
