Audio quality can make or break a live stream. Viewers forgive average video but leave immediately when audio is unclear, muffled, or distorted. Choosing the right microphone for your event is one of the most impactful investments you can make.
Lapel microphones
Lapel (or lavalier) microphones clip to clothing near the speaker mouth. They are small, discreet, and capture clear speech while rejecting background noise. Wireless models give the speaker freedom to move around.
Best for: commentary, speeches, interviews, ceremonies. Budget wireless lapel mics start around 20 pounds and connect via the phone headphone jack or USB-C.
Dynamic microphones
Dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 are the workhorse of live broadcasting. They are rugged, reject background noise, and produce warm, broadcast-quality audio. They require an audio interface to connect to a computer.
Best for: commentary desks, studio-style streams, any situation where the mic stays on a stand.
Shotgun microphones
Shotgun microphones capture audio from a narrow angle in front of the mic while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. They are ideal for picking up audio from a distance, such as a speaker on stage or ambient crowd noise.
Best for: events where you cannot place a mic on the speaker, outdoor events, capturing atmosphere.
Audio from a mixing desk
If the event has a professional sound system, take a line-level feed from the mixing desk via an audio interface. This gives you clean, balanced audio that has already been mixed by the sound engineer. It is the best option for music events and large conferences.
Great audio, great stream, great revenue
PassCast delivers your audio in broadcast quality. Pair it with the right microphone and give your viewers an experience worth paying for.
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