PCR’s guide to the latest mics and webcams

Here we round up the best mics and webcams for bloggers, gamers and business users.

Razer Seiren Elite Pro Steaming Microphone

Specs: Dynamic microphone made for professional streaming, single dynamic capsule for rich quality sound, high-pass filter switch for ultra-clean recordings, digital/analog limiter to reduce distortion, zero-latency 3.5 mm headphone monitoring port, flat frequency response for accurate recordings.

“Steamlabs certified, the Razer Seiren Elite’s professional-grade single dynamic capsule ensures minimal electronic interference so voices sound richer, warmer and true to life during broadcasts. Thanks to an inbuilt high-pass filter that cuts out unwanted low- frequency vibrations, like footsteps or the rumble of an air conditioner, only the cleanest recording signals are picked up. When the action heats up, it’s easy to get a little too enthusiastic with your shoutcalls. When that happens, a digital/analog limiter helps adjust your gains to prevent audio distortion and voice clipping, so you’ll always sound in control.”

Contact: VIP UK

Logitech C920 Webcam

Specs: 15MP, HD 1080p, mic, HD video calling, auto light correction, 1920 x 1080 video resolution, built-in dual stereo mics with automatic noise reduction.

“Connect with everyone in Full HD 1080p on Skype, or in fluid HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac. Also make high- quality video calls with Google Hangouts and video-calling clients. Even chat with your Facebook friends with video calling powered by Skype or Facebook Messenger. Record vibrant, true-to-life HD 1080p video clips that capture
the smallest details. Full HD is made possible by H.264, an advanced compression technology. H.264 eliminates time-consuming compression, so that you get fast, smooth uploads with less demand on your computer.”

Contact: Spire Technology

Hama uRage xStr3am Mic

Specs: Ideal for podcasts, voice-over, vlogs, music recording or streaming, adjustable tripod, direct mixing control, universal use, HD-USB, 2.5m cable length, 3.5mm headphone output with volume control, frequency range: 30Hz – 18 kHz, impedance: 2200 Ohm, directivity: uni- directional, model: capacitor, -38dB ± 3 dB.

“Seamless audio recording and video voice-overs arrive on the desktop via the uRage MI xStr3am Revolution Mic. Connecting to PC via simple USB connection, the increasing popularity of audio/video streaming across vlogs, YouTube, Twitch and other social media sites, has heavily influenced its high-definition, distortion-free design. Featuring secure grip and adjustable tripod mount, the universal uRage xStr3am adapts to any user or PC hardware, including 3.5mm headphone port and direct mixing control for incorporation into a full gaming set-up if desired.”

Contact: Hama UK

AVerMedia Live Streamer Mic 133

Specs: Unidirectional condenser microphone, 3.5mm jack, 20Hz – 16kHz frequency response, 80g in weight.

“The Live Streamer Mic 133 (AM133) is a compact, lightweight, unidirectional microphone. It’s designed specifically for live streamers, YouTubers and content creators who demand quality voice recording. The ultra lightweight design is easy to carry and suitable for outdoor use. It is compatible with smartphones, cameras and computer devices through the 3.5mm audio-in jack. It also works on a wide range of smart devices on Android, iOS and Windows. With the Live Streamer MIC 133, you can record rich, full-bodied audio that takes your videos to the next level. Simply attach it to your DSLR or camcorder using the hot-shoe mount and you’re ready to record high-quality sound.”

Contact: Target Components

Genius FaceCam 1000X Webcam

Specs: 720p HD resolution, 3X digital zoom, built-in sensitive microphone, manual focus, universal clip fits LCD panel and notebook or standalone.

“Genius presents a new plug and play 720p HD webcam, the FaceCam 1000X, which is perfect for use on a PC or notebook for video chatting. The 720p HD image quality and 3x digital zoom provides a clear and wide screen experience. The FaceCam 1000X has a mic built in that makes your voice distinct with HD video. In addition, it includes Arcsoft software MiVE which you can use on Skype for face tracking and image effects.”

Contact: Target Components

Razer Kiyo Steaming Webcam

Specs: Desktop streaming camera with multi-step ring light, high fps HD video (720p 60fps/1080p 30fps), compatible with Open Broadcaster Software and Xsplit, USB2.0, 4MP image resolution, video resolution: 1080p @ 30fps / 720p @ 60fps / 480p @ 30fps / 360p @ 30fps.

“Designed and tested by top streamers and Steamlabs certified, the Razer Kiyo is a desktop streaming camera with a powerful, multi-step ring light that you can dim or brighten on command, with the ability to stream at 60fps for full gaming fidelity. It’s the perfect camera for professional streaming. Enjoy full customisation by toggling between auto and manual focus, and adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation and white balance. You can also choose between different image presets. Create multiple profiles and save different looks on Razer Synapse 3 to suit your streaming needs. Forget setting up several lights just to get decent on-camera illumination. The Razer Kiyo maintains even and flattering lighting, and eliminates harsh shadows. Plus, with adjustable brightness levels, getting the right amount is a breeze. With 720p resolution at 60fps, the Razer Kiyo maintains visual fidelity when you stream. This means that viewers can be completely immersed the way you are, with footage just the way you see it in-game.”

Contact: VIP UK

Yeti Nano by BlueMic

Specs: 5V 150mA, 48kHz sample rate, 24-bit sound quality, 2 Blue- proprietary 14mm condenser capsules, 20Hz – 20kHz frequency response, 1.39lbs (0.63 kg) in weight, 4.5mV/Pa (1kHz) sensitivity.

“Yeti Nano is a premium USB microphone designed for broadcast- quality podcasting, YouTube productions, game streaming, Skype/VoIP and voiceover work. Inspired by the #1-selling Blue Yeti microphone, Yeti Nano features 24-bit sound quality, a compact design, and plug ’n play operation for instant streaming with your PC or Mac. The premium finish looks great on camera and on any desktop. With a no-latency headphone output and controls for headphone volume, mic mute and pickup pattern, Yeti Nano is the essential mic for today’s broadcasters.”

Contact: CMS Distribution

Logitech BCC950 ConferenceCam

Specs: Full HD, Carl Zeiss lens, 8ft cable, remote control, 3MP camera, 1080p video resolution, 30fps capture speed, noise-cancelling microphone, 78-degrees field of view.

“Combines HD 1080p 30fps video with high-quality full-duplex speakerphone clarity for professional video conferencing. Now groups can collaborate over video from conference rooms, offices and collaboration spaces – no more competing for those overbooked conference room systems or huddling around a single PC just to have a video meeting. UVC H.264 onboard technology helps ensure quick plug-and-play functionality on both PCs and Mac – no software to install.”

Contact: Spire Technology

AVerMedia Live Streamer Cam 313

Specs: 360-degree swivel design, plug and play, 2 built- in microphones.

“The Live Streamer Cam 313 (PW313) is a plug-and- play USB webcam that records in 1080p for podcasting, streaming, and gaming. Designed for streamers and video creators, the PW313 comes with two built-in microphones (mono) and a flexible, 360-degree swivel design. It also has a privacy shutter to protect your security. When the camera is coupled with RECentral 4 – AVerMedia’s new recording and streaming software – you can access exclusive features such as fair skin/wrinkle reduction camera effects, portrait filters (using facial recognition) as well as other filters.”

Contact: Target Components

Like this content? Sign up for the free PCR Daily Digest email service to get the latest tech news straight to your inbox. You can also follow PCR on Twitter and Facebook.

Read the latest edition of PCR’s monthly magazine below:

Check Also

Cradlepoint 5G outdoor adaptor advances energy efficiency, sustainability and connectivity

Cradlepoint has re-designed its outdoor Cradlepoint W1855-5GC Wideband Adaptor. Adding to Cradlepoint’s 5G portfolio, the …