If you are interested in starting your own Vlog, there is no better mentor then PewDiePie. Otherwise known as Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, PewDiePie has one of the largest followings on YouTube with over 54 million subscribers and 14 billion views.
He is so popular that his following is now cult like.
Note: this post has been updated for 2019 – he’s no longer using the Rode NT1KIT!
The concept of video games as a spectator sport has exploded over the years. There is no better time to start your own Vlog then right now.
PewDiePie has been one of the only content creators with any sort of transparency when it comes to the money he makes from YouTube. He reported earning $15 million in 2015 alone.
With this sort of revenue PewDiePie can buy whatever equipment he desires. If you are curious as to what the best use, we’ve done some digging and found that he is currently using the AKG Pro Audio C414 XLS.
You can have a look in the video below.
The Microphone PewDiePie Is Currently Using
- Engineered for highest linearity and neutral sound for beautifully detailed recording of vocals and any acoustic instrument
- Nine selectable polar patterns for the perfect setting for every application
PewDiePie has recently acquired the AKG Pro C414 microphone. He’s definitely stepping up his game with this professional mic.
The AKG Pro has been one of the most popular condenser microphones in studio and live applications. Its’ solid construction, versatility and numerous tools has warranted its reputation as an industry standard.
This mic provides three different attenuation levels (-6/-12/-18dB) for close-up recording or high-output sources of up to 158dB SPL – which makes sense for recording instruments but not vocals.
The biggest reason this mic is so popular is the versatility. The front-panel switch selects between the five common polar patterns (cardiod, wide cardiod, hypercardiod, fig-8, omni) and four intermediate settings.
The only thing is, I don’t really see a direct application in terms of V-logging. You will likely just use the single cardioid polar pattern and never use the others.
For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend spending $1000 on this mic (PewDiePie actually agrees in the above video – recommend you just stick with a basic microphone.)
If you’re looking for an mic upgrade then I suggest you check out PewDiePie’s old microphone – the Rode NT1.
What PewDiePIe Used To Use
- Extremely Low-noise Large-diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone with SM6 Combination Shock Mount Pop Screen
- Cardiod polar pattern
- Condenser microphone
- Comes with shock mount and pop screen
- XLR output
- Crystal clear sound quality
- Frequency Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
For those who can afford it, the Rode NT1 will give you everything you need for Vlogging. The condenser microphone is perfect for capturing all the subtleties of your voice.
Be careful if you are planning on using it in a loud environment as this mic is incredibly sensitive to background noise (even with the cardioid polar pattern).
The NT1 uses a new shock mount called the RØDE SMR. It features a unique suspension system to enhances the existing superior vibration cancellation by using a smaller inner Lyre to increase tension.
The SMR’s removable all-metal pop filter is very effective at removing any plosive sounds from your recordings.
The NT1 has been developed to focus on the midrange response (perfect for speech), with smooth high frequencies, and warm bass reproduction.
This is one of the leading high-fidelity microphones at this price range. It’s also incredibly quiet, registering only 4.5dBA of self-noise. It has a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz (the same as the RODE NT1000).
There have been a ton of comments regarding the clarity of this microphone. The quality of sound will drastically improve your videos, giving you a more professional sound.
Having professional sounding audio is essential for your audience to respect your videos and enjoy your content.
If you are not familiar with condenser microphones, we’ve written a number of articles to help introduce you to microphones. Definitely check out our article specifically designed for Vloggers.
If you are looking for a condenser microphone, we’ve also done a round up of the best condenser microphones under $200.
You really need to be considering condenser microphones if you are looking to start a Vlog. The sound quality is better suited to the vocal range and the overall sound quality will be better.
If you don’t want to do a ton of research, just make sure you are buying a condenser microphone with a cardioid polar pattern at the very least. Also consider picking up a pop shield if your microphone doesn’t already come with one.
Beginner V-Logger Mic Suggestion
Both of the above microphones may be a little expensive if you are just starting out. That’s why I recommend (as does Markiplier) that you just stick to one of the best value microphones on the market – the AT2020.
- Condenser microphone with USB output for digital recording
- High quality A/D converter with 16 bit, 44.1/48 kilohertz sampling rate for superb audio
This is a simple to use USB mic that doesn’t require you to buy and audio interface to use. The sound quality is incredibly rich considering the price point (much better than the Blue Yeti.)
This is the cheapest mic you can buy while still producing a professional level sound quality. If you want a few more ideas you can see what microphone Markiplier uses here or what microphone JackSeptic Eye uses here.