Razer Seiren X microphone review - Doesn't show its age - Android

I've mentioned a couple of times by now that the Razer Seiren X isn't perfect for professional streamers, but that's not to say it's a bad microphone. The sound quality is on par with the best out there (on PC); it's just that it lacks customization features and controls on the microphone itself, making it better for casual streamers. The microphone only has a dial for your headset volume and a mute button, with no way to adjust the gain or audio mixing. This isn't a deal-breaker by any means, but it could mean the difference between someone purchasing the Seiren X versus another that does have those features.

I'm not sure why this is, but I noticed that when I had it plugged into my PS5, the audio quality was a bit worse. I didn't notice too much of a difference between the Yeti X or Elgato Wave 3 when plugged into my console versus my PC, but the Razer Seiren X definitely sounded grainier on my PS5 for some reason. This isn't a huge deal because it still sounded fine, but I thought it was worth noting.

The ball-joint swivel is also a double-edged sword. While it allows for a wide range of movement, it's difficult to get it just right. Maybe it's my mild OCD, but I always feel like my microphone is ever so slightly crooked.

Razer Seiren X: Competition

Razer competes with itself by offering the Seiren Elite, Seiren Mini, and Seiren Emote. The Mini is a much more compact version, and as such, it lacks a dedicated mute button. The Seiren Elite does sport a gain dial on the microphone, but you also lose out on the Supercardioid pickup pattern (it only features Cardioid). The Emote, as you might imagine from the name, features an 8-Bit Emoticon LED Display that can rotate through over 100 animated and static emoticons.

When it comes to other brands, the Yeti X and Elgato Wave 3, as I mentioned earlier, are strong contenders. Both support gain, audio mixing, and volume control on the microphone itself, and the Yeti X in particular even offers real-time LED monitoring, so you know when you get too loud. I personally prefer the Elgato Wave 3's tap-to-mute functionality, but I know some people will better appreciate that the Yeti X has four pickup patterns.

Razer Seiren X: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

• You don't want to spend over $100
• You want a popular brand name
• You want a compact microphone perfect for traveling

You shouldn't buy this if...

• You need a microphone with multiple polar patterns
• You want gain and audio mixing dials on the mic
• You want to use a compatible app for customization

If you're deep into your streaming career and are looking for a new mic, you'll be better served with the Seiren Elite or another more premium microphone. For those just starting out or traveling frequently (or who just want to say they use a Razer accessory), this is the mic you'll want to use.

Razer made an affordable, quality microphone for streamers that combines ease of use with the best tech that could be packed into its compact profile at the time. While other microphones may have surpassed it over the years, it can still stand strong in the mid-tier range.

Razer Seiren X

For the price you're paying, you can't go wrong with the Seiren X. Though not as advanced as other microphones, that certainly doesn't make it bad. It's an excellent mic for what it is — a mid-tier option that delivers the best of both worlds.

$79 at Amazon $81 at Walmart $100 at Best Buy