A high-quality microphone can make all the difference — whether you're a budding podcaster, live streamer, online educator, or simply want to sound better on video calls. But here’s the problem — most great-sounding mics cost a small fortune. If you’ve browsed through popular creator gear, you’ve probably seen price tags starting at $150 and climbing steeply from there.
So, the big question is whether there’s a microphone that can deliver professional-level audio without the high price tag. That’s where the NearStream AM10X comes in — it’s been getting a lot of buzz among creators for offering a surprisingly strong feature set at an ultra-budget price. In this blog, we’ll take a quick look at what really matters when choosing a good mic, then dive into a real-world review by tech creator @Mr. Laowai, who put the AM10X through its paces.
What Should You Look for in a Microphone?
Before jumping into the AM10X review, let’s quickly cover the features that really matter when choosing a microphone — especially if you’re a content creator working with a limited budget.
✅ USB vs XLR — Why It Matters
USB mics plug straight into your computer and are great for beginners. XLR mics require an audio interface but offer more flexibility and better signal quality in professional setups. If you're planning to build a flexible streaming setup, understanding this difference is key to picking a good streaming mic. Having both? That’s a huge win.
✅ Noise Cancellation That Actually Works
Built-in active noise cancellation can make a major difference when recording in less-than-perfect environments. It’s especially useful for people who don’t have sound-treated rooms — something many users of streaming mics will relate to.
✅ Real-Time Monitoring = Peace of Mind
A headphone jack that lets you monitor your audio with zero latency is key. You want to hear how you sound while recording — not afterward when it’s too late. For streamers, this feature is often what separates a decent mic from a truly good streaming mic.
✅ Build Quality and Flexibility in Small Spaces
A mic should be well-built, but also easy to mount and position. A flexible boom arm and compact size are big pluses if you’re working in a small space, especially if you're juggling other gear like lights and webcams — typical for a streaming mic setup.
Real-World Review: Mr. Laowai’s Hands-On Experience with the AM10X
One of the most practical and detailed user reviews we’ve come across comes from Mr. Laowai, a content creator who specializes in tech gear reviews. His deep dive into the AM10X offers real insight into how this microphone performs beyond the spec sheet.
Can Active Noise Cancellation Really Make Your Voice Clearer?
The AM10X includes a real-time sound monitoring as well as built-in active noise cancellation (ANC) — two features that typically only appear on mics well above the $100 mark. This makes it a surprisingly strong contender among good streaming mics that won’t break the bank.
Mr. Laowai walked viewers through the ANC toggle feature, which changes the mic’s LED from blue (ANC on) to green (ANC off). The noise cancellation mode significantly reduces background hiss and reverb, creating a cleaner sound that’s ideal for podcasting and streaming alike.
He also demonstrated the mic’s volume control: as you increase gain, the blue light begins to blink once the peak level is hit — a simple but useful feature for live monitoring, crucial for anyone using the mic as a streaming mic.
Can This Streaming Mic Work with Your Smartphone?
Mr. Laowai: Yes!
Surprisingly, the AM10X also worked seamlessly with Mr. Laowai’s smartphone. Using the USB-C cable, he recorded high-quality audio directly onto his phone. This makes it a versatile solution for mobile creators or journalists needing studio-quality sound on the go — a rare trait in budget streaming mics.
The mic’s sensitivity to orientation was also noted — rotating it affected tone slightly, reaffirming its directional pickup pattern and the importance of positioning when streaming or recording.
Perfect for Beginners and Pros: USB & XLR in One Mic
Having both USB and XLR outputs means you can switch flexibly between different use cases based on your needs. This is exactly what Mr. Laowai found most appealing about this microphone. The USB connection allows you to easily plug it directly into your computer for simple, plug-and-play use, which is perfect for beginners and everyday users. Meanwhile, the XLR output lets you connect to mixers or professional audio interfaces, delivering higher audio quality and more control options.
Mr. Laowai specifically pointed out that this kind of flexibility is rare at this price point, making the mic suitable for both entry-level users and those who demand better sound quality and control.🔌
Should You Upgrade From Your Laptop’s Built-In Mic?
To help everyday users understand what kind of improvement they can expect from a dedicated microphone, Mr. Laowai tested the AM10X against his MacBook Pro’s built-in mic — a setup many people still rely on for Zoom calls, classes, or casual recording.
The difference was immediate. The AM10X delivered richer, cleaner, and more focused sound, minimizing room noise and echo even without post-processing. In contrast, the laptop mic sounded distant and thin, with a noticeable “roomy” quality that’s common in built-in microphones.
While it’s not a perfectly fair matchup — after all, laptop mics aren’t designed for professional use — the comparison highlights an important truth for anyone searching for a good streaming mic:
“If you care about how you sound, upgrading your mic is one of the easiest and most impactful steps you can take.”
AM10X vs. High-End vs. Budget Mics: Who wins？
Feature | AM10X ($66) | Blue Yeti ($120+) | Shure SM7B ($400+) | FIFINE K669B ($30) |
| Interface Type | USB + XLR Dual Output | USB | XLR (requires external audio interface) | USB |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | No active noise cancellation | No noise cancellation | No noise cancellation |
| Real-Time Monitoring | Yes, zero latency | Yes, headphone jack, zero latency | No real-time monitoring feature | No real-time monitoring feature |
| Sound Quality | Clear, rich, minimal background noise | Clear but lacks active noise cancellation, can have background noise | Professional-level sound, suitable for studio use | Thin sound, lacks professional quality |
| Target Audience | Beginners, advanced users, content creators, podcasters | Content creators, YouTubers, beginners | Professional studios, broadcasting, podcasting, music production | Beginners, users on a budget |
| Price | $66 | $120+ | $400+ | $30 |
| Build Quality | Lightweight but sturdy, suitable for home use, compact size for small spaces | Slightly heavier, suitable for desk use but not very flexible | Very sturdy, large, requires additional equipment support | Lightweight, feels plasticky, good for short-term use |
| Suitable Environments | Home, office, streaming, video recording | Home, office, streaming, video recording | Professional studios, environments with professional equipment | Home or simple recording setups |
As shown in the table, the AM10X offers excellent value for a microphone under $70. It stands out in several key areas, including:
- USB + XLR outputs for flexible setup options
- Active noise cancellation, which helps improve sound clarity
- Real-time monitoring for better control during recordings
While it may not match premium models like the Shure SM7B in every aspect, the AM10X provides solid performance for content creators, remote workers, and beginners on a budget. If you're looking for a reliable mic without spending too much, it’s a great choice.
FAQs
Is the AM10X good for podcasting or just casual streaming?
Absolutely. While it's budget-friendly, the AM10X delivers audio clarity that's well-suited for podcasting, professional livestreaming, and even remote interviews or webinars. Its noise cancellation and dual connectivity give it an edge over typical entry-level mics.
Does the AM10X work with both Mac and Windows?
Yes! The AM10X supports plug-and-play USB connectivity with both macOS and Windows systems. No drivers or special software required — just plug it in and start recording.
Can I use this mic with a smartphone or tablet?
Yes, as long as your phone or tablet supports USB-C audio input. Mr. Laowai tested the AM10X with a smartphone and confirmed that it works well for mobile recording, interviews, and on-the-go podcasting.
How effective is the noise cancellation?
While not as aggressive as high-end DSP processors, the built-in noise cancellation effectively reduces background noise like fan hum, minor echoes, and outside chatter. It's especially helpful in untreated or noisy rooms.
