Yale scholar Brian Scholl and his team studied over 5,000 people and found that speakers using low-quality microphones are unconsciously seen as less intelligent, less trustworthy, and less attractive. But live streams and recordings often include distracting noises like keyboard clicks, fan sounds, and background noise, hurting viewer experience. How to avoid this and boost professionalism?
Just use the NearStream AM35U microphone with built-in AI noise cancellation that automatically filters background noise during recording, cutting down on editing time! Want to see how it performs? Check out tech YouTuber @The D Show’s honest review!
Noise Cancelling Tested: Can the NearStream Microphone Help You Say Goodbye to Household Noise?
The D Show's verdict: Surprisingly effective!
AI-Powered Noise Cancellation: Real-Time Audio Cleanup in Action
The standout feature of this sub-$80 microphone is its AI-powered noise cancellation—and The D Show dedicated a significant portion of his review to testing just that.
He used DaVinci Resolve to record two separate tracks: one with noise cancelling off, and one with it turned on. The difference was immediately noticeable. When noise cancelling was active, the audio became much cleaner and clearer, with a significant reduction in static hiss and low-frequency hum. Even the waveform in Resolve appeared more stable and controlled, showing a tangible visual improvement in signal clarity.
“It definitely improved the audio by removing that annoying background hiss — which I hear on nearly every budget condenser mic I’ve tested before. This real-time noise cancelling saves a lot of time in post-production,”
Live Performance vs Paid Software
To further validate his findings, The D Show compared NearStream’s built-in noise reduction to DaVinci Resolve Studio’s AI Voice Isolation — a premium feature usually only available with a paid license. And his conclusion? “NearStream’s onboard noise reduction does a really good job, coming close to the results I get with paid post-processing software, but in real time. That’s impressive for a sub-$80 mic.”
This makes the NearStream one of the rare budget noise cancelling microphones capable of performing real-time audio cleanup — no plugins, subscriptions, or complicated editing required.
A Bonus: Toggle Noise Cancelling with Just a Tap
One feature The D Show appreciated was the ease of use. Instead of relying on software, you can enable or disable the noise cancellation microphone mode with a simple tap on the mic’s touch-sensitive panel. When the LED turns blue, you know noise reduction is active.
“When the noise reduction is off, you hear the usual hissing and electrical hum that you get with budget microphones. But once you turn it on — and the LED turns blue — the difference is immediately clear. The background noise is significantly reduced, giving a much cleaner voice recording.”
While the mic doesn't fully eliminate louder background chatter (such as voices in a café), The D Show notes that's “pretty expected for a mic at this price.” Still, for static, hums, and subtle room noise, this noise cancellation microphone delivers a performance that punches well above its price tag.
Audio Quality Tested: Can It Capture Your Voice Naturally and With Rich Detail?
When choosing a noise cancelling microphone, sound quality is always one of the most important factors users consider. Whether for streaming, podcasting, meetings, or YouTube content creation, a good microphone should not only capture clear audio but also produce a “pleasant” sound — meaning it captures natural, layered vocals while minimizing noise interference and distortion.
To evaluate this, The D Show compared the NearStream microphone with a budget $66 ZealSound microphone that does not have noise cancelling features.
He found that: “Compared to ZealSound, this microphone has a warmer tone with a slight bass boost, giving the voice more depth and richness. Even with the gain turned all the way up, the sound remains clear without noticeable distortion.”
He also pointed out that this microphone noise cancelling device is best suited for close-range use, especially in podcasting or streaming scenarios:“You need to keep the microphone about 6 to 12 inches from your mouth to achieve optimal volume, which is typical for a desktop stand microphone.”
Additionally, he praised the physical control knobs: “There are two separate knobs — one for microphone gain and one for headphone monitoring volume. The zero-latency headphone monitoring is very useful for content creators.”
The only minor downside he mentioned was the pop filter design. The pop filter is attached using metal bars and rubber feet, which feels a bit bulky and less convenient than a clip-on design.
Overall, as a noise cancellation microphone, the NearStream strikes a good balance between natural sound quality and effective noise reduction, making it a versatile choice for many users.
Comparing Similar Priced Microphones: Why Choose NearStream?
Feature | NearStream ($80) | Typical Budget Mics (<$80) |
Real-Time AI Noise Cancelling | ✔️ Yes | ❌ Rare or none |
Physical Gain & Monitor Controls | ✔️ Separate knobs for gain & monitoring | ❌ Often combined or limited |
Touch Controls with RGB, Mute & Noise Reduction | ✔️ Intuitive multi-function touch button | ❌ Usually basic controls |
Build Quality | ✔️ Metal body with sturdy weighted base | ❌ Mostly plastic and lighter |
Software Support (NearSync) | ✔️ Firmware updates | ❌ Usually no dedicated software |
The D Show points out: “Most microphones under $80 offer only basic voice capture; very few provide genuine real-time AI-driven noise cancelling.”
NearStream’s advantages include:
- Real, real-time AI noise cancelling with excellent cost performance.
- Convenient physical knobs to independently adjust microphone gain and headphone monitoring volume.
- Intuitive touch controls integrating RGB lighting, mute, and noise cancellation toggles.
- High-quality metal construction with a stable weighted base that feels premium.
- NearSync software for firmware updates.
In conclusion, The D Show states:
“If you’re looking for the best budget noise cancelling microphone that delivers real AI noise reduction at an affordable price, NearStream is definitely worth considering. It’s not perfect, but it’s easy to use and delivers impressive results.”
Who Is This Microphone For?
According to The D Show, this noise cancelling microphone is best suited for the following users:
- Podcasters and streamers with a limited budget who need real-time noise reduction functionality.
- Remote workers and online educators who want clearer audio for video conferencing.
- YouTubers and content creators who value plug-and-play convenience.
- Users recording in quiet indoor environments will get the best performance.
FAQs
Does the AM35U support real-time monitoring?
Yes! The microphone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack allowing zero-latency real-time voice monitoring. You can independently adjust the monitoring volume using the dedicated control knob on the mic, which is ideal for content creators needing precise audio feedback.
Is the NearStream AM35U plug-and-play? Will I need drivers?
No drivers are needed. The AM35U works right out of the box with Windows PCs, Macs, laptops, and even PlayStation 4/5. Simply connect via USB-C to USB-A cable, and it’s ready for recording, streaming, gaming, or online meetings.
What special features does the AM35U offer for streamers and content creators?
Beyond high-quality noise cancelling, the AM35U offers customizable RGB lighting with 8 vibrant modes that can be cycled with a tap, or turned off if preferred. It also includes a one-touch mute function—hold the button for one second to mute (mic glows red)—providing fast, intuitive control during live streams or calls.
How is the build quality and design of this noise cancellation microphone?
The AM35U sports a modern minimalist look with a sturdy metal body and a weighted circular base lined with soft sponge to prevent desk scratches. This combination ensures durability and stability, making it both a practical and stylish addition to any desk setup.
Can I adjust the mic gain on the NearStream AM35U?
Yes, there is a dedicated gain control dial allowing adjustment from 0 to 100, letting you fine-tune input levels to perfectly match your recording or streaming needs.
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