Topic: USB Microphones. (Read 1442 times)

iRo · « **on:** April 27, 2015, 09:50:00 AM »

I'm in need of getting standalone mic for streaming. Any recommendations from someone who knows the ground? I've tried searching for some mic measurements and found this database of mic's frequency responses with some comments.

From what i understand i'm looking for cardioid USB mic, with main candidates being from AKG Perception line, Audio-Technica AT2k line and Blue Microphones' Yeti. There is also this one that i could try sourcing locally, which seems to be USB version of Oktava MK-012. From measurements AT seems to be most linear ones with the broad extension, while AKG and Blues have some roll-off in lower frequencies with AKG having a bit of bump in high frequencies.

Also would like if someone educate me a bit of what accessories i'd need. I guess it would preferable to get pop filter and potentially mic windscreen depending on the model? Would i also need to get some kind of suspension shockmount to attach mic to the stand? Still not sure what kind of mic stand i'm looking for, i'd most likely prefer some scissor arm for table mounting than standalone one. Is there any difference/nuances when it comes to mic stand?

Last question is how the mic gonna play out with having and using speakers nearby? Is it possible to set it up so it wouldn't pick up sound from there?

Thad E Ginathom · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2015, 11:37:27 AM »

For voice or instrument? For music or speech?

Not that I'm going to know the answer, but people who might will need this information.

tomscy2000 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2015, 11:47:39 AM »

The Rode NT-USB looks good. It comes with a pop filter and table stand included. Just keep in mind that it's a condenser and not a dynamic, so it'll pick up a lot of sound you didn't think existed in your room.

iRo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2015, 12:44:59 PM »

Quote from: Thad E Ginathom on April 27, 2015, 11:37:27 AM

For voice or instrument? For music or speech?

Not that I'm going to know the answer, but people who might will need this information.

Voice, speech. Gaming content. No particular budget, but i guess i'll keep it ~$300+.

Quote from: tomscy2000 on April 27, 2015, 11:47:39 AM

The Rode NT-USB looks good. It comes with a pop filter and table stand included. Just keep in mind that it's a condenser and not a dynamic, so it'll pick up a lot of sound you didn't think existed in your room.

Thanks Tom, that looked promising until the last sentence. It's not like there's a lot of noise in my room (my PC pretty much silent, thanks to Gourami's setup), but there's now construction site nearby and since i live on the top floor of high-rise building on the windy side, wind noise can be an issue depending on weather. Also my living room is the only room in the apartment where you could hear the neighbors talk loudly...

If we talk dynamic USB mics, there doesn't seems to be a lot of choice according to this list - 6 mics total and only 4 of them are cardioid. Maybe i should drop USB mic idea and just look for the normal mic + audio interface combo instead.

Armaegis · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2015, 03:18:36 PM »

I have a Blue Snowball that I've used for conference skype calls and occasional radio type work. From a setup perspective, it's far easier than doing a mic+interface.

iRo · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2015, 03:46:09 PM »

Yeah, i agree. I also reconsidered that if i do plan to finally relocate in near future, i already have a lot of stuff to take with me/care of. So i'd rather keep things simple for now, that's why i thought about getting USB mic in the 1st place.

Thad E Ginathom · « **Reply #6 on:** April 27, 2015, 04:16:03 PM »

Quote from: iRo on April 27, 2015, 12:44:59 PM

Voice, speech. Gaming content. No particular budget, but i guess i'll keep it ~$300+.

Just for voice, you probably do not need to spend that much, and nor should you be too worried about either end of the frequency response chart. Even telephones, these days, don't make people sound as if they are talking on the telephone! Just look at this lot

Quote from: iRo on April 27, 2015, 12:44:59 PM

Maybe i should drop USB mic idea and just look for the normal mic + audio interface combo instead.

The moment you go there you are on a different learning path. You have to know about mic pre-amps (hopefully built into your interface) and, well... stuff.

If you just like gadgets and playing studio, you could end up with something like a small (eg 4-channel) mixer connected to a sound card or interface. Oh, yes... I like playing with toys like that: been there and done that

.

You'd be giving yourself a heap of flexibility for the future. Any chance you're going to be doing interviews for podcasts? Inviting a couple of mates round to make some music?

If there is a serious possibility of a yes to those questions, consider that route, but it is going to cost you more than a reasonably modest USB mic. Which is all that your probably need at this time.

Maxvla · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2015, 05:00:53 PM »

I use AT2035 + Shure X2U and never have any complaints on voice chat.

Armaegis · « **Reply #8 on:** April 27, 2015, 06:30:40 PM »

For just a single input, stick with a usb mic. If you're ever going to need more, then get a compact interface and regular mics.

I have an Echo2usb (now discontinued) that is about as compact as you can get for a 2in/4out device. It has phantom power (w/wallwart), and basic mixer capabilities. There are many similar devices from MOTU, Focusrite, NI, RME, etc. Heck, you can get a cheap Peavey usb mixer for $300ish (Behringer for less, but don't go there). Or a Mackie mixer if you want some more ruggedness.

Thad E Ginathom · « **Reply #9 on:** April 27, 2015, 10:18:27 PM »

Mine was a Soundcraft (still is, but at the back of the cupboard). Interfaces were RME internal card and then an Echo Audiofire2 firewire card. I have three or four mics, but the most used was a Shure SM57, which I used to take to concerts as the sleek shape did not get in the way of my fingers when playing my morsing (S. Indian jaw/jew's harp.

Edit: Shure with an H, dammit!

Author Topic: USB Microphones. (Read 1442 times)

iRo

USB Microphones.

Thad E Ginathom

Re: USB Microphones.

tomscy2000

Re: USB Microphones.

iRo

Re: USB Microphones.

Armaegis

Re: USB Microphones.

iRo

Re: USB Microphones.

Thad E Ginathom

Re: USB Microphones.

Maxvla

Re: USB Microphones.

Armaegis

Re: USB Microphones.

Thad E Ginathom

Re: USB Microphones.

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Author Topic: USB Microphones. (Read 1442 times)