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USB vs Preamp vs Soundcard?

BulkyZaNka

Hi guys, I recently built a new PC. (Half a PC tbh, I'm waiting for some parts still) and my friends started complaining that my microphone is terrible. I looked into it and found out that I had mic boosting on and that it was picking up every sound my PC made. It's really loud because I'm still waiting for a new GPU and PSU. I changed some options and the sound is better but I'm still not satisfied with it. I was looking into different mics and I was really confuse when I found out how much variations there are. My question here is, what's better yet still not breaking my budget? USB, XLR with a Preamp or a XLR with a soundcard? I'm using the built in soundcard in the MSI Gaming 3. I was looking at condenser mics but I'm not really sure is that what would work for me. I plan on using it in an enclosed room, talking to friends but I would like a good mic because I plan on recording some gaming. :P If possible I would like it to stay under 150Euro yet since I'm building a PC, the lower the better. :P

 

Thanks Bulky

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Honestly, it's easy to overthink and overspend these solutions. Something like an Audio-Technica AT2020USB or Samson C01u would be ideal if you don't have experience working with recording equipment. Add on a boom and windscreen/pop filter, and you have a solid audio setup that will last you a while without having to break the bank.

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I was wondering wouldn't it be better to get some kind of soundcard? Since when I upgrade my PC i can still use that. :) Is there any soundcards with XLR inputs? That also don't kill my budget yet it will last me for a long while? And also would the quality of that be a lot better than USB?

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I was wondering wouldn't it be better to get some kind of soundcard? Since when I upgrade my PC i can still use that. :) Is there any soundcards with XLR inputs? That also don't kill my budget yet it will last me for a long while? And also would the quality of that be a lot better than USB?

Go with the AT2020, it's amazing and it would be way over budget to go with even the lowest price Steinberg or Focusrite soundcard, and tbh they don't matter, they are only for mics that need power, and a mic isn't good just because it needs amping.

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Go with the AT2020, it's amazing and it would be way over budget to go with even the lowest price Steinberg or Focusrite soundcard, and tbh they don't matter, they are only for mics that need power, and a mic isn't good just because it needs amping.

Your saying a soundcard is used for mic amping, say what?

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USB is all anyone needs outside of a recording studio. Soundcards are niche, and those with XLR inputs are even more niche.

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Your saying a soundcard is used for mic amping, say what?

No, but mics with XLR need something to connect their XLR to! ^^

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I'm confused now are you talking about the AT2020 USB or the AT2020... In this case, how will I connect it to my PC and supple it with sufficient power? :P

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