Any Good Mics for 100$ +

[Daddy Dave]

So right now I have a mic called the fifine ( I forget which model) But it is a cheap 30$ Chinese knockoff of the Yeti. I really want a solid mic for streaming and what so ever. I would like it to be pretty good at only picking up my voice because I have dogs and parents who are always watching tv upstairs. If so can it be 100$ through 200$? I am just starting off streaming but I wouldn't want to scare off my audience with a trash mic. Also if this mic is good for youtube that would be appreciated too because I want to do some of that also

[TheKDub]

Check out the Audio Technica AT2020USB+. It's $150 but is a very good microphone for its price range. https://amzn.to/2E8tisX
 

You can usually find them used for a bit less. You might even be able to find the AT2020USB (non-plus) for cheaper, which is what I currently have.

 

Compared to the Blue Yeti, it's much more compact, looks way better, and in my opinion, sounds a fair amount better as well.

 

If you need a shock-mount for it, https://amzn.to/2E8tybp this one is rather compact and comes with a pop filter. If you don't have a microphone arm yet, you can get a NEEWER one for a little over $12, it's not the best, but it works. https://amzn.to/2QDGBaJ

Or for a better mic arm, the Rode PSA1 excellent. Very solid and a little bigger than the NEEWER arm. https://amzn.to/2Ea0QqC

[Daddy Dave]

18 hours ago, TheKDub said:

Check out the Audio Technica AT2020USB+. It's $150 but is a very good microphone for its price range. https://amzn.to/2E8tisX
 

You can usually find them used for a bit less. You might even be able to find the AT2020USB (non-plus) for cheaper, which is what I currently have.

 

Compared to the Blue Yeti, it's much more compact, looks way better, and in my opinion, sounds a fair amount better as well.

 

If you need a shock-mount for it, https://amzn.to/2E8tybp this one is rather compact and comes with a pop filter. If you don't have a microphone arm yet, you can get a NEEWER one for a little over $12, it's not the best, but it works. https://amzn.to/2QDGBaJ

Or for a better mic arm, the Rode PSA1 excellent. Very solid and a little bigger than the NEEWER arm. https://amzn.to/2Ea0QqC

 

Is it good at only picking up my voice 

[TheKDub]

57 minutes ago, Daddy Dave said:

Is it good at only picking up my voice 

 

If you want one to only pick up your voice, you'll likely want a lavalier microphone (one that clips to your shirt, rather than being on your desk), or something like a modmic (where it attaches to headphones and acts like a headset microphone.)

 

For the lavalier mic, check out the Rode SmartLav+ https://amzn.to/2SpU7f6. You'll probably want to get an extension for it. This one should do just fine https://amzn.to/2PfowLa

 

As for the headphone mic option, https://amzn.to/2SpRXw4

 

 

 

[Daddy Dave]

2 hours ago, TheKDub said:

 

If you want one to only pick up your voice, you'll likely want a lavalier microphone (one that clips to your shirt, rather than being on your desk), or something like a modmic (where it attaches to headphones and acts like a headset microphone.)

 

For the lavalier mic, check out the Rode SmartLav+ https://amzn.to/2SpU7f6. You'll probably want to get an extension for it. This one should do just fine https://amzn.to/2PfowLa

 

As for the headphone mic option, https://amzn.to/2SpRXw4

 

 

 

Do you think the first mic that you recommended me will pick up noise in the back

[iLostMyXbox21]

blue yeti

 

blue snowball

[Daddy Dave]

5 minutes ago, iLostMyXbox21 said:

blue yeti

 

blue snowball

so original

[iLostMyXbox21]

1 minute ago, Daddy Dave said:

so original

i know right

[Daddy Dave]

2 minutes ago, iLostMyXbox21 said:

i know right

No  U

[iLostMyXbox21]

1 minute ago, Daddy Dave said:

No  U

No me

[Daddy Dave]

1 minute ago, iLostMyXbox21 said:

No me

Im already tracer tho

[iLostMyXbox21]

Just now, Daddy Dave said:

Im already tracer tho

well im widowmaker

[Daddy Dave]

1 minute ago, iLostMyXbox21 said:

well im widowmaker

Lets stop this 

[KuJoe]

2 hours ago, TheKDub said:

If you want one to only pick up your voice, you'll likely want a lavalier microphone (one that clips to your shirt, rather than being on your desk), or something like a modmic (where it attaches to headphones and acts like a headset microphone.)

 

For the lavalier mic, check out the Rode SmartLav+ https://amzn.to/2SpU7f6. You'll probably want to get an extension for it. This one should do just fine https://amzn.to/2PfowLa

 

As for the headphone mic option, https://amzn.to/2SpRXw4

 

 

 

Why a lavalier mic and not a dynamic mic like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGGJX9C/

[Daddy Dave]

Just now, KuJoe said:

Why a lavalier mic and not a dynamic mic like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGGJX9C/

Is that one better than the audio tech. Also is it good at only picking up my phone

[KuJoe]

1 minute ago, Daddy Dave said:

Is that one better than the audio tech. Also is it good at only picking up my phone

From my research a dynamic mic is best for things like streaming because it only picks up the audio in front of it so as long as your mouse and keyboard are behind it then it shouldn't pick up any other noise. I haven't tested this out though.

 

Currently I've tried a lavalier mic from Sony ($18), a lavalier mic from Audio Technica ($30), and a directional mic from Rode ($60) but so far the best mic is the $18 mic from Sony in terms of sound quality, volume, and not picking up background noise. I ended up picking up a second one for Discord so I can stream using one and talk on Discord with the other at the same time. I would love to find a better solution but I don't want to spend $100 only to find out that the $18 mic is still better.

[Daddy Dave]

1 minute ago, KuJoe said:

From my research a dynamic mic is best for things like streaming because it only picks up the audio in front of it so as long as your mouse and keyboard are behind it then it shouldn't pick up any other noise. I haven't tested this out though.

 

Currently I've tried a lavalier mic from Sony ($18), a lavalier mic from Audio Technica ($30), and a directional mic from Rode ($60) but so far the best mic is the $18 mic from Sony in terms of sound quality, volume, and not picking up background noise. I ended up picking up a second one for Discord so I can stream using one and talk on Discord with the other at the same time. I would love to find a better solution but I don't want to spend $100 only to find out that the $18 mic is still better.

IM juts getting the audio tech

[KuJoe]

Just now, Daddy Dave said:

IM juts getting the audio tech

Let us know how it works for you, I'd love to find a good solution once and for all.

[Daddy Dave]

Just now, KuJoe said:

Let us know how it works for you, I'd love to find a good solution once and for all.

OK man have a good day

[Daddy Dave]

59 minutes ago, KuJoe said:

Let us know how it works for you, I'd love to find a good solution once and for all.

I just did my research also and I found out that dynamic mics are a pretty solid option. They are good at only picking up your voice and noise cancellation on the background noises. Which one do you recommend for under 200 $

[TheKDub]

3 hours ago, Daddy Dave said:

Do you think the first mic that you recommended me will pick up noise in the back

The AT2020USB+ will pick up any noise in front of it in this pattern: (microphone at the center)

It may pick up key presses if near your keyboard, if that's what you're asking.

 

I don't have many issues with AT2020USB picking up noise, though typing on my Corsair K70 (MX Reds) is occasionally picked up. I do have my AT2020USB sitting on my desk on the included "tripod" stand, rather than using a mic arm with a shock mount, so that plays into it heavily.

 

Tl;dr: it depends on where you place it.

 

3 hours ago, KuJoe said:

Why a lavalier mic and not a dynamic mic like this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGGJX9C/

Because a dynamic mic is less sensitive and has to be close to the audio source (within a few inches of your face). Whereas the AT2020USB being a condenser mic, can be a foot or more away and pick up your voice clearly.

 

While the lav mic is also a condenser mic, it's built to be worn. They won't have to move the microphone if they adjust how they're sitting, it'll just move with them.

 

Quote

That said, condenser microphones are much clearer in comparison to dynamics. They are more balanced, accurate, and “sweeter” than their powerful counterparts. They’re also much more sensitive, which makes them perfect for softer and brighter sounds.

https://www.musicianonamission.com/types-of-microphones/

 

3 hours ago, KuJoe said:

From my research a dynamic mic is best for things like streaming because it only picks up the audio in front of it so as long as your mouse and keyboard are behind it then it shouldn't pick up any other noise. I haven't tested this out though.

That depends on the pickup pattern. The dynamic mic you linked in the second quote has a cardioid pickup pattern, just like the AT2020USB. As I said earlier, as it's less sensitive, you'll have to keep your face very close to the dynamic mic, whereas with a condenser mic you can be further away and still be heard.

 

From what I've seen, both the AT2020USB and Blue Yeti are popular among YouTubers and Twitch Streamers, and they both are condenser microphones. Having seen both microphones in person, heard both of them, and owned one of them, the AT2020USB is the better microphone in terms of looks, size, and both build and audio quality. The AT2020USB picks up much less background noise, is more clear, and captures a deeper range than the Yeti can.

[KuJoe]

3 minutes ago, TheKDub said:

<snip>

Damn, where were you and this information during Black Friday when the AT2020USB+ was marked down to $99.

 

What is your opinion of USB vs XLR? For $149 the AT2020USB+ looks nice, but all of the "top 10" lists I've seen have the Rode Podcaster at the top and it's only $50 more (plus the cost of the mixer of course). My concern for me is that I'll pay $150 for the AudioTechnica now and down the road I'll spend $200 for the Rode instead of just spending the money on the Rode now.

[TheKDub]

12 minutes ago, KuJoe said:

Damn, where were you and this information during Black Friday when the AT2020USB+ was marked down to $99.

 

What is your opinion of USB vs XLR? For $149 the AT2020USB+ looks nice, but all of the "top 10" lists I've seen have the Rode Podcaster at the top and it's only $50 more (plus the cost of the mixer of course). My concern for me is that I'll pay $150 for the AudioTechnica now and down the road I'll spend $200 for the Rode instead of just spending the money on the Rode now.

I'd personally go for XLR, though you'd need an XLR interface for it such as the Scarlett one that I mentioned in my first post.

 

If you decide to go with XLR and get an interface, make sure it has 48v Phantom Power, that way the microphone can function.

Alternatively, you could get a mixer/audio interface combo like this: https://amzn.to/2Ryfwmv then have control over the left/right balance, gain, high/low EQ, and volume, and more if you get something more advanced.

Not to mention you can connect headphones directly to the mixer and listen to what's being fed into it in real time. (The one I linked has phantom power, and it connects to your computer via a USB cable, then to the mic with an XLR cable).

XLR mics generally are cheaper than their USB counterparts as they don't have to include an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).

 

A downside: You'll have more to put on your desk (the mixer or interface), and more to set up/configure, rather than essentially just plug and play with a USB mic.

 

 

That said, for the general user, USB microphones are perfectly fine.

[Daddy Dave]

On 12/4/2018 at 12:07 AM, TheKDub said:

I'd personally go for XLR, though you'd need an XLR interface for it such as the Scarlett one that I mentioned in my first post.

 

If you decide to go with XLR and get an interface, make sure it has 48v Phantom Power, that way the microphone can function.

Alternatively, you could get a mixer/audio interface combo like this: https://amzn.to/2Ryfwmv then have control over the left/right balance, gain, high/low EQ, and volume, and more if you get something more advanced.

Not to mention you can connect headphones directly to the mixer and listen to what's being fed into it in real time. (The one I linked has phantom power, and it connects to your computer via a USB cable, then to the mic with an XLR cable).

XLR mics generally are cheaper than their USB counterparts as they don't have to include an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).

 

A downside: You'll have more to put on your desk (the mixer or interface), and more to set up/configure, rather than essentially just plug and play with a USB mic.

 

 

That said, for the general user, USB microphones are perfectly fine.

This is the mic I am getting since I am gaming downstairs and there is always a TV on when I am streaming https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM58-LC-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B0179T2CM8?tag=podcastage03-20

 

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E6T56EA/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_2?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

 

IM getting both of these

[GoldenSound]

Honestly, unless you're streaming/recording for youtube videos etc you don't need to shell out for an XLR mic+interface

Most voice services compress audio MASSIVELY anyway, discord is particularly awful for this.
But even then, the blue yeti IS a very good microphone. ESPECIALLY for its price.

Just that most people don't set it up correctly.

This is how my blue yeti sounds:
 

linusmictest.mp3