Looking for USB mic, streamer style

[porina]

I don't have any plans to go into live streaming but more making gaming vids. And that means I'll need to find a way to get my voice into the system. I'm thinking a USB mic is probably the easiest way. Definitely want the voice to sound natural, not the more intelligibility tuned headset sound.

 

I recall the Razer was featured a year or two back, are they still worthy of consideration? Had good experiences with a Rode Videomic on DSLR, what little I used of that, and see they have Rode NT-USB as another example. These are on the upper end of the pricing spectrum. Is it worth looking lower? Like the various Blue Snowballs? Below that there are brands you never heard of or will ever again... so could be a cheap risk buy, or just goodbye to cash?

 

The main location I'd use it at isn't entirely noise free. Don't know how much I can take out in post, and I recognise it is better to not pick it up at all. Thing is, next to my desk is a fish tank and that does have a gentle trickling of water. It isn't loud, so I'd hope with some directionality that would be sufficient.

 

Also debating about how to mount it. I might get away with any included desk mini-tripod, as I wont be typing or doing things like that during the recording. Then it gets to things like arms... again, cheap ones from companies you never heard of, or more expensive ones from ones you have.

 

No specific budget in mind, but as guidance, I consider the Rode NT-USB acceptable and it is currently £125 on Amazon UK. The £200 or so for the Razer Siren Elite is pushing it, although they have cheaper models. Like all things, I'll pay more if it is worth more, but I'm unsure at this point.

[porina]

Yay, it seems I found the only topic where not every gives their opinion. Would still appreciate comments in this area.

[WkdPaul]

* thread moved to the Audio section *

[porina]

15 minutes ago, wkdpaul said:

* thread moved to the Audio section *

DOH! How did I miss this section... thanks for the move.

[Velcade]

Rode mic should be fine for your needs.  Ditch the tripod and get a mic arm with a shock mount.