Good Usb Mic

[Regnox]

Hey.

I've gotten myself a nice pair of HD598 and I'd like to buy a good mic to go with that. I was looking at the audio technica AT2020 and at the blue yeti and I'd like your advice, should I get one of those or should I get something else?

Thanks

[ericlee30]

I've heard that the Blue snowball is the best USB mic for under a $100 bucks http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836431023 . For the middle of the road at under $200, the Blue Spark mic is really good http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B004BR20OM, you need the icicle XLR to USB convertor with the Spark as well http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Icicle-Converter-Preamp/dp/B001EW5YQS/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_img_y/180-5365827-8128251. with the icicle you can go with any high end mic and convert it to a USB. Hope this helps you bro

[Regnox]

thanks :)

I'll wait for a couple suggestion before deciding which one to buy

[Blade of Grass]

If you want something that really sounds good, I'd say get an audio interface and a real microphone.

 

So basically what Ericlee30 said, but with a Shure SM58 ($100, the "standard" microphone for the A/V industry).

[ericlee30]

Your welcome :)

[Regnox]

wow, that looks like a nice mic!

I'm realising that I forgot to say what I'll use it for. I'm going to use it to speak on mumble, skype etc, I'm not going to use for anything else than talking and I won't be recording anything with it

[Regnox]

ummm I searched a bit and 1 found the sm58 for 140 and the icicle for 80 which is 100 more than the price I can get the blue yeti at.... that's a bit much

(I live in Switzerland)

[kn100]

I'd recommend the Samson C01u - it's the one I've got. It's a proper full size condenser MIC that's powered by USB. To hear the quality, here are some videos I've recorded with it

 

[Regnox]

sounds nice :)

[Toby]

The Snowball should be fine for some basic mumble/skype/vent, but the Yeti and Samson are good options too, especially if you plan to commentate videos/podcasts or what have you.

[Regnox]

well not currently but who knows what I'll do in the future :)

[Regnox]

well I searched and the yeti only costs 20 bucks more than the snowball so I doubt I'll get the snowball

[Eric1024]

If you've got some money to spare (and room on your desk), look at the Røde podcaster and the boom+shock mount. I've been using one for about 8 months and it's been nothing but fantastic. I'm not sure what you're using this for so this mic is probably overkill and too expensive but I thought I'd throw it out there. 

 

Amazon links:

Mic: http://www.amazon.com/Rode-Podcaster-USB-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B000JM46FY

Shock mount: http://www.amazon.com/Rode-PSM-Shockmount-For-Podcaster/dp/B000WA8KYG/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_y

Boom: http://www.amazon.com/RODE-Swivel-Mount-Studio-Microphone/dp/B001D7UYBO/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_z

 

All told that's going to set you back close to 400$, but it's definitely a good investment if you're going to be recording voice for anything you want to be polished.

 

That being said, if this is just for voice chat in games, the yeti or the snowball will more than suffice.

[Regnox]

that's probably awesome but way out of my budget :)  and yes, it'll be just for chatting with people.

[Regnox]

also if I end up with the yeti (or something else)  what pop filter should I get?

[Rhinofeed]

For your purpose, I'd suggest just picking up a simple foam windscreen. There are many out there - but none specifically made for the Yeti. Most of them will fit find though, just check amazon reviews. Here's a link to one of the products I found that seems to work (but a little tight fitting on the mic, mentioned in one of the reviews):

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-A58WS-BLK-Windscreen-Microphones-Black/dp/B0006NMUK4/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

 

And hey, they come in multiple colors too!

[Regnox]

Thanks, I didn't even think to look for windscreens, the user reviews seem really good.

Well I'll buy it in green then ;)

[Regnox]

wow.... awesome... I can't find any windscreen in websites over here.... well I'll have to take a pop filter

[Regnox]

so any other suggestions before I go and buy the yeti?

[Regnox]

well I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the blue yeti, does anyone have it and could tell me what he/she thinks about it?

[aeon187]

Look no further than the blue YETI

[Regnox]

Thanks :)  well I'm probably going to buy that then :)

[Gecko]

I use a snowball :)  Love it !

[prodigydoo]

Ill back the Samson C01u as well.. I have one and the quality is outstanding..  and i belive its cheaper than the others (for the USB version)

 

and you probably want a USB one as well.. so you dont have to get an amplifier

[Rhizo]

For just talking I use a lifechat lx-3000, amazing sound quality. I had the blue yeti, it looks amazing, sounds amazing, but to be honest it's a waste of money unless you record, hence why I sold it.