Audio Setup suggestions

[Percules]

I want to upgrade my audio right now. I'm using a Logitech G935 right now and there is constant problems. I mainly use my computer to play games with friends on discord with no intent on streaming so this might not seem necessary. 

For headphones I'm looking at a sennheiser HD 599 SE with a at 2020 microphone. I don't know much about dacs, amplifiers, mixers so if you guys could explain those that would be nice. I don't really have a budget just want something reasonable and not super expensive. Again just want this for gaming and talking on discord.

[Semper]

If you're not going to be doing much more than discord, consider something like a modmic
https://antlionaudio.com/collections/microphones
It brings (most of) the convenience of a headset to something that actually has respectable sound quality, and won't run you the cost of a setup like an AT2020 with an interface.

If you need an dac/amp (I encourage you to try onboard audio first), consider the Schiit Fulla
https://www.schiit.com/products/fulla-1

 

If you need a better audio setup, consider your choice of an AT2020 with a Scarlett Solo
https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo
You're in a situation where a mixer makes little sense.

[Entropy.]

31 minutes ago, Percules said:

I want to upgrade my audio right now. I'm using a Logitech G935 right now and there is constant problems. I mainly use my computer to play games with friends on discord with no intent on streaming so this might not seem necessary. 

For headphones I'm looking at a sennheiser HD 599 SE with a at 2020 microphone. I don't know much about dacs, amplifiers, mixers so if you guys could explain those that would be nice. I don't really have a budget just want something reasonable and not super expensive. Again just want this for gaming and talking on discord.

Also, After following @Semper's instructions, consider upgrading to a Massdrop x Sennhesier 58x jubilee or 6xx, priced at $150, and $200 respectively. They are based of the legendary hd 580 and hd 650's. the 58x might be good without an amp, but the 6xx's will require one. I also recommended the schitt Magni 3+ for general purpose use instead of the Fulla which is more gaming-centered. Either will do fine. 

[Percules]

2 hours ago, Semper said:

If you're not going to be doing much more than discord, consider something like a modmic
https://antlionaudio.com/collections/microphones
It brings (most of) the convenience of a headset to something that actually has respectable sound quality, and won't run you the cost of a setup like an AT2020 with an interface.

If you need an dac/amp (I encourage you to try onboard audio first), consider the Schiit Fulla
https://www.schiit.com/products/fulla-1

 

If you need a better audio setup, consider your choice of an AT2020 with a Scarlett Solo
https://focusrite.com/en/usb-audio-interface/scarlett/scarlett-solo
You're in a situation where a mixer makes little sense.

If I go for a mod mic what headset would I get it with. 

For the dac how does that compare to the sound blaster x3?

https://www.amazon.com/External-Holographic-Discrete-Surround-Optical-Out/dp/B07ZD1B1B1?tag=hardwar0d-20

 

[Percules]

16 minutes ago, Percules said:

If I go for a mod mic what headset would I get it with. 

For the dac how does that compare to the sound blaster x3?

https://www.amazon.com/External-Holographic-Discrete-Surround-Optical-Out/dp/B07ZD1B1B1?tag=hardwar0d-20

 

Nvm I thought the mod mic was similar to the vmoda in which you needed a jack to insert it. 

 

So would you guys suggest I go with a 6xx with a modmic and a dac 

or 

a pc37x with a dac

For the dac I want to choose between the sound x blaster and Schiit Fulla

[Dr0y]

Well I bought a headset (which is of lower quality than everything mentioned here but sill like the sound) and I regret not buying headphones and a modmic cause I don't use the microphone as much as I first thought and for the price I paid I think I could have bought a better headphone and get the modmic afterward.  Also if I ever want to go on a walk with my headset it will look definitely strange ...

 

just my 2cents

[The Flying Sloth]

I certainly disagree with the suggestion to purchase a modmic purely from my experience purchasing and using both studio and consumer audio products, the audio quality is not what I would describe as premium and in these times of isolation having the ability to stream/record yourself with decent audio quality can be quite useful, besides, an audio interface and XLR mic can always be upgraded as time goes on whereas a modmic simply goes in the bin.

The AT 2020 and 2035 certainly aren't bad microphones if you don't have much background noise (there's a reason they're the low budget go-to), if you do have background noise you may want to use a dynamic microphone. Just remember that Condenser microphones are extremely sensitive (will pick up a tonne of background noise) and Dynamic microphones will often require an inline preamp to get any decent volume out of them (like the Klark Teknic CT1) and using a dynamic mic without one can make it sound very lifeless, just something to keep in mind.

there are a plethora of microphone options available with many microphones rivalling or outright beating the 2020/35 in a very similar price range (Brands like MXL, 3U, ADK and CAD among others) so just take your time finding the microphone that will sound the best in your voice. If you can't try them yourself the Podcastage YouTube channel can be a very useful point of reference.

On the topic of standalone DACs, the value proposition for them is often quite weak unless you plan on doing critical listening as the DAC and ADC chips in a cheap interface are often on par with midrange standalones (if you can even tell the difference). Remember that interfaces are used for mixing and mastering the audio you will be listening to so the DACs are (often) more than sufficient. If you care about both your audio inputs and outputs I'd heavily suggest just using an interface instead. If you want general advice on what's good in what price range I outlined some of my favourite low end gear here. 

Sloth