Buying a microphone and a headphone for roughly 300€

L. f · March 30, 2021

Good day! I'm looking to buy a microphone and a headphone (and anything that increases the value for money if there is anything) for a total of roughly 300€, a bit more would be okay but preferably a bit less. I don't really know a lot about audio at all, so I'm unsure whether the things I'm looking at are a good value.

Regarding the microphone: It doesn't have to be anything special, but it should be clear and pleasant to listen to. I'm not planning on doing any recording, however for the sake of my friends ears it should still sound adequate in the discord. I'm currently using a Logitech G633 headset. The microphone is acceptable but far from good. It also picks up a lot of keyboard noises (I use Cherry MX Brown keys) which is the most annoying part. I've been looking at the Marantz Professional MPM-1000U. I don't have space on my desk for a microphone arm, I do however have an unused shelfboard roughly half a meter over my mouth that might make a good place to suspend a mic from. I need it exclusively for my computer, it doesn't have to be mobile.

Regarding the headphone: I'm gonna be using it mostly for discord, gaming (all kinds, a lot of shooters and RTS though), and a bit of music (hiphop primarily). I don't plan to use it with my phone and I don't plan to leave the house with it. I can probably fit an Amp on my table if it's helpful. I have a Gigabyte Gaming X X570 Motherboard.

Looking forward to any responses! Best regards.

SpookyCitrus · March 30, 2021

I've never used a Marantz before so I have no clue on that one. My personal mic is a Blue Yeti X Professional. I bought an OG Yeti probably 4 years ago and loved it, got the X Pro last year. More for streaming and recording though, not really necessary for just Discord and game coms, so it may not be worth it for what you need the mic for. It's just the one I have the most experience with and enjoy.

As for the headset my go to is the HyperX Cloud IIs, I've had mine for a few years now and love them. Great for shooters or any game where you need to be able to hear footsteps, I also use the headset for media consumption, so watching movies and TV and it works for that as well. It's a USB headset but also uses a 3.5mm audio jack so if you wanted to use it with a dac or have it plugged into the motherboards audio you could. I haven't had a problem using just the USB connection. You don't really need to buy a dac and go all out on an audio setup for just games and discord. It's a very reasonably priced headset as well. Can't beat it for $99 sometimes less.

Tigerleon · March 30, 2021

2 hours ago, L. f said:

Good day! I'm looking to buy a microphone and a headphone (and anything that increases the value for money if there is anything) for a total of roughly 300€, a bit more would be okay but preferably a bit less. I don't really know a lot about audio at all, so I'm unsure whether the things I'm looking at are a good value.

Regarding the microphone: It doesn't have to be anything special, but it should be clear and pleasant to listen to. I'm not planning on doing any recording, however for the sake of my friends ears it should still sound adequate in the discord. I'm currently using a Logitech G633 headset. The microphone is acceptable but far from good. It also picks up a lot of keyboard noises (I use Cherry MX Brown keys) which is the most annoying part. I've been looking at the Marantz Professional MPM-1000U. I don't have space on my desk for a microphone arm, I do however have an unused shelfboard roughly half a meter over my mouth that might make a good place to suspend a mic from. I need it exclusively for my computer, it doesn't have to be mobile.

Regarding the headphone: I'm gonna be using it mostly for discord, gaming (all kinds, a lot of shooters and RTS though), and a bit of music (hiphop primarily). I don't plan to use it with my phone and I don't plan to leave the house with it. I can probably fit an Amp on my table if it's helpful. I have a Gigabyte Gaming X X570 Motherboard.

Looking forward to any responses! Best regards.

As for the mic and stuff @The Flying Slothcan be more of a help than me. For headphones I'd definitely say a pair of X2HR if you are up for open back headphones. They are open back as I said and are very efficient to drive coming in at 100dBOpen backs come with a disadvantage, sound leakage and no isolation. BUT comes with far better advantages and pros that just enhances the audio for games, music and speaking to others in discord etc.

CTR640 · March 30, 2021

X2HR is one of the most praised headphones you can get at such affordable prices.

And since you're from Gemany, you can go for the Deutsche Qualität too: Beyerdynamic Team Tygr. It's a headphone+mic bundle and it fits within your budget.

I have the Tygr 300R standalone without the mic tho but the comfort and sound is damn nice! Openback too and amazing as an allrounder.

The Flying Sloth · March 30, 2021

Take a look at the link in my signature regarding mic choices,
Depending on your requirements my recommendation usually boils down to either :
1, If strict budget, Samson Q2U, AT2005 or Tbone MB88U

2, If a little more money but want bang for buck and have a reasonably quiet room, Behring UMC202HD and Behringer C2 as a combo
3, If background noise is an issue, UMC202HD, Tbone MB75 and (if required) Klark Teknik CT1
4, If best possible vocal recording for cheap is your goal UMC202HD and 3U Audio CM1

Read through the link, it will help explain what to look for in a mic, if you budget for the mic ends up below $100 options one and two in this list are what you should look at.