need a desk mic

[OhYou_]

I'm tired of dealing with headsets, I'm looking for a cheep desk mic that I can just mount on a stand and have it be around 1-3 feet from me.

But I have a lot of background noise and all the ones I've found online theres always some guy saying it picks up their neighbors dog crapping or something.

 

So do good desk mics that dont pickup background noise without being 2 inches from you exist?

I have a like $85 budget too.

[Guest]

Well, you've got Blue Yeti http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Textured/dp/B000EOPQ7E/ref=pd_cp_267_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0DZ3EFASB94BA085V64E 

[xTrekStorex]

• Blue Yeti
• AudioTechnica AT2020USB

I recommend USB if you dont have a nice interface for running XLR or similar.

I have the same problem with choosing a desk mic because of my mechanical keyboards..

The Yeti can be adjusted to the zone where it should pick up noise so real background noise should be eliminated.

however a keyboard sitting right next to it is more a primary audio source than background noise

The AT2020 also is optimized to record from just one direction.

If it is just for conversation like teamspeak or skype you should also consider a Zalman ClipOn mic or the Antlion ModMic

[EposVox]

I second the recommendations for the Yeti and AT2020.

 

But a lot of background noise is a lot of background noise - it's going to get picked up. The only way to avoid that is with a dynamic mic - a USB one would be the Rode Podcaster - but those are a lot more expensive.

[TheKDub]

Audio Technica AT2020USB.

 

I'd say the yeti as well, but honestly its insanely difficult to find shockmounts that fit the yeti other than the one from blue microphones, and it just doesn't sound nearly as good or look as good as the at2020usb.

[OhYou_]

Didnt know snowballs were that cheap.

 

but yetis and the 2020 are a bit out of my price range though...

 

I should clarify my background noise problem I guess. It's very hot most of the year. so I have a fan in my window about 2 feet from me at waist height. It's very loud. To add to this, I have a mechanical keyboard. I'm not so worried about the keyboard, but I cant have fan noise in the background. I was actually considdering a shure sm48 because it's 38 bucks, and its dynamic, but it would have to be less then a foot from me from what I've found

 

Edit:

 

I recorded my situation in my normal position. My current headset does a pretty good job as it is, but I've had to repair it at least 12 times and I'm just tired of dealing with it.

rec: http://vocaroo.com/i/s1Rf0SiGWMZ7

Edited July 23, 2015 by OhYou_

[Boink]

I also recommend the Yeti. It's cardioid pickup pattern does a good job of eliminating most background noise with the obvious exception of my keyboard and the window AC unit that is right next to my desk. To remove noises like that(other than turning it off) I just use the noise removal effect in audacity.