Need help and tips for Audio setup

[iM8Pizza]

the title says it all, I'd like to have...well, A mic, an Audio Technica AT2020~ and other than that I do not know what else I should do with the setup, should I go bought an Amplifier or something?  I don't really know about Audio, So yeah.....

[SPAS-ID]

get this cheap 600ohm Tube Amp Bravo Audio V2, audiophile Headphones Beyerdynamic DT 990 600ohm version

[iM8Pizza]

get this cheap 600ohm Tube Amp Bravo Audio V2, audiophile Headphones Beyerdynamic DT 990 600ohm version

thx, But I don't think I'd need the Headphone for now though~

[iM8Pizza]

get this cheap 600ohm Tube Amp Bravo Audio V2, audiophile Headphones Beyerdynamic DT 990 600ohm version

Ah shush~ the company don't deliver to Indonesia~

any other suggestion?

[Guest]

Get the USB version unless you want to add a better or more mics in the future.

[KaminKevCrew]

get this cheap 600ohm Tube Amp Bravo Audio V2, audiophile Headphones Beyerdynamic DT 990 600ohm version

Why would you ever want that?

[Guest]

Why would you ever want that?

 

For that matter, what is a 600ohm tube amp?

[KaminKevCrew]

For that matter, what is a 600ohm tube amp?

Maybe it has a 600 ohm output impedance?

[Guest]

Maybe it has a 600 ohm output impedance?

 

That would be gr8

[SPAS-ID]

Maybe it has a 600 ohm output impedance?

it is

 

Ah shush~ the company don't deliver to Indonesia~

any other suggestion?

Kaskus has 'em

[KaminKevCrew]

it is

I don't think you know what output impedance is.

[iM8Pizza]

it is

 

Kaskus has 'em

I don't really trust Kaskus for such a matter~

[iM8Pizza]

Get the USB version unless you want to add a better or more mics in the future.

Well yeah, I could get the USB version. but you already mention why I'm not really into the USB version...I want a better mic~

[ShearMe]

Well yeah, I could get the USB version. but you already mention why I'm not really into the USB version...I want a better mic~

Better mics are much more expensive

[iM8Pizza]

Better mics are much more expensive

aaaaaaand....I suppose Audio-Technica AT-2020 isn't really that inexpensive(for me) my friend, so....how do I make it sounds better? (I don't really know much about audio, so please pardon me if this sounds stupid)

[ShearMe]

aaaaaaand....I suppose Audio-Technica AT-2020 isn't really that inexpensive(for me) my friend, so....how do I make it sounds better? (I don't really know much about audio, so please pardon me if this sounds stupid)

All we're saying is, you should get the USB version because it should not be worse than the XLR version, yet will be much simpler to use

[Guest Ranterbach]

If you get the XLR AT2020, you also have to buy a 48v phantom power supply and an XLR-USB cable just to power the thing. If you do not have an audio interface and have no plans to acquire an audio interface, you have no reason to buy an XLR mic. It will sound no better than a USB mic, because, functionally, it is a USB mic. Adding a power supply and 2 extra connections between the mic and USB port does nothing but cost you money. 

[iM8Pizza]

If you get the XLR AT2020, you also have to buy a 48v phantom power supply and an XLR-USB cable just to power the thing. If you do not have an audio interface and have no plans to acquire an audio interface, you have no reason to buy an XLR mic. It will sound no better than a USB mic, because, functionally, it is a USB mic. Adding a power supply and 2 extra connections between the mic and USB port does nothing but cost you money. 

ah thanks, I got it now.

 

All we're saying is, you should get the USB version because it should not be worse than the XLR version, yet will be much simpler to use

So.....is there any better option other than the AT2020 (USB)? for around the same price for sure

[Guest Ranterbach]

ah thanks, I got it now.

 

So.....is there any better option other than the AT2020 (USB)? for around the same price for sure

This is a solid option, as is this, and this. I've been quite happy with my AT2020. I am by no means an expert on audio recording, but for a VoIP/gaming mic, the AT2020 will do everything you need it to. 

Whatever you choose, I strongly suggest you get a shock mount and boom arm to go with it. Whoever you are talking to doesn't want to hear you hammering on your keyboard (which is what they will hear if you just stick the mic in a stand on your desk). A shock mount and pop filter are a requirement once you get a dedicated mic and step way from headsets. A boom arm is hugely convenient if you don't want a mic stand sitting in the middle of your desk. It's also extremely helpful to be able to move the mic around as you lean back in your chair. I keep my mic volume quite low to prevent background noise being transmitted through VoIP. This means I have to keep the mic right on top of my face. When I'm sitting upright playing a game, the tip of my nose rests against the frame of my pop filter. The boom arm allows me to keep the mic in the same position in relation to my face as I move around and lean back in my chair. A static desk stand would not allow this freedom of motion, so you'd have to turn the mic volume up, which results in background house noises being picked up. 

[Caeradwyn]

A decent external sound card with a proper mic preamp with phantom power would obviously allow for future upgrades of microphones, but that would add to the cost of course. It would add some flexibility though. Something like this would to the job nicely, and allow you to chose whichever microphone that suits you.

[KaminKevCrew]

A decent external sound card

AKA Audio Interface???

[ColonelPanic]

You could just get a small <$200 mixing desk with a USB output? Or just run the analogue outputs into the back of your PC. What are you wanting to do with the microphone? I bought a small Behringer mixing desk for a similar purpose (my guitars will plug into it too) and it works fine. Was about £50 (80$) new, but it's ridiculously cheaply made.