USB microphones

[Redjo]

Hello my friends!

Why does everyone seems to hate USB microphones ? 

I was think about getting AT2020 or BlueYeti [USB editions], but after reading some stuff i am not sure what to get at all. 

 

Is the audio-quality between USB and XLR connection that noticeable? 

What are your recommendations on me for what Model microphone i should go and what connection also? 

 

[ Just for more info: I am pure amateur, just want to get good quality microphone for everyday usage and sometimes to sing on it without any background noise or anything at all, all i want is crystal clear voice of myself. I got so tired of cheap microphones that's the real reason i want to switch to something more professional and durable over the years] 

 

Thanks in advance,best of luck! 

[d3sl91]

18 minutes ago, Redjo said:

Hello guys quick question: Why does everyone seems to hate USB microphones ? 

I was think about getting AT2020 or BlueYeti [USB editions], but after reading some stuff i am not sure what to get at all. 

 

Is the audio-quality between USB and XLR connection that noticeable? 

What are your recommendations on me for what Model microphone i should go and what connection also? 

 

[ Just for more info: I am pure amateur, just want to get good quality microphone for everyday usage and sometimes to sing on it without any background noise or anything at all, all i want is crystal clear voice of myself. I got so tired of cheap microphones that's the real reason i want to switch to something more professional and durable over the years] 

 

Thanks in advance,best of luck! 

 

USB Mic > USB Cable > Computer  OR XLR Mic > Mixer > USB Cable > Computer

 

Both have USB in the mix for MOST people who use a microphone with a computer.  So, it's not USB itself.  What are they recommending instead of a USB interface? 

 

A mixer will provide some additional hardware controls (input level, headphone monitoring+level, multiple inputs). So if you need a versatile microphone that can be used with more than JUST a computer, then XLR is the way to go. OR, one with both USB and XLR (Yeti Pro, AT2005, ATR2100). 

 

If you just want something for your computer, USB mics are just fine. 

 

And for the record, I have an AT2020 USB, and it works really well. BUT, I do wish I had done the XLR - even with minor usage of the mic in general, I have had a few times I wish i had done XLR (If I had done XLR, There's a good chance I'd have purchased a different Mic as well, like an SM58).

 

 

[TheKDub]

16 minutes ago, Redjo said:

Hello my friends!

Why does everyone seems to hate USB microphones ? 

I was think about getting AT2020 or BlueYeti [USB editions], but after reading some stuff i am not sure what to get at all. 

 

Is the audio-quality between USB and XLR connection that noticeable? 

What are your recommendations on me for what Model microphone i should go and what connection also? 

 

[ Just for more info: I am pure amateur, just want to get good quality microphone for everyday usage and sometimes to sing on it without any background noise or anything at all, all i want is crystal clear voice of myself. I got so tired of cheap microphones that's the real reason i want to switch to something more professional and durable over the years] 

 

Thanks in advance,best of luck! 

 

I've got the AT2020USB, it's pretty great, definitely would recommend it.

 

The audio quality between the connectors themselves is pretty similar, though with XLR you can do some extra stuff with mixers and such.

 

If you're just using it with a computer, go for the at2020usb, otherwise, at2020 or some other high quality xlr mic.

(I personally wish I had gotten the at2020 instead of the at2020usb as I'd like to use it with more than just my computer, but I guess I'll have to deal with it for now.)

[ALwin]

I don't know about the components that come in a USB mic, but with external mixer/interfaces you can get better quality preamps which can potentially provide a cleaner signal going to the computer.

 

EDIT: Both can potentially be good or bad, depending on the quality and setup.

 

What I like about XLR interfaces: potential to add multiple mics, mix the audio and use a wide variety of microphone types.

 

e.g. There are no USB Ribbon mics, and I love Ribbon mics for their potential warmth when recording voice.

[SuicideAnomaly]

Keep in mind, regardless of the microphone you go with, environment plays a huge role. ALL microphones will pick up some background noise, so it's best to make sure you're recording in a suitable environment.

 

My personal favorite amongst the USB offerings, is the Rode NT-USB.

[Dackzy]

2 minutes ago, SuicideAnomaly said:

Keep in mind, regardless of the microphone you go with, environment plays a huge role. ALL microphones will pick up some background noise, so it's best to make sure you're recording in a suitable environment.

 

My personal favorite amongst the USB offerings, is the Rode NT-USB.

aka dont use a mech keyboard with mx blue or brown  

Rode Procaster is also pretty good, but it is XLR.

[d3sl91]

7 minutes ago, ALwin said:

I don't know about the components that come in a USB mic, but with external mixer/interfaces you can get better quality preamps which makes the signal going into the computer cleaner.

 

Agreed. Even though (in many cases) the XLR and USB versions use the same mic capsule, USB inherently has limitations in quality. In most cases it's likely not noticeable - but it's still there.

 

At least with an XLR, you have a choice of a $40 mixer, or a several $k mixer. 

 

AT2020USB = $140

 

AT2020XLR + Xenyx 302USB Mixer + XLR Cable = $140

[ALwin]

13 minutes ago, SuicideAnomaly said:

Rode NT-USB

This is a good USB mic.

 

35 minutes ago, Redjo said:

I am pure amateur, just want to get good quality microphone for everyday usage and sometimes to sing on it without any background noise or anything at all, all i want is crystal clear voice of myself.

Perhaps you should consider something like a RODE M1 or Shure SM58 dynamic mic with a nice interface/mixer, because of the reasons in bold.  I don't know if there are dynamic USB mics.

 

Otherwise for stuff like VOIP a good USB mic will be more than enough.

 

Addendum: I don't know what kind of voice you have, but if necessary I will also recommend investing in "Auto-Tune".