Microphone!

Mr_Oujamaflip · July 22, 2016

Hello,

I'm looking at getting a new microphone. I'm currently using the CAD U37 USB mic which is fine most of the time. For recording it's OK but can be a bit gainy and for TeamSpeak it's OK too since I use push to talk. I'm looking at recording some let's plays and unfortunately it picks up everything in the world. I've heard really good things about the Rode Procaster, it's a bit pricey but will do all the jobs asked of it, plus I can get it with a boom arm which makes life easier too.

On the other hand I've heard good thigns about the Antlion Modmic which I can clip onto my headphones. It's a hell of a lot cheaper but I'm not sure if having to change audio inputs all the time is worth it, plus the potentially different sounding mics. It's 1/4 the cost though!

Problem is I've got no experience with either product so if anyone here has used them some advice would be awesome!

skimmilk5 · July 22, 2016

What kind of audio experience are you going for? This can go three ways: entry, enthusiast and professional. Keep in mind that professional really means professional, especially in the audio-visual world, and you'd be forking over several thousand dollars for that kind of gear, but if that 's what you're looking for, then that's what you need.

Entry mics like the Antlion Modmic are okay, but not the best. You typically won't get very good highs or lows with them, and they're not rated for use every day in a production environment. Enthusiast mics may use the USB (for connecting directly to your computer) or an XLR interface (for connecting to an audio interface or to a mixer board.

If you're thinking about the Antlion Modmic, you may want to look at other "lavelier" microphones (those tiny mics that clip onto an actor or performer's shirt). These types of microphones require special care to keep them lasting a long time, but this care is simple: never strain or twist the cable, always neatly coil the cable using the under-over method (look it up) and use the clip properly (the part that clips to your shirt) and remove the clip when you're done. To install a clip, insert the mic portion into the clip, then loop the wire down and back through the jaws of the clip to create a U-shape in the wire from the mic to the clip. The remainder of the wire should go down your shirt.

Back when Linus used to work at both NCIX Tech Tips and LMG, he made this with the NCIX team:

Mr_Oujamaflip · July 22, 2016

I hadn't considered those at all!

I'm looking mostly at entry level but if it's a noticeable improvement something enthusiast could tempt me. I'd rather go for USB since I don't have a DAC with an XLR interface and getting one would just be more cost which I'd rather avoid.