Good microphone for gaming/streaming

[MittensK]

Hi,

 

What relatively inexpensive microphones would you recommend that can be hooked up to the I/O at the back that are good for streaming/gaming and can be mounted on something like a scissor arm?

(I will be picking up a Focusrite audio interface soon, so XLR connections would be nice to have.)

 

Thanks in advance.

[Billy_Mays]

Ether a snowball for USB or any xlr mic over 50 pounds

[doits]

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2005USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B007JX8O0Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498747213&sr=8-1&keywords=at2005

with https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Suspension-Scissor-Built-Mounting/dp/B00AK7SKL4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1498747280&sr=8-4&keywords=neewer+suspension+boom

I use this with a cheapass neewer boom arm and some foam to fit in shock mount as the mic is very skinny,  boom arm is fine except the mounting screw is a pia. I prefer dynamic mic so it picks up less ambient and keyboard sounds, and it is usb/xlr so you can use either way with built in monitoring when using usb. I personally bought a 2i2 but ended up returning as the usb functionality was good enough for my use case(gaming with earbuds or headphones and a little voice over work) You may need a longer usb cable depending computer proximity. 

[FineVisionz]

I have gone through multiple Focusrite Solos and a AT-2035 and had nothing but annoying problems with them.  My buddies in Discord would hear static from my microphone but at the same exact time on my twitch stream the microphone would sound fine.  I have tried everything that came to mind and what I read on the internet.... Nothing worked.  I returned both the interface and AT-2035USB +.  I was thoroughly disappointed as I have done a tone of research before hand and have heard nothing but good things.  But, after doing research about my problem, it appears that I am not the only one.  I ended up going with the AT-2020 and have had no issues at all.  Very pleased.

 

Good luck with your search!  If you have any questions about what my problem was or some of the things I tried to resolve and test it, feel free to ask !

 

-FineV

[aithos]

22 hours ago, MittensK said:

Hi,

 

What relatively inexpensive microphones would you recommend that can be hooked up to the I/O at the back that are good for streaming/gaming and can be mounted on something like a scissor arm?

(I will be picking up a Focusrite audio interface soon, so XLR connections would be nice to have.)

 

Thanks in advance.

Cheapest: Blue Snowball, it's a usb mic that has decent sound and only costs like $40-50

Most common: Blue Yeti, it's what many (read:most) streamers and YouTube people outside of the very successful use

Best: Rode NT1A, it's an excellent mic for both singing and voice work and is reasonably affordable considering it's a studio quality condenser mic.

 

The Rode does require an interface to work, and I'd highly recommend a boom arm and a shock mount or you're going to have a bad time.  I wouldn't recommend the latter setup unless you're serious about audio recording, for 99% of people the Blue offerings are more than good enough quality in the proper environment.

 

Speaking of which...

 

Most people think their audio sucks because they are using cheap equipment, but that's only sort-of true.  If you have something like the Blue Snowball you have a good enough mic to do professional voice-over work IF you set up your room properly.  Most people's audio sucks because they ignore the little things, like turning off their AC/Fan, moving the mic away from their PC that has loud fans, covering themselves (and the mic) with a blanket to reduce reflections, using a shock mount to eliminate vibration, etc.

 

Also, you need to listen on headphones that are neutral sounding (studio headphones or something like the AKG K-series) and with at least decent amplification.  If you're plugged into a standard MB on-board and don't have an Asus ROG with the "HD audio" then it also probably sounds bad because you're listening to it with bad gear for audio work.