Microphone setup for YT/Twitch

[iiNNeX]

Hey guys,

 

Need some advice before pulling the trigger on a new microphone set-up. Up till now I have been using my modmic 4.0 as my only mic and has done me wonders, but I am looking to up my audio game and create more professional videos. Now I have done some research and have come to a conclusion on which mic I want, the only problem is do I go USB and plug it into the mobo, or do I go XLR and buy an audio interface?

 

Here are the options: 1. XLR setup

 

Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Mic

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1BM3619T6KSPC&coliid=ISWWF2ZLL8ZGR&psc=1

 

Pop Filter: Zacro Double Layer Microphone Mic Windscreen Pop Filter

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01GJ2Z49E/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1BM3619T6KSPC&coliid=I3JCSEDAIVZHWL&psc=1

 

Mic Stand: RØDE PSA1 Swivel Mount

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001D7UYBO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1BM3619T6KSPC&coliid=IEMQX67RSAOHN

 

Shock Mount: Koolertron Universal 50MM (comes in 48-54mm)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00H40WUQG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1BM3619T6KSPC&coliid=I3CTKR6FIA8JBE&psc=1

 

Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E6T56CM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1BM3619T6KSPC&coliid=I2Q21KOWGD4S9B&psc=1

 

+ an XLR cable

 

So that comes up to roughly: £280

 

2. USB setup

 

Or do I get the USB version of that mic: Audio-Technica AT2020USB PLUS and skip on the audio interface?

 

There is also the USBi version but not sure what the deal is there. The AT2030 is another option, and already comes with a shock mount I believe: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audio-Technica-AT2035-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B002T45X1G/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1503578549&sr=1-1&keywords=at2030  but it does cost more.

 

Any suggestions are welcome

[kelvinhall05]

I'd personally start with a USB mic, and if your channels start to gain more traction (I'm willing to subscribe if you don't have a cringy intro with dubstep music) then get the XLR setup.

[TacoSenpai]

XLR is pretty heavy duty stuff like getting into professional recording don't get me wrong quality is great but the cost can be too depends on what you are trying to do if you are just commentating or reviewing probably not too worth it but if you are doing Voice over work, musical recording go for it.  I will attest to the Rode PSA1 being a great boom arm it can hold my heavy ass yeti and blue radius shock mount 24/7 no issues.  Pop filter/windscreen any cheap one will do.  Good choice on the AT2020.

[iiNNeX]

44 minutes ago, kelvinhall05 said:

I'd personally start with a USB mic, and if your channels start to gain more traction (I'm willing to subscribe if you don't have a cringy intro with dubstep music) then get the XLR setup.

Well seeing as I am building the entire room from scratch (desk, new pc, new peripherals, mics, speakers ect...) I might as well invest into the better stuff?

 

Money is not really problem as long as I can justify the returns (so spending £500+ on a mic probably isn't worth while but for £280 all in it's not a bad package don't you think?).

 

And no, dubstep intros are not my thing. Currently creating logos and banners, will get onto the intro later but it will be very minimalist with soft ambient music  

 

17 minutes ago, LordTaco42 said:

XLR is pretty heavy duty stuff like getting into professional recording don't get me wrong quality is great but the cost can be too depends on what you are trying to do if you are just commentating or reviewing probably not too worth it but if you are doing Voice over work, musical recording go for it.  I will attest to the Rode PSA1 being a great boom arm it can hold my heavy ass yeti and blue radius shock mount 24/7 no issues.  Pop filter/windscreen any cheap one will do.  Good choice on the AT2020.

I will be recording game Let's Play series, Game News, reviewing some hardware every now and then and generally anything game related that my audience would like to see.

 

I know XLR is probably overkill, but I am a true believer of quality and want to try and deliver a solid video experience for anyone that is watching. It will also help with Twitch even though YT will be my main focus.

 

Thank you for the comments guys, I appreciate it.

[kelvinhall05]

7 minutes ago, iiNNeX said:

And no, dubstep intros are not my thing. Currently creating logos and banners, will get onto the intro later but it will be very minimalist with soft ambient music

Thank you. Those kids can go kill themselves, cause I don't sub just because of those intros

Anyways, what's your channel? Can I sub?

[iiNNeX]

5 minutes ago, kelvinhall05 said:

Thank you. Those kids can go kill themselves, cause I don't sub just because of those intros

Anyways, what's your channel? Can I sub?

I see where you are coming from, i've actually unsubbed from a lot of channels i used to like before mainly because their attitude becomes... exaggerated ? fake? Not sure what the right word to be, but over hyping everything, shouting, screaming and just acting like they are 12, really don't do it for me. 

 

Then again, it's all personal preference, at the end of the day they have hundreds of thousands of subscribers who apparently enjoy this

 

As for my channel, it is not made yet bud. Hence why I am picking out the equipment now and creating all of my social media accounts, logos, ect...All of the videos I have created up till now have been for other channels or helping buddies out who already run established channels.

 

I want to do things differently though, hence why I am starting my own with the help of a local hosting company as my 1st sponsor  (gotta start small eh ?)

 

I ll follow you on here and let you know once it's all up ^^