(Part 3) Best products from r/letsplay

Okay so I watched Episode 1 of Grandia.
My Thoughts:

• The fraps timer in the corner bothered me. I think it is quite easy to crop it out when editing and it would make the video look a bit more polished.
  
  
• The game's audio, especially in cutscenes, was at points kind of stuttery. It is probably just the emulators fault but if that can be fixed I guess it is worth a mention.
  
  
• You should try investing in a better mic. Logitech as a super cheap one with pretty good commentary, I use one so you can check out the beginning of one of my videos to get an idea for the quality. Having good audio quality generally just makes the video seem better.
  
  
• Your commentary was good. Some cutscenes are kind of boring you can go ahead an talk in between the dialogue to keep things going. You seem to know the game well which is great. When you did speak the commentary overall was kinda funny. You got a couple of chuckles from me throughout the video. :)
  
  
• Video quality was good. It is a PS1 game that is being emulated so I didn't expect much but the game was presented clearly so that is good.
  
  
  That is pretty much it the video was good, just get a better mic and it would improve the video ten fold.
  
  Here is the mic I use:
  http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-981-000246-USB-Desktop-Microphone/dp/B002RL84OY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342815820&sr=8-1&keywords=logitech+usb+desk+mic

Hey! We don’t own an Audio Technica AT2035, but we would be happy to try and help answer your other questions.

Audio interfaces do not perform compression. All the interface is doing is taking the mechanical signal from the microphone and makes it digital for your computer. You cannot plug your XLR microphones directly into your computer, so you need an audio interface.

We also do not have a Scarlett Solo, we use a Tascam US-1200. Both the Scarlett and the Tascam do the same things though, they allow you to record your XLR microphones into your recording program. We use Adobe Audition, but you should be able to use them both in a free program like Audacity. The preamp inside your audio interface is very important, we believe it is more important than whatever microphone you choose to buy. We bought the $120 audio interface, but we use $13 dollar microphones. With some fast and easy editing in Audition, which I could easily provide you with a step by step guide of what we do if you wanted it, we make $13 microphones sound like this.

So I guess my main points of this are the audio interface you pick is more important than your microphone(s). You want to make sure it has a good preamp. Also yes, more expensive microphones are better than our $13 ones, but if you just want to try things out you do not have to spend a lot of money on microphones to get a good sound, a lot of it is in the audio interface.

I hoped we were able to help you at all, and if you have many more questions we would be happy to help!

Oh, interesting. You know, dynamic microphones can be interesting things. I vastly prefer them to condenser mics, but some dynamic mics need additional gain while others are perfectly fine without. Looks like yours need a little extra gain.

If it is the microphone that's the source of your troubles, you might instead look at returning the mixer and either getting another microphone, or get something that'll help provide extra gain to your mic.

For nothing more than gain boosting, the CloudLifter is a good item. However, it's expensive and that's all it does. Alternatively, a vocal processor might be another good way to go. I use a DBX 286s and swear by it. Rock solid, does compression, gain boosting, noise gate, all sorts of stuff in one. Looks like that Amazon link doesn't have good options for purchasing one, but I imagine you could find one in a local/online store (I'm not familiar with what you have in the UK, so I'll leave that to you).

I suppose the alternative to the alternative is to just edit stuff in post. That's always viable and it's the least expensive option. Now that you know it's the mic and not your mixer, it at least points towards what you may want to do in the future. In the interim, I'm not sure how friendly Audacity is to use with screen readers, but that's a good piece of software that's free. I apologize if we've already discussed Audacity, but I'm writing this on the fly.

And of course, grab another mic (swipe a friend's or something) just to be sure it's the mic and then you know you're set and can decide what direction you want to go.

Cheers.

I jsut made the switch from a Blue Yeti to a Dynamic mic and XLR set up. I'll post what i picked up. May be a little over kill for solo but gives plenty of room for expansion.

First up, the MIC

Audio-Technica AT2005USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone

This as it states is a DUEL USB and XLR Dynamic Mic. Since I got it i have loved using it for LEt's plays to just Team chat in games and at Lan Parties. It's got what you expect from a USB Mic. Has a Headphone jack and on board volume for the headphones, And an ON/OFF switch. But then it is also XLR compatible. So it's not something you will toss out the door when you move to XLR.

To go with it i got a desk mount Etubby Adjustable Desktop Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand Holder and some better Mounts for the stand. I have it set up so i just push it out of the way when i don't need it.

As for a mix board i have picked up this
Behringer Q1202USB 12-Channel Mixer.

As in the name as well this is a USB mixer. This does have phantom power if needed, has 4 XLR Inputs , and 12 Channels. And it's only 100 bucks or less depending on Amazon's Mood. And if you got any Music stores around you, This is also sold by GUITAR CENTER in the states, So you may be able to find it locally for same or cheeper.

Since i got it, I Had a little bit of a learning curb and the need to turn up the Compression on the mic channels. First recording with it was well a little blown out. I use this even when solo now cause I get more control over the MIC levels. It's easy to use in windows as it is very much plug and play. Shows up as USB AUDIO CODEC in windows. And if you want to, you CAN send you audio back out through it. Though that part i'm still learning on if it's usable in recordings or not.

I'm Not sure how much Cost wise that will Translate into £'s. But this over all Cost me $180 just for the mic and Mixer. The Mic did come with an XLR cable with it, so you do not need to buy one unless you need it to be longer.

Long post, I Know, But hopefully that gives a few useful suggestions for ya.

Here's the deal. Get only the most necesary equipment right now, and don't skimp on the cost. Most microphones are good, and I particularly like Logitech's desktop mic as a starting point. HOWEVER, remember that the more you shell out on equipment the better it will sound.

Get a good set of headphones, at least a pair you can use whilst recording. Having the mic pick up your game audio is a bad idea. If you can get a good headset, even better. I know it's an expensive option, but I found the Astro A30 to be totally worth every penny (start with just the headset, get a mixamp if you want to use multiple audio sources without switching around cables)

As for a capture device, there's plenty of options, but again, remember that the more you pay, the better quality the capture will be and the better the software will be for capturing. I personally don't use a capture device, but I have a friend who uses a hauppage HD PVR and swears by it. Also remember that the device you get may or may not be usable for live streaming if you want to get into that. Also keep in mind that the low cost recording devices are fairly limited in what they can do. They might be good for older consoles and the wii, but they won't be good for the 360 or ps3 at all.

As far as software goes, invest in a copy of FRAPS for PC recording. You buy it once and they give updates for free. Also get editing software. If you record both the mic and the game audio to the same file (like how fraps does it) you won't need anything special, just something to re-encode the files so they aren't so huge. I can't remember what I did before just dropping in my video to Sony Vegas, but I like SUPER for converting most things. If you want to get into live streaming, you'll need Xsplit it's the easiest way to get streaming up and running.

I have a few suggestions:

• OBS Multiplatform. Works good for recording game play, is free, and allows for multiple audio streams. Can be used instead of Fraps or as a backup program.
  
  
• Audacity: Free audio editing program that has lots of good features.
  
  
• HitFilm 3 Express: Also a free video editing program. I would have a copy along with blender as a backup.
  
  For USB 3.0 External HDD i have heard good things about the WD Elements products. I had WD internal drives and have had no issues. I record 1080p 60fps. You'll have a little less speed with an external, so maybe do 1080p, 720p 60 fps, or 720p.
  
  
• For a microphone I highly suggest getting a standalone mic and a headset instead of using the built in mic. You''ll get much, much better sound quality that way. Maybe a Blue Snowball, ATR-2100, ATR-2500, or Samson C01u.
  
  
• For headsets, I suggest the Logitech G430, Steelseries Siberia V3, ATH-M30x, or a nice pair of Sennheisers.

The Podcaster is a decent mic. The XLR version, Røde Procaster is better and, along with the EV RE20, and the Shure SM7b, are genereally considered some of the best broadcast mics on the market, so any of those should be a safe bet if you want that round, warm, radio host sound.

The Focusrite 2i2 is a decent interface for the price, it will however need a preamp, as it alone lacks the gain to run these mics. You can save money by buying an inline preamp, like the Triton Fethead or the CL-1 Cloudlifter. They will up your gain something like 20db, giving you more than enough.

This will all be expensive though, so maybe space the purchases out over a few months and just keep using the Podcaster in the meantime?

Condenser mics are good for picking up a lot of people, but they also create a lot of background noise too. I used a condenser for 2 years, we JUST made the switch. Now i use 4 dynamic mics, via an xlr to USB interface. We record in adobe audition. Even if you dont record in it, i recommend learning it and running your audio through it for post editing. ill link all my useful stuff and equipment. These will all be amazon links.

The Mics

Good Mic Stands for cheap

interface

if you go through the trouble of learning audition this is helpful. This is the algorithm the Game Grumps use, i cannot state enough what an amazingly drastic quality difference this makes. it raises the lows, lowers the highs, evens it all out.

Dynamic Audio Processing Chart

​

I should mention that to record multiple mic inputs, you need either an additional sound card, or the ASIO4ALL driver (which hogs your soundcard making it so you cant hear your game, booo.) The alternate solution i went for is recording the audio on another PC.

​

If you're recording with lots of people, to avoid audio spillover (one person being picked up on another's mic) you want to record with each track at the near lowest possible Gain/Volume/Db, and raise it all later. this will make the mics only pick up the voice right in front of them. I usually also angle all the mics in a way that they face only their speaker, but not others. I can elaborate on this further if you like. Then i run it all thru the Dynamic Processing. I think that about covers the gist of it, sorry for how detailed it was lol. If anyone is curious, i can give good tips on creating thumbnails, info about how i make my art and music, how i edit my videos and general technique too, when i have time

Recording two people with one mic is tricky to keep levels right, and worse still for three people. I don't have that mic, so I can't say how well or not it would work. It might be great, but I just don't know either way.

One other option to consider is getting multiple individual dynamic mics (dynamics can exist relatively close to each other without being picked up by their neighboring mic). Most 3+ port interfaces are $200 and up, but this one is about $100 (and maybe less if you can find it used?).

Pairing that with three entry-level dynamics (like the PG48) or similar, again, search for used) may give you a more flexible end result than a single condenser (albeit at a slightly higher price point).

I'd be curious to know what you go with and how you like it, if you don't mind updating me. Improving information in my creator's guide regarding recording multiple people is something I 'm very interested in!

Do you have the xlr or usb version? if its xlr any old xlr cable should work, but the usb uses this cable . Personally I use this shockmount and this desk mount which isn't very bad for the price but you can definitely tell its a cheap mount. Most of the accessories are garbage and I ended up cutting out the XLR cable and wiring my usb cable through it, but if you have the xlr version I guess it'll work fine for you. I know for a fact that shock mount you just linked doesn't work, but it does come with the desk mount I linked (for $20 more) so you may as well try it for yourself, the best option would be the Audio Technica shock mount but its pretty pricey. I should also mention the better option for the desk mount would be the Rode desk mount and that the AT2020 on its own is comparable with either desk mount as long as you use the mount that comes with it for the desk stand, just remove the mount itself and screw it to the desk mount. hope my experience could help you out :)

I don't think that adapter will improve how you sound. Microphones are made to pick up specific frequencies and no in between hardware will change that. It might 'alter' it by removing certain frequencies but if you may not want that because most cheep mic's only pick up a small range to begin with. I think your money might be spent elsewhere. That's just my two cents, and I'm no expert in audio either.


If you want to spend close to nothing, you could go steal your mom's/sisters/girlfriends pantyhose. You'll want to put this over the tip of the mic and cut excess away. Experiment with layers. This will be a homemade pop-filter. :D


Also, you can try voicemeeter. I have a tutorial on how to use it with dxtory. I need up update my tutorial, but make sure to choose the MME devices over the WDM ones. I would like to note that you don't necessarily need to follow my guide to get voicemeeter to work for you. If you need help, let me know.

Money options

I use a MS LX-3000. Cost me $20 USD. Along with voicemeeter, I think i sound pretty good.

Two of my friends use the Samson Meteor and really like it. It's around $70 USD on amazon.

Then there's the whole range of podcasting style microphones. They can range from the same price as the samson to thousands of dollars.

I personally don't record consoles (I'm a PC guy) so I'm not the most knowledgeable person on this subreddit, but I know a few things so here are my recommendations.

From the reviews I've seen this capture card looks pretty good for the money, AverMedia as a whole produce quality products so you could really choose from any of their selection: http://www.amazon.com/AVerMedia-GL310-AVerCapture-Capture-Streaming/dp/B00K5A8FP2/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421127944&sr=1-6&keywords=capture+card+avermedia

And as far as mics go for your price range you could get a blue nessie, which is pretty good for the price as far as I know: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-NESSIE-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00BUIA362/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1421128019&sr=1-7&keywords=blue+microphone

For Video Editors, I'm not sure which ones are good for practically $0. You could always go with Windows Movie Maker if need be.

The only thing to keep in mind is you could potentially pick up audio from the television on your microphone. You would have to keep the TV turned down low if you don't want to commit to a headset.

A lapel mic would work but may not be very good quality for commentary. I've never had a lapel mic that recorded all that great. You could just set up a USB microphone with a longer cord and mic stand next to you on the couch.

Here is what I use:

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-C01U-Studio-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00HXE4BYW/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CLIPHO/

If I'm recording at my PC, I just slide it over next to me. If I'm on the couch playing off a console, I just slide it over to where the mic is at appropriate recording distance from my mouth. I love being able to easily go back and forth between areas since I switch between PC gaming and old consoles.

When I'm jamming on the PC, I use a headset so the game audio doesn't get picked up by the microphone.

When I'm console recording over on the couch, I keep the TV turned down low and it's far enough away to where it doesn't get picked up by the mic although I've thought about getting a headset for the TV with a long cord so I can hear the game audio... I like to hear the music lol.

Samson go mic? I used to have one of those ages ago... Decent for the price, as I remember. So. Here's my advice for multiplayer commentary at a budget of $250.

Mixer = $100

Mic x4 = $120. This is my go to mic and I love the sound it gets. Not suitable for live performances through a PA, but for lets plays it's awesome. This particular link includes XLR cords too.

These mics are also dynamic, so they should pick up considerably little of the game audio. I'd recommend picking up some boom stands, like these for about 20 bucks each.

As for headphones and such, I've used my microphones without headphones and it's picked up little to no game audio.

So you would definitely recommend it? Were there any issues with set up or anything? Also, just to be sure, you mean this right?

http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Meteor-Studio-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B004MF39YS

Thanks for your help. Btw, you guys are great, lol.

Like SketchTop, I use the Dazzle for N64,Gamecube, Wii, PS1, and PS2 games. If you want to record in HD, I recommend the Hauppauge HD-PVR.

Hauppauge

Dazzle

Note that you will need to buy some extra cables like:

S-video Cables

Component Cables

You may also need a distribution amplifier for the Dazzle depending on how you want your setup.

Distribution Amp

Hope this helped. I'm a fairly new LPer so feel free to disregard my recommendations if someone who is more experienced offers different advice. Feel free to read customer reviews so you can fully decide what you want. When you start making videos, you should post a link to your channel! Hope everything goes well!

Thanks! I'm currently torn between two (after hours of research lol)

This is the one I'm leaning toward: (Samson C01U Pro USB Studio Condenser Microphone)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HXE4BYW/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

And this is the other possibility (Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004QJOZS4/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_11?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER


My primary concern is obviously audio quality, but I'm also very concerned with background noise. I've got 4 kids, and keeping them quiet is...challenging. I think the majority of my recording will be done after they're in bed, but on weekends and stuff they tend to stay up late...so, a mix of me telling them to chill out and a mic that can filter out background noise is probably my best bet. I've already started selling my wife on me turning the guest bedroom into my office lol


edit: I'd like to officially open this up to anybody who has mic advice based on what I just said!

I have the Blue Nessie Microphone.

It is amazing getting the background noise away, but I notice that it gives me a ton of bass in my voice. I use EQ to bring up the treble, but it only helps so much.

Is there a certain trick I could use?

Or should I get a new microphone?

I have heard the quality from the Blue Yeti, and I think it sounds like it'd be better (although I haven't personally used it).

I've found my Blue Yeti nice but I have to fiddle with the manual gain on it more than I'd like to, it seems to vary on occasion on what it will pick up after a computer reboot but that may be an isolated case for me, especially since mine is well over 3 years old and may have deteriorated with each accidental headbutt - it has nice directional settings for which way you want to pick up sound, though. If you do end up getting one I can recommend this budget mic arm which helped cut down on vibration noise a lot: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GLJDMPO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I personally love my Editors Keys SL600, check that mic out. I've had it for 2 or 3 years now, never had an issue. Pair it with a [windscreen] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00946ZJN4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_QInHwbHCP93VZ) and it looks awesome! Also I've seen a bunch of youtubers use this windscreen but never really advertise it? It goes great with an Audio Technica AT2020 as well.

Personally, I would just always use team speak or discord for chat, I never bother with client chats like steam of Battle.net.

I use Audactiy for editing mic audio. Hitfilm 4 for video

Also this is the mic arm I use, https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GLJDMPO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

cheap but does the job just right. had it for over 2 years, never had issues. Getting that mic closer to you and then lowering the sensitivty will help. Pop filter will be good, but generally just for helping to get rid of P's & S's.

I don't know much about livestreaming, but I'm sure some programmes would allow you to use a noise gate?

This is where I pipe in with this post/list!

In my opinion, dynamic > condenser for general home use. However, if you very, very specifically don't want the microphone visible anywhere near your face for facecam purposes, then a dynamic might not be for you.

In your price range, you could easily get a Shure PG48 and Steinberg UR12 for under $120 (not sure what the shipping costs, though). A mic stand/arm would bump that up by $15-$25 or so.

>it just seems like attitudes about Blue mics have been changing recently

I like to think I've had a small part in that!

Not sure where you are but if you're in the UK I just bought this super cheap option from Amazon. http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00GLJDMPO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s01

It supports the weight of the Yeti fine and for the price is brilliant.

I was in your boat when I swapped to XLR and it was really confusing.

​

So I bought a Rode NT1-A XLR microphone and a Focusrite Scarlett and have been very very happy with both. Specifically this one ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002QAUOKS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ). I had a random foam pop filter head that I use over my mic, I don't like the screen personally. For YouTube videos you really don't need to be all that concerned about the pop filter. You can reduce any popping noises by offsetting your microphone a bit.

​

My complete setup:

Rode NT1-A mic

Focusrite Scarlett solo

Rose PSA1 swivel boom arm

Reaper digital audio workspace

​

I record on about 60% gain and I do all of my post-processing in Reaper. I've been very happy with my equipment and didn't have too many issues at the start. There were some driver hurdles which took a few hours of mucking around to figure out. Sound quality has been fine since.

Lightworks is the place to go for editing, if you don't mind the learning curve, though for simpler things, you can mix the audio using audacity and cut it together in Avidemux

For microphones, I typically use some fairly simple vocal microphones particularly these or a pocket recorder like this one and get pretty good sound out of them. It's also worth noting that this microphone is often recommended for beginners in Let's Plays and podcasts alike and might be more your speed.

A built-in pop filter is probably not recommended. For the vocal microphones you can pick up some pretty cheap pop filters or position them slightly to the side (though still pointing at your mouth). For pocket recorders and the Blue Snowball, it's a non-issue, as you're not speaking right up on it.

Behringer ULTRAVOICE XM1800S. Got the 3 set for an insanely good price. Should have known better XD.

We personally use 4 AT2020 and an MGXU Mixer:

https://www.amazon.ca/Technica-AT2020-Cardiod-Condensor-XLRM-type/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=at2020&qid=1554514257&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.ca/Yamaha-MG10XU-10-Input-Stereo-Mixer/dp/B00IBIVL42/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=mg10xu+mixer&qid=1554514302&s=gateway&sr=8-1

As long as you're all facing the same way (NOT even slightly towards each other or you get bad echo) this turns out great.

We even ended up getting a second mixer so we could use the EQ on all four mics. Have a nice carpetted/padded room, and again make sure you're all facing the same direction, a very important lesson we learned. Audio syncing the video is also very much needed in this case.

We record with VERY low gain so there's little noise pollution, then up in post.

You really need to better define a budget here. "Extremely pricey" is super subjective.

For me, my setup is an ElectroVoice RE-20, into a CloudLifter CL-1, that leads into DBX 286s, Native Inustraments Komplete Audio 6. Then I'm using a RSA Intruder headphone amp as an output into either a pair of JH Audio JH-16s or the more casual, open back AKG K7xx Massdrop Edition.

It's a setup I built over time (and for a more uses than just Let's Plays), but to me, it's not something I consider "extremely pricey". Expensive, sure, but so is my Ford Fusion. It's all a matter of perspective.

Here is our usb mixer setup. We run XLR mics (60 bucks for a 3 pack).

Link: BEHRINGER, 12 Mixer - Powered, Black (Q1202USB) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CTKI45M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CMTXDb9TG5MT6

Like I said above, it's usb and we record using Audacity.

Here is an example of us with a blue snowball:

https://youtu.be/ksLciGbLDfY

Here is an example with the xlr mic and mixer:

https://youtu.be/ksBsOAKj3U8

The best thing...we can tune it to a particular vocal range. Don (guy on the left) has deeper tones, while Beau (guy on the right) needed emphasis on the mid range.

We just export to mp3 when we are done recording. It's been a game changer for us.

Good idea to ask for advice before you recorded anything, lots of people just go into it with no knowledge and it's a shame how many easily avoidable problems come up as a result.

1. Don't use Pinnacle Studio to record, it sucks dick (I have a Dazzle as well). Use the (so-called) VirtualDub Hack to record your gameplay. It's super-reliable and way more intuitive, I promise
   
   
2. For microphones, I use a $20 Logitech desktop mic and it sounds pretty good. Here's how it sounds.
   
   
3. My suggestion is to absolutely use post-commentary. New Let's Players almost always have an aversion to post-commentary for one reason or another (usually they think it's 'less authentic', as if authenticity = more "umms" and fumbling over your words). It's very, very rare for me to see a new Let's Player who doesn't benefit from using post-commentary, at least to start.
   
   
4. Record audio with the Audacity 1.3 Beta. Even though it's a beta, it's way more stable than the actual 'stable' release.
   
   Good luck, make sure to post here when you get started!

I would recommend getting an HDPVR, I use that for my console gaming, and it's pretty cheap considering

Here's the model I use, it has HD component in and out and also allows for standard def AV cables (like PS2 and such):
http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-1212-Definition-Personal-Recorder/dp/B0018LX0DY

This is the HDPVR 2, only has HDMI in and out, but 1080p is nice:
http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-Edition-Definition-Capture-Passthrough/dp/B008ZT8QKO

Windtech Pop filter. It's a little pricier than a standard pop filter but it's worth it because it's so non obtrusive. As for stands, I personally use the Rode PSA 1 mic arm. It's very solid and worth the money.

I use this atm http://www.amazon.com/Samson-Meteor-Studio-Microphone-Chrome/dp/B004MF39YS

pretty darn good if you can get it ~30cm away from your mouth, but mounting options are pretty bad (didn't fit into my shockmount) and having it on table seems to cause pretty wack spatial effect (echo from table surface, I guess).

We use this audio interface. Works with audacity to give 4 separate tracks, very affordable and rated well but it doesn't have any controls beyond mic gain if you need that.

I'd recommend - this audio interface and these mics.

When you're buying mics in the US$100 to $200 range, they're all much of a muchness as long as you stick with a decent pro-audio brand (such as Audio-Technica). However, there can be a world of difference between a $60 mixer and a $150 audio interface. Trust me on this. I've worked in the pro-audio field for many, many years. Absolutely nothing in that price range compares to the quality of audio you get through that Focusrite audio interface. It's so far ahead of the competition, it's crazy.

Behringer make bad gear. It's pretty much an accepted fact in pro audio circles that they are the absolute rock bottom in terms of quality. What you're paying for is a range of features such as 3 bad EQ, level pots, tape inputs etc (none of which you need), and what you're sacrificing to get those features is quality phantom power and gain stages. Avoid.

EDIT: Oh, and if you get the Focusrite audio interface, make sure you download the updated driver from the website. The driver it comes with is a bit shite.

I love my Blue Nessie and it is reasonably priced.

If you're looking for some solid mics that don't break budget I recommend The Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500 . Only cost 20$ for one and I have to say it's a pretty solid mic. They also sell a 3 pack of the Behringer Ultravoice Xm1800s for around 40$.

You could probably just open up two copies of audacity, set each one to a different input device, and then either hotkey the record button or possibly sync the audio to something like a loud clapping noise. You could also do like /u/Cly_Faker suggested and mix them together in Voicemeeter.

For our channel we use a Scarlett 2i2 and two XLR mics. But that's not a cheap solution.

I'm not sure if this is against the rules but I'm personally selling a hdpvr (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0018LX0DY/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used&m=APNWTC855EV9O)

With the component cables you can record up to 1080i. However if you want 1080p I recommend you go with the hdpvr 2 which will require an hdmi splitter as /u/MrZebraGamer mentioned.

I'm not so sure about a capture card, maybe the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition would suit your needs.

As for the editing software, I'm using Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0, which you can get for free if you scour their web page for long enough or torrent somewhere. It's not as heavily featured as Sony Vegas or anything because it's such an older version, but it oughta do ya fine for LPs.

Save up the money and buy the Hauppauge HD PVR2 All the capture cards for less than $100 aren't worthwhile unfortunately.

I've got a WindTech PopGard on the way. Not sure how effective it is since it hasn't come in yet, but I like the look of it. It is a little expensive for a pop filter.

WindTechPop Gard

Then:

• Computer (laptop): HP HDX 18, Windows Vista Ultimate, 64-bit, Intel Core 2 Duo T9550 @2.66 GHz, DDR2 4GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT, 320 GB HDD, 1 broken interior fan, and laptop mouse buttons that don't work
  
  
• Microphone: Samson Go Mic USB Condenser Microphone
  
  
• Recording Software: Dazzle DVD Recorder for consoles. PC capture? Silly human, I don't want to set my laptop on fire.
  
  
• Edit Software: Sony Vegas 10 Pro + Audacity
  
  
• Image Software: Adobe Photoshop CS5
  
  Now:
  
  
• Computer (custom desktop): Windows 8.1, 64-bit, [Not near my computer so I'll updated this with all my stuff later], 1 TB HDD, 240 GB SSD, liquid cooling, and the blood of many innocents.
  
  
• Microphone: Samson CO1U USB Condenser Microphone with a pop filter and a microphone arm.
  
  
• Recording Software: Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition for HDMI capture, Hauppauge 1212 HD-PVR for Composite/component capture, and Open Broadcsater Software for PC capture/streaming.
  
  
• Edit Software: Sony Vegas 12 Pro + Audacity
  
  
• Image Software: Adobe Photoshop CS6
  

One other mic selection to check out is the meteor mic by samson, I got one and it has been bad ass in all ways, and wont break the bank. If you are having audio issues with your voice the best way to fix it would be a quality mic that can properly pick up on your lows.

I use to do multi person let’s plays so I have one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008O517IW/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1525704957&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=4+mic+mixer&dpPl=1&dpID=5153d6epzTL&ref=plSrch is actually trying to sell it plus we used 4 at2020 Mics XLR I have 2 of those for sale and will throw in xlr cables if you want

I did a lot of my research and I wanted something that was taller and away from my controller / keyboard... I bought the blue Nessi. Check out my videos to hear the quality... youtube.com/joeyjiggles

Here is a link to the Nessi... http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blue-Microphones-Adaptive-Cardioid-Microphone/dp/B00BUIA362/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1425236535&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+nessi

Upon further investigation I have discovered that the 502 nor 802 can do a proper "mix minus" (listening to another source without it going to main mix).
Though the BEHRINGER XENYX Q1202USB can, and is on sale right now, though that's still a decent chunk more then an 802.

If this is still a little much, the Blue Nessie is 40% off, for $66

The Samson Meteor costs only $70 new. I have one, and I think it sounds very professional.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008ZT8QKO?pc_redir=1396579642&robot_redir=1

New and nearly thé same price is what i meant

Am not sure if this helps but i have a Happauge pvr 2 and i could use obs to stream and record with it using a video capture source on obs.

Don't do it. Roxio quality is shit. This one is much better, at around the same price.

http://www.amazon.com/Hauppauge-Edition-Definition-Capture-Passthrough/dp/B008ZT8QKO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394227342&sr=8-2&keywords=Hauppauge+HD+PVR+2

Microphone - Samson C01U

Stand - Scissor Boom Stand

Pop Filter - Samson SAPS01

Shock Mount - Samson SP01