(Part 2) Best products from r/microphones

Holy shit I'm so sorry, lol. I got distracted.

So there's a couple of things that might be for good. There's two distinct types of mics so I'll recommend some from both types:

Condensers - these are typically very sensitive but they sound pretty nice, too.

• Blue Snowball iCE and Blue Snowball - I think these are the same, but the iCE just has the one pattern - they're both pretty good
  
  
• ATR2500 - Also good, and has a headphone jack for direct monitoring
  
  
• Samson Meteor Mic - also has a headphone jack for monitoring
  
  Dynamic - they typically aren't as sensitive and still sound pretty nice. It's probably better to get a dynamic, although your computer is quiet enough that you might be able to get away with it. IIRC from any given distance a dynamic picks up less room noise, but that can make it harder to pick you up at an acceptable level as well so keep that in mind.
  
  
• ATR2005 - this is a little over budget and for that I apologize, but it's a pretty great mic. Headphone output, comes with a stand to point it at your face (as do all the others), sounds great (there's lots of videos of it, it's pretty good sounding), has an XLR output so if you upgrade to a mixer you can keep using it... nice little piece.
  
  
• ATR2100 - the 2005's little brother
  
  Unfortunately those are the only two USB dynamics I personally know of. Over on /r/podcasting I'm sure /u/BangsNaughtyBits knows of some more good ones that I don't know of.
  
  My personal recommendation would be the ATR2100, but I encourage you to look at them yourself and ask questions to find out which one fits you best. Also keep in mind this is just for your sub $75 price range request.

I'd stay off the Snowball completely, it doesn't offer nearly the same voice or built quality as the other microphones that you listed, even the Meteor. A Yeti would fit your needs well. It offers superior quality to the Meteor/Snowball and has a couple of features that you'll probably appreciate. It's not for nothing that so many content-creators use it.

Another choice would be a RØDE NT-USB - it might be slightly outside your budget but offers similar quality to the Yeti (if not slightly better) and matches your colortheme.

There's also the AT2020USB+. It doesn't come with a particularly fantastic stand or anything, so a boomarm of sorts would be a good investment alongside it. It probably offers the best quality out of all the microphones listed above, along with having the correct color of course.

Finally, the only place I could find the black Meteor was on the US Amazon store, but unless you're willing to pay import taxes that's going to be a costly experience. The Meteor is imo the undisputed value king in all this though, sounds very good for the price. I bought one myself when they were on sale a while back for LAN purposes etc where I can't bring my entire main-mic setup.

Hope that helps you out!

Hello everyone! I should be mentioning, I've been using the built-in microphone of my Astro A40s for 4 years, using Adobe Audition in conjuction with VB Audio Cable to make audio quality not-so-shitty through live noise canceling. But right now the mic is making some kind of slitherine sound I can't fix, so I really really should just get a good microphone and be done with it. The Astros are still working very good, hence I'm here asking for your help! My budget is currently at around €120, but I don't mind going just a tad bit over that (±20). If it's lower, and you think it's still a very good choice, I surely won't mind. My goal is just to have a decent all around mic, to avoid me the hassle of using Audition to live-fix my sound. I'd like to be able to record without the need of post-production for audio fixing. A friend linked me those two (very very low price-range), what do you think?

https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B00XOXRTX6/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1IM96RSBPC3L0

https://www.amazon.it/dp/B01KHMUQ2M?psc=1

I like the Tonor, but I don't really know much about microphones. I don't think he does either, to be quite honest. Are there any better mics for that price range?

I know I'm very likely being annoying at this point, but if you could recommend mics for different price ranges (e.g. 40-60, 70-90, 100-120), I'd be the happiest man alive.


TL;DR: Win7 64bit; Astro A40 headset (mic is broken, that's why I'm here); €120 max budget (±20); would be used for YouTube videos, Discord/TeamSpeak/Google Hangouts; I'd prefer multiple recommendations for different price ranges (preferably low-mid-high price).


Thanks in advance, r/microphones!

The MXL V67G is a great mic, and it's what I started o professionally for voice-over. The AT2020 has a bit "boxier" of a sound, but it is in the cheapest line of AudioTechnica's condensers. The CADs are a pretty good mic company, although I am not familiar with the gxl2200, but they have had QC issues in the past.

​

Overall, I would suggest the MXL, as it has a rich, warm sound without being too tinny or boxy on the high end, has a wide frequency response, and is really cheap priced for the quality. Just remember that it has a cardioid pickup pattern, and is pretty sensitive. It will pick up any background noise. I did a video review on the amazon page if you want to check out how it sounds.

​

Another option would be a dynamic mic, which won't pick up as much extra sound, but most of the professional grade dynamics are going to be above your listed price range, so you may want to find a Guitar Center near you to give a few mics a quick try before you buy one. Good luck!

Hey all,

I'm getting ready to go big on a microphone setup, but I want to get a few extra opinions on the hardware that I have selected to make sure it is both sufficient for each other as well as the best price to performance. I'm really looking for some GREAT quality but not needing something for full on production.

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Here is a list of the items and below is a screenshot of the cart if people don't want to click on the individual links.

Audient iD14

Shure SM7B

CL-1 Cloudlifter

RODE PSA1

LyxPro Balanced XLR Cable 6 ft

LyxPro Balanced XLR Cable 1.5 ft

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https://i.imgur.com/T08p76s.png

[netherlands][60$]

Guys ive been doing some research for the past week for a good usb mic for gaming and streaming I dont want to spent hundreds of dollars but just a nice little something that has a decent output the budget is 60euro

I found 2 contestants:

1: samson meteor

2: Blue Snowball Ice

When I listened to audio tests i felled that the samson meteor sounded better just wanted to know what you guys thought about it

If you got some similar suggestions please do so and state why it would be better. (ps USB is highly preffered

I want to thank everyone who took their time to respond to my question in advance!

Sounds like a good idea, but unfortunately I live in Canada. Samson mics are $80+, the Blue Snowball iCE is $60, and the cheapest good mic setup I could find (cheapest good mic + cheapest phantom power + cheapest good stand) is $85.

I'm mic-tarded but I'm pretty sure those are my cheapest options, all of which I'd rather DIY some cup or something instead.

Im currently using the Podcaster, so this is a pretty bias'd opinion.

If your desk have space for it, a boom arm like the RØDE PSA1 (UK Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/RØDE-Swivel-Mount-Studio-Microphone/dp/B001D7UYBO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474200451&sr=8-1&keywords=psa1) compliments the Podcaster really well.

If not, then a simple tripod mount (American Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Stands-MS7701B-Tripod-Microphone/dp/B000978D58) would prob. also do the trick.

TL;DR A boom arm is really great for the PODCASTER, because, since it is a dynamic mic, you need it to be about a fists length away from your mouth, (at least from my experience.) and a boom arm gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of positioning the mic.

Oh yeah, use this part of the offical RØDE website to check where you can buy their microphones, and microphone stands(If you didn't know already): http://www.rode.com/wheretobuy

I've had poor experiences with the Scarlet line up from Focusrite. There is a common issue where it randomly starts to generate a lot of distortion, you have to unplug it and plug it back in for it to stop, it does this several times a day (usually every 6 or so hours). Because of this, I always advise people against their scarlet line up.


Behringer Xenyx boards are really good. Not really much point in any of the USB versions, so buy a standard one if you go for it. Mixers are nice since they give you a lot more control than interfaces do.


Does she sing live? If she does any live performing get a dynamic microphone. Beta 58's are really robust microphones, they would serve well live and in a studio. It would fair similarly to an E-V ND767A. A lot of people prefer the sound of E-V's microphones, even more so on female vocalists.


If she does absolutely no live audio then a condenser microphone would be great. Audio Technica and Rode have a really nice selection. The AT2020 sounds amazing honestly, I am considering buying one when I have a better space/use case, I am familiar with them though and they are great.


You'll want a microphone stand of some kind, either Desk Mount or Floor Standing. You don't need anything crazy here. A $20 stand would be fine, or you could push more of the budget there like /u/flehrad and I did. The Rode PSA-1 is a very nice arm, but will also chunk out 25% of your budget...


And just because here is a couple samples: my SM58 (not the Beta, this is a much older mic than the Beta), and the AT2020

Hi, I recently bought the sony ECM-CS3 mic from amazon. This is the link to the product: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECMCS3-Omnidirectional-Stereo-Microphone/dp/B0058MJX4O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473482920&sr=8-1&keywords=sony+ecmcs3
I was initially surprised when it won't work with any of my devices. The I bought this adapter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FVAW57Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now it worked. I am plugging it into my macbook air and using garageband to record myself playing guitar. However, no matter how I try, I am unable to reach the same quality as the following video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfY1Dt2Kvw8
Now, my question is, am I better of buying a new USB mic? or should I buy a recording device such as the zoom H1(I wonder if it will improve sound quality). Or maybe I should just buy a cable to connect my guitar to macbook.
I am currently using martin DX1AE guitar.
Please help. I am not that familiar with recording. I would like to keep my cost low(under $40). Thanks!

SECTION | CONTENT

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Title | RØDE NT-USB vs. Blue Yeti | Epic Youtube Mic Battle 2015
Description | Hey fellows! Hope you are all doing well! Today we are testing if The Rode or the Yeti is the better microphone for youtubers. Hope You Like it! SJ Productions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkpdnY8jUNR5tpzjt2Qpeuw Price and Availability: Rode NT-USB: http://www.amazon.com/Rode-NT-USB-USB-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00KQPGRRE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451052593&sr=8-1&keywords=rode+nt-usb Blue Yeti: http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Yeti-USB-Microphone/dp/B002VA464S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid...
Length | 0:10:40


SECTION | CONTENT

--|:--
Title | Rode NT-USB v Audio-Technica AT2020 USB PLUS Pro USB Mic Head To Head
Description | Rode NT-USB v Audio-Technica AT2020 USB PLUS Pro USB Microphone Head To Head. Which is best? Watch the video, to see and hear the difference, then listen to the raw, unedited recordings and compare all the features at http://www.musicrepo.com/which-usb-microphone/ Follow these links to quickly find the microphones on your local Amazon site Rode NT-USB http://geni.us/2h1g Audio Technica AT2020USB+ http://geni.us/3C2i Hopefully this will help if you are trying to choose between these hugely popu...
Length | 0:03:31






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Looking for recommendations for a good Dynamic microphone(?)

I am looking to buy one for my mom who uses her computer to talk to her family out of state.

She has a cochlear implant and she uses a device that attaches to a magnet on her skull where she can hear from so she cannot use a headset.

She has to use speakers, so it would be really nice if whatever microphone she is using for her family not to hear themselves from the speakers back into the microphone.


So far I have been recommended the Samson Q2U

Would this be a good choice?

Also can you guys recommend good speakers for a desktop?

RE320 is a dynamic microphone and does not need phantom power.

You don't need a cloud lifter at all but a dedicated preamp hurt nobody. See here

For a mixer, the MG10XU is a great choice. But saving money is always fun, so you should check out this which is essentially the same mixer with less channels. If you aren't using more than 2 inputs on the 10XU no point in buying it.

quick edit: if you do end up purchasing a DBX 286s, there's nearly no point in buying the mixer. You'd have better luck investing in an audio interface such as a Mackie Onyx Blackjack or Scarlett 2i2

Condenser Microphones need power to function. The audio port on your motherboard does not give nearly enough. The microphone will work much better and be less noisy with more power. You can either use a USB sound card to give the mic 5V of power or get a 48V phantom power supply to maximize your performance.
I got this USB Soundcard and this Power Supply. I use both together and It sounds great. The microphone also works alright with just the USB card. hope it helps. p.s. I have the same mic.

Here is a popular one, I am getting the DBX 286A which is basically the same hardware but with some visual tweaks.

It gives you an easy way to control, improve quality, and modify the vocals in sort of an all in one solution. So you don't need several pieces of hardware to achieve a single goal.

Hello! I'm here from reddit.

My girlfriend started a job recently, and they wanted her to pick out a microphone to buy for online videos mostly.

Could anyone give advice on a good handheld microphone system that is compatible for use on an iPhone AND on a digital camera? I've linked something she has her eyes on, wondering if anyone has any experience with Samson equipment in the past, or if there's something else someone could recommend. Price isn't a huge issue, as the employer will be footing the bill, we just want good quality. Thanks so much!

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Mobile-Professional-Handheld-Wireless/dp/B0736KB2QV?fbclid=IwAR04z7zArW7Pa9u_5cuL7HZrEaS3QCntoWzpjWikYURTsnrRYQKqsDyvKhk

I'm using exactly this.

Thanks for the explanation!

I will probably invest in phantom power very soon, hopefully with better luck in Skype.

Condenser microphones pretty much always pick up background noise, so you want a dynamic microphone like the Audio Technica ATR2100-USB (alternative version) or the Samson Q1U. Both of these come with a table stand.

Yeah, a stand would definitely be a good idea, though I'm not sure how to attach one. You could get one with a basic clamp, but it might have to reach fairly far. Or you could get a tall one, and just put in on the floor, and aim towards your face.

Top of the line desk mounted stand


Cheap but good enough desk mounted stand


Floor stand

I recently faced this exact same issue. I game in my basement where it's fairly noisy. So, what I ended up getting is the below list. It works great and does a really good job of not picking up my KUL-87 MX Clear keyboard, the clothes washer/dryer, HVAC, my noisy overclocked computer, and so on.


You can use this with just USB or also go the XLR route into a audio interface where you can use compression, cutoffs, and other features to improve things even better. For a time I did this using my ZOOM H5 but right now I am actually going XLR then directly into my soundcard via a XLR to 3.5mm adapter. My Soundblaster Z has some fun software "enhancements" for mics that I can use this way.


Audio-Technica AT2005USB https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JX8O0Y

Foam Ball-Type Mic Windscreen https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002GXF8Q

K&M 23200 Table Microphone Stand https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NTZKH6

On Stage MY-420 Studio Microphone Shock Mount https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AUSOAW

Id have to suggest this mic:
http://www.amazon.ca/Pyle-Pro-PDMIC78-Professional-Handheld-Microphone/dp/B005BSOVRY

Its similar to the first one you mentioned there, their both knock-offs of the famous Shure SM57. I have been using this specific mic for my snare in my home studio for a little while now. the only difference between the $125 Shure and the pyle-pro $20 knockoff (aside from cheaper build quality) is a slight peak between 2 and 4khz (will sound a little brighter on the treble side, also good for speech).
Despite a cheaper build quality it is still fairly durable, it can handle high SPL's (loud volumes) before distorting.
Just make sure to maintain a little more distance between your mouth and the mic whereas this specific mic is designed for instruments (shorter space between the cover and the diaphragm; allowing more bass to be heard by the mic (dosent sound good for vocals).

Currently looking to get into home vocal recording for classical and/or crossover voice. I'm aiming for about $100 AUD (approximately $75 US) to spend on recording software (mic, stand, computer input).

1. USB mics would reduce cost by having direct input into the computer for mixing - however, from some searching the talk seems to be that (especially in my price range) the sound is far inferior to compression mics. Is this true? If not, what's a good mic that would give adequate sound (bearing in mind that classical might be a bit more demanding than rock/pop vocal recording)?
   
2. If USB mics are out, my current plan (being totally ignorant about microphones) would look something like the Shure PGA58-XLR Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone, this mic stand from Samson and this XLR-USB cable from Deli. I selected these based on reviews and ratings; are they good choices? The reviews for the cable look a tiny bit suspicious; are Deli reputable? And I'm assuming I would want to get the microphone with the XLR-XLR cable, is that correct?
   
3. Finally - is it worth going over my current budget? I have $200 AUD (~150 US) in total to spend on music, the current plan is to use the other half for material, but the vast majority of classical is public domain and available for free, and what isn't (20th/21st century) can often be got for very cheap. So I can really go up to $200 for mic and equipment if it's going to make a real difference, and one that would be heard by real people and not just those knowledgeable about recording.

If it's not too late to get your Shure back you could buy something like this to boost the gain, https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04/ref

When you talk about a preamp is it something like this ? that could be connect to a sound card usb adapter like this ?

the best (and probly most used of all top-quality) i know of is the blue yeti thought most the blue yeti's mics are over 100.

these are the blue yeti's i could find on amazon that are close to 100 euro-

• (109 euros) http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Yeti-USB-Microphone/dp/B002VA464S/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1463245135&sr=1-1&keywords=blue+yeti
  
  
• (this one is wireless but cheaper than the other blue yeti s, 43.33 euro) http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B006DIA77E/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1463245135&sr=1-3&keywords=blue+yeti

I was thinking possibly 50/50. I bought a Blue icicle and the PX22 amp. I have a question though, is this interface a good interface? It seems to have 48v phantom power and I would assume that it is much more reliable than the icicle

Thanks for the reply, I'm thinking about buying the samson from amazon. If I bought that package I wouldn't need a power supply right?

They go for $90 normally, sometimes you can find them on sale.

Look for a package deal like: http://www.amazon.com/Shure-Instrument-Microphone-Windscreen-Polishing/dp/B001I2GY1I

And then you'll need a way to transfer it to digital:

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Icicle-Converter-Preamp/dp/B001EW5YQS


desk mic stand:

http://www.amazon.com/Stage-DS7200B-Adjustable-Microphone-Stand/dp/B0002M3OVI/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_z


FYI SM58 is the same mic but with a vocal windscreen- I prefer the 57 for online talk

Blue Yeti if you want something a little cheaper, Blue Snowball would work as well.

First up, I'm a complete noob.

1. [UK] [<£60] I need equipment to record some folky acoustic guitar music. I already have a stand/pop filter but no mixers or anything else associated with input. I think I might benefit from having separate instrument and vocal mics, right? Currently I just use one USB condenser mic and I don't like it.
   
2. I usually record tracks individually and mix after, so reduction in other room sounds is always a priority.
   
3. I'm not looking for the highest quality fidelity, but I do really hate fuzzy electronic sounds that my Editors Keys SL150 seems to quietly make on each track, preventing me from boosting quiet vocals/guitar without adding lots of hissing. I usually record acoustic guitar and singing.
   
   I know in these threads people discard what's asked re:price because they know better, but I must stress that I really don't want to pay too much for this, which is why I'd rather something like these [1] [2] instead of a couple of Shures for £200.
   
   Thank you!

• Shure MV5
  
• Blue Snowball
  
• Samson Meteor
  
• Audio-Technica ATR2500-USB

Funny you ask, I was just about to make a post asking if I royally screwed myself (excuse my vulgar analogy) for compatibility because I got a Samson Meteor Mic. Its good but it seems its compatibility is abysmal. Im gonna go out on a hunch and say that it's compatible with the Samson MK10 mainly because you can bundle it with the microphone, could be wrong though. Also from everything I've seen you can't put a shock mount on it. But this is all coming from very short answers in Amazons question section so maybe you can provide me with some insight. My initial thought was combining that stand with this shockmount/popfilter.