Microphones
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You are currently reading a thread in /g/ - Technology
You are currently reading a thread in /g/ - Technology
Give me reasons not to buy this microphone.
In other words:
Why is there no entry in the installgentoo wiki for microphones, and why do all other sites I googled deny each other's words?
>>51985675
>Give me reasons not to buy this microphone.
Because you probably don't have a use for it? What exactly do you do that a $5 USB mic isn't enough?
>inb4 streaming on Twitch for 2 people
>>51986037
Recording my voice in a clear sound. And I think it's better to have than to need something.
I have it. Used it for recording guitar and voice-overs. I use mine with an audio interface though so it may be a tad different than the USB version. Great mic overall.
>>51986061
>Recording my voice in a clear sound.
For what purpose?
>>51986196
For purposes not concerning you.
Are you the NSA?
>>51986213
> I want my gayming buddies to hear my voice in all its adolescent glory
Drink bleach you faggot
Im using blue yeti pro and 2i2 for skype.
>>51986037
High quality audio makes a world of difference. Even if he has a shit camera he's shit on camera the audio will still make it seem much better.
>>51985675
Because the AT4040 is better. Also, do you think really need a condenser mic?
Just got a PR 40, myself. I thought it might be a meme, but damn, this thing sounds incredible.
>>51988052
For the best voice quality when singing and recording music, don't I need one?
>>51985675
Because the yeti is better
>>51988156
You can record that on your phone while on the toilet
I use the USB AT2020 and it works reasonably well. It has some minor issues with positioning (ex. if you have it off to one side of your mouth vs. directly in front of you there's an audible difference), and it tends to pick up background noise. Definitely needs a pop shield, or else you get nasty sibilance.
The build quality is quite good, and it feels really solid. The top mesh part isn't actually affixed to the rest of the chassis so it can pop off if you're not careful, but it's easy enough to reinsert it.
I'd upload a recording or something of me talking on it, but I don't have it available to me right now.
I'm pretty happy with my samson usb condenser mic, non-powered stuff has to be right in front of your mouth to work well, and I don't like that. People I talk to on skype say it sounds good. I guess it helps that the mic is 20-30 centimeters above my keyboard, so that sound isn't really picked up too much.
>>51988296
Also use the AT2020. Don't have any of the issues stated here and have it way off to the side. Use it for WoW and shit. Complete overkill for what I'm doing, but
>My money
>My aesthetics
>>51988296
All microphones require a pop shield, do they not?
>>51988417
I was thinking on getting a new mic arm as well, so it should be positioned perfectly.
>>51985675
http://vocaroo.com/i/s0m6QluDf4ul
>>51988496
I hear quite a lot of background noise in there.
>>51988156
Do your research, man...
There are certain uses for dynamic mics, and certain uses for condensers.
Yes, very generally speaking, condensers have better clarity. And that clarity is not necessarily a good thing.
Unless you have a totally soundproof room, or for whatever reason can't be right up on your mic properly (like when streaming vidya) you don't want a condenser, because you WILL pick up noise from things you never thought you would, most notably your PC (even if you think it's quiet, it's not), your air conditioning, and even things like rubbing your pants leg.
Dynamics have much better rear and side rejection, sometimes (but not always) at the cost of clarity. The Heil PR 40 I have is a dynamic, but was the industry standard for radio for years, and for good reason. It's been replaced by the EV RE-20 as of late, which is another dynamic. That silence makes a ridiculous amount of difference, and when using proper mic etiquette, the Heil buries my 4040, in terms of vocals. You also are supposed to use dynamic mics to record instrument cabs, as well, though I've seen condensers used to good effect there, as well.
I'm thinking of making a /g/ mic guide, actually.
>>51988654
>I'm thinking of making a /g/ mic guide, actually.
Please do.
>>51988156
don’t forget that the quality recording is not only on your mic’s side, but also on your audio interface’s side —actually on how accurate your analogic to numeric converter is, but it’s generally built in your audio interface.
With a better mic, you can record more accurately all the frequencies, but with a good audio interface, you reduce the noise generated by the accuracy (or more like the inaccuracy) of your audio interface.
Generally, a really good audio interface for amateurs can be found at around 200~300€, I personally had for a couple of years the Focusrite Saffire 6, and it was a really good one (and I can see that >>51988052 also has a focusrite, good choice!)
I had to switch to a Fireface UC for work, and there’s clearly a difference between this one and my old one, not only the quality but also the price (I got it at 800€), but if you don’t aim already at professional quality and if you don’t need a ridiculous amount of inputs/outputs, then you probably don’t need such an audio interface.
As regard the mic, I don’t need pro quality on that side, but I have two mics, one AKG Perception 220 which provides quite a good quality for its price, and one Rode NT1 which is even better —but both are really for amateur equipment.
>>51988728
(same guy)
Also, I totally second what >>51988654 said, when I record myself, I have to do it by night when there’s no car outside because otherwise, even if the sound is really faint, I can hear everything in the mic.
Condenser mics are really for precision recordings.
Basically (with some exaggeration):
–condensers: record more clearly, but record EVERYTHING, recordings of quality, but easily ruined
–dynamics: record what you want, but not as clearly, recordings of a bit lower quality, but a constant quality
>>51988800
>–condensers: record more clearly, but record EVERYTHING, recordings of quality, but easily ruined
>–dynamics: record what you want, but not as clearly, recordings of a bit lower quality, but a constant quality
I try to avoid saying it like that, because then it seems like any condenser will be better than any dynamic, which is, if course, not true. Dynamics are better in certain scenarios, and condensers are better in others. In other words, professionals use both, but are good enough to know which mic to use in what situation.
>>51988687
I think I will. Got nothing better to do at work tonight.
I might start with a buying guide, and just give relevant links to info about the topic, for now.
I'm thinking the mic price tiers should be
>under $50 USD
>under $100
>under $150
>under $250
>under $350
>under $500
>price is no object
I'll do this for dynamics and condensers (I know dynamic mics very well, but I'm not great with condensers. Suggestions would help, but if not I'll just research reviews)
I'll also throw in a USB section, but it'll mostly just be blues and the AT 2020
What else should be in it, that won't take all night?
>>51986213
You're the one who started this thread. What are you doing? Think about what you're doing right now It's dumb.
>>51988579
what did you expect, that people take the time to fully isolate their room with noise absorbing foam?
>>51989662
you might add the Samson C01UPro to usb mics aswell
>>51989662
If it wouldn't take too long, you should explain how to isolate a section of their room so that they can (cheaply) record their voice without having to turn their room into an anechoic chamber.
>>51990088
>>51990305
Good ideas. I'm bulletpointing some pros and cons of dynamic and condensers, too. Anyone take offense to omitting ribbon mics or calling the focusrite series of interfaces "generally, the best, most tried-and-true option in terms of price /performance?"
>>51990305
I second this
>>51985675
buy it, it's awesome. I recommend the Tascam 2x2 as an interface
Bumping. Still working on the guide, /g/ents
Fuck guys,so you know how some mics are USB? and others aren't? I'm talking about the thing you need to plug those mics into, the ones that aren't USB.
What's a really cheap one?
>>51991198
its an audio interface with xlr
Ok, guys, guide is coming along nicely. Dynamic mics are fairly easy, but condenser mics are a large category, and it's almost impossible to narrow it down to just a few, because certain mics fit certain people and instruments better than others.
Wat do?
>>51991543
Split it in some way I suppose?
Similar to a flow chart, make one for singers and such, and then whether or not they would be using instruments.
>>51991576
I suppose I could add a foreword explaining that doing your own research for your application is crucial, in that category, and list some commonly hyped and well known options.
I know I want to add the MXL CR30 (aka the discontinued Black Widow) in there. For me, personally, it's one of the most underrated condensers out there. I have trouble choosing between it and my 4040, sometimes.
>>51991644
Bumping again
On break at work. Anyone got any more mics to show off? Audio samples? I've got a podcast, but I haven't recorded an episode with my PR 40 yet, just the AT4040, MXL Black Widow, and the GLS ES-58 (near perfect SM-58 clone).
>>51985675
I have this mic. It sounds amazing. You won't regret it.
>>51985675
>Give me reasons not to buy this microphone
Because nobody wants to hear you. Do you have tits? If the answer is no, fuck off.
>>51988052
>covered in meme loops
>>51989662
fucking spam filter won't let me use filedropper
Here's the guide, so far. I'm done with the foreword, condenser vs dynamic explanation, and the USB mic guide. I've already got dynamic mics lined up, I'm just researching prices and features. I'll add images later
Any suggestions/ corrections, /g/?
>>51992566
Fuck, already see a mistake, right after the link. I'll fix it
>>51992566
Retarded fucking letsplayers and podcasters shouldn't be writing microphone guides.
I'd rather get microphone advice from a musician than a fucking podcaster.
Fuck off.
>>51992752
Eat shit. I do more than podcast. I've been in this for a loooong time.
What're your qualifications?
>>51992809
You do solo stuff, or are you in a band?
>>51992809
>metallica
Opinion disregarded.
>>51988496
>http://vocaroo.com/i/s0m6QluDf4ul
no you suck and you just got a cheap mic that's all. let people upload good quality videos on youtube in 2015 ffs.
>>51988496
autismo
>>51985675
kek, you want to capture your entire house or something? get a dynamic vocal
>>51992863
I used to be in a (shitty) band, but I was much better with running audio, soundchecking, and the technical crap than I ever was at playing an instrument. I quit playing mostly, and worked with several local bands being the "sound guy", until about 24. Then I got into podcasting, and built a little mic and audio equipment collection, and occasionally help young guys record and use my gear
>>51986247
I bet you think a quality webcam is a bad idea too.
Go huff some kerosene and think your life through during your stupor.
>>51992566
Dynamic mic section pretty much complete. Any other really well known dynamic mics I need to add?
>>51993384
Looks pretty much perfect m8. I like your writing style too
>>51986037
Not OP, but personnaly I have a mic that cost me 25 bucks and has a perfect sound. I use this so that I don't need to use a gayming headphone when I play, and I can use my music one instead, which has an awesome sound quality.
>>51993135
Hey bud, even if you were just a podcaster I would still read and trust your articles. Some little internet research prove you know your shit.
>>51993739
That entire sentence proves you know jack squat about audio, but what model is your mic?
Post a vocaroo
>>51985675
I sing on a Blue Yeti and it sounds fine. Might not be any help but thought I'd mention it.
>>51993762
Th-thanks bro...
Are you coming on to me?
>>51993823
The yeti is pretty respectable. It doesn't really get much better in the USB mic arena, honestly.
Protip: record in a closet full of clothes. It'll act like a treated isolation chamber, removing background noise, and get rid of unwanted reverb on your vocals
>>51993384
What about the sE X1 in the usb section? It's only like 90GBP/EUR on Amazon UK/DE
>>51993384
Uhh some of that is incorrect. The RE20 is old as fuck, way older than the PR40... If anything, it's the newer PR40 and RE27 that are replacing the dated RE20s. The $50 audio technica dynamic is worth mentioning, can't remember the model. I wouldn't even note the MD421, it's typically only used on very specific applications these days.
>>51993882
Odd, never heard of it.
I'll do a little research and get back to you.
I do need a well known dynamic at a price point between the SM 58 and the PR40, though, but it's kind of a dry area.
>>51993904
also, add the rode procaster. Great poor man's LDD
>>51993914
Oh sorry, I was just replying to what I thought was your last post. It's a condenser.
>>51993904
Oh, shit, I got them backwards... My bad, guys. Good catch.
>>51993941
I have it in the USB section, mayne
>>51992566
>>51993964
not podcaster, procaster. It's a step up, XLR only
>>51994004
Oh, gotcha. I'll listen to some audio samples, I found a great mic "shootout" that includes it. I know the regular Podcaster sounds great, so I expect it'll fit nicely in the price slot.
>>51985675
Nobody wants to hear you
I'm having trouble determining the best condensers for the list. They're not my Forte, desu.
I know the Rode NTA-1 is a must have, and I already mentioned the MXL CR30, and I know I'm going to put a Neumann in there, somewhere, and maybe the Oktava MK-319, but FUCK there's so many...
>>51994917
Bumping for suggestions
>>51988052
I bought a 4020 cardiodic for a very specific research purpose. Use it daily for games now. Do not buy the 4020 OP it's quality is best value for your money but the input board has a manufacturing error which has you tightening a screw every now and then.
>>51993384
>>51992566
Condenser section finally done, after listening to a shit ton of tests and research
Bueno?
>>51995511
Fuck, accidentally cut it off... I'm tired, guys...
>>51995548
thank you for putting this much work in, man.
It is definitely appreciated.
>>51995664
Well, I'm not done yet... I still have to combine everything, spell and fact check, find images, and hopefully collect some decent sources. I'd like to have this in a postable image format that looks half decent, and isn't a wall of text.
>>51995548
>>51995664
Here's the formatted, corrected text version. Hopefully there's not too many problems
>>51995816
Holy shit, anon, great guide! Are you adding it to the wiki?
>>51995816
dont forget to add small pictures next to them
>>51996038
I planned to, though that may be a job for tomorrow night. I get off in 30 mins. I'd definitely appreciate the help, if someone were so inclined lol. Here's a version that's more mobile friendly
Is the Samson Go Mic shit?
I'm looking for a small, portable directional mic that doesn't have complete shit recording quality.
I used one of those alongside a dynamic mic for recording guitar parts, sounded fucking amazing in the recordings. Worked well for vocals too, but there are better ones for vocal work.
>>51996057
Damn good guide, anon. I'd change some of the wording and remove some unnecessary commas, but overall it looks pretty much on the money. Looking forward to the finished version with pictures.
>>51996057
No sE X1 USB then huh? Pity, I prefer it to my Shure PG42.
>>51996540
Well, I did say at the bottom that the list is not, and never will be, comprehensive. I tried to keep it down to the mics that "set the bar" at every price point, otherwise, I'd have a list with 100+ mics
>>51988496
>http://vocaroo.com/i/s0m6QluDf4ul
What microphone? You convinced me.
>Plug headphones into microphone socket
>Yell
WHAT MICROPHONE DO I GET IF I SPEND ALL DAY TALKING TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY ON VOICEOVER PROGRAMS
IT HAS TO DO THE FOLLOWING
1. TRANSMIT MY VOICE WITHOUT TOO MUCH NOISE AND FUCKING BULLSHIT
2. NOT PICK UP MY FUCKING KEYBOARD, MOUSECLICKS, OR THE SOUND OF ME SLAPPING MY MEAT
3. WONT FUCKING BANKRUPT ME
THANK YOU
>>51988496
Cringe
>>51985675
I picks up background noise like crazy.
If you want to use push to talk and not make your friends crazy over mumble when they hear everything that happens in the background including every stroke on your keyboard and mouse, thats a good choice
>>51988496
this sounds nice
>>51989005
Yeah, true, as I said just above what you quoted it’s quite exaggerated.
For instance, when recording bands for instance, the best is generally to have dynamic mics instead of condensers, as well as when performing live, whereas condensers are better for recording a voice alone with no background noise.
In my description, I was focusing more on voice recording, as OP apparently focuses on that too.
>>51996057
So wait, these usb condenser mics are likely a bad idea if they pick up of me wiggling my eyebrows and I care about fly farts getting recorded?
>>51997857
Also curious. But not as curious as to type in all caps.
I dont stream or podcast or whatever but I would like a desktop mic.
