I need quality.

pattyp

Weaksauce
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Jun 14, 2013
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Im starting to create YouTube videos and stream on Twitch. I'm trying to find the best Mic Setup. I don't know much about those Big mics that sit on the desk bust I wouldn't mind getting one of those bad boys!!! I have headphones I love so we don't have to worry about that. I also have a sound card if this will help.

https://m.newegg.com/Product/index?itemnumber=9SIA4RE4VP4156
 
That's interesting and didn't think of that. But I don't really want something that is attached to me. My viewers won't really see me and it will mostly be gameplay. Knowing me I would get up forgetting it's on me and rip it apart ha.
 
It highly depends on your budget as well as your intended post-production workflow, but here's some affordable equipment that I have experience with. I'm not sure if you only intend to stream (or just capture your stream) in which case you can forget about option #2

Option 1: USB Blue Yeti Microphone ($90) + Pop filter ($10)
Option 2: H4N Audio Recorder ($160) + SD Card ($12) + Pop Filter ($10)

Option 2 is for separate sound that you will have to add to a recorded video. Option 1 is for simultaneous recording of audio and video. Option 2 also gives you the freedom to record your audio anywhere you want, depending on whether or not you require that. The H4n also allows you to plug in a lavalier mic or shotgun mic should that need arise.

Quick Edit: You can use the H4n as a mic and have it send the sound directly into your computer, but if that's what you intend to do all the time, then save some money and go with option 1.
 
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Yea option 2 would be a little much haha. Option 1 however looks like the right path. This mic will be used for when I Stream games, record, and talk on teamspeak, vent..... so I see this a USB mic. So there is no need for me to worry about plugging it into my sound card?
 
Yea option 2 would be a little much haha. Option 1 however looks like the right path. This mic will be used for when I Stream games, record, and talk on teamspeak, vent..... so I see this a USB mic. So there is no need for me to worry about plugging it into my sound card?

No, you don't need to plug anything into a sound card. As long as you have USB inputs free, you should be fine.
 
Does your webcam not already have a built-in Mic? Have you tried it?
 
I have been recording podcasts for almost 5 years now. Used a Blue Yeti for the first year... It's a great mic but so is a Blue Snowball. You could just as easily use a Snowball WITH an arm mount and pop filter for a good bit less. The arm will be much more helpful than just a mic sitting a foot or more from your mouth. Keep your mic 2-6 inches away from your speakinghole.

Just be aware that the sounds of you slamming your keys or vigorous mouse movements or even sitting your soda down on the table will translate to sounds in the mic. Whether the mic is sitting on the table or on an arm like the one above. Getting a mic stand with arm that doesn't sit on the desk that you are using will isolate those bumps and shocks and random sounds so much better...
 
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AudioTechnica 2020 Plus USB (now includes headphone jack on front) is a standard high-quality upgrade to the Blue Yeti (which is versatile due to its multiple spatial recording patterns).

The AT 2035 (XLR instead of USB, so you'll need an audio interface (FocusRite, Behringer, M-Audio, etc) - but it's $119 with shock-mount / pop filter / and cable right now) offers a larger diaphragm, which results in a better reproduction of bass in the voice (and this is noticeable).

The Rode NT-USB is also highly regarded in this price range - probably comparable to the AT 2035 and the large diaphragm AKG Perception P220 (whereas the Perception P120 is probably more similar to the AT 2020).

If you're not getting a mic floor stand, and require desk-mounting: The Rode PSA-1 swivel mount is a pretty good option if you don't want to deal with the cheap $14 Neewer mic mount. You'll need a shock mount (to help isolate from the desk - hopefully one made for the mic. If not, Samson makes a good shock-mount compatible with many mics) and probably a pop filter.

If you have the money, and this is a hobby you're going to stick with, I'd invest in quality the first time around.

Otherwise, if you're just getting your feet wet: The Logitech C920's built-in mic is fine.

There are also some budget $40 USB mics from CAD ( u37 or GXL2400) that aren't terrible.

And the mid-tier options in-between... probably the Blue Snowball Ice (cheaper) and Blue Snowball USB or Audio Technica ATR 2500 USB.

Edited for formatting.
 
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Thank you for all of these great suggestions. The only reason why I asked about the USB is because im using an Creative sound card and wanted to know if its worth it going into the card for better quality.
 
Thank you for all of these great suggestions. The only reason why I asked about the USB is because im using an Creative sound card and wanted to know if its worth it going into the card for better quality.

Creative is nothing special quality wise. They've just become a sort of a standard for PC:s because they have the widest gaming support in drivers.
 
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