Hey guys.
TL;DR - I'm looking to get a louder and better sound out of my ATR2100 to my PC, preferably without the use of software. Currently I've got the ATR2100 connected via XLR to a little Behringer Xenyx Q502 USB Mixer, which is in turn connected to my PC via USB. I've been looking at adding something like a Cloudlifter to boost the volume but would also like to find a hardware compression solution, while keeping a reasonably minimal budget.
Originally I grabbed the ATR2100 as a budget option to start livestreaming because it was a simple dynamic USB mic with the option to go XLR later. The quality has been great and is miles better than a gaming headset (and better than the often recommend Blue Yeti in my opinion.) After a little time and research I eventually picked up a basic mixer in the Behringer Xenyx Q502 that boasted basic EQ and compressor settings and swapped to XLR. The basic EQ works ok but it only allows me to boost my gain by very little before introducing hissing and in order to actually activate the built in compressor at these levels i'd have to throw a punch at the mic. In retrospect the Xenyx Q502 was probably a poor purchase.
Now I'm looking to try and upgrade from 'good enough' to a more professional sounding level, and I think the main issue is how quiet the dynamic ATR2100 is. I've seen many people recommending a Cloudlifter CL-1 (or a FetHead) partnered with the Shure SM7B, a more expensive but similar microphone. So here are my questions:
TL;DR - I'm looking to get a louder and better sound out of my ATR2100 to my PC, preferably without the use of software. Currently I've got the ATR2100 connected via XLR to a little Behringer Xenyx Q502 USB Mixer, which is in turn connected to my PC via USB. I've been looking at adding something like a Cloudlifter to boost the volume but would also like to find a hardware compression solution, while keeping a reasonably minimal budget.
Originally I grabbed the ATR2100 as a budget option to start livestreaming because it was a simple dynamic USB mic with the option to go XLR later. The quality has been great and is miles better than a gaming headset (and better than the often recommend Blue Yeti in my opinion.) After a little time and research I eventually picked up a basic mixer in the Behringer Xenyx Q502 that boasted basic EQ and compressor settings and swapped to XLR. The basic EQ works ok but it only allows me to boost my gain by very little before introducing hissing and in order to actually activate the built in compressor at these levels i'd have to throw a punch at the mic. In retrospect the Xenyx Q502 was probably a poor purchase.
Now I'm looking to try and upgrade from 'good enough' to a more professional sounding level, and I think the main issue is how quiet the dynamic ATR2100 is. I've seen many people recommending a Cloudlifter CL-1 (or a FetHead) partnered with the Shure SM7B, a more expensive but similar microphone. So here are my questions:
- If i attached a Cloudlifter between my mic and mixer would it in theory boost the input of the microphone enough to make use of the basic compressor on my Xenyx Q502?
- Would the 15v of phantom power provided by the Xenyx Q502 be enough to power the Cloudlifter?
- If not, which interface/mixer out there would you recommend that has the EQ/compressor features in one unit while proving the full 48v of phantom power for a Cloudlifter?
- Could I use something like the "ART Tube MP/C Tube Pre-Amplifier/Opto-Compressor-Limiter" with my ATR2100 and PC and eliminate the need for a Cloudlifter and my Xenyx Q502?
- Should I just pick up a 48v phantom power supply and a condenser mic instead?
- Are there any other alternatives to my issues you could recommend?