Hi there! Looking for advice on USB Mics.

[Snow]

Hi, I just joined this wonderful forum.

I've been browsing around and most posts seem about non-USB mics, but it's worth a shot

I am a casual voice actress/gamer/skyper.

My problems are:

-I have a very, very soft voice. I usually try to make up for this by increasing the gain, but it kills my sound.
-I have a breathy voice, so when I get a mic that goes really close to my mouth, it sounds like I am breathing right into it.
-Background noise has always been a problem for me.
-I dislike large devices (ie Blue Yeti)


I prefer a USB microphone ~$100. Was looking at the Blue Snowflake/Tiki, but haven't seen enough reviews of Tiki to be sure.

Thank you very much for any input.

 

[JimmyS1969]

Did you read the sticky at the top of the microphone forum about USB mics? HERE.

 

[moresound]

Hi there Snow!

Looking for advice on USB Mics? For me they would have to pass a test that requires a second story window and the sidewalk.

I guess that an USB microphone would be your best bet with the list of your tasks to put a microphone through.
Believe it or not the YETI would most ideal for your applications ... for it has a built in headphone jack to monitor what your working on. Other than that your flying in the dark with no lights on!

 

[55Dudester]

In answer to your usb mic question, I use the Samson G-track usb condenser microphone. It's not as large as the Yeti, and you can also plug an instrument into it e.g. a guitar or what have you. This is an 'extremely' sensitive mic, and I love it to death. The snowflake in not even close to the quality that the Samson G-track has. You can buy the Samson for around $120.00. Hope this helps

 

[ScottRamsay]

If you are looking at around the ~$100 mark you should check out the 'Audio Technica AT2020' The USB version is slightly dearer but you can buy the XLR version which is alot cheaper if you already have an interface. It is great value for the price though!

 

[ecc83]

Hi, I just joined this wonderful forum.

I've been browsing around and most posts seem about non-USB mics, but it's worth a shot

I am a casual voice actress/gamer/skyper.

My problems are:

-I have a very, very soft voice. I usually try to make up for this by increasing the gain, but it kills my sound.
-I have a breathy voice, so when I get a mic that goes really close to my mouth, it sounds like I am breathing right into it.
-Background noise has always been a problem for me.
-I dislike large devices (ie Blue Yeti)


I prefer a USB microphone ~$100. Was looking at the Blue Snowflake/Tiki, but haven't seen enough reviews of Tiki to be sure.

Thank you very much for any input.

How have you discovered the breath and background noise problem? What I mean is, what sort of recording rig do you use at the moment?

I confess I have never tried a usb mic so I cannot comment on their noise qualities.

The lowest noise mic on the market just about is the Rode NT-1A and yes it is a large side address mic but if lowest noise you seek....?
That needs to go into a quiet Audio Interface and I can vouch for the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. That package will set you back some £300 but I doubt you would beat it for noise performace under £1000, maybe more. On the TV programme FlogIt! they say "quality always sells" Well sorry but quality also costs!

Re the breath problem. You must use a pop shield but do not talk straight at the mic, go 20dgrs or so off axis. After that you can probably clean things up with software but that is the province here of the mixing/mastering men!

Dave.