welsknight
Well-Known Member
Hey guys!
So, I have a Youtube gaming channel. I focus primarily on PC-based Let's Plays, tutorials etc. I am not satisfied with my current commentary audio quality, which has been recorded through a Logitech C270 webcam in the past, or more recently a cheap GE desktop microphone. As I have become more committed to my channel, I have come to the conclusion that it's time to spring for a decent microphone for recording commentary. However, my budget is pretty limited (bills come first), so I only have about $50 to work with, and the cheaper, the better.
Here are a few things I have to consider:
1) Most of my commentary is recorded live. I have a mechanical keyboard, and it would be nice if the microphone did not pick up the sound every time I hit a key.
2) I do not have the money to spring for an expensive stand, at least not currently, so whatever mic I end up getting must either come with a reasonably good stand or not need one.
3) I record directly into Audacity, without routing through a mixer or soundboard first.
So, taking all of that into consideration, and after some research, I've got it narrowed down to 4 microphones. Here they are, in order from least expensive to most expensive. Although I can't seem to provide links to them for some reason, you should be able to find all of them on the first page of results if you go to Amazon and search for "USB Microphone".
CAD U1 USB Dynamic Recording Microphone ($24.49): I like the price tag on this microphone. I'm sure that it would be an upgrade from what I'm currently using, but I'm worried that I still won't quite be getting the quality I need. I also like that fact that as a dynamic microphone, I can reduce some of the keyboard noise by pointing it in the right direction. However, I'm not entirely sure if this microphone comes with a stand, which would be problematic.
Samsung Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone ($34.07): I like the price tag on this one as well. I've also heard a LOT of really good things about this little microphone. Although the portability really doesn't matter to me, I do like the fact that I could mount it easily on my monitor, since my desk is somewhat limited in space.
CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone ($46.94): This is just within my price range, and I've heard a number of good things about this one as well. I like the fact that it has adjustable microphone sensitivity and bass reduction build right into the microphone, and that it comes with a pretty solid-looking stand. This is the one I'm kind of leaning towards.
Blue Snowball USB Microphone ($54.99): This microphone seems to be the budget microphone everyone recommends, but it's a hair out of my price range. I've also heard that it is extremely sensitive, which makes me worried about keyboard noise. I'm also a little worried about the stand; I've heard some reports that it's kind of flimsy and will not last for very long.
So.... what are your thoughts? Thanks!
EDIT (UPDATE): I got a $20 Amazon gift card from someone for my 25th birthday, and decided to pull the trigger on the CAD U37. It should arrive by Tuesday. =)
So, I have a Youtube gaming channel. I focus primarily on PC-based Let's Plays, tutorials etc. I am not satisfied with my current commentary audio quality, which has been recorded through a Logitech C270 webcam in the past, or more recently a cheap GE desktop microphone. As I have become more committed to my channel, I have come to the conclusion that it's time to spring for a decent microphone for recording commentary. However, my budget is pretty limited (bills come first), so I only have about $50 to work with, and the cheaper, the better.
Here are a few things I have to consider:
1) Most of my commentary is recorded live. I have a mechanical keyboard, and it would be nice if the microphone did not pick up the sound every time I hit a key.
2) I do not have the money to spring for an expensive stand, at least not currently, so whatever mic I end up getting must either come with a reasonably good stand or not need one.
3) I record directly into Audacity, without routing through a mixer or soundboard first.
So, taking all of that into consideration, and after some research, I've got it narrowed down to 4 microphones. Here they are, in order from least expensive to most expensive. Although I can't seem to provide links to them for some reason, you should be able to find all of them on the first page of results if you go to Amazon and search for "USB Microphone".
CAD U1 USB Dynamic Recording Microphone ($24.49): I like the price tag on this microphone. I'm sure that it would be an upgrade from what I'm currently using, but I'm worried that I still won't quite be getting the quality I need. I also like that fact that as a dynamic microphone, I can reduce some of the keyboard noise by pointing it in the right direction. However, I'm not entirely sure if this microphone comes with a stand, which would be problematic.
Samsung Go Mic Portable USB Condenser Microphone ($34.07): I like the price tag on this one as well. I've also heard a LOT of really good things about this little microphone. Although the portability really doesn't matter to me, I do like the fact that I could mount it easily on my monitor, since my desk is somewhat limited in space.
CAD U37 USB Studio Condenser Recording Microphone ($46.94): This is just within my price range, and I've heard a number of good things about this one as well. I like the fact that it has adjustable microphone sensitivity and bass reduction build right into the microphone, and that it comes with a pretty solid-looking stand. This is the one I'm kind of leaning towards.
Blue Snowball USB Microphone ($54.99): This microphone seems to be the budget microphone everyone recommends, but it's a hair out of my price range. I've also heard that it is extremely sensitive, which makes me worried about keyboard noise. I'm also a little worried about the stand; I've heard some reports that it's kind of flimsy and will not last for very long.
So.... what are your thoughts? Thanks!
EDIT (UPDATE): I got a $20 Amazon gift card from someone for my 25th birthday, and decided to pull the trigger on the CAD U37. It should arrive by Tuesday. =)
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