I'm in the market for a good microphone that can handle gaming, video calls, and maybe even some audio recording. There's a ton of conflicting info out there, and I keep hearing negative things about the Blue Yeti, which I currently use and is starting to feel outdated. I'm specifically looking for options that use USB input since I'd like to position the mic below my monitor without picking up too much keyboard noise. Also, if there are any good mic options that don't require a boom arm for a cleaner setup, that would be great! Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
I'd recommend the Audio-Technica AT2005USB. It’s about $80 and works with both XLR and USB, sounding really good for the price. Just keep it about 6 inches from your mouth. Pair it with a foam pop filter and a shock mount to reduce noise from the desk.
To really improve mic sound, you should try positioning it right in front of your mouth. If you set your Blue Snowball on an arm closer to your face, you'll notice a big difference! Honestly, mics placed on the desk can easily pick up keyboard sounds, so that's something to keep in mind.
Thanks for the tip! I'm definitely going to try moving the mic closer.
Why do you keep calling it a mouth hole? That's hilarious!
There are great USB mics for around $100. Check out Røde; they make some solid shotgun mics that focus on sound directly in front of you, making them great for voice recording. Just remember, a mic under your monitor might still catch some unwanted keyboard noise.
Awesome, I really appreciate the recommendation!
Thanks for the suggestion! I've actually found a local Shure MV7 at a good price. How does it measure up against the AT2005?