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Would this be good for recording my voice for a gaming channel and/or twitch streaming? I'm interested in this? Also does it have a direct USB option, or do I have to get a XLR to USB adapter?
Kaboose
241
Jul 18, 2015
TheXonarConnectionYes it would be good for that, this particular mic does not have a direct USB option so you would need an XLR to USB device to use this microphone. If you want a USB option in this price range you can go for something like the CAD U37 on amazon for about $55. It is direct USB output so no need to mess with XLR. It is a bit less quality than this mic because it has a smaller diaphragm.
If you plan on doing actual streaming you may wish to go for the XLR route and a nice USB mic pre-amp together. That will add another $70-100 however it would give the best quality sound and make it easy to monitor the mic levels on the go and make changes to the gain levels on the fly.
Really it just depends on your budget and what you're looking to be able to do.
KabooseOk so this is out of pure curiosity, but when you put it into a XLR to USB, does the audio quality degrade in some way? If it does, would it still offer better sound quality than the CAD 37? and I'm not sure if I'll stream yet, it's just something I'm considering to do in the future. My guess for my question is that it does degrade quality, otherwise you wouldn't have recommended getting a good mix pre amp. Thanks for helping, your replies deserve a +1!
Axollott
111
Jul 19, 2015
TheXonarConnectionWith any USB solution and with all audio interfaces you are limited to the capabilities of the DAC input/output sample rate and bit rate as to the power and quality of the preamps in whatever solution you choose. If you go for a USB mic you have an all in one solution that doesn't need anything else than a free USB port on your system but there is no option to upgrade the resolution. With an XLR mic you have just a step in the signal chain that will be able to get more resolution and quality in general if you upgrade your audio interface and preamps plus you could use it with vintage and pro studio audio gear in case that you decide to follow that path.
AxollottAwesome! thanks for the reply! I think I know all I need to know for now, so yet again thanks Kaboose and Axolott!
Kaboose
241
Jul 19, 2015
AxollottCouldn't have said it better myself.
For the average home user you wont really need the increased resolution offered by higher quality DACs, but it IS nice to have the option available, and XLR does make it very easy to upgrade individual components without having to get an entirely new setup if/when you decide to upgrade.
SeanReid
346
Jul 20, 2015
TheXonarConnectionYou would need a USB interface to connect this microphone to your computer or laptop. We currently are offering the M-Audio Mtrack Plus. Its a great introductory USB interface and has two channels of input and the preamps are particularly good in my opinion.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/m-audio-mtrack-plus-usb-interface
This is the link to the drop and please keep the discussion going. Thanks for posting!
SeanReidThanks for the help! I was actually looking at the Focusrite 2i2, and I remember there being a poll with that being highly voted. I'm not sure if THATS changed or if you guys have contacted the vendor yet, so I'm King of waiting on that to drop? Can you tell us if it is going to drop, or is that internal info for employees? If it doesn't drop I think I'll go for the M-Audio Mtrack Plus.
SeanReid
346
Jul 20, 2015
TheXonarConnectionActually, we just finished a drop on the Focusrite 2i2 last week, sorry.
However, I have been using the M-Audio exclusively lately and I am really happy with them. I find them both, the Focusrite and the M-Audio, well matched and each with their pluses and minuses. Construction wise they are both well built with aluminum chassis, dual inputs, and a small footprint as well. However, I like the top-down design of the M-Audio, functions more an to a mixer than a peripheral in my opinion.
But that is the short answer. You should read up on them both and make a determination based on tech specs and others' reviews as well. Thanks for the post!
compuguy
94
Jul 20, 2015
TheXonarConnectionThat or you put it through a mixer that has phantom power, and output via rca to a internal or external sound card.
SeanReidAww damn, I think I might spring for the M-Audio, and just wondering, how cheap did the Focusrite get? I'll also make sure to do some research on these two! Thanks for helping!
zoomorph
423
Jul 22, 2015
TheXonarConnectionFocusrite was not really cheap, not much of a deal. Better to wait for Amazon.
zoomorphDamn, that's too bad.
BeatzDezigns
16
Nov 20, 2015
compuguyThat's exactly what i do. I output the audio out of my mixer through RCA and get an rca to 3.5mm (male) connector and plug it right into my microphone jack.
TMSG
11
Apr 23, 2016
TheXonarConnectionI have been using it on my Twitch Channel and YouTube Channel for a few years. Great little mic. No direct USB option and XLR to USB won't work. Needs phantom power, so you'd need a sound interface like the scarlet 2i2 or something.
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