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Little help about mics and usb vs xlr

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ok. so im a newb at mics n stuff. i want a nice mic like a yeti or AT2020 or that V67G MD1 Bundle. (V67 is the most prefered)
should i get one of these? i would also like to know if i was to get the at2020 or yeti if i should get the XLR version and get an audio interface or if i should just get the USB Version.

Any and all help very much appreciated!
Also im in the UK.
:D
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Flammable_Sug4r
4
Nov 17, 2017
Thanks for the replies everyone. this post is quite old but recently i went to university doing a Technical Theatre degree so i get to use a lot of analogue and digital desks and now im very familiar with basically everything sound and lighting oriented :D
You guys have helped a lot, thanks
phoenixsong
1055
Nov 29, 2017
Flammable_Sug4rHi, do you know of a way which would allow me to listen through my usb dac>amp>headphones or speakers while using either a usb mic or usb interface connected to the same laptop at the same time? This has been bugging me for awhile now, as I feel the audio outputs from the usb mic and interface isn't quite up to standard. Thanks! :)
monotaur
68
Nov 16, 2017
what are you going to use the mic for?
Jsira
2
Nov 14, 2017
A proper interface will always make your audio better then Straight usb. the USB mic likely contains a cheap Analogue to Digital (A-D) Converter while an interface will definitely have a better one.
Jsira
2
Nov 14, 2017
JsiraAll audio is edited in a digital form now a days. A good rule is only to try to convert twice, once on the way in and once in playback. This will minimize the loss of detail on your audio.
JGalt
61
Aug 9, 2017
"XLR mics" are a pure electrical representation of the source (diaphragm of the microphone pickup). Analog - No converter. USB is digital but at some sample frequency (44.1, 48, 96, 128, etc. ) with a converter. Remember both the original audio source to the mic and the ultimate destination (your ears) are analog. The only reason to convert at any point to digital is to change the source (add reverb, EQ, compression, limiting, delay, doubling, flanging, etc.) you can always do that to your analog source in Logic or Pro Tools, GB, etc. but why use a relatively cheap converter built in to the mics' USB spec rather than a high quality ADC? I would always choose XLR.
jreid
0
Nov 4, 2016
Both are good. You can buy anyone of them.
Chinguin
792
Nov 3, 2016
Simply put:
Plug and Play - USB XLR - You need a mixer, this is also higher quality. (Check out Behringer's selection)
Munnybear
259
Oct 18, 2016
I have the razor siren which is just the blue yeti rebrand. Was wondering the same thing when I was buying… I recommend you to watch some YouTube comparisons, but focus on one particular model between USB and xlr rather than everything. It's probably better that you arrive at your own conclusion by listening...
For me, I went with USB and spent the extra dollars on a nice boom-arm instead of buying an audio interface. Have no regret to date. Assuming you are like me… since you are asking the same question, u probably don't need an audio interface nor be able to tell the difference between xlr and good quality USB mic (I can't) and also if you are into music production... probably would already have an audio interface. To give you a bit more background… I stream, game with the mic but doesn't do anything music related. Hope this helps.
Flammable_Sug4r
4
Oct 17, 2016
Thanks alot for the comments guys. The advice is very useful. think ill go with the Audio Technika AT2020 (XLR Version) with the Komplete Audio 6 Audio Interface
Cyphre
2708
Oct 14, 2016
Honestly depends on your future intentions. USB is great for inexpensive and easy setup. However, getting something like a Scarlett 2i2 would give you a lot of future options. In my research, it is pretty easy to find cheap, used XLR mics amongst ebay and the like. Old school classics like the Shure SM57 work regardless how old they are (unless they are damaged).
Pondroid
21
Oct 14, 2016
I've owned both usb and XLR. Never get USB... yup you heard me... never get USB. I'm probably gonna get shit for it.... but entry level XLR are so much better then USB for the same price. And yes you'd need a simple audio interface with 48V of phantom power to run an XLR. In terms of the 2 brands you have there.... AT2020 all the way. blue are overpriced and overhyped (my opinion) I would even go as far as to say... don't have the money for the entire kit? (XLR mic and interface) then wait and save up for it and don't buy a USB. It is a shame to get a perfectly good mic to only bottleneck it to USB, don't be that guy.
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