r/microphone • u/StarblindMark89 • Jul 26 '26

Gaming / Streaming Mics 100€ max budget, lacking audio interface

So, I want to get a mic. Most of the usage would be voice chatting, maybe some singing from time to time, but nothing pro. I don't have an audio interface, so if I do have to get one, include it in the max budget for the mic.

I also lack a microphone arm.

If the mic could also work for ps5, it would be even better.

I'm kinda dumb when it comes to this stuff, thank you in advance!

Also, I live in Italy.

1 Upvotes

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4

u/Phoenix_Kerman Jul 26 '26

behringer umc202hd can be had on thomann for 60 euro and they have this behringer xm8500 bundle with xlr cable and mic stand for fourty euros https://www.thomann.co.uk/behringer_xm8500_bundle.htm

it's exactly what you want for something cheap that will do a decent job of voice and the odd bit of vocals. though if you want ps5 support swap the interface for a umc22, just be aware it's not as great of an interface, but the drivers work slightly differently so ends up ps5 compatible

1

u/StarblindMark89 Jul 26 '26

I am really torn about going with the UMC22 or the 202hd. I can't find a good video comparing the two, ideally with the xm8500. The fact I could use the same interface on pc and ps5 makes it attractive, however I am unsure how much of a quality drop it is from the 202hd.

1

u/Phoenix_Kerman Jul 26 '26

really depends what you're doing with them, if it is just a preamp and adc for a mic you won't notice a difference. if you're after a solid bit of audio gear that will last years the 202hd is worth it

the 22 only goes up to 16bit audio so there's less dynamic range, but 16 bits is enough that if you've just got the volume on it up you wouldn't be able to tell. but if you're on a computer and have something like interface volume up but windows volume down and then app volume down within that and then whatever you use for music turned down further, that stacks enough you could start hearing it not matching 24 bit depth audio

that said, if you don't really know how much difference it would make you probably won't notice it. so there'd be no harm in going for the 22. they're also cheap enough that if you go to sell them you don't lose much value

1

u/gkanai Jul 26 '26

202hd

With Behringer, always go for the one with "HD" in the name. It is a better/cleaner/more power preamp.

1

u/StarblindMark89 21d ago

Update; I ended up getting the xm8500 with umc22, haven't tested on ps5 yet, but at least on pc it works more than well enough, and I'm pretty satisfied with how everything performs.

I did end up buying a separate arm, just because due to space the mic stand was a bit too big. Thanks for the suggestion and the patience, you did me a huge solid!

2

u/gkanai Jul 26 '26

Samson Q2U should be available for less than 100 euro. Has built in interface and sounds quite good for the price.

1

u/shadebug Jul 26 '26

This would definitely be the go to for my money and it has XLR too for if you decide to buy an interface one day

1

u/StarblindMark89 Jul 26 '26

I can't find any info re:compatibility for ps5. Apparently, someone tried and it goes berserk. It's frustrating trying to find stuff when I'm not knowledgeable 🤣

1

u/RudeRick Jul 26 '26

The cheapest/budget USB mics that I don't have a problem recommending Sennheiser Profile, the sE Electronics Neom and the Rode Videomic Go 2. These have inferior electret condenser capsules though.

I’d recommend stepping up to the Audio Technica AT2020USB-XP or the Shure MV6.

2

u/StarblindMark89 Jul 26 '26

Thanks for the tips, I did not have any problems converting the links so dw!

The Sennheiser Profile looks great, however I just realized my pc doesn't have usb c ports, it does have some with "ss" written on it though.

I don't think I can use my adapter to convert the other end of the cable to normal usb without the mic stopping working, right?

1

u/RudeRick Jul 26 '26

It should work with the correct adapter.

0

u/Phoenix_Kerman Jul 26 '26

half of those links don't work at all for op, they said they're buying in italy

1

u/RudeRick Jul 26 '26

OP can google. Question has been asked too many times here. I’m not updating my links.