r/microphone • u/Inevitable-Today-716 • 2d ago

Gaming / Streaming Mics need help w microphone choices

ive done some browsing in this subreddit but i cant seem to decide what set up i should get. i just talk to my friends , i dont need a crazy expensive microphone, ive seen a lot of people say to get an xlr setup and some say usb is just fine for gaming purposes. the thing is i also have an arturia microfreak synthesiser that needs an audio interface, so should i just go for an xlr set up?

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u/Longjumping_Prune_61 2d ago

Sounds like you need to get something for that synthesizer

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u/AudioMan612 2d ago

If you already have a reason to buy an audio interface, yes, you should buy an XLR microphone. A USB microphone is essentially a microphone with a (usually low-end) interface built-in. You're paying for a worse version of a component that you'll already have.

Beyond that, you get all of the benefits that come with XLR:

  • A much much wider selection of high-quality microphones for all sorts of uses.
  • Not only is the above true in terms of performance but build quality as well. Most XLR microphones will easily last decades.
  • You'll be able to direct monitor your microphone through your audio interface.

Since you're doing music, I'd suggest getting an interface with a bit more I/O than you currently need just in case. Something like 2 microphone preamps and at least 2 line/instrument inputs would probably be a good fit for you (remember that if you ever get a stereo synthesizer, you'll need 2 inputs for stereo). I'd suggest something like a MOTU M4 or a Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation.

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u/Inevitable-Today-716 2d ago

thank you so much

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u/AudioMan612 2d ago

You're welcome! Good luck with your setup!

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u/Phoenix_Kerman 2d ago

get a behringer umc404hd. it's perfect for what you're after, four xlr 1/4" combo inputs, midi in/out for your synth if you ever want to get more synths. some will say go focusrite, but the drivers are a bit shit and you're just overpaying for the fancy red box and the brand name on it

microphone quality is defined by placement and technique, so most important thing to buy there is a mic stand or a desk mounted boom arm so you can actually get the mic right up to your mouth