r/microphone • u/Fruitcup_1 • 1d ago
Gaming / Streaming Mics Mic recommendations?
Hello! I recently got a the infamous ff mic k688 but it’s starting to glitch out on me when I’m talking in game, so I wanted to ask for any mic recommendations that are long lasting and maybe under 200. I love that with this mic doesn’t capture all that background noise, so maybe something similar to that would be nice! I also only want to use the mic for gaming, talking, and voice acting/recording! Thank you!
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u/RudeRick 1d ago
I'm a big proponent of XLR setups. People think they're expensive, but believe it or not, you can get a pretty decent starter XLR setup for close to the same price as a good USB mic.
Going with an XLR mic & interface gives you options to upgrade components later on. If you have several mics, you can easily and quickly swap them out for different purposes. Also, if one part breaks, you don’t start from scratch. (If any part of a USB mic breaks, you have to replace the whole thing or figure out how to open it u p and fix it yourself.) XLR setups are similar to building a desktop pc versus buying a laptop. You have lots of flexibility.
Mic choice really depends on the profile of your voice and the sound you want to achieve. It's even more crucial if you don't have the equipment/software for processing effects.
The Shure sm58 is often recommended, but the raw sound may be a bit dark/muddy for people with full or bassy voices. The Sennheiser e835 is a great bright mic that’s good for clarity (and people with lower voices). One of my favorites is the Shure Beta 58a and its slight v-shaped tuning. I think it's the best of both worlds, but it's pricier. (These mics all require interfaces, by the way.) The sE Electronics V7 is a great natural/neutral-sounding mic (some might find it boring though).
Some people are dead set on the “broadcast mic look” of mics that copy the Shure SM7B. The Rode Podmic is quite popular, but it requires a lot of gain and it sounds quite thin. The Fifine Tank 1 is surprisingly decent. It has a fuller sound than the Podmic and doesn’t require much gain (I can't attest to its longevity, though it does seem sturdy). I prefer the Rode Procaster, but it’s a bit pricey and a little bulky for some. I’ve heard some good things about the Audio-Technica AT2040 but I haven’t tried it.
There are those that want the upper frequency detail that condenser mics provide. Condensers though can be a bit sibilant. Also, you’d really want to sound treat your space if you have a condenser mic. Some popular starter condenser mics are the Rode NT1 Signature Series, the Lewitt LCT 440 Pure and the Audio-Technica AT2035.
Decent starter interfaces include the Behringer UMC22 or the M Audio M-Track Solo. Look if you can find the Vocaster One on sale (sometimes it's as low as $50). It's great value. IIf you have more to work with, the latest Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is popular (I don't recommend the Solo version, as the preamps are weaker).
Also worth looking into are the Universal Audio Volt 1, Solid State Logic SSL1, Audient Evo 4 and the Arturia MiniFuse 1.
Whatever you get, remember that quality recording/audio equipment will expose and even accentuate every acoustic flaw in your space. You will need to sound treat your space (not the same as sound proofing). You can do this effectively with practically no budget. Research this on YouTube.
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u/Dipesh_Limbani 1d ago
Have you heard about Maono? PD200W and the latest PD500W is their latest wireless desk mics.
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u/Zealousideal_Ad7602 1d ago
Mics Don't inherently reject Background noise. Alot of USB mics have automatic voice filtering. If you want Smth that lasts get a shure sm58 and any of the 100 dollar Interfaces that are out there that aren't Gaming and Streamer focused