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Which Microphone Should I Use? Your Recommendations Needed..

by peakperformer
48 replies
Hi guys.

I'm thinking of getting a new mic for recording my camtasia videos and hosting my webinars.

I'm currently using a headset mic and the sound quality is pretty average, and does get kinda blur and muffled at times (esp. when I exhale too hard and you can hear the "air" sound )

So i'm thinking of INVESTING in a new mic that has better quality and standards, for the purpose of recording camtasia videos and conducting webinars.

I've narrowed down to 3 choices so far, after doing some research and getting some opinions from others around. They are:

- Audio Technica AT2020 USB condenser mic
- Blue Microphones Snowball USB Mic
- Blue Microphones Yeti USB Mic

They all seem pretty good, so i'm hoping to get some opinions here from any of you guys who have experience in this, or own any of these mics above. Share your thoughts, i would really apppreciate it.

Also, for these desktop mics, how far away can you put the mic from your mouth? Cuz i dun wanna have to bend my neck in order to speak clearly into the mic..

I'm looking for one that can be placed just next to my computer, and i can just speak freely while sitting up (without needing to bend down and place my mouth directly against the mic).. but still able to detetct my voice projections and audio loud and clear, with little feedback, noise, or background distractions.

thanks for the help in advance

YS
#microphone #needed #recommendations
  • Profile picture of the author SimpleSpencer
    I researched forever and ever on which mics were the best...and I've tried several...and the Samson C03U is HANDS down the best quality mic for the best price that I've seen.

    Amazon.com: Samson Multi-pattern Condenser Mic:...Amazon.com: Samson Multi-pattern Condenser Mic:...
    Hope that helps!
    -Brady
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  • Profile picture of the author Joe Motion
    I never knew different types of MIC product had such noticeable results!

    Is there a MIC available that makes me not cringe when I listen back to my own voice? I'd pay BIG money for that!
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  • Profile picture of the author affiliatepro15
    The Blue microphones are good. Also, make sure you either buy or DIY a pop filter... really helps out with those p's.
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    • Profile picture of the author Chris The Traffic Blogger
      I use a blue snowball microphone, LOVE IT. I do a lot of podcasting, youtube recording and interviews, so I definitely use my microphone a ton and it is super reliable.
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      • Profile picture of the author Mark Bradley
        Take a look at my sig.
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        • Profile picture of the author AnitaCross
          I bought the Blue Yeti a couple of months ago. Before that, I was using a Logitech headset. The headset is more convenient, but the quality of the audio is so much better with the Yeti.

          I use the Yeti exclusively when I'm at LMC, so if you want to hear it in action you could stop by.

          For my purposes, I prefer to be very close to the mic, so I don't know how well it would pick up your voice from a short distance. But... with four different patterns you can use (stereo, cardioid, omni-directional, and bi-directional) it is the most versatile mic I've heard of. It's also the first mic, if not only one, to be THX certified. That's got to mean something, right?

          For what it's worth, I bought my Yeti at the recommendation of Warrior Member BrianMcLeod.

          And I agree with affiliatepro15, be sure and get a pop filter, whatever microphone you end up buying.

          -Anita
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          • Profile picture of the author peakperformer
            Originally Posted by AnitaCross View Post

            I bought the Blue Yeti a couple of months ago. Before that, I was using a Logitech headset. The headset is more convenient, but the quality of the audio is so much better with the Yeti.

            I use the Yeti exclusively when I'm at LMC, so if you want to hear it in action you could stop by.

            For my purposes, I prefer to be very close to the mic, so I don't know how well it would pick up your voice from a short distance. But... with four different patterns you can use (stereo, cardioid, omni-directional, and bi-directional) it is the most versatile mic I've heard of. It's also the first mic, if not only one, to be THX certified. That's got to mean something, right?

            For what it's worth, I bought my Yeti at the recommendation of Warrior Member BrianMcLeod.

            And I agree with affiliatepro15, be sure and get a pop filter, whatever microphone you end up buying.

            -Anita
            Originally Posted by affiliatepro15 View Post

            The Blue microphones are good. Also, make sure you either buy or DIY a pop filter... really helps out with those p's.
            Thanks for the recommendations. appreciate it What's a pop filter anw?
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        • Profile picture of the author peakperformer
          Originally Posted by Mark Bradley View Post

          Take a look at my sig.
          Hopefully you'll find what
          you're looking for.
          Thanks for the reviews my friend. all look pretty good, but i'm not really keen on the samsung ones as they dun have a support/stand.

          Considering between the blue mics and the audio technica one now. Anw whats the diff between the blue yeti and blue snowball, do you know?

          Also, if you were to recommened me one mic which you endorse, which would it be? and why?

          Thanks

          YS
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          • Profile picture of the author Mark Bradley
            Originally Posted by peakperformer View Post

            Thanks for the reviews my friend. all look pretty good, but i'm not really keen on the samsung ones as they dun have a support/stand.

            Considering between the blue mics and the audio technica one now. Anw whats the diff between the blue yeti and blue snowball, do you know?

            Also, if you were to recommened me one mic which you endorse, which would it be? and why?

            Thanks

            YS
            The Yeti produces a better sound quality but is more expensive and not as portable,which isn't a problem if you're only using it at your desk.
            Some people don't care for the build quality of the yeti i.e. plastic knobs.

            Overall, I would recommend the audio technica at2020 - great build quality,crystal clear sound and reasonably priced.
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            • Profile picture of the author sylviad
              I'm using a basic Labtec microphone and it's great. Don't know the model number, but it fits behind your head, rather than over top. I purchased it from The Source (formerly Radio Shack) for about $50.

              It might not be the microphone causing your problems. If you set it below your mouth and to the corner, you will avoid breathing and blowing sounds. Try your mike at different distances from your mouth until you get a good, clear sound. I find that below mouth to the corner seems ideal.

              The thing with this mike is that it doesn't have a desk stand. Just wondering why you would want that design? I have another that works like that and it's uncomfortable. You have to lean into the desk to use it.

              Even better is the wireless mike, if you can get one for your system. I looked them up for my camcorder - $300. Too much for me, I'm afraid. I like the idea that you are not tied down with wiring and can move about freely.

              Hope this helps.

              Sylvia
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              • Profile picture of the author peakperformer
                Originally Posted by sylviad View Post

                I'm using a basic Labtec microphone and it's great. Don't know the model number, but it fits behind your head, rather than over top. I purchased it from The Source (formerly Radio Shack) for about $50.

                It might not be the microphone causing your problems. If you set it below your mouth and to the corner, you will avoid breathing and blowing sounds. Try your mike at different distances from your mouth until you get a good, clear sound. I find that below mouth to the corner seems ideal.

                The thing with this mike is that it doesn't have a desk stand. Just wondering why you would want that design? I have another that works like that and it's uncomfortable. You have to lean into the desk to use it.

                Even better is the wireless mike, if you can get one for your system. I looked them up for my camcorder - $300. Too much for me, I'm afraid. I like the idea that you are not tied down with wiring and can move about freely.

                Hope this helps.

                Sylvia
                Thanks for the recording and microphone placing tips my friend
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            • Profile picture of the author peakperformer
              Originally Posted by Mark Bradley View Post

              The Yeti produces a better sound quality but is more expensive and not as portable,which isn't a problem if you're only using it at your desk.
              Some people don't care for the build quality of the yeti i.e. plastic knobs.

              Overall, I would recommend the audio technica at2020 - great build quality,crystal clear sound and reasonably priced.
              thanks mark.

              Anw do you have any idea what's a pop filter? several people in this thread recommended it, and i dun evne know what it is and what it's supposed to be used for.

              Also, for these desktop mics (AT, blue snowball etc.), do you need to lean in to speak? Or can they record the sounds even if i speak from a short distance away (ie. just sitting straight and lying back)

              thanks

              YS
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              • Profile picture of the author Mark Bradley
                Originally Posted by peakperformer View Post

                thanks mark.

                Anw do you have any idea what's a pop filter? several people in this thread recommended it, and i dun evne know what it is and what it's supposed to be used for.

                Also, for these desktop mics (AT, blue snowball etc.), do you need to lean in to speak? Or can they record the sounds even if i speak from a short distance away (ie. just sitting straight and lying back)

                thanks

                YS
                A pop filter is a nylon covered disc that protects the mic. from 'popping noises' caused by movements of air, and from the accumulation of saliva.

                They will still record the sounds if speaking from a short distance,but you will need to experiment by either moving the mic. or yourself around to get
                the optimum level.
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                • Profile picture of the author Ray Erdmann
                  Personally, I'd go for the AT2020 USB mic, plus any generic swing arm/mic boom that you could find online. The mic is about $100 and I don't think you'd spend more then $50 on a boom arm, in order to get away from using the desk stand.

                  If you'd like to go a little higher in price, then my next recommendation would be the Rode Podcaster. It retails for about $229, plus the mic/boom arm is about $40, toss in extra spider/shock mount of about $40 and at then end of the day, you'd have an exceptional setup!

                  I'm pretty sure the AT2020 and Rode Podcaster can be purchased online at Amazon!

                  Hope that helps?
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                  • Profile picture of the author peakperformer
                    Originally Posted by Ray Erdmann View Post

                    Personally, I'd go for the AT2020 USB mic, plus any generic swing arm/mic boom that you could find online. The mic is about $100 and I don't think you'd spend more then $50 on a boom arm, in order to get away from using the desk stand.

                    If you'd like to go a little higher in price, then my next recommendation would be the Rode Podcaster. It retails for about $229, plus the mic/boom arm is about $40, toss in extra spider/shock mount of about $40 and at then end of the day, you'd have an exceptional setup!

                    I'm pretty sure the AT2020 and Rode Podcaster can be purchased online at Amazon!

                    Hope that helps?
                    thanks for the recommendations
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                • Profile picture of the author peakperformer
                  Originally Posted by Mark Bradley View Post

                  A pop filter is a nylon covered disc that protects the mic. from 'popping noises' caused by movements of air, and from the accumulation of saliva.

                  They will still record the sounds if speaking from a short distance,but you will need to experiment by either moving the mic. or yourself around to get
                  the optimum level.
                  Thank you my friend
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      • Profile picture of the author peakperformer
        Originally Posted by Chris The Traffic Blogger View Post

        I use a blue snowball microphone, LOVE IT. I do a lot of podcasting, youtube recording and interviews, so I definitely use my microphone a ton and it is super reliable.
        Any idea what's the diff between the blue snowball and the blue yeti?

        Also, how do you usually record your videos/interviews.. ie. are you able to place the mic a short distance away and speak freely without needing to bend your neck close to it, but yet still picks up the sounds sharp and clear with little noise?

        Thanks for your help

        YS
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  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    I use and love the yeti: Blue Microphones | Yeti - The Ultimate Professional USB Microphone.
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  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    The Yeti is better in its construction. It IS big but then you can use it for interviews, to catch sound from many different directions and so on. And in tandem with Dragon, it kicks every other microphone's ass. I had my Dad try to train Dragon with the supplied headset. Lousy results. I let him try with my Yeti: perfect results. So for me its the one to go for. IT is the perfect height as well.
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    • Profile picture of the author warfore
      I use the Andrea ANC 700. Works well for videos and outstanding for voice recognition software like DNS.
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  • Profile picture of the author subhub-mark
    We're about to go Camtasia mad this month, for our support videos.

    This thread has saved me a lot of research. Thanks guys!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jesus Perez
    I'm not sure what your style is, but I'm the kind of guy that's always moving around at my desk when recording.

    I've found that Plantronics headsets give clear, consist volume and clarity while reducing backgorund noise. I simply place the mic parallel to my jawbone and away from my breathing.

    The one time I used my AudioTechnica AT2020, the volume faded in/out as I moved closer/farther away from the mic. This actually became a hindrance during recording because I constantly had to remember my speaking position to keep the volume level.

    I'm using this right now because it has volume and mute buttons on the cable. Plantronics | .Audio 626 DSP Got it for $29 at BestBuy.
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    • Profile picture of the author AnitaCross
      Originally Posted by peakperformer View Post

      Anw do you have any idea what's a pop filter? several people in this thread recommended it, and i dun evne know what it is and what it's supposed to be used for.
      Pop filters slow down the air flow between your mouth and the microphone. They are specifically designed to prevent the explosive 'pop' sounds--called plosives--caused by certain letters, especially 'P'.

      Example Pop Filters:
      Amazon.com: Blue Microphones The Pop Universal...Amazon.com: Blue Microphones The Pop Universal...
      Amazon.com: Nady MPF-6 6-Inch Clamp On Microphone...Amazon.com: Nady MPF-6 6-Inch Clamp On Microphone...

      Pop filters clamp to the pole of traditional mic stands. I'm not sure how you would attach one to the Snowball, but I've seen one photo of the Blue pop filter with the Yeti, clamped to the back of the stand. (The image is the fifth image, today, on the Amazon product page, linked above.)

      Originally Posted by peakperformer View Post

      Anw whats the diff between the blue yeti and blue snowball, do you know?
      The Yeti has tri-capsule technology that allows the mic to pick up four different patterns: stereo, cardioid, omni-directional, and bi-directional. Around $100 at Amazon (special pricing, seems to change every time I look... lol)

      The Snowball has a dual capsule design, and allow the mic to pick up two different patterns: cardioid and omni-directional. $65 at Amazon, as of today.

      Both mics qualify for free shipping from Amazon.

      Originally Posted by peakperformer View Post

      if you were to recommened me one mic which you endorse, which would it be? and why?
      My first choice would be the Yeti. And not just because I own it. You have more choices with the four different pick up patterns. You may only want the cardioid now, but a year from now, you may find you need another pattern. With the Yeti, you won't find yourself needing to rush out and get a second mic for you new application.

      However, if moving around is a real issue for you, you might be better off investing in a clip-on cardioid mic, such as you see the anchors using on the evening news. I can't recommend a specific brand, but it might be worth looking into it. Expect the price to be quite a bit more than the Blue mics.

      To be fair, I am not familiar with any of the other mics recommended in this thread.

      -Anita
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  • Profile picture of the author alliance
    I use Griffin clip Mic. Works well with Camtasia. I got it cheap on amazon.
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  • Profile picture of the author LB
    I have the Snowball...it's extremely quiet to the point of being nearly useless unless you want to keep it 2 inches from your mouth the entire time.

    I would not recommend it although the sound quality is nice when you are close to it.
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  • Profile picture of the author peakperformer
    Thanks for all the recommendations and reviews guys. It's much appreciated!

    Okay here's the main dilemma i'm facing now..

    after much consideration and thinking, i think its not the different types of microphones that i'm unsure of.

    I just need a proper one that can be placed next to/in front of my computer, and i can speak feely while sitting up straight, without needing to bendover and place my mouth extremely close to the mic.

    I have the Snowball...it's extremely quiet to the point of being nearly useless unless you want to keep it 2 inches from your mouth the entire time.

    I would not recommend it although the sound quality is nice when you are close to it.
    As what LB said above, I was surprised that the snowball had such a problem too. I thought that the snowball mic was quite good quality, but as he mentioned, he had to place it 2 inches away from his mouth just to get the sound quality right.

    That is not what i'm looking for. Anyone has any recommendations on USB desktop mics that allow you to speak without needing to go too near it?

    YS
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  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    If that's what you want, then you'll want the Yeti. It just sits on my desk, I lean back in the chair and its magic...
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  • Profile picture of the author tacoverhoef
    I have just bought the blue snowball and it is great, so much better then my headphone with mic. And I did not yet use it with pop filter, but it was already a major improvment on what I had before. Great price and great qaulety.
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  • Profile picture of the author chrisnegro
    Perfect video to summary all microphones talked about in this thread:

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    • Profile picture of the author asiancasanova
      If you want a quick affordable alternative. Logitech as a good microphone that sounds pretty good.

      Unless you're planning to record music or something.. I don't understand spending so much on such a simple device.
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  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    I use and love my Blue Microphones | Yeti - The Ultimate Professional USB Microphone
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  • Profile picture of the author JimDucharme
    Some may scoff at this and I won't blame them if they do, but have you checked out the Handy Zoom recorder? It's an IC recorder which can also double as a mic with a direct line in. I know a lot of musicians are using it and you can find video reviews on YouTube. I've used it for live recording and found it to be amazing for the price.

    I do a lot of online radio and webinars, but I've not used it for this. I use a TurtleBeach headset which I'm very pleased with.

    That's actually saying a lot coming from a guy who still thinks the Shure SM58 is the greatest all around mic ever made.

    Regards,
    jim
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  • Profile picture of the author PaulMark
    I agree with all who voted for the Yeti! It's been by far the best mic I have ever used!
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  • Profile picture of the author dazkat
    I too was comparing all three of these microphones and I ended up going with the Blue Yeti. The sound quality is amazing and I'm very happy with it and that's without even using a pop filter.

    The only thing I find annoying with it is when I plug it in to use it, I have to plug my headphone into the mic to hear any sound from my computer. The speakers just disengage and the only way to hear any sound is through headphones connected to the mic.
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    • Profile picture of the author dazkat
      Originally Posted by kcartlidge View Post

      dazkat:

      Check your devices - my Samson Go Mic did the same.

      Windows installs it as an OUTPUT device as well as an input one and then proceeds to set it as the DEFAULT sound output whilst it is connected!

      Changing the output audio device default (whilst the Samson was connected) to what I actually wanted sorted it, and Windows retained that setting for future use.
      Thanks kcartlidge

      Ill give that a go.
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  • Profile picture of the author cypherslock
    That's odd, just change you're speaker setup in the volume controls.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Lenney
    I use the Blue Microphones Yeti USB Mic and i LOVE IT! Highly Recommended
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  • Profile picture of the author salegurus
    Another Blue Yeti user here.
    Also just picked up the new Zoom H2next, more portable
    than the Yeti, excellent sound quality, comes at a price though...
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