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View Full Version : Best USB Mircophone - The Blue Snowball? WHAT!



PaulSaunders
08-21-2014, 10:12 AM
Im just floored by all the misinformation that is out there when it comes to podcasting. I spent way too much money buying the wrong stuff because of articles like this

http://ehomerecordingstudio.com/usb-microphones/

To sum it up on the list are :

1. Blue Snowball
2. Rode Podcaster
3. Shure PG42USB
4. Blue Yetti
5. Apogee Mic 96k

Where is the ATR 2100 and AT 2005?

Dan Ortego
08-21-2014, 10:52 AM
When I first became interested and way before stumbling onto the IAIB website I too ended up with flaky advice. My initial goal had nothing to do with webcasting but simply 'microphones' that may improve the clarity for voice dictation and Skype. Yes I know, most any mic will work for that purpose but I'm finicky that way.

MovieBuff
08-21-2014, 11:03 AM
Love the AT 2005USB/XLR microphone.

https://www.youtube.com/user/rodemicrophones/discussion

domineaux
08-21-2014, 11:37 AM
If you follow the pointers on youtube you may be falling into the affiliate programs. Companies pay small commissions to people who refer to their sites. The company track the origination location to pay those commissions.

You will find huge numbers of these site pointers from youtube videos. Look at all the unboxing videos and reviews is a best place to get pointed to those companies. These unboxing reviews are just what they are, nothing more. Best information is from experience owners and users.

I think you can post here or on the videomaker.com forums and get some decent answers. Principally, because you will get several responses as a usual rule from people with experience with the products.

I have two of the ATR2100 mics, an H2 Zoom recorder, and Azden wireless lapel mic. I have no problem recommending any of these products.

All the podcasters recommend the PR40 Heil microphone as excellent. I do not doubt it, but you do pay $300 for the excellence. :confused:

Jason Bryant
08-21-2014, 01:38 PM
I saw this the other day too. Had to snicker. I'm using an ATR2100 and an AT2005 interchangeably, depending on where I am. I typically have the 2100 in my home set up and take the 2005 on the road with me when I do mobile interviews.

I've probably got 12-15 mics I've used over the years. I used cheap Audix mics, I've used AT headsets (that I typically use for live sporting events with someone else) and I don't have a whole lot of faith in anything with software-based or USB-based things. Oddly, I have to use a USB interface running out of my board (it's not a USB board).

There's another thread here about bad advice ... and it's almost comical.

Dan Ortego
08-24-2014, 10:29 AM
I started with USB mic's and they do have their place. I never tried the 2100 or 2005 but they are highly regarded. Once I purchased a mixer I moved away from the USB line and tried the PR40 but I ended up settling on the RE20.

TommySulivan
08-25-2014, 09:59 AM
The ATR-2100 is good enough for even the "PRO" podcasters. It sounds great

madmax
09-28-2015, 01:58 PM
Found this thread on a search for a USB mic. I did some extensive research and landed on an Audio-Technica ATR2100. So far so good, I don't regret my decision one bit! I came across a substantially better article that steered me towards the 2100, hope this helps someone else as well:

http://equipboard.com/posts/best-usb-microphone

mcphillips
10-01-2015, 02:50 PM
The writer of that article has no clue.

madmax
10-01-2015, 03:07 PM
Which one? The one OP posted or the equipboard one? Or both? :p

I was new to the world of USB mics in general, so I'm curious to hear your opinion on why. I liked the approach of the article I posted bc the author tallied votes for USB mic recommendations from other communities (like reddit). So I feel like the results represent popular opinion. Still, I admit it could be way off!

mcphillips
10-02-2015, 05:39 PM
equipboard.com. Condenser mics are wonderful tools, but they are rarely the best choice for podcasters who have studios with less-than-perfect acoustics. Most of the mics in that survey are condensers. People buy them because they look neat, not because they do the job.

The latest craze is blab.im. At least 90% of the blabbers are using their computer mics. Few people complain. I can't listen to them. If the standard has been lowered that low, just grab anything that will pick up your voice and go for it. Use your webcam or computer mic. It's the absolute fastest way to say, "I'm a rank amateur."