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View Full Version : What Mic do you use and why?



andrewzarian
03-31-2012, 02:38 PM
What type of Microphone do you use for your Podcast/Internet Broadcast ? I personally use the Electro Voice Cardinal Condenser Mic.

24

http://www.amazon.com/Electro-Voice-Cardinal-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B000E4GFD8

RadarGaming
03-31-2012, 08:59 PM
I am using a PEAVEY PVM 38 its older. It was passed down from my dad and on a low budget it works great!!
http://bluesmics.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=150

JakeKettle
04-01-2012, 10:53 AM
Right now I'm using an AKG Perception 120. It's a decent microphone but I think I'm going to be getting a new none soon. Out of all the microphones I've had or that I've used, it's lasted the long, especially with ally he smoking I do around it both on and off air. With that in mind, I still would like to get a new one, maybe something with a little better sound. but I think over all it's not bad. http://www.akg.com/site/products/powerslave,id,1054,nodeid,2,_language,EN,pid,1054. html

mcphillips
04-01-2012, 06:28 PM
Now that's a loaded question. As a microphone collector, I'm known to use a different mic every week or two. Here is a short list:


Heil PR40
Heil PR20
Audio Technica ATR2100-USB
Audio Technica AT8031
Audio Technica AT4053
Shure Beta87A
Neumann U87
Neumann KMS105
Sennheiser MKH416
Apex 460
EV RE20
EV RE55
EV RE15
AKG 330BT
AKD D880
AKG D1000

To answer your question, my favorite podcasting mic is the Audio Technica ATR2100-USB. It has XLR and USB connections. You can use it with our without a mixer. In fact, you can use the XLR and the USB connections at the same time, if you want. At last check, it was $52US at Amazon.

MyTakeRadio
04-01-2012, 11:22 PM
I used to use a Blue Yeti which I switched to a Yeti Pro when I got my mixer. Since then I have adopted a less is more approach and have used the ATR 2100 which coincidentally was recommended by MCPhillips

gfqnetwork
04-02-2012, 07:33 AM
The other mics that we use in the GFQ Studio are the AKG Perception 220 and Samson C01. Im not crazy about the Samson but its not bad for 79 bucks

greenlightshow
04-02-2012, 04:20 PM
What type of Microphone do you use for your Podcast/Internet Broadcast ? I personally use the Electro Voice Cardinal Condenser Mic.

24

http://www.amazon.com/Electro-Voice-Cardinal-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B000E4GFD8

I've got a mockup of my podcast setup. For broadcast use, I prefer dynamic mics over condenser mics.
27

andrewzarian
04-02-2012, 04:24 PM
Really cool Mockup. I have been pretty fortunate with the condenser mics we use. They are all pretty quiet. BTW Welcome to the site Greenlightstudio

greenlightshow
04-02-2012, 04:32 PM
Thanks. Also, good desks for multiple host podcasts are hard to find. I found an Ikea Galant desk that works perfectly for my setup. Found here: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19807470/

Spencer Kobren
04-02-2012, 08:52 PM
Can’t go with with the classics...RE20 is my mic of choice.

Great desk Greenlightshow! Welcome to the IAIB!

bigcashley
04-04-2012, 05:52 AM
We went with the Heil Pr40's because after checking around it seemed to be the standard "Good Mike" to have. Have to say though that we are actually very happy with them.

Donovan
04-04-2012, 07:25 AM
I use the Heil PR40 but I started out with the AT2020 USB mic.

Denzel
04-14-2012, 12:46 PM
I use two MXL-990s. No particular reason why, I guess. I definitely want to get a Sennheiser G2 kit.

powerradio
04-18-2012, 10:15 PM
I use the MXL 990 Condenser Microphone , going to get another one soon, seems to work great and does not burn a hole in my wallet

Spencer Kobren
04-20-2012, 07:55 AM
I use the MXL 990 Condenser Microphone , going to get another one soon, seems to work great and does not burn a hole in my wallet

I like the MXL 990, and you're right Rich, you can't beat the price!

erictimmer
04-25-2012, 06:25 PM
I have a Shure SM?? (whatever the most popular one is), a Sony $24 dynamic mic for guests, and a Samson USB mic as a backup for the times I don't feel like setting up my studio. I used to get all caught up in equipment, but now I don't care as long as it sounds okay.

When I move back to the USA later this year I will hopefully have enough space to set up a permanent studio.

AgentPete
04-27-2012, 12:05 PM
Went for PR40s but would advise against it for newcomers. The PR40 works well for Leo Laporte's voice, much less so for more general purpose use. And it's quite directional.
The Shure SM7B is an absolute industry standard - and there's a reason for that.

andrewzarian
04-28-2012, 02:44 PM
I actually really like the PR40. I would also suggest the RE20/27

AgentPete
04-28-2012, 03:08 PM
Hi Andrew. The PR40 is a nice bit of gear, but it isn't a good, entry-level mike. Leo Laporte did a lot to publicise it as the go-to mike for podcasters... which was misleading. With his personal vocal characteristics, and his own considerable experience of mike technique, it works well.
But imho, the SM7B is far more tolerant of poor technique. EG I wouldn't mike a studio guest up with a PR40.

mcphillips
04-28-2012, 03:43 PM
While I agree with much of what AgentPete says, I do not like the Shure SM7B at all. The windscreen is great for keeping lips off the grill, but to my ears, the mic sounds no better than an SM57. There are, however, many people who swear by the SM7B. I sold my two.

Spencer Kobren
05-01-2012, 10:59 AM
While I agree with much of what AgentPete says, I do not like the Shure SM7B at all. The windscreen is great for keeping lips off the grill, but to my ears, the mic sounds no better than an SM57. There are, however, many people who swear by the SM7B. I sold my two.

I have to say that while I’m personally a fan of the EV RE20 and RE27, I’ve worked with both Shure mics and they can sound really good. What I’ve learned over the years is that as long as your levels are good most pro mics work pretty well.

Bob
05-13-2012, 09:17 AM
I wish I had the bank to get a Neumann U87. I use that in the commercial studios. My small studio mic of choice is the classic, all around great, "Larry King Special Edition" (just kidding) Electrovoice RE20. Man, what a great mic for the money!

mcphillips
05-13-2012, 11:48 AM
The U87 is a great mic, as is the RE20. Many Internet broadcasters like the Heil PR40. Personally, for most people, I recommend the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. It sort of looks like a cheap SM58, but it's much more, in our tests.

By the way, welcome to the forums!

Formulatech
05-13-2012, 12:19 PM
I use a Samson Q2U which is the same as the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB. The Samson is on Amazon.co.uk for £57 atm and is a amazing Microphone not just for that price but overall I am very pleased for my buy but also Thanks to @mcphillips and @VanceWillis for there review.

talksabouttech
07-23-2012, 03:57 PM
I use a behringer C1 condensor microphone. When I started out I was on a budget and I didn't know what was a good microphone. I wish I had known about Mike Phillips' advice with the Audio Technica ATR2100-USB before I bought the behringer. I wouldn't recommend it. I am going to upgrade to the ATR2100 soon.

washproof
07-24-2012, 12:55 AM
I'm playing around with a R0DE NTG-2 at the mo, I wanted a mic that could sit above the talent, out of frame on a boom stand when in the studio and in the field. R0DE have been my go to mic for many years and you stick with what you know I guess.

jamesdelfresco
07-25-2012, 08:12 PM
So should I not get a usb mic. I heard they sucks for internet broadcasting

mcphillips
07-25-2012, 08:29 PM
No, that's not true. If you get an Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB, it will work as USB or as XLR. You have the better of both worlds. If you want to spend the money to get the cream of the crop, buy a Heil PR40.

PaulSaunders
10-29-2013, 08:38 PM
wow this was very helpful. I still do not know what microphone to select but I will be doing some homework on the microphones mentioned here

Dan Ortego
10-30-2013, 10:08 AM
Here's another vote for the PR40 as being a very good mic, although ultimately I returned the Heil and settled on something else. It took four different mic's before I could find the one that fit my taste. Heck, if I were doing it over again I would have ordered three top choices of microphones at the same time and perform a side-by-side comparison. Even with using a Shure X2u USB interface as my only available computer input, I was able to clearly distinguish the characteristics between the various microphones.

I don't have the experience as many here on the forum but I have learned that selecting a microphone is about as subjective as selecting a new pair of shoes.

MediaFiasco
12-09-2013, 08:04 PM
I'm a PR40 guy myself... after hearing others that I thought sounded good use it, I found that it seemed to work well with my voice as well.

TommySulivan
12-11-2013, 07:51 PM
There are a few microphones I have on my list right now. I currently use a ATR-2100 USB thanks to Mike Phillips and Andrew Zarian suggesting it here on the site.

1. RE20

2. PR40

3. Shure SM7

andrewzarian
12-11-2013, 08:15 PM
In may I went over from the Cardinal to the Neumann TLM-103 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00066WDSK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00066WDSK&linkCode=as2&tag=thgufrquponet-20)

Its an amazing microphone.

http://www.pro-sound.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/TLM103_Z.jpg

Dan Ortego
12-11-2013, 08:20 PM
Yep, the 103 is certainly on my Wish List lagging behind several other things but I'll get there.

AlBurr
12-23-2013, 08:57 PM
Just picked up RE27 cheap on eBay to see how I sound vs. my Rode Procaster and ATR 2100... I think I have picked up the Mic disease from you all...

Dan Ortego
12-23-2013, 09:01 PM
Well Al,
I have the mic fever but so far it hasn't mutated. I wish I could say the same for some of the other gear I've ordered. Oh well, as we used to say in the military 'If you're not living on the edge, than you're taking up too much space'.

AlBurr
12-23-2013, 09:18 PM
Unfortunately Dan I have found eBay to be a contributor to my disease. I have managed to buy and sell anything I don't want and pretty much break even...

bigsix
12-24-2013, 04:22 AM
Any good swing arm recommendations for the RE20 mic? I've been looking at the Rode PSA-1 and the O.C. White 14199 Extended reach. I'm not sure if the PSA-1 will support the weight of the mic and the shock mount. Does anyone have the PSA-1 with the RE20 and shock mount?

Dan Ortego
12-24-2013, 04:55 AM
Any good swing arm recommendations for the RE20 mic? I've been looking at the Rode PSA-1 and the O.C. White 14199 Extended reach. I'm not sure if the PSA-1 will support the weight of the mic and the shock mount. Does anyone have the PSA-1 with the RE20 and shock mount?

I really like the O.C. White Elite ProBoom Extended Reach 45-inch combined with the O.C. White 15-inch Riser. You check my product review on the BH Review section of the Arm along with some others.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/557225-REG/O_C_White_14199_B_ProBoom_Elite_Microphone_Arm.htm l

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=14250-B&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

http://www.ocwhite.com/broadcast-arms/proboom/proboomtm-elite-mic-arm-45-extended-reach.html

http://www.ocwhite.com/broadcast-arms/broadcast-arm-accessories/proboomtm-elite-15-cast-aluminum-riser.html

http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/i-sG67z68/0/XL/CA_10011313125688-XL.jpg

http://sienavine.smugmug.com/IPhone/i-m6p8FXB/0/XL/CA_10011313132472-XL.jpg

bigsix
12-24-2013, 05:12 AM
With the O.C. White riser, you have to drill a hole in your desk, right? I want to just use the C clamp with it. I'll go and read your reviews. Thanks.

Dan Ortego
12-24-2013, 05:16 AM
bigsix, here ya go!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/280698-REG/O_C_White_114401B.html

http://www.ocwhite.com/broadcast-arms/broadcast-arm-accessories/replacement-table-edge-clamp-for-oc-white-magnifiers.html

It's early and I'm a bit too lazy to take a close-up photo of my 'riser' but I'm actually using two small C-clamps to secure the thing' to my desk until I'm certain that's where I want it. Then I will do the most sacrilegious thing' a podcaster would ever consider. Yes you guessed it, I will actually drill holes! :)

bigsix
12-24-2013, 05:20 AM
bigsix, here ya go!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/280698-REG/O_C_White_114401B.html

http://www.ocwhite.com/broadcast-arms/broadcast-arm-accessories/replacement-table-edge-clamp-for-oc-white-magnifiers.html

Superb! Thanks!!

AlBurr
12-24-2013, 07:50 AM
I am a fan of the Heil PL2T. I also have the 12" riser for it but it comes with a clamp if you prefer not to drill. I like Heil aesthetically since the springs are hidden :)

Dan Ortego
12-24-2013, 07:52 AM
I am a fan of the Heil PL2T. I also have the 12" riser for it but it comes with a clamp if you prefer not to drill. I like Heil aesthetically since the springs are hidden :)

Okay fine, blame the guy in the rat suit for preferring the retro look of the original RCA Boom-Arm. Actually it's the extended reach that really comes in handy and the adjustability feature is just another added perk.

Sidebar: I just received the O.C. White Green-Light (magnifier) with its own boom-arm so now my studio is starting to look like a bunch of Cranes landed.

AlBurr
01-04-2014, 01:02 PM
Actually looked at that OC arm I may have to get one given my desk configuration. It would make it much easier to swing over my desk monitors. I wonder if they have a wall mount?

Dan Ortego
01-04-2014, 05:43 PM
They do have a wall mount but the surface has to be strong to handle the weight and the torsion. I’ll post some pics of my room so you may see the added riser.

I have mine c-clamped to the desk to make sure I like the placement before drilling those small little holes that everyone is afraid of. It's been held down that way for about two months so I guess it's good to go. :cool:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387751-REG/O_C_White_11426_B_Heavy_Duty_Wall_Mount.html

AlBurr
01-04-2014, 06:18 PM
Thanks for the link Dan... I also see they have a riser with a built-in XLR connection...very cool...

I did bite the bullet and drill holes in my desk. It's an old desk so no harm... I think could have chosen a better location but it works OK.

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4408/xy7e.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/19/xy7e.jpg/)

Dan Ortego
01-04-2014, 07:17 PM
The one you saw was the 29-inch version which why I exchanged it for the 45-inch. The 45-inched' isn't sold as a bundle, or at least yet. I ended up buying the arm and 15-inch feed-through riser separately.

BTW, if you decide to use the XLR feed-through, you will have to add your own XLR connector.

TommySulivan
06-28-2014, 03:44 PM
@Mike Phillips. I just ordered my 4th ATR 2100. I 3 of them set up in my "studio" and the other one I use for Skype calls

Dan Ortego
06-28-2014, 04:10 PM
Hello Tommy,
Glad to see that someone dusted off this old thread as this is an area where many of us go crazy! Meaning, after a while it's just fun to try something new and the microphone lovefest is hard to avoid.

Earlier today I had my finger on the trigger for a new Sennheiser MKH 416 but my Sweetwater sales rep already left for the day. To date, I have tried at least a dozen mic's since I started this hobby but be only one I've kept is the Electro-Voice RE20. This microphone works very well with my voice and my microphone preamp. I suspect it would even sound better if I added a Fethead or Cloudlifter and I'm sure I'll end up with either one of those fairly soon.

The Sennheiser recommended by Mike is simply an alternative that I would like to try, so that too may find its way into my studio.

Mappstream
07-17-2014, 11:34 PM
My favorite podcasting mic is the Audio Technica AT4053.You can use it with our without a mixer. For broadcast use, I prefer dynamic mics over condenser mics. Download the new MappStream app for quick music audio podcasting or live band updates and take your music marketing to the next level!""It's a great tool for broadcasting live local music to your community and the world!" Click here to find out more! https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mappstream/id735066334?mt=8

Dan Ortego
07-18-2014, 08:09 AM
Well, I finally came full-circle on the whole microphone love-fest. After more than a year of experimentation I became a master of RMA's with microphones that I thought were the cat's meow. At one point I believed that I retired my Electro-Voice RE20 but after less than a month, it came back out of the closet and returned to the boom. In the end I agree with Mike Phillips when he said, 'find something that works and stick with it'.

Jaded Tristin
07-23-2014, 06:10 AM
I use the AKG D5 which is not really meant for podcasting but for singers on stage. I like it because it allows me to record with no headphones and the AC blasting as it blocks out all background noises very well. It cost me around $100 when I got it a few years back and works well for me. I'm sure there are better mics but like I said, it works for me.

Dan Ortego
07-23-2014, 09:47 AM
I use the AKG D5 which is not really meant for podcasting but for singers on stage. I like it because it allows me to record with no headphones and the AC blasting as it blocks out all background noises very well. It cost me around $100 when I got it a few years back and works well for me. I'm sure there are better mics but like I said, it works for me.

I found that price has very little to do with whether a microphone is good or not. If it's good with your voice in your environment then it's a good microphone. Heck, I even tried the most popular microphone out there being the PR-40 and it was simply too bright for my taste. Granted, it was easy to see why so many people like it because its great for canceling out background noise, although that can be a double-edge sword. It required that I keep my mouth firmly trained on the face of the mandrel. In the end I was able to find the balance and flexibility with what I have.

ChrisMcManamy
08-09-2014, 05:21 PM
I use the Audio Technical ATR-2100 which is an XLR and USB combination microphone, but I only use the XLR connection and I have received great feedback and is extremely inexpensive.

Sean Callahan
08-12-2014, 06:42 PM
I use a combination of a Blue Yeti Pro and a Snowball for my guests. The Yeti is connected to a Blue Icicle and then to my computer.

TommySulivan
08-13-2014, 11:01 AM
I know a lot of us joke here about the Blue Snowball and Yeti but what about the rest of the microphones they have? How are they?

mcphillips
08-13-2014, 02:15 PM
They can be fairly mediocre compared with the competition.

bdegrande
08-27-2014, 01:33 PM
I know a lot of us joke here about the Blue Snowball and Yeti but what about the rest of the microphones they have? How are they?

I am a musician so I have a lot of mics around, and my current favorite mic for podcasting is the Blue Nessie. It solves a lot of common problems. It is a USB mic with a cardioid pattern, but it has a built in shock mount and pop filter. It also has a silent mic mute switch on the mic itself, and your headphones plug directly into the mic, allowing you to be a pretty good distance away from the computer and picking up hard disk noises. You can also adjust headphone volume by twisting the base but that is an awkward operation and you should mute first.

The other really useful feature for a podcaster is that it has three modes - Raw (no processing). Music, and, most importantly for a podcaster, Voice, which does some EQ and compression on the fly. This is really useful for people like me that are not disciplined enough to always be the same distance from the mic and really reduces editing time.

If you are interested in using the Blue Snowflake as a travel mic or whatever, also take a look at the Blue Eyeball. It is the exact same mic as the Snowflake, but with a pop-out video camera. The video is AWFUL, really slow to track movement. As a result, it got terrible reviews, and it can often be found at a lower price than the Snowflake, and it is the same mic.

oscarmartz
09-05-2014, 07:29 PM
I recently heard someone using a snow ball and it sounded amazing. His cohost (Via Skype) was also using one and it was awful. Is it possible that they changed something in later models to make them better?

Htla Talkradio
10-28-2014, 01:37 PM
We, like many started out with a crappy TalkShoe website account and a 5 dollar-dollar store headset.

When it came time to upgrade and get serious, we looked at countless mics both dynamic and condenser from countless companies.

It really came down to going to a gear store and trying them out. Everything from $50.00 Chinese crap to a $28,000.00 limited edition mic from some German company where you could only guess at how to pronounce the name.

Through most of it, our buyer noted that the specs generally averaged out to include a nice wide 30Hz-20kHz frequency response range and a 130dB maximum SPL Sensitivity. When he combined those factors with our needs in the studio He found that generally, the field was narrowed to a nice workable price range of between $80.00 and $1,000.00 each for anything we'd likely want or need.

Ultimately, we settled in with the MXL line of mics for quality, afford-ability, great sound and longevity in the workplace. Anything MXL within the range of $70.00 for a nice 990, up to the GENESIS II at $999.00 are workhorses that will last while taking a beating.

Now, our studio is exclusive to MXL thanks in part to a corporate deal with them, but we already had our studio choice with them long before that.

Also we've used and recommend often RODE, Audio-Technica, Heil and SHURE as top quality professional grade mics for the money.

mcphillips
10-29-2014, 03:31 AM
I recently heard someone using a snow ball and it sounded amazing. His cohost (Via Skype) was also using one and it was awful. Is it possible that they changed something in later models to make them better?
No. Mic technique and room acoustics are both essential elements in determining the quality of the final product.

mcphillips
10-29-2014, 03:35 AM
Now, our studio is exclusive to MXL thanks in part to a corporate deal with them, but we already had our studio choice with them long before that.
If the MXL mics work for you then they're the best solution for you. My experience with MXL has not been so good. Their condenser mics are another flavor of Chinese capsules that so many companies import and throw on a mic body. Their dynamic is somewhat lackluster.

As an aside, I sent an audio clip of a recording we did with the AT2005 over Skype to a contact at a MAJOR mic manufacturer. He had never heard of the AT2005. After he heard the clip, his response to me was, "Wow!" It's a $50 mic.

PaulSaunders
03-18-2015, 11:12 AM
I recently changed my microphone from an ATR2100 to an RE-20. I can hear somewhat of a difference but most would not.

AlBurr
03-18-2015, 11:45 AM
Have both the ATR2100 and the RE27 ND and my old ears can't perceive a "worthwhile" difference.

jamesdelfresco
03-20-2015, 07:00 PM
Still using the ATR 2100. I did have it replaced twice but love the mic.

radiocblue
06-02-2015, 12:31 AM
I use the ShurePG58, about $60 at the local Guitar Center. I used to use a SONY electret condenser mic, one built for MiniDisc technology, 1 AA battery required. I use the Shure along with a Behringer Eurorack UB802 mixer.

jamesdelfresco
06-11-2015, 03:38 PM
I am looking to get something new soon I think its going to be a pr40