Why is it that USB Microphones ( for the most part) sound really bad compared to regular XLR? I have seen really positive feedback about the atr2100 but other then that why do they sound bad? Shouldnt it sound better becasue its digital ?
Printable View
Why is it that USB Microphones ( for the most part) sound really bad compared to regular XLR? I have seen really positive feedback about the atr2100 but other then that why do they sound bad? Shouldnt it sound better becasue its digital ?
I have used the yetti from blue and it was ok. Nothing special. I think it has something to do with the Digital sound usb mic causes. I could be wrong.
The most popular USB microphones are the Blue Snowball, the Blue Yeti, and the Audio-Technica ATR2020. They're all condenser mics. In the right environment, they can sound great. The ATR2100-USB is a dynamic microphone. As far as sounding bad, can you provide an example? We use them on Computers 2K Now. Many people have bought them on my recommendation. I have GIVEN them away. Every person I know who has one has been thrilled with it. The fact that it is a USB mic is irrelevant.
Maybe I'll do a comparison with the ATR2100 used as an XLR mic into a Millennia Media TD-1 preamp versus used as a USB mic directly into the computer. Unless you have really good ears, you will not be able to hear the difference on the Internet.
Please tell us more about bad sounding USB mics. Can you post links to some examples?
Mike great reply. I have a Blue Snowball and it sounds awful. The ATR 2100 on the other hand is a great mic. Would you be able to tell us what makes one better then the other. I was reading the other day that it really comes down to the preamp. Many companies use cheapo parts.
Microphones are complicated devices. Sometimes the most subtle changes can make big differences. The thickness of the diaphragm, the material of the diaphragm, the circumference, the age, the position of the element, the baffling, and on and on. Preamps are important in recording studio environments. They don't make a lot of difference in broadcasting.
Mike would you say the audio from an atr2100 via XLR sounds better then USB?
I've got a couple of ATR 2100 mics and I can't hear any difference between USB or through a mixer. As far as condenser USB mics go, I have some good ones. The Blue Snowball, in my opinion is a toy. The ATR 2100 is less expensive and sounds far better. But, I also have an AKG Perception 120 USB and then, in my opinion, the best USB mic, the MXL 009 USB. These are both fantastic mics if you are limiting yourself to USB. I now use XLR at home since I picked up a mixer and USB on the road. If I had it to do over again, I would buy and use only the ATR 2100 via USB and then if I got a mixer I would still use it. (Although, I really like my Shure SM7B.)
The basic issue comes down to the quality of the analog to digital converters inside the mics. Unfourtunately manufacturers tend to use cheap ADs similar to those seen in cheap USB headsets, resulting in poor quality audio.
Would we all say that the atr2100 and at2005 are two of the best USB mics?
All things considered, Yes.Quote:
Originally Posted by Podnutter
