What Do I Need For A Mic Setup?

Isack

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Oct 19, 2014
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Hello, I currently have Hyper-X Cloud 2's and soon plan to upgrade my mic to a yeti, or some sort of Audio Technica microphone, and detach the mic from the Hyper X Cloud 2's. I want to have the microphone that I get either hanging above me to my right, or sitting on the desk to my left. If I were to have it hanging above, what would I need to have to make it work like that? Like for it to be mounted on my desk or something. Thanks and any help is much appreciated.
 
Solution
depends on if you get an XLR mic or USB mic. usb offers convenience while xlr offers greater control.

be aware the yeti is huge and when placed in ideal recording location could obstruct your vision. the 2020 or 2035 are quite a bit smaller. the rode nt usb is a nice sounding mic for the price as well.

ideal recording location is generally 4-6 inches from your mouth, slightly to the side.

you will want:
-microphone
-shock mount which fits that mic
-boom or stand. for hanging above you would need a boom arm.
-pop filter / windscreen

if you get an xlr mic in addition to above you will want an audio interface. now they do make cheap ones but something long the lines of a scarlett 2i2 would be ideal.

if you're a gamer looking to record...
depends on if you get an XLR mic or USB mic. usb offers convenience while xlr offers greater control.

be aware the yeti is huge and when placed in ideal recording location could obstruct your vision. the 2020 or 2035 are quite a bit smaller. the rode nt usb is a nice sounding mic for the price as well.

ideal recording location is generally 4-6 inches from your mouth, slightly to the side.

you will want:
-microphone
-shock mount which fits that mic
-boom or stand. for hanging above you would need a boom arm.
-pop filter / windscreen

if you get an xlr mic in addition to above you will want an audio interface. now they do make cheap ones but something long the lines of a scarlett 2i2 would be ideal.

if you're a gamer looking to record as they play games you might not want a hanging mic but instead have it placed to the side so as to take up the least amount of peripheral vision. also a cardioid pickup pattern would be ideal.
 
Solution


What are the main differences between a XLR mic and a USB mic?

Also thanks for the reply.
 
generally the hookup and options available. some mics have both versions such as the 2020 which comes in the cheaper xlr form or the slightly more expensive usb form. xlr mics require 48v phantom power to operate which is why you want the audio interface. yes there ARE phantom power adapters out there but if you're already going xlr it makes sense to do it right and go full interface. usb is nice for people who travel or are looking for minimal equipment.

one nice thing about xlr is physical gain, volume, mixing control available right on the interface device. with usb it must all be done in software. interfaces also allow for live listening as you record. some usb do (with a 3.5mm jack) but some do not and using "listen to this device" sometimes results in a very slight delay.