I also reviewed this mic, without realizing this is actually a rebrand of an Alctron CK6. I don't think those are available in the US, so not a huge deal. Something to keep in mind though, I felt a little misled once I learned this.
I've owned a Shure SM57 and SM58 for years from playing in bands, so that's what I use. The entire mic discussion is a long long rabbit hole and in most cases is entirely subjective and dependent upon your environment, noise floor and settings. I have considered getting an SM7B and a Rode NT1, but I don't feel like those will make much if a difference for my use.
I've been running condenser mics for speaking while streaming by the desk over the past 2 years. Behind the drums, I use a dynamic. Especially with NVIDIA Broadcast noise removal, if you can run it with how you use your mic during streams, then it works incredibly well.
Been using the Rode M2 for a little while now and I really like it! The supercardioid pattern kills so much background noise that most things I record come out super super clean.
I might be completely wrong, but I think there is not that much of a diffirence in background noise rejection between dynamic and condenser mics. If you level match them (set at the same volume by adjusting gain or boosting in post) and use the same speaking distance, they will both perform similarly. What is way more important is the capsule and it's enclosure desing, which will determine mic's polar patter and thus, performance in background noise rejection. There is a lot of condenser mics, that are designed for "dynamic mic" use-cases (stage, broadcast, miking up instruments etc.) and they will probably pick up less background noise than typical "studio" condenser mic would. If you want less background noise, just get closer to your mic. No matter the type of microphone, it will improove signal to noise ratio and make any efforts to filter out noise easier. You just need to be wary of plosives and proximity effect.
I have used an Audio Technica AT2020 XLR Condenser mic for years. I have never had any issue with my mic picking up background noise. Just use the built in noise cancelling in OBS Studio and Discord.
Once you mix in a condenser with game audio, the noise in the background becomes less of an issue. If you get a quiet keyboard and place the microphone properly, it should be fine. That said, the RE20 is still the mic that is permanently attached to my desk.
Dynamic microphones are better because of the background noise reduction. It's so much easier to get decent quality out of them without having a bunch of stuff show up on the microphone. Condensors are definitely fine if you can control your environment.
One can definitely consider condenser microphones for streaming but usual streaming situations can be noisy & not everyone is in a controlled enviornment, however some minor changes & they can work
I'd vouch for small condensors. You can get a pair even for pretty affordable. As long as you are doing some processing (compression mostly,) they can sound super good while staying out of frame. If you do a XY and downmix to mono, your sweet spot can widen significantly. Great for people who are actively walking around. Such as streamers like Mizkif. I'd even go as far that for some streamers, their dynamic mic setup is holding them back. Viewers obviously don't care as much regarding the potential extra background noise as the creators.
Low background ambient noise is one reason I like dynamic mics for videos and streaming Using a sm57 clone, becose its bright and I have a darkish and deep voice. I dont want to have to sound treat my room for conderser mic, but I have not tried one yet.
Would you recommend a pre amp with the skylight if you are connecting with an ordinary 3.5mm connector to XLR on my PCI soundcard. Or would a USB to XLR convertor be enough with my onboard sound? I also have a Toslink audio input connector on my PCI soundcard, but I guess those connections/convertors are perhaps redundant these days.
Garbage in, garbage out. Yes you can mask the noise floor with music and in some cases game audio, and yes there are AI denoiser, and software EQ, but none of it will be as good as getting clean sound properly. And all of these can easily break, or not apply to your situation, and they don't sound as good. Whereas getting a clean sound and a clean audio chain at every step will be sure to get you good results, and you can still add a touch of something on top if on one day you have a weird specific issue where something like RTX Voice will lower your quality but is the least bad alternative if your neighbor has a contractor working that afternoon. Edit: also it's pretty disingenuous to "test" a condenser mic in a treated room without touching on it for the beginners in the audience. Most streamers don't have that environment.
Good lord that Lewitt sounds amazing, one mic to consider reviewing if you're looking for me (yeah, right) is the NEAT Worker Bee, been using it for the last few months and absolutely love it for streaming. My co-host and I both use em now.
Have you tried a Poly Trio C60? I use it daily and is the perfect zoom microphone/speaker. After adjusting levels with Peace I am super happy with it. No headphones are required. No echo.
iD4 + AT2020 with mid gain, I hear background noise in the monitor, but not in recording/streaming. Would I use it if I needed a professionally clean noise floor? No, but you don't need that for majority of content creation/gaming. (That and I'm going to keep rationalizing myself into not buying a fancier mic setup :P )
I recently had this internal dialogue myself! I got both the Beyerdynamic M 70 Pro X (+ Fethead) and M 90 Pro X, coming from an AT2020 considering all the recommendations of dynamic over condenser. In the end I stuck with the M 90 as it sounded way pleasant, natural, and less fatiguing. I found even with the dynamic I still had to apply the same noise gate and similar compression settings through Reaper anyways, just so it wouldn't pick up my breathing or my ceiling fan. And yet with the dynamic M 70 also had the disadvantage that if I ever moved a minute amount off axis, people complained about my voice drifting off way too quickly. I think if you don't have a super reverberating room, there doesn't seem to be all that substantial of a difference if you have to apply audio processing each way anyways.
If you have a treated room or a good sounding room a condenser mic should sound better but not always the case as it all depends on what suits the voice. Also dynamics are a very commonly used mic so the sound is what people are use to, so most will think a dynamic sounds better
I used 110eu~ usb condensor mic and sound itself was nice, but as you mentioned it pick alot of stuff even with filters... Now im using Presonus PD-70 xlr dynamic mic and its performs way beter for me and mic itself cost kinda same, but interface is adding up plus I picked activator. Activator wasnt necesery, but with out it almost maxing Gain, so I waned to have more room for control... Cant tell for all case, but in my experience dynamic is way to go ...
Condenser Mics do pick up more noise but i have decreased that noise with filters and Plugins in OBS to the point where you can't even hear me breathing anymore even on my Aging Rode NT1-A, friends tell me my mic is still good and when i say "i wanna get a new one" they tell me don't bother.
I would recommend trying a bunch of different types of condensers, there are of course more than just the one type of form factor. I know that rode make one that is in the form factor that's more along the lines of your standard dynamic mic (handheld type like an SM58), there are also what's known as "pencil" condenser mics that might be a bit better suited for streaming because of there small size and surprisingly good rejection in some cases.
@@EposVox I have a question that you might be able to answer for me, although it might be a bit divisive, as far as microphones go... do you(people in general) HAVE to use a microphone that's either a shotgun or boom arm mounted type, or can other types work as well, such as lapel mics, or headband/headphone mics??? I ask, because I see pictures and video, where people are using headset mics specifically, a lot less, and are going more towards the boom mics, whereas yourself, doing TH-cam videos, even use a shotgun mic now and again... As for lapel mics, I'm not sure I've seen anyone outside of the TH-cam creator space actually use a lapel mic, for instance, while streaming... I have a dual lapel microphone setup (PicoGear PicoStream receiver) I'm thinking about using when I end up building a studio room in my barn, practically from the frame up, as there's only studs inside... And even if I don't use it regularly, if I do a talking head type of video, I can set my receiver so it has 1 mic as left channel only, the other as right channel only... It's probably a lot to answer, but I hope you will try at least😊 also, for reference, the space I'd have in my room I'm building is approximately 8ft wide and 17 ft long, give or take on my final dimensions...
@@EposVox lol... I know that, but I'm asking in a more broader sense, like say, game streaming on twitch or similar sites, as far as microphones go. I know lav mics are big on a lot of TH-cam channels, and I watch a few of them, like JTC, BITWIT, LTT, hardware unboxed, awesome hardware, and probably many more that I can't think of at the moment, but what I'm really wondering I guess, is why someone would use a boom mic, in for instance, as mentioned earlier, game streaming, as opposed to something like a lav mic or headset mic. I get that condenser and other types of boom arm and shock mount mics can be better quality audio wise, but it seems like everyone is aspiring to have that radio talk show vibe going on, with a shock mount and arm with a microphone, like it's the Pinnacle of audio and nothing can be better, or as good as that. I am an audio novice myself, but I do understand that certain types of microphones are good at certain things, and that those you talk about are really good for streaming, which is why people use them, it just feels like everyone wants to use a boom arm, because it looks cool, and lots of companies, especially tech companies, even sell mic arms and mics for them, specifically for streaming and other related stuff. I really want to know more about audio and microphones, as well as how to properly use them in general, as well, because I do a little audio stuff as a volunteer, although the place provides all the equipment in use, and I would like to be more knowledgeable in the future... I mean, I know that lav or ear/headband mics are best for speakers or those that need the use of their hands, and well, the rest can basically use any other type of standard microphone, but I also know that it's a bit more nuanced than that, and that there are different types of mics, besides your standard stage mic, which is why I'd like to learn more about microphones and their best uses.
There's definitely an "expected sound" people associate with, and thus chase for, broadcast - but you by no means need to limit yourself to it. The main advantages of running a boom or desk mounted mic come down to workflow and setup time. Enough things can go wrong as-is before you hit "go live" that most people don't want to add having to set up and wire your mic each time, having it mounted and ready to go at all times is a win. Lav mics can be a hassle and also limit your mobility if wired. Wireless obviously give you more mobility than desk mics. But also lav mics are harder to get sounding super great compared to big desktop mics. I shall make a video on this finally.
The lauten Ls-208 could be a great mic for you, it's a condenser that thinks it is a dynamic. Pencil condenser are an option, however it would be hard to beat the sound coming from the Ethos.
I've been using the at2035 for a while now, and am wonder if it's worth upgrading. I don't have a ton of money to upgrade so would it be better to try to put some tuning on it via voicemeter or something like that?
@@TheVagineWhisperer OK thanks man. These mic talks always get me feelin buyers remorse. Guess that's what happens when youre watching someone with a 1000 dollar audio setup.
Once you get something good, you mostly stick with it unless you have a pain point to address Additional tuning via VSTs is a good next step to learn though
Well i can bet that my 30 USD XLR dynamic mic from Reloop used for interviews will sound better than some people's expensive setups just because i know how to set it up with VSTs.
started with an mxl-770 condenser, but due to the ambient noise issue I switched to an mxl-bcd1 broadcast dynamic. big improvement over ambient, but I'm thinking that a ribbon mic might be able to do even better (at least until i can get an rtx voice capable gpu).
I've watched a couple of mic reviews and I am no where closer to figuring out how gaming and educational youtubers, even those that are starting out and using unbranded mics, sound so clear and clean. I used to use an AT2020 but that sounded nasally and tinny. I also figured out that a condensor was horrid for my untreated room, despite seeing streamers use blue yetis to great success in their bedrooms. People seem to be enjoying the dynamic rode podmic or the sontronics podcast pro, but again it has a blocked up nasal quality unlike the videos on youtube, and the sm7b is noticeably smoother. Do I need to spend above a certain threshold to ensure good quality sound? Or perhaps it is a matter of EQ, or background music masking the less than ideal sound quality? And I wonder if condensors like the ICON will ever work in an untreated room?
EQ can help. Nasally sound is amplified by reflections off monitor and desk, otherwise is just your voice. AT2020 is a fairly natural sounding mic And every mic will sound better with some treatment effort
I was using the AT2020 it was my first mic. I didn't know the difference between the different types of mics. I would get mad with it. I have just picked up a re320 and loving it. it is picking up some room noise here and there. but I still need to treat the room some more.
You don’t have to be convinced. It’s the start of a discussion. The title is a question, the entire video is posing and pondering that question. Nothing about it is bait.
@@EposVox I did not mean any offense, I think you can see how the thumbnail could come off clickbaity to someone who's been following all of your recent mic reviews. I've been a regular watcher and have been in the rabbit hole with you since your Earthworks review (which prompted watching some older ones). Just hoping my podmic doesn't get left in the dust. I'm sure the youtube viewer part of you can identify with it being difficult to tell bait from accurate thumbnails.. At least I hope I'm not the only one struggling there 😅
If you’ve been watching my reviews a long time, you know I virtually always say streamers should use dynamics instead of condensers. This video starts the discussion about that maybe not being the rule to stick to. Asking whether I was wrong or not. The thumbnail 100% is in line with that. I truly could not see how it would be seen as bait. It’s as true to the discussion of the video as it gets. I’ve never once made a title and thumbnail combo that the video content doesn’t 100% deliver on the premise of.
I prefer the dynamic and when I game with both kids while in the same room it makes sure we don’t have vocal bleed in each other’s microphones. What about the new Razer Seiren V2 Pro for those who want a dynamic USB?
i use a Condenser mic for streaming and it picks up only my voice just need the right settings and my mic sounds epic MLX 770 FTW it sounds better than most 500$ mics
Its a rabbit hole, isnt it? :D I still love it, but after years and years Ive just concluded that I can use just about any mic as long as I play by its rules and do a bit of right processing. Also, having a well treated studio and a quiet keyboard/mouse allows me to use just about anything. And if you are not mainly a hardcore gaming creator, condensers are absolutely a good option, you just have to pay attention to mic placement and technique a bit more maybe. It also comes down to if you want your viewers to hear whats going on in the room or not.
My first mic that I bought for streaming, was an AT2035. It was such a pain in the ass when it came to trying to eliminate sounds - I was constantly messing with filters in OBS. I could barely get it to filter out the fans in my PC that was sitting 6ft away from the mic! It drove me insane! I said f*ck it! And bought a Rode PodMic. I'm more than ok with the sound quality, and the ability to filter out everything I don't want my stream to hear. The only thing bad, at least for me with a dynamic mic, is that I have to have it pretty much in my face the whole time!
I've had the Samson G-Track Pro, a USB Condenser mic, for about a year and a half. Everyone I talk to says it sounds like I'm in the room with em, and that's good enough for me until we are able to buy a more production oriented higher end mic.
I've been using a Shure MV51, its a large diaphragm condenser mic, built in DSP presets as well as being able to go in with an app and custom the DSP, its fantastic and when I switched to it everyone raved about the sound quality, I'm pretty sold on Condensers . The only thing it has picked up besides my voice is if I have my AC unit on high and thats every to cut almost fully out with noise gate.
I'm using the Ember from Blue microphones together with Nvidia broadcast to get rid of any background-noise. I love the thin body of it and it doesn't obscure my face in my facecam on Twitch ❤️ Thank you for yet another awesome video, you rock :)
Id say if you have some audio background, and have skill in compression with gate fx, then yeah condenser might be ok for streaming, but yeah I totally get beginners having the fan and typing noise issue. Great, useful topic to cover!
I've been looking at LCT 440 Pure for a long time because I also want to get into some singing/screaming vocals and voice acting projects as well as streaming. After some of the tests I've heard, I was actually surprised by how good the rear rejection was. I would love to see you give this microphone a full review.
Use a dynamic mic for voiceovers and streaming (gamers love to scream and won't shut up). Use a condenser mic for everything else (zoom meetings, music).
This is the only comment I ever have or will dislike. That has gotta be one of the most dumbfounding, asinine, comments I have ever seen on this platform.
Yes, you’ve been using the wrong mic type, & you’re also processing your audio suboptimally. You should be using a ‘pencil-condenser’ dialogue mic like the Sennheiser MKH50 or MKH8050, which have a pretty tight pickup pattern, boomed above and in front of you, out-of-frame. You should plug it into a Sound Devices MixPre-3 or -6 Mk. II, running the NoiseAssist plug-in to remove background noise. You should plug the MixPre into an ART Voice Channel channel strip, doing EQ, compression, gating, and de-easing in real-time on that. You should then plug the ART into your computer and jointly into the ATEM Mini Extreme ISO, which you should also be using. These Sennheiser mics are used to record indoors dialogue for many television series & movies you’ve likely seen. The combo I just described will sound much better than any of the mics/processing you’ve been using, assuming you spend the time to get the EQ, compression, de-essing, and gating optimized.
@@EposVox - it should cost about $2800 for the audio elements. I know this because I did indeed ‘fork over’ the money it requires. Cheap, no. But definitely worth it in terms of audio quality. It’s also interesting that you ask for comments and feedback on what you should be doing, and then choose to snipe at those who reply.
I asked for feedback on the discussion of condensers vs dynamics - I’m never going to respond well to people who insist I should be using thousands of dollars of gear I can’t afford or justify for negligible gains. I’ve tried out dialog mics a few times on the channel, but the over the top channel strip recommendations are always bizarre. Also the ATEM Mini line doesn’t support 4K so it’s a nonstarter for me, too
To be fair, I responded from a gut reaction and didn't necessarily mean to "snipe" - but I often get people insisting I "should" be using these super expensive/overkill pieces when most of my comments are about how the mic I'm reviewing is already too expensive as-is, etc. It's quite the contrast, and super frustrating since there's no way I could be spending that. I have a MixPre-3 II but it's my field recorder for my big on-camera stuff and I can't lock it down to my desk setup. I also see no need, my PreSonus is perfectly fine
While what youre describing is a professional standard, I disagree. The times have moved on and a single decent mic with a decent pre and converter + suitable VST plugins can get pretty close to what youre suggesting. (And maybe do even better, depending on settings) And the digital approach has several advantages, for content creators especially. Also signal path/processing is the last thing to consider, starting with proper space, mic technique, placement, etc. And also yeah, content. Thats the entire point of what Epos is saying in the beginning, that people shouldnt buy expensive gear to compensate for the lack of knowledge or content. Dont get me wrong, I love it when people dish out money for my plugin and favourite mics and so on, but its absolutely wrong to suggest this to content creators (Unless they really want to fancy I guess)
I also reviewed this mic, without realizing this is actually a rebrand of an Alctron CK6. I don't think those are available in the US, so not a huge deal. Something to keep in mind though, I felt a little misled once I learned this.
I've owned a Shure SM57 and SM58 for years from playing in bands, so that's what I use. The entire mic discussion is a long long rabbit hole and in most cases is entirely subjective and dependent upon your environment, noise floor and settings. I have considered getting an SM7B and a Rode NT1, but I don't feel like those will make much if a difference for my use.
Agreed. I use an SM57 into a Cathedral Pipes Durham & have it running through a Behringer Zenyx X1204. Love the sound, setup & it works great for me!
I've been running condenser mics for speaking while streaming by the desk over the past 2 years. Behind the drums, I use a dynamic. Especially with NVIDIA Broadcast noise removal, if you can run it with how you use your mic during streams, then it works incredibly well.
That’s what I was curious about the sound with nvidia broadcast
Condensers are kinda awesome. Thanks for this condensed review!
Been using the Rode M2 for a little while now and I really like it! The supercardioid pattern kills so much background noise that most things I record come out super super clean.
It's also an amazing change after using the Yeti Pro for years, I had so many issues with hyper-sensitivity and tons of background noise.
I might be completely wrong, but I think there is not that much of a diffirence in background noise rejection between dynamic and condenser mics. If you level match them (set at the same volume by adjusting gain or boosting in post) and use the same speaking distance, they will both perform similarly.
What is way more important is the capsule and it's enclosure desing, which will determine mic's polar patter and thus, performance in background noise rejection. There is a lot of condenser mics, that are designed for "dynamic mic" use-cases (stage, broadcast, miking up instruments etc.) and they will probably pick up less background noise than typical "studio" condenser mic would.
If you want less background noise, just get closer to your mic. No matter the type of microphone, it will improove signal to noise ratio and make any efforts to filter out noise easier. You just need to be wary of plosives and proximity effect.
I have used an Audio Technica AT2020 XLR Condenser mic for years. I have never had any issue with my mic picking up background noise. Just use the built in noise cancelling in OBS Studio and Discord.
Thanks for the upload.. I've been needing a new condenser mic for sometime now
Once you mix in a condenser with game audio, the noise in the background becomes less of an issue. If you get a quiet keyboard and place the microphone properly, it should be fine. That said, the RE20 is still the mic that is permanently attached to my desk.
Dynamic microphones are better because of the background noise reduction. It's so much easier to get decent quality out of them without having a bunch of stuff show up on the microphone. Condensors are definitely fine if you can control your environment.
One can definitely consider condenser microphones for streaming but usual streaming situations can be noisy & not everyone is in a controlled enviornment, however some minor changes & they can work
I'd vouch for small condensors. You can get a pair even for pretty affordable.
As long as you are doing some processing (compression mostly,) they can sound super good while staying out of frame.
If you do a XY and downmix to mono, your sweet spot can widen significantly. Great for people who are actively walking around. Such as streamers like Mizkif.
I'd even go as far that for some streamers, their dynamic mic setup is holding them back. Viewers obviously don't care as much regarding the potential extra background noise as the creators.
Fun drinking game. Take a shot everytime epos says condenser :p
Low background ambient noise is one reason I like dynamic mics for videos and streaming Using a sm57 clone, becose its bright and I have a darkish and deep voice. I dont want to have to sound treat my room for conderser mic, but I have not tried one yet.
I try both world. And use dynamic now, because untreated room. Nuff said.
Would you recommend a pre amp with the skylight if you are connecting with an ordinary 3.5mm connector to XLR on my PCI soundcard. Or would a USB to XLR convertor be enough with my onboard sound? I also have a Toslink audio input connector on my PCI soundcard, but I guess those connections/convertors are perhaps redundant these days.
i feel like it's mostly a taste thing once you get past the question of whether your environment is quiet enough.
Garbage in, garbage out. Yes you can mask the noise floor with music and in some cases game audio, and yes there are AI denoiser, and software EQ, but none of it will be as good as getting clean sound properly. And all of these can easily break, or not apply to your situation, and they don't sound as good.
Whereas getting a clean sound and a clean audio chain at every step will be sure to get you good results, and you can still add a touch of something on top if on one day you have a weird specific issue where something like RTX Voice will lower your quality but is the least bad alternative if your neighbor has a contractor working that afternoon.
Edit: also it's pretty disingenuous to "test" a condenser mic in a treated room without touching on it for the beginners in the audience. Most streamers don't have that environment.
Good lord that Lewitt sounds amazing, one mic to consider reviewing if you're looking for me (yeah, right) is the NEAT Worker Bee, been using it for the last few months and absolutely love it for streaming. My co-host and I both use em now.
Have you tried a Poly Trio C60? I use it daily and is the perfect zoom microphone/speaker. After adjusting levels with Peace I am super happy with it. No headphones are required. No echo.
iD4 + AT2020 with mid gain, I hear background noise in the monitor, but not in recording/streaming.
Would I use it if I needed a professionally clean noise floor? No, but you don't need that for majority of content creation/gaming.
(That and I'm going to keep rationalizing myself into not buying a fancier mic setup :P )
I recently had this internal dialogue myself! I got both the Beyerdynamic M 70 Pro X (+ Fethead) and M 90 Pro X, coming from an AT2020 considering all the recommendations of dynamic over condenser. In the end I stuck with the M 90 as it sounded way pleasant, natural, and less fatiguing.
I found even with the dynamic I still had to apply the same noise gate and similar compression settings through Reaper anyways, just so it wouldn't pick up my breathing or my ceiling fan. And yet with the dynamic M 70 also had the disadvantage that if I ever moved a minute amount off axis, people complained about my voice drifting off way too quickly.
I think if you don't have a super reverberating room, there doesn't seem to be all that substantial of a difference if you have to apply audio processing each way anyways.
If you have a treated room or a good sounding room a condenser mic should sound better but not always the case as it all depends on what suits the voice. Also dynamics are a very commonly used mic so the sound is what people are use to, so most will think a dynamic sounds better
I used 110eu~ usb condensor mic and sound itself was nice, but as you mentioned it pick alot of stuff even with filters...
Now im using Presonus PD-70 xlr dynamic mic and its performs way beter for me and mic itself cost kinda same, but interface is adding up plus I picked activator. Activator wasnt necesery, but with out it almost maxing Gain, so I waned to have more room for control...
Cant tell for all case, but in my experience dynamic is way to go ...
Condenser Mics do pick up more noise but i have decreased that noise with filters and Plugins in OBS to the point where you can't even hear me breathing anymore even on my Aging Rode NT1-A, friends tell me my mic is still good and when i say "i wanna get a new one" they tell me don't bother.
I would recommend trying a bunch of different types of condensers, there are of course more than just the one type of form factor. I know that rode make one that is in the form factor that's more along the lines of your standard dynamic mic (handheld type like an SM58), there are also what's known as "pencil" condenser mics that might be a bit better suited for streaming because of there small size and surprisingly good rejection in some cases.
Yeah I’ve covered pencil condensers before, they’re fun
@@EposVox I have a question that you might be able to answer for me, although it might be a bit divisive, as far as microphones go... do you(people in general) HAVE to use a microphone that's either a shotgun or boom arm mounted type, or can other types work as well, such as lapel mics, or headband/headphone mics??? I ask, because I see pictures and video, where people are using headset mics specifically, a lot less, and are going more towards the boom mics, whereas yourself, doing TH-cam videos, even use a shotgun mic now and again... As for lapel mics, I'm not sure I've seen anyone outside of the TH-cam creator space actually use a lapel mic, for instance, while streaming... I have a dual lapel microphone setup (PicoGear PicoStream receiver) I'm thinking about using when I end up building a studio room in my barn, practically from the frame up, as there's only studs inside... And even if I don't use it regularly, if I do a talking head type of video, I can set my receiver so it has 1 mic as left channel only, the other as right channel only... It's probably a lot to answer, but I hope you will try at least😊 also, for reference, the space I'd have in my room I'm building is approximately 8ft wide and 17 ft long, give or take on my final dimensions...
Lav mics are everywhere on TH-cam, you just often don’t see them because, well, they’re placed so you don’t see them ;)
@@EposVox lol... I know that, but I'm asking in a more broader sense, like say, game streaming on twitch or similar sites, as far as microphones go. I know lav mics are big on a lot of TH-cam channels, and I watch a few of them, like JTC, BITWIT, LTT, hardware unboxed, awesome hardware, and probably many more that I can't think of at the moment, but what I'm really wondering I guess, is why someone would use a boom mic, in for instance, as mentioned earlier, game streaming, as opposed to something like a lav mic or headset mic. I get that condenser and other types of boom arm and shock mount mics can be better quality audio wise, but it seems like everyone is aspiring to have that radio talk show vibe going on, with a shock mount and arm with a microphone, like it's the Pinnacle of audio and nothing can be better, or as good as that.
I am an audio novice myself, but I do understand that certain types of microphones are good at certain things, and that those you talk about are really good for streaming, which is why people use them, it just feels like everyone wants to use a boom arm, because it looks cool, and lots of companies, especially tech companies, even sell mic arms and mics for them, specifically for streaming and other related stuff.
I really want to know more about audio and microphones, as well as how to properly use them in general, as well, because I do a little audio stuff as a volunteer, although the place provides all the equipment in use, and I would like to be more knowledgeable in the future... I mean, I know that lav or ear/headband mics are best for speakers or those that need the use of their hands, and well, the rest can basically use any other type of standard microphone, but I also know that it's a bit more nuanced than that, and that there are different types of mics, besides your standard stage mic, which is why I'd like to learn more about microphones and their best uses.
There's definitely an "expected sound" people associate with, and thus chase for, broadcast - but you by no means need to limit yourself to it.
The main advantages of running a boom or desk mounted mic come down to workflow and setup time. Enough things can go wrong as-is before you hit "go live" that most people don't want to add having to set up and wire your mic each time, having it mounted and ready to go at all times is a win. Lav mics can be a hassle and also limit your mobility if wired. Wireless obviously give you more mobility than desk mics.
But also lav mics are harder to get sounding super great compared to big desktop mics.
I shall make a video on this finally.
The lauten Ls-208 could be a great mic for you, it's a condenser that thinks it is a dynamic. Pencil condenser are an option, however it would be hard to beat the sound coming from the Ethos.
I've been using the at2035 for a while now, and am wonder if it's worth upgrading. I don't have a ton of money to upgrade so would it be better to try to put some tuning on it via voicemeter or something like that?
If you're talking about streaming, I wouldn't upgrade from an AT2035. The difference will be negligible.
@@TheVagineWhisperer OK thanks man. These mic talks always get me feelin buyers remorse. Guess that's what happens when youre watching someone with a 1000 dollar audio setup.
Once you get something good, you mostly stick with it unless you have a pain point to address
Additional tuning via VSTs is a good next step to learn though
@@EposVox Thanks Man! Watching your VST Masterclass now
Well i can bet that my 30 USD XLR dynamic mic from Reloop used for interviews will sound better than some people's expensive setups just because i know how to set it up with VSTs.
started with an mxl-770 condenser, but due to the ambient noise issue I switched to an mxl-bcd1 broadcast dynamic. big improvement over ambient, but I'm thinking that a ribbon mic might be able to do even better (at least until i can get an rtx voice capable gpu).
I've watched a couple of mic reviews and I am no where closer to figuring out how gaming and educational youtubers, even those that are starting out and using unbranded mics, sound so clear and clean. I used to use an AT2020 but that sounded nasally and tinny. I also figured out that a condensor was horrid for my untreated room, despite seeing streamers use blue yetis to great success in their bedrooms. People seem to be enjoying the dynamic rode podmic or the sontronics podcast pro, but again it has a blocked up nasal quality unlike the videos on youtube, and the sm7b is noticeably smoother. Do I need to spend above a certain threshold to ensure good quality sound? Or perhaps it is a matter of EQ, or background music masking the less than ideal sound quality? And I wonder if condensors like the ICON will ever work in an untreated room?
EQ can help. Nasally sound is amplified by reflections off monitor and desk, otherwise is just your voice. AT2020 is a fairly natural sounding mic
And every mic will sound better with some treatment effort
I was using the AT2020 it was my first mic. I didn't know the difference between the different types of mics. I would get mad with it. I have just picked up a re320 and loving it. it is picking up some room noise here and there. but I still need to treat the room some more.
Before video starts: Am I being baited?
.. updating ..
After video: unconvinced.
I’m watching you Epos guy 🧐
You don’t have to be convinced. It’s the start of a discussion. The title is a question, the entire video is posing and pondering that question. Nothing about it is bait.
@@EposVox I did not mean any offense, I think you can see how the thumbnail could come off clickbaity to someone who's been following all of your recent mic reviews. I've been a regular watcher and have been in the rabbit hole with you since your Earthworks review (which prompted watching some older ones). Just hoping my podmic doesn't get left in the dust. I'm sure the youtube viewer part of you can identify with it being difficult to tell bait from accurate thumbnails.. At least I hope I'm not the only one struggling there 😅
If you’ve been watching my reviews a long time, you know I virtually always say streamers should use dynamics instead of condensers. This video starts the discussion about that maybe not being the rule to stick to. Asking whether I was wrong or not.
The thumbnail 100% is in line with that. I truly could not see how it would be seen as bait. It’s as true to the discussion of the video as it gets.
I’ve never once made a title and thumbnail combo that the video content doesn’t 100% deliver on the premise of.
I prefer the dynamic and when I game with both kids while in the same room it makes sure we don’t have vocal bleed in each other’s microphones.
What about the new Razer Seiren V2 Pro for those who want a dynamic USB?
Do you use the Sennheiser 416 anymore?
Yep! For my shoots not at the desk. It’s not really suitable for desk use
i use a Condenser mic for streaming and it picks up only my voice just need the right settings and my mic sounds epic MLX 770 FTW it sounds better than most 500$ mics
Its a rabbit hole, isnt it? :D
I still love it, but after years and years Ive just concluded that I can use just about any mic as long as I play by its rules and do a bit of right processing.
Also, having a well treated studio and a quiet keyboard/mouse allows me to use just about anything. And if you are not mainly a hardcore gaming creator, condensers are absolutely a good option, you just have to pay attention to mic placement and technique a bit more maybe.
It also comes down to if you want your viewers to hear whats going on in the room or not.
This can’t be stressed enough. I’d even suggest that 99%+ of stream viewers can’t tell the difference between a high-end earthworks and an SM57.
How about lav wireless for streaming?!!
I think it boils down to tuning. You can have a GREAT capsule, but it can be tuned poorly.
I actually like the design of this mic it looks like a Light Saber
This mic is now $49 on Amazon
It would have been interesting if you included the Blue Yeti X...
People said i bought the wrong one but my AT2020 sound good for the money, i don't stream though but i sing a little.
My first mic that I bought for streaming, was an AT2035. It was such a pain in the ass when it came to trying to eliminate sounds - I was constantly messing with filters in OBS. I could barely get it to filter out the fans in my PC that was sitting 6ft away from the mic! It drove me insane! I said f*ck it! And bought a Rode PodMic. I'm more than ok with the sound quality, and the ability to filter out everything I don't want my stream to hear. The only thing bad, at least for me with a dynamic mic, is that I have to have it pretty much in my face the whole time!
Yup usually my issue with dynamics too
WASI WRONG?
I've had the Samson G-Track Pro, a USB Condenser mic, for about a year and a half. Everyone I talk to says it sounds like I'm in the room with em, and that's good enough for me until we are able to buy a more production oriented higher end mic.
really no need
I’m still really happy with my Rode Podmic, best value mic for streamers.
Definitely do the ART C1.
I've been using a Shure MV51, its a large diaphragm condenser mic, built in DSP presets as well as being able to go in with an app and custom the DSP, its fantastic and when I switched to it everyone raved about the sound quality, I'm pretty sold on Condensers . The only thing it has picked up besides my voice is if I have my AC unit on high and thats every to cut almost fully out with noise gate.
I'm using the Ember from Blue microphones together with Nvidia broadcast to get rid of any background-noise. I love the thin body of it and it doesn't obscure my face in my facecam on Twitch ❤️ Thank you for yet another awesome video, you rock :)
Blue Ember is pretty slick
Id say if you have some audio background, and have skill in compression with gate fx, then yeah condenser might be ok for streaming, but yeah I totally get beginners having the fan and typing noise issue. Great, useful topic to cover!
I love your content bro, but you gotta address your vocal chain. Every mic literally sounds equally harsh.
Did you miss the part where all of these were completely unprocessed? Lol
I've been looking at LCT 440 Pure for a long time because I also want to get into some singing/screaming vocals and voice acting projects as well as streaming. After some of the tests I've heard, I was actually surprised by how good the rear rejection was. I would love to see you give this microphone a full review.
This is Great
Finally !!
Are you hyped for Halo infinite ma man?
Of course!!
Use a dynamic mic for voiceovers and streaming (gamers love to scream and won't shut up). Use a condenser mic for everything else (zoom meetings, music).
This is the only comment I ever have or will dislike. That has gotta be one of the most dumbfounding, asinine, comments I have ever seen on this platform.
@@myselfphelan I'm living in your head rent-free. Sucks to be you.
@@omegacon4 Oh no, I'm living my best life. Glad I could supply housing for the less fortunate :thumbsup:
Yes, you’ve been using the wrong mic type, & you’re also processing your audio suboptimally.
You should be using a ‘pencil-condenser’ dialogue mic like the Sennheiser MKH50 or MKH8050, which have a pretty tight pickup pattern, boomed above and in front of you, out-of-frame.
You should plug it into a Sound Devices MixPre-3 or -6 Mk. II, running the NoiseAssist plug-in to remove background noise.
You should plug the MixPre into an ART Voice Channel channel strip, doing EQ, compression, gating, and de-easing in real-time on that.
You should then plug the ART into your computer and jointly into the ATEM Mini Extreme ISO, which you should also be using.
These Sennheiser mics are used to record indoors dialogue for many television series & movies you’ve likely seen.
The combo I just described will sound much better than any of the mics/processing you’ve been using, assuming you spend the time to get the EQ, compression, de-essing, and gating optimized.
Lol you’re hilarious
If you want to fork over the thousands of dollars for all this, be my guest.
Otherwise your “should”s aren’t even close
@@EposVox - it should cost about $2800 for the audio elements. I know this because I did indeed ‘fork over’ the money it requires.
Cheap, no. But definitely worth it in terms of audio quality.
It’s also interesting that you ask for comments and feedback on what you should be doing, and then choose to snipe at those who reply.
I asked for feedback on the discussion of condensers vs dynamics - I’m never going to respond well to people who insist I should be using thousands of dollars of gear I can’t afford or justify for negligible gains.
I’ve tried out dialog mics a few times on the channel, but the over the top channel strip recommendations are always bizarre.
Also the ATEM Mini line doesn’t support 4K so it’s a nonstarter for me, too
To be fair, I responded from a gut reaction and didn't necessarily mean to "snipe" - but I often get people insisting I "should" be using these super expensive/overkill pieces when most of my comments are about how the mic I'm reviewing is already too expensive as-is, etc. It's quite the contrast, and super frustrating since there's no way I could be spending that.
I have a MixPre-3 II but it's my field recorder for my big on-camera stuff and I can't lock it down to my desk setup. I also see no need, my PreSonus is perfectly fine
While what youre describing is a professional standard, I disagree. The times have moved on and a single decent mic with a decent pre and converter + suitable VST plugins can get pretty close to what youre suggesting. (And maybe do even better, depending on settings) And the digital approach has several advantages, for content creators especially.
Also signal path/processing is the last thing to consider, starting with proper space, mic technique, placement, etc. And also yeah, content. Thats the entire point of what Epos is saying in the beginning, that people shouldnt buy expensive gear to compensate for the lack of knowledge or content.
Dont get me wrong, I love it when people dish out money for my plugin and favourite mics and so on, but its absolutely wrong to suggest this to content creators (Unless they really want to fancy I guess)