Reddit reviews Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone

Translation:

"Any half decent voiceover mic" with proper equalizer settings (controls how much of the bass, mid, and treble you hear) and compression (controls how dynamic the volume of a sound is, resulting in a louder overall apparent volume (technically, compression doesn't increase the decibel level, which is why TV commercials always sound louder than the shows despite there being laws in place about decibel levels needing to be the same)) will do the job.

He then drops some specific model names, SM7, C414 and C214

And finally, for the tidbits he adds about each model. "Cardioid" and "multi-pattern" refer to the pickup pattern of each mic. The pickup pattern is a description of where sound is best picked up around the mic. Cardioid refers to a roughly heart-shaped (in the '<3' sense) pattern, extending from the face of the mic. This means the mic will best pick up sound directly in front of it, and then extending out, with a wider pickup area further away. There are, of course, other patterns of pickup. The C414 noted above is capable of operating in 9 different patterns, giving you more flexibility for recording. "Brighter" just refers to sound quality, which here means... well, what it sounds like really. It's going to pick up less bass, which leads to the 'brightness'.

Drew uses a lot of stuff I've used or am currently using!

The headphones are the Sony MDR7506, or the Sony MDRV6 and they are ultimately the same thing. I have both, I haven't been able to tell the difference, and from what I've researched, they use the same parts internally, so the only thing different is the cosmetics. I know the Vergecast also uses these headphones in their studio.

While I don't have the Focusrite 2i2 like Drew was using, I do own the Focusrite 18i8 (Gen 1), and the Focusrite 18i20 (Gen 2) and both are phenomenal. They are more expensive than a standard USB Mixer, but the pre-amps make up for some of that cost, plus the ease of use.

I have never used the Shure SM7B, but it's the same microphone that Kinda Funny Games uses. I use the Electro Voice RE20, which is the same Microphone that Giant Bomb West and East uses, as well as, the Vergecast. I would love to hear Drew's opinions on both mics. Both mics are exceptional review-wise and very popular in audio recordings, but having Drew compare the two would have some value.

And just because I have listed all the equipment Drew has used. Here is the Anker 10-Port Hub he was using. Anker is a great brand for USB/Computer accessories. They have an outstanding warranty and customer service department.

Note none of these links are affiliate links, this post was simply to make it easy to find the gear Drew was using.

Kyle's Setup

Microphone (Shure SM7B) - https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=shure+sm7b&qid=1549674292&sr=8-2

That runs into a clean gain booster, Cloudlifter (I didn't know he wasn't running this since he got his Shure in 2014. Once I learned that, I had him get one and he's been running that for about a month and a half now) https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=cloudlifter&qid=1549674274&sr=8-5

Which goes into his mixer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CTKI10A/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now if someone wanted to run this setup, I would say don't get the Behringer, they have problems but most of the time they're fine. But you want to get a Focusrite Scarlett https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T50LY/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=cloudlifter&qid=1549674274&sr=8-12 or Mackie Onyx https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Producer-Interface-Bundle-Polishing/dp/B07GJWQQM3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=mackie+onyx&qid=1549674443&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1 (I recommend the Onyx but they're both fucking great, used both, currently running the Mackie in my new studio setup)

Taylor's Setup

Same exact setup as Kyle, even though I told them to get him this Blue Micrphone TUBE arm: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Compass-Premium-Tube-Style-Broadcast/dp/B078MLBGRM/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=blue+microphone+arm&qid=1549674585&sr=8-5

It's a way better arm. Kyle is using the standard Rode arm & either that's what Taylor's got now or he's using a super cheap ass one. But no way that cheap ass one would work with the Shure's weight, so he probably got a rode. But I recommended they both get the Blue tube arm.

Woody's Setup

Microphone (Electro-Voice RE20):

His preamp/mixer is all in his rack that's mounted with his PC which is down by his knee. I forget what he's using cause it's been many, many years since he built that thing.

The microphone arm he is using is the cadillac of microphone studio boom arms the K&M 23860: https://www.amazon.com/23860-Microphone-Desk-Arm-Black/dp/B00AXMM0L2?tag=paidinsi-20

-----------------

The Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are the gold standard for radio and podcast production in studios. You can't go wrong. But if you get the SM7B then you need a pre-amp or something that's going to give you an additional 20-40db of clean gain.

If you don't have that Cloudlifter and just use it with that mixer, then you have to crank the fuck out of the gain which greatly increases and raises your noies floor. So you'll be audible and sound good, but you'll still get lots of white noise/background noise.

In my setup it's the Shure SM7B, Mackie Onyx, Cloudlifter, Blue Mic arm and quality XLR cables. When I plan to expand and add more microphones to do several people in studio productions. I'll create a rack unit VERY similar to what Lefty is currently running. With an electricity conditioner and the same preamp he has that I researched on my own and it's perfect for getting the clean gain added that you need so you don't need the cloud.

Here's everything for equipment, so hopefully this answers any questions:

---

Wall:

• TV
  
  
• Lights/Nanoleaves
  
  
• Whiteboard
  
  ---
  
  Desk:
  
  
• Top (74x1 1/2")
  
  
• Drawers (can't see in picture) (2x, in brown-black)
  
  
• Top Legs (Supports top off of drawers)
  
  I also made modications to the desk, including installing a grommet with 2 USBs and 2 outlets, as well as a wireless charger.
  
  ---
  
  Audio Setup:
  
  
• Shure SM7B
  
  
• Rode Arm Stand
  
  
• Behringer Xenyx X1204USB
  
  
• Dbx 286s Microphone Preamp
  
  
• Sennheiser HD 660 S
  
  
• Headphone stand (Not sure if I can recommend. Headphones leave a lot of marks on the stand and can make the transparant plastic look foggy)
  
  ---
  
  Peripherals:
  
  
• Glorious Model O (White, might want to wait for the Model O- to drop if you have smaller hands)
  
  
• The Glorious GMMK (Full sized, white keycaps, Kailh Speed Silver switches)
  
  
• Mouse Bungee (White)
  
  
• Mouse Pad (XL)
  
  
• Monitors (2x)
  
  ---
  
  PC specs:
  
  
• 2080ti
  
  
• i9-9900k
  
  
• 64 GB Ram
  
  
• 4 TB SSD
  
  
• 3 TB HDD (Unsure what exactly, bought a long time ago. Pretty standard HDD though)
  
  
• 1000w Power Supply
  
  
• HZXT H500i Case
  
  
• Asus ROG Maximus XI Hero Z390 Motherboard
  
  
• Corsair Hydro Series H150i Water Cooling
  
  ---
  
  
  Any other questions, feel free to leave them and I'll try to respond :)
  
  ---
  
  Edit: Thank you for the gold random kind redditor!

Ok studio engineer here. when you say you don’t see the point in getting a better mic i’ll counter with this: you get what you pay for. if you want a better microphone spend more money. if you want to stick with your little usb snowball then that will work but sound like crap.

The grail of studio mics (especially for podcasts) would be the Shure SM7B and running around $400

if you’re budget is lower than that, consider the Shure SM58 for $105

and if you’re trying to go EVEN cheaper than that, the Shure SM48 is so cheap at $35 and even that will sound infinitely better than tour blue snowball.

so let me know if you have any questions. if you’re serious about upgrading your mic you might be intimidated because there’s thousands of options.

Great video again!

I gotta say though, the one unpolished part of your videos is the quality of your mic. The Shure SM7 is kind of an industry standard for radio and as versatile a mic as you're going to find, but if the price tag is a little steep for you, an SM58 should do the job just fine. Eminem actually recorded album tracks on this mic. I've got a few and they take a beating as well.

I think a small investment in your part can really push your projects to another level.

Or, I'm an idiot because you're already doing a great job. Thanks for your effort.

Hola!

Arranqué el proyecto Economista del medio el año pasado como una forma de llevar el laburo de analista de consultoría macroeconómica a un espectro de población más amplio, lo cual implica menos jerga y biribiri financiero. Este año se sumó la periodista de Infobae Jorgelina Do Rosario y empezamos a cambiar el formato del programa: hemos ordenado los temas y sumamos las entrevistas que le dan un valor agregado enorme al oyente. Estamos muy contentos con el resultado hasta ahora, tanto en calidad del material como en escuchas.

De la misma manera que como mejoró el material también mejoró el hardware con el cual grabamos. En su momento empecé con un mixer Behringer Xenyx 1202FX, un micrófono Shure SM58, unos auriculares Audio Technica M40x y una Zoom H4n. Luego de mi viaje a Japón me traje micrófono un Audio Technica 4040 (large diaphragm condenser) y ahí terminó el avance en hardware en 2016. En términos de software editaba (y sigo editando) el archivo crudo con el Logic Pro X de Apple.

Este año invertimos y nos trajimos (via Amazon Europa) un mixer Allen & Heath Zed60 10fx y un segundo micrófono Audio Technica pero el AT875r (un shotgun cortito condenser que es una maravilla). De backup tenemos dos micrófonos Audio Technica 2100 (los que son USB/XLR) que en relación precio/calidad son muy recomendados para los podcasters amateurs. En resumen, nuestro lineup de materiales es de primera calidad y para explotarlo al máximo, estamos intentando mejorar el tratamiento acústico del área donde grabamos para minimizar ruidos indeseados.

Como te decía, estamos muy contentos con las escuchas (en número general y en público en particular, es decir, los quienes). Hemos recibido comentarios de gente que nos sorprendió y eso nos motiva. Todavía no es LA masividad en escuchas pero queremos estar acá invirtiendo en esto para que cuando explote el podcasting en Argentina (porque va a pasar, que no te quepa la menor duda) tener una buena base y experiencia para seguir proyectándonos.

Lo lindo es que se están acercando algunos sponsors interesados en el material asi que significa que hay proyección a futuro. La verdad que al día de hoy estamos muy a gusto y cómodos laburando en el proyecto, que es para nosotros ahora lo más importante.

Por otro lado, una de las cosas más copadas que me pasó es poder grabar con una persona que conozco y confío de hace muchos años. Al principio hacerlo solo era más un desahogo pero laburar con alguien en esto, que aparte sabe y se mueve en el medio, tiene algo muy especial y divertido. Ese es un item que taché de mi lista de pendientes.

En materia de proyección a futuro y ToDos, creo que seguir mejorando y buscando calidad para ofrecer el mejor producto disponible en el mercado. En materia de hardware todavía tengo la espinita clavada por el Shure SM7b con su respectivo Cloudlifter pero por ahora estamos muy contentos con el equipo con el cual grabamos.

Saludos!

Amazon hasn't deviated from $349 since 2011. I'd just buy it. http://camelcamelcamel.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/product/B0002E4Z8M

He'll also need a microphone. This one is decent.

Mic: https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M

Boom Arm: https://www.amazon.com/RODE-Swivel-Mount-Studio-Microphone/dp/B001D7UYBO/ref=pd_bxgy_267_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZS7VZGA3FAWRJDTP2T3Z


Not sure about the mix amp, sorry

So for recording with my Samsung Note 5, I use the voice recorder app already on there. I've never had an issue with it. I use the Stony Edge Lapel Mic, which just plugs into your headphone jack for anything with the phone now. Haven't done a commute ramble with it yet, but I will.

For other recording purposes, I use a Blue Yeti Blackout Edition, and have a Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone, Cardioid Mode(Gloss Black) for mobile use (i.e. traveling). I have a generic pop filter I picked up at a music store, and a DR Pro Tripod Mic Stand with Telescoping Boom for streaming and recording at home.

The Yeti is a pretty popular mid-price mic for GWA peeps. Snowball is a GREAT starter mic though. My dream mic is a toss up between the Shure SM7B and the AT2035 (both please?)

For desktop recording/editing, a lot of people use Audacity, which is what I started with. I now use Reaper Pro to record, and Izotope RX6 for editing.

Disclaimer: None of these Amazon links are referral links, and I earn no money from them

I think I found the microphone!. I really appreciate your help, it's always nice to come across someone who goes out of their way to help you when they have no reason to do so. Thanks dude.

Standard setup for bedroom production is something like a Scarlett 2i2 with varying mic choices based on budget. Two sweet spots as far as price/performance ratio for me:

Rode NT1:
New version of the classic NT1a with clear performance representation and a crisp high end. Metal pop filter is also dope. Sensitive to background noise.

https://www.amazon.com/Rode-NT1KIT-Condenser-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B00GGGQK56

Shure SM7b:
Widely used for a reason. Everyone and their mom has one of these because they sound so good. Bonus for non-studio work is that it isn't going to pick up a fly farting in the room next to you because it's dynamic. You need a cloudlifter tho so keep that in mind.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M

> The Razer Seiren features a versatile multi-pattern USB digital connection capable of four different recording pattern configurations with three custom-tuned 14 mm condenser capsules. This makes the Razer Seiren digital microphone ideal for the needs of professional musicians

Yeah... no. Not without an XLR jack. Microphone preamps are as important (some say more important) than the mic itself.

These USB microphones are fine for streamers, but not at this price. Think about it, this is what you are getting:

• 1. Small microphone capsules (3)
     
• 2. Microphone preamp
     
• 3. Analog to digital converter
     
• 4. Microphone preamp
     
     Between say, $60 and $200, you really wont see "studio quality," for "professional musicians."
     
     Besides that, condenser mics would not be my first advice for streaming. They excel at picking up transients and room noise (clicky keyboards, anyone?) and will sound horrendous when they clip. If you want to step up your gear, buy a Focusrite Scarlett Solo and a Shure sm57 for a bit more money. Or if you really want a condenser, you can get an MXL 770. If you truly want broadcast quality, get a Shure sm7.
     
     My friend has a yeti, it's fine, i have heard streamers with the Blue snowball mic, yeah it sounds fine. But don't charge $180 and call it studio grade. It's like HP passing off a $300 prebuilt desktop as a gaming machine.
     
     EDIT: Or a great option is the Sennheiser broadcast mics. The HMD280 is an HD280 with a mic slapped on it, and this is stepping into the realm of actual broadcast-quality gear. It will sound awesome, will pick nothing up but your voice, will not clip, and hey you get a $100 pair of headphones to boot. You'll still need the preamp though.

Shure SM7B, accept no substitutes

youll probably need a standalone mic and pass through an audio input. sdtone mountain 64 does audio changes (for pebble hill and CO roleplay) his website says he uses a Roland VT3 with a Shure SM7B mic. any headset with it built in will have even less of the fine tuning youre after

Off the top of my head:

Dynamics

Shure SM58 (go for the one without on/off switch)

Shure SM57 (ONLY DO THIS IF YOU KNOW MIC PLACEMENT AND HAVE A POP FILTER OR WIND SCREEN; SM58 is better for voice but SM57's are a bit cheaper)

Shure SM7B

Electrovoice RE27

Sennheiser MD421

Sennheiser MD441

Condensers

Audio-Technica AT2020

Audio-Technica AT4050

Audio-Technica AT4040

Everything else is $500+. This is mostly a low-end choice selection to buying XLR microphones.

1. He needs to be entertaining to keep viewers. If he's not at the 99.9999th percentile of skill, it's highly unlikely he'll build a following without being highly entertaining. So manage your expectations and help him manage his.
   
   
2. For someone to be entertaining a big part of it is to have a varied life. Conversation about a wide variety of subjects, being happy, healthy, clean, accomplished, etc... As a couple you should be helping each other achieve those things regardless, so maybe take a step back and look at that big picture.
   
   
3. AFK his stream, invite friends to watch it, etc...
   
   
4. Make him his chicken tendies, mountain dew, and open his doritos. Just kidding...
   
   
5. As for equipment and setup... This all depends. The next things I would usually advise would be the best quality camera you can get in your budget, like an actual HD camcorder and figure out how to hook that up. Maybe an IRL streaming backpack setup? Sound treatment for the room can be good, but majority of products you buy for this are snake oil, so do your research. I'll just list off some things that I recommend people as ideas:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MWNYGUS/ - Adjustable clamp-jaw mount for cameras like the Logitech C920/922 (the most recommended cameras). Get a better or more unique angle.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACFAULC/ - Pop filters help a lot with audio quality.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017WNJS3M/ - Green screen it up and you can do all sorts of wacky or cool stuff, or it just cleans up the presentation of the stream in general.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Stream-Deck-Mini-Customizable/dp/B07DYRS1WH - The streamdeck mini just came out, pretty useful for doing goofy on-demand stuff with programmable buttons. Some people swear by these.
   
   For higher end stuff for audio, put this stuff in a wish list if he does start to take off:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M - Probably my most recommended mic for people wanting to get into the more serious stuff.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/dbx-286s-Microphone-Preamp-Processor/dp/B004LWH79A - Probably the best entry level audiophile grade mic preamp. This is endgame for streamers personally, it's way beyond what most people have and it will give him an edge.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04 - Cloudlifter CL-1. This is a must if you ahve a Shure SM7B, excellent high end filter that will absolutely remove all noise.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Furman-M-8X2-Outlet-Conditioner-Protector/dp/B003BQ91Y6/ - Further eliminates noise from dirty power. Everyone who wants a decent XLR high-end setup wants something like this.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Allen-Heath-ZEDi-10FX-Compact-Interface/dp/B01ATAK5MS - This is an excellent mixer+audio interface combo, if you are going XLR you'll want a mixer. It's 4x4 USB, which for the price is a great value, and it's preamps and lines are notoriously silent. I bought the last version of this which was a 4x2 interface on a great sale, and couldn't be more pleased.
   
   There's a lot more you can get of course. A simple small table rack to rack mount these things... But it all depends, the sky is the limit with this stuff. Just giving you ideas of how you can go nuts with it.
   
   But at the core of it, if he's not organically growing by being consistent and working hard at it and trying to improve... Maybe he's just not entertaining enough? It is what it is. Don't think that buying this stuff really makes any difference, it only does if you are already able to gain viewers in the first place.

This seems to be a popular one. Blue Yeti USB Microphone - Blackout Edition https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N1YPXW2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_F3eazb565E53S

This is the one I want to get
Shure SM7B Vocal Dynamic Microphone, Cardioid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_c5eazbXZ73MRP

This

The mic looks like a Shure SM7B and the headphones are the Sony MDR-7506.

I think /u/stephenjodrew was using the Audio Technica BP-40 at the time. But he also switches between a:

Electro Voice re320,

a Rode Procaster,

a Heil PR-40,

and a Shure SM7B

Great broadcasting mic is the Shure SM7b; will run you approx. $450-500 (Canadian) (expensive but soooo worth it for broadcasting).
Great room conversion kit is the Primeacoustic London 12 room kit; will run you $200-300. If your using a larger room to broadcast then Primeacoustic makes larger kits for more money.

I took a radio/broadcasting trade in high school and now I'm on my way to be a sound engineer in a recording studio (not radio) so i feel confident enough to say despite the extra cost; they will definitely be worth it in achieving the best sound, good luck!

http://www.primacoustic.com/london.htm

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B0002E4Z8M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1449720218&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=SM7b&dpPl=1&dpID=41rWaLTs%2BdL&ref=plSrch

Hey all,

I'm getting ready to go big on a microphone setup, but I want to get a few extra opinions on the hardware that I have selected to make sure it is both sufficient for each other as well as the best price to performance. I'm really looking for some GREAT quality but not needing something for full on production.

-----

Here is a list of the items and below is a screenshot of the cart if people don't want to click on the individual links.

Audient iD14

Shure SM7B

CL-1 Cloudlifter

RODE PSA1

LyxPro Balanced XLR Cable 6 ft

LyxPro Balanced XLR Cable 1.5 ft

-----

https://i.imgur.com/T08p76s.png

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1426996208&sr=1-1&keywords=shure+sm7b+microphone

Right Now I am stuck between two.

The Shure Beta 87A
or
The Shure SM7B

I've done a little research but I can't really tell a big difference between the two.

Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZbKWCbSDR0C11

NEEWER Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm Stand, Max Load 1 KG Compact Mic Stand Made of Durable Steel for Radio Broadcasting Studio, Voice-Over Sound Studio, Stages, and TV Stations https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DY1F2CS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JcKWCbB0RKZHF

Bose Companion 20 Multimedia Speaker System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0053T4PHC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ldKWCb2AYAV8X

The Podcaster is a decent mic. The XLR version, Røde Procaster is better and, along with the EV RE20, and the Shure SM7b, are genereally considered some of the best broadcast mics on the market, so any of those should be a safe bet if you want that round, warm, radio host sound.

The Focusrite 2i2 is a decent interface for the price, it will however need a preamp, as it alone lacks the gain to run these mics. You can save money by buying an inline preamp, like the Triton Fethead or the CL-1 Cloudlifter. They will up your gain something like 20db, giving you more than enough.

This will all be expensive though, so maybe space the purchases out over a few months and just keep using the Podcaster in the meantime?

Dynamics mics can be good with that kinda stuff because they don't pick up a lot of the other noise that's going on. The flip side is they're quiet, if you use a mic like the 58 you may find yourself wanting a hotter signal, you can remedy that with something like the Cloudlifter which is used frequently in conjecture with the Shure SM7B (probably the most popular mic for voiceover stuff).

If you're going for a top tier professional setup the Cloudlifter+SM7B is probably where you'll end up anyway so it might be worth it to just go there now. The AT2035 you linked is another Condenser mic and will be pretty much as sensitive as your Yeti, that's kinda their mo.

Alright just to make sure...

If I get this: http://shop.avid.com/store/product.do?product=324568068056304

And this: http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Vocal-Microphone/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1292432473&sr=8-1

I would be ready to record?
Nothing else needed?

not including (mic stand, headphones, and speakers)

On the left

Yamaha RX-V377
On top of the Yamaha is a Behringer UMC202HD
The mic is a Shure SM7B

On the right side of the desk is my HP docking station for my work laptop. I work from home a lot so it's nice to have a dock.

In the middle there is an Infinity center channel

I've got 4 of these, front left and right and rear left and right

Using a spdif connection from my motherboard to the receiver.

The subs are two of these.

Keyboard is this

As of tomorrow, mouse will be this

And this huge ass mouse mat

It depends on what you want aim for in terms of quality. If you want a cheap but sufficient interface (what you plug instruments and mics into) then go for a line 6 ux1 or ux2.

http://www.amazon.com/Line-6-POD-Studio-UX1/dp/B001EKECAY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449798017&sr=8-1&keywords=line6+ux1

http://www.amazon.com/Line-6-POD-Studio-UX2/dp/B001EKECC2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449798017&sr=8-2&keywords=line6+ux1

For a microphone, there's a bit more searching involved. I don't have experience with a huge variety of mics but the 2 that I know work really well are the Shure sm7b and the MXL 4000.

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449798231&sr=8-1&keywords=shure+sm7b

http://www.amazon.com/MXL-4000-Multi-Pattern-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001REGEF8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449798319&sr=8-1&keywords=mxl+4000

The Shure SM57 is also pretty good but is usually used on instruments more so than vocals but that doesn't mean it can't get the job done well

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM57-LC-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B0000AQRST/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449798383&sr=8-1&keywords=sm57.

If you want to hear the interface and the Shure sm7b in action, check out some of the stuff I've recorded before. Used to be into recording my old band a lot. I assure you it doesn't sound like it was recorded in a tin can: https://soundcloud.com/herpyderpypuddingpie/worldacousticmaster (and yes, i already know you love my soundcloud channel name) (oh and ignore the horrible acoustic guitar tone. this was before I figured out that recording them DI wasn't all that great of a solution)

Easiest thing to do would be to get a cheap USB mic if you're not willing to invest in a proper microphone and USB interface.

The Blue Yeti and Blue Snowball are both fine USB mics, although be forewarned that they are not "studio quality."

If you are willing to get a proper microphone, I'd suggest getting either a Shure SM58 or SM7B, and a cheap but reliable interface would be a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.

Next, you will want to get either Audacity or a DAW to record and monitor your vocals with. If you have a Mac, I would suggest starting out with GarageBand if you're really strapped for cash, or purchasing Logic Pro X if you can drop a few hundred dollars. Alternatively, you can go all-out and get Pro Tools if you want to be industry standard. I believe Pro Tools is also compatible with Windows.

For monitoring, I would suggest getting some studio monitor headphones, like the Sony MDR 7506, which will provide a pretty accurate sound for you. Alternatively, you can use any old headphones.

You won't want to be hearing yourself on studio monitors, because you will experience feedback. When you are recording vocals, monitor them on headphones.

Hope this helps.

P.S.: After a year of singing, you should be more than ready for an open-mic night, or even a full band.

this one http://www.amazon.com/Electro-Voice-RE-20-Cardioid-Microphone/dp/B000Z7LLQ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420066907&sr=8-1&keywords=re20

or this one http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420066935&sr=8-1&keywords=sm7b

Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_s2CyCbXMYNGJ6

For a single PC with a Dynamic microphone I'd use a Cloudlifter (to power the Shure SM7B), an XLR microphone interface (Focusrite is highly recommended around here), and Voicemeter banana for controlling all your audio sources.

Voicemeter banna is a software mixer that will give you the functionality of a hardware mixer you just won't have the physical controls on your desk, but with it you'll be able to adjust the EQ, Compression and more to get you the same crisp sound.

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Interface-Bundle-Polishing/dp/B07CVNRCFB/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=xlr+interface&qid=1557191384&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Microphones-CL-1-Cloudlifter-1-channel/dp/B004MQSV04/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=cloudlifter&qid=1557191682&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=shure+sm7b&qid=1557191710&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Twitch Steaming audio help!

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I was wondering what people would recommend for a semi-professional audio setup. I don't really have a budget other than under around $800-$900. By no means am I and "audiophile" but I do know the basics and then some. All I want is crisp sounding microphone, a mixer with a good DAC and compressor, and a good pair of headphones. Here is the hardware I am currently looking at, any advice will help a lot! Also the mixer I found is kinda ugly IMO, is there any mixer with good functionality that isn't as ugly? Thanks :D

Microphone: https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1542937982&sr=1-3&keywords=Shure+Dynamic+Microphone%2C+XLR+%28SM7B%29

Mixer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JRGHEZ2/ref=psdc_11974871_t1_B00IBIVL42

Headphones: https://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-HD-650-Professional-Headphone/dp/B00018MSNI/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1542938032&sr=1-4&keywords=sennheiser+headphone

Again thank you for the help!

Depends on your budget. If you're just looking at doing voice work, there's not going to be a ton of difference between the Blue Yeti and the Audio-Technica. If you want a mic that sounds great and has become a standard - go with the Shure SM7B.
You would also want an audio interface to go with it like the PreSonus AudioBox.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M

Definitely that Shure SM7B is the best one for the $400 range, but it does require an extra hardware for the proper gain volume but its the best sounding for sure.

You can also go cheap which works really good as well: Audio-Technica ATR2100

It has both XLR and USB connection as in you can connect it with a mixer or go directly with USB to the PC.
Here is a combo for $90 with arm stand clamp, pop filter and the mic(it includes both xlr and usb cables, and a mini tripod mic stand)

The MXL V67G is a great mic, and it's what I started o professionally for voice-over. The AT2020 has a bit "boxier" of a sound, but it is in the cheapest line of AudioTechnica's condensers. The CADs are a pretty good mic company, although I am not familiar with the gxl2200, but they have had QC issues in the past.

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Overall, I would suggest the MXL, as it has a rich, warm sound without being too tinny or boxy on the high end, has a wide frequency response, and is really cheap priced for the quality. Just remember that it has a cardioid pickup pattern, and is pretty sensitive. It will pick up any background noise. I did a video review on the amazon page if you want to check out how it sounds.

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Another option would be a dynamic mic, which won't pick up as much extra sound, but most of the professional grade dynamics are going to be above your listed price range, so you may want to find a Guitar Center near you to give a few mics a quick try before you buy one. Good luck!

I wouldn't say that there is a "best mic" out there, since once you get to a certain price point getting $500 microphones is basically pointless for YouTube.

Since you want to go without acoustic foam, a dynamic microphone is probably best. I see a ton of twitch streamers with the Shure SM7B, and it seems to produce damn good audio quality. Though a much cheaper ATR2100 has similar sound quality. I would HIGHLY reccomend getting some higher end equipment with compression, EQ, decent gain control, etc. for a cheaper microphone then spending most of your budget on an expensive mic. With some decent editing and hardware you can make any mic sound good. (within reason)

As a side note, most acoustic foam and room foam stuff is to remove echo and other unwanted stuff that will come across in any microphone. If your room has hard wood floors or is very echo-ey then there's not much spending more on a microphone can do for that, unfortunately. The best you can do without getting some foam is to lower your gain, talk closer to the mic, and edit the audio in post with some noise reduction and echo reduction filters.

I just bought a Shure SM7b and attached it to my RODE PSA1 and im getting a lot of bassy desk noises and sounds that whenever I lean on or hit against my desk even lightly it will carry through to my mic and it's really iterating. I thought the purpose of a boom arm was to reduce this. Will drilling the holder that it came with through my desk and using it that way opposed to the desk clamp make a difference? I'm having a tough time solving this issue.

Edit: If it also helps at all I am using a BEHRINGER XENYX QX1002USB
and Cathedral Pipes Ribbon/Dynamic Mic Buffer Amp

Since I saw other people wanting to do voice acting and you yourself might be unsure about what gear to buy, here is advice from a musician:

Try to practice with what you have, when you start to feel more secured about your skill, try to buy a better microphone, do NOT buy a condenser microphone, those are too sensitive if you are starting out, buy a dynamic microphone instead!

Recommended microphones, both made by the brand 'Shure':

SM58

SM7B (If you really can afford it)


To be able to use a microphone that is from an XLR cable to maintain quality you need an audio interface, there is a market solution that brings you to a prosumer level very cheaply and it is called a 'focusrite scarlett solo' it is one of the cheapest but also most durable and stable interfaces in the industry that is worth having! You can hook your electric guitar too if you want to.


The interfaces:


Focusrite scarlett Solo

Focusrite scarlett 2i4 (If you really can afford it, options like the Pad button make it amazing for general use outside of recording)


Now you need a DAW if you want to upgrade from audacity, a DAW (Digital audio workstation) is your workfield, it is what provides you what you want in terms of FX or samples (if it delivers them)


Good cheap DAWs:

Reaper by Cockos

Ableton live 10 intro (more expensive but you get more fx to it, it is less userfriendly for beginners from my experience though)


VSTs are what you will be using in your arsenal for FX and voice processing, you got tons of free VSTs that work like a charm and you got tons of paid ones that obviously work better but you can get them for cheap at plugin boutique! or sign in for emails of the sellers! PM me to request the list for free VSTs, if the demand is high, I'll make a list for it here and edit the post!

The plugin boutique website

Thanks for the reply!

Just to make sure that I'm finding the right products, are these what you were talking about?

Focusrite Scarlette: https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Interface-Bundle-Headphones/dp/B07V1XMZK6/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1ZMWL5L3WBKIM&keywords=focusrite+scarlett+solo&qid=1567099523&s=gateway&sprefix=Focusrite%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=AXCB29L39I26U&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMjBZNFdKSDBBVDgzJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTQ3Mjc4MUhQUTdMWk82RFNMTiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzY0MDE4MjZPUzVHOVRZMTZOQiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Shure: https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=shure+sm7b&qid=1567099480&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Aston: https://www.amazon.com/Aston-Microphones-Portable-Microphone-Reflection/dp/B01AXUDJ68

I think the only one that would be out of my budget for now is the Shure, but I'm guessing that's the part that I really can't / shouldn't skimp on, right?

http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M

is that it? SM7B? thanks for helping btw :3

I use this mic. It's crazy cheap and actually sounds amazing, and comes with the scissor arm, pop filter, and shock mount. You might be tempted to avoid it because it's a no-name brand on Amazon, but I can assure you the sound is on par with any other condenser mic you can find. If you want to listen to what I sound like let me know and I'll DM you a link to my latest episode (to avoid the whole self-promotion type stuff).

It should also be noted that I purchased an XLR cable and I have it connected to this interface.

I have seen people blow hundreds of dollars on expensive equipment, only to record about 5 episodes, fizzle out, and never use them again.

As far as the bass in his voice goes, the Aokeo AK-70 (linked above) tends to be a brighter-sounding mic. You can also play with the EQ in your DAW to tune his voice to your liking, which you can really do with any mic. I've heard a podcast that was recorded with a $400 Shure SM7B Dynamic Mic that sounds like hot garbage because of the way they apply EQ and compression (or lack thereof).

https://www.amazon.ca/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1469576428&sr=1-1&keywords=sm7b+shure this one is a bit expensive but it is an industry standard. You could probably record a nuclear explosion on it. Road podcaster dynnamic could work well also cheaper I believe too

Looks like one of these.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_5?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1485226325&sr=1-5&keywords=shure+microphone

And since its XLR, you need an interface to go with it.

I'm sure it's this one.

https://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM7B-Dynamic-Microphone-Cardioid/dp/B0002E4Z8M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485317276&sr=8-1&keywords=Shure+SM7B