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| rjisinspired |
| Posted: Mar 1 2012, 08:41 AM |
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This is an extension from a past post about external microphones: http://forums.virtualdub.org/index.php?act...&t=18127&hl=xlr
I just got back into this idea about getting a microphone for podcasting. I have found sound cards that have XLR inputs but they look like they aren't "just" XLR. They contain other connectors on them and they are very pricey. A card that has one XLR input would be ideal.
If I get an XLR microphone won't I have to get the same type of connector for use as an input to the computer so as to not lose any signal quality?
Personally all of the stuff I had researched, present and currently, makes me just want to say forget it and just buy a USB version microphone but I'm hearing that the quality is far better from XLR and I wouldn't be constrained/limited to 16 bit audio recording, would be able to do 24 bit, nor would I be dealing with latency issues.
I had thought about getting a Mic Mate but the ending connection would be USB thus defeating the use of XLR together which is shunned by many audio people.
I've been looking at mixers and they seem to be of the types: 1/8th, 1/4, RCA and USB out to the computer but no XLR out to computer. A one channel XLR mixer would be ideal but the most they seem to sell are two channel mixers with a bunch of extras to them.
Then again I don't know how long I will be doing podcasting so I don't want to buy too much and have it go to waste, finances are kind of tight also.
I'm not sure where to go with all of this. |
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| phaeron |
| Posted: Mar 3 2012, 04:40 AM |
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Virtualdub Developer
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As far as I know, XLR is a connector, so by itself it doesn't really affect quality. Wikipedia says it's a balanced (differential) connection, which means it has better noise immunity, but I'm not sure that would matter much in your environment compared to just a good regular audio cable. It's more likely that something with XLR connectors will have better quality since it's aimed at a higher market, but it's still analog and it could still be backed up by crap circuitry.
I'm not an audiophile, but my gut feeling is that you'll be much better served by getting a quality microphone and setting up a low-echo, low ambient noise environment than by worrying about the connector. Remember, CDs are 16-bit audio and they can sound crystal clear. XLR connectors and 24-bit precision won't help improve the sound quality of a cheap microphone. |
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| rjisinspired |
| Posted: Mar 6 2012, 09:58 PM |
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Thanks Phaeron.
The mic I'm looking into is the Audio Technica AT2020, about $100.00 for the USB version, $60 something for the XLR version. Either way if you get the XLR version you either need a mixer or something like a Mic Mate which brings the cost up to either the same or just slightly more than the USB version mic. It is a close tie between the AT2020 and the Yeti. the Yeti is a huge beast! Sort of looks like an R2D2 without all of the lights.
A Mic Mate is a tube that plugs into an XLR mic and has a built-in preamp and provides phantom power to the mic. On the other end of the tube is the connection for USB to the computer. Voltage from the USB port is 5 volts, phantom requires 48 volts. I'm guessing there's a step-up transformer or something in the Mic Mate that gains the voltage up?
For those who are curious, this is the mic I'm thinking of getting:
XLR version
USB version:
The Yeti:
Mic Mate:
I've listened to both versions of the AT2020 mics on Youtube and they both sound clear, in the right environment. They are cardioids meaning that the pickup area is focused tightly from in the front of the mic, great for voice, shotgun mics would be more tighter and focused. the Yeti has 4 pick up patterns including cardioid but I'm not too concerned about those.
I have been using a Plantronics headset for a while and the quality is ok but I like to step up plus when moving my head the headset makes all these crackling and snap noises and they pick up terribly in the sound file. There's also no way to really put a pop filter in between me and the headset mic.
Build a homemade pop filter, save some cash:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Microphone-Pop-Filter/
I'll be doing that. I have seen those things range from $16.00 up to over $50.00. I will be looking for the hoop at a sewing shop. I might feel a little awkward when it comes to buying the pantyhose at the store, lol.  |
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| levicki |
| Posted: May 10 2012, 02:40 PM |
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There are sound cards that have XLR inputs but much better solution IMO is to get something like this:
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/DMP3.html
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| Jam One |
| Posted: May 19 2012, 08:14 PM |
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Buy yourself a USB condenser microphone plus a "factory made" pop filter (they cost money for a reason).
You may hardly ever need an XLR system for podcasting.
Among the reasons to mess with XLR are scalability and sturdiness of entire system, and "replaceability" of the microphones.
I don't know for sure, but I think you will hardly be in need for wide range of different microphones / long cables / unassailable sockets.
I mean, I suppose one good mic will be enough for you for a long time.
You will most likely need something like this instead of a sound-card-with-xlr:
http://www.harlanhogan.com/portaboothArticle.shtml
http://voiceoveressentials.com/ |
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