Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack (Includes Mic Clip, Desktop Stand, Windscreen and Cables), silver

[Mic] Samson Q2U USB/XLR Microphone with Clip, Stand, Windscreen, Cables $60 ($104-$45)

[Mic] Samson Q2U (Mic Clip, Desktop Stand, Windscreen and USB/XLR Cables) - $47.99 ($59.99-$12) using discover 20% cashback promo

How bad is it? I wouldn't mind having you on, and if you find you enjoy doing the show you can always get a new one? And just for future reference you dont need to get a $500 EV mic these days for good audio quality, you can just get something like this (you can also find great stuff at great prices on craigslist):

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=dynamic+mic&qid=1580685238&sr=8-8

dont waste your money on these combos. theyre almost always trash. just get the samson q2u for one of the best mics under 80$. comes with everything you need to start.. is usb or xlr, and comes with a tip sock, a tripod mini stand, xlr cord, and usb cord

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edit: this one - https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG

they have it in stock at best buy - https://www.bestbuy.com/site/samson-q2u-dynamic-usb-microphone/6361715.p?skuId=6361715

edit 2: apparently best buy has since sold out. you can still order it through B&H but they are backordered with "more on the way" - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1418977-REG/samson_saq2use_q2u_hh_mic_recording.html

The Samson Q2U and dynamic mics in general are ideal for streamers.

I don't understand why the Blue condenser mics are so popular with gamers. Do they like picked up the sound of their keyboard and people in other rooms being picked up by their mic?

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG/

This is a really great mic if you don't already have a headset or something that you can use. Hell you even use an old phone or some PVC pipe shaped like a phone (though I don't think it will feel very natural for what you do professionally)

You don't need this pack really the microphone and some earbuds are all you need. Okay, and a computer with a USB port to plug it into and give it power I suppose? https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG (This is not an affiliate link)

Or better yet (by the way thank you for helping me)

Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack (Includes Mic Clip, Desktop Stand, Windscreen and Cables) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R747SG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H51REbBTZQB90

> Samson Q2U

It's on sale at Amazon right now for $65.

So I'm looking for a microphone to replace my modmic, which is starting to fail. I was thinking of getting the Samson Q2U and having it just sitting on my desk near my keyboard. For those who have experience with this microphone or something similar:

How close do you need to be for it to pick up your voice at a reasonable volume? I was planning on having it near the bottom of my monitor, which would be ~18" away from me.

Would a dynamic microphone pick up the noise from speakers?

I didn't want to make an entire post just for a microphone question so any responses would be appreciated!

Samson

edit: my bad, i just noticed my typo.

This is the one I ordered: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R747SG/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_Lmz5Eb12BZ55X

I used the Blue Yeti for a long time, but had problems with it picking up too much background noise and my mech keyboard. Now I use the Samson Q2U which has great quality and I have no problems with background noise. $52 bucks on Amazon is definitely a good choice! Samson Q2U https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R747SG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_gGvvEb7RWKY5T

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG

If you don't like it, return it! This is probably the best mic under $100 that exists.

I've been researching this recently and this would fit your budget: Samson Q2U

I saw an Innogear Mic stand set with shock mount on Amazon which looks like it will work with it. Hope that helps!

I would recommend looking into something that's more of a dedicated microphone. I would highly recommend the Samson Q2U you can usually find it on sale for around $40.

They have it in stock on Amazon, I have one myself and it is an amazing mic for its price. Better than the Blue Yeti imo. Here’s the link!

Samson Q2U

We (soberpod.com) started with a $30 USB mics for the first year and recently upgraded to some $50 mics with a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 2nd Generation - I am glad we upgraded, I think we sound so much better than before. You sound okay, really. Upgrade later, focus on content. Good luck!

Oh shite, sorry, that wast the wrong link, I meant to link this:

https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8HVVCQSLLNAA&dchild=1&keywords=samson+q2u&qid=1590242119&sprefix=samson+q2%2Caps%2C362&sr=8-1

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My bad. This is the dynamic mic I'm looking at right now, but according to reviews, people have been complaining of equipment breaking quickly or receiving the equipment broken out of the box. Additionally, people also mentioned issues of the mic stopping functioning after a few uses

He's referring to just the mic itself I assume.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R747SG/

But the "accessories are just a tripod stand, "windscreen", and the cables.

Yo tengo este: https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG

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Que se ve parecido al Shure (el mío es más barato), está bueno

I'd recommend a pair of KZ ZS10 Pros and a Samson Q2U. I am unsure if you mean having an inline microphone with your earbuds or a separate microphone. The beautiful thing about the KZs and other IEMs is that the cable is replaceable in case you wish to have a mic or not, or if there's a short in the cable or something. I am a streamer and I fell for the Blue Yeti scam, not saying that the Yeti is bad, but it picks up everything regardless of which pattern you place it on. For things where communication is key, like the things you listed, I'm sure it would be better to have as little background noise as possible. Here are links to each product I mentioned, and while I cannot confirm how good the mic is (I have friends who swear by it), the IEMs are flippin' amazing. I've had my pair of KZ ZS10 Pros for about 6 months now and I love them.

Microphone

IEMs

As another note, I'd recommend Znari foam tips with the IEMs to get an excellent, isolating seal. I think the T400s go with this one.

Yeah, I would've suggested the Samson Q2u, a cardioid dynamic mic. With the $10 saved, I would've dropped that into a Neewer scissor arm like the one your mic came with.

The Q2u is both USB and XLR which is great for upgradability down the line, like you mentioned.

I just ordered the Samson Q2U off of Amazon for $45. Doesn't come with a pop filter, but it does come with a windscreen and a stand. It's a USB/XLR mic, so you can either plug it right into your computer, or buy a cheap interface with the extra money and use the XLR. There's a bunch of sound demos on YT and I think it sounds really good, especially for the money.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Samson-Handheld-Microphone-Recording-Podcasting/dp/B001R747SG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=samson+q2u&qid=1577590538&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMlVMUEpTS0NRTzNQJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTU3MDk5MUVZTkhGN1pXUkZCSiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDA5NzAzMllWWVRaUTAwSkpLUSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Sound Demo (vs the ATR2100): https://youtu.be/CSnfrj7nubM

• Samson Q2U https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R747SG/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_ln47Eb53MGC3R
• BEHRINGER UM2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EK1OTZC/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_Oo47EbA5NW7WD

All recommendations from https://www.youtube.com/Podcastage

For your use case, I'd recommend the Samson Q2U. It has both USB and XLR output, so you can start off without an interface and upgrade later if you find the need. It's also a dynamic, so less sensitive to background noise and reverb than a condenser (it still picks them up, but not as much. You still want to treat your space).

While it's not going to be quite as clear and detailed as a good condenser, the price is also a lot cheaper. And while this may fall under "opinion," I think it sounds better than USB condensers like the Yeti while only half the price. I linked a couple review videos though so you can make that call. While the Yeti's bad reputation isn't entirely deserved, it's not a great mic either, especially for the price.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, you can get the MXL V67g. While the mic itself isn't that expensive, you would need an interface and XLR cable to go with it, as well as a mic stand, pop filter, and headphones. It all adds up to \~$140 if I recall correctly (going with the cheapest accessories), so while not the most expensive setup it's pushing your budget. And prices may have changed since I last looked. There are definitely better mics out there (that are more expensive), but it's a great mic for the price and will sound plenty good for gaming/discord.

With any of these (or any mic at all, really) you will want some acoustic treatment. Echo and reverb will make any mic sound bad. With decent treatment, even cheaper mics can sound decent. You can get away with less treatment for youtube/discord than you would need for most VO, but you will still want some.

UPDATE:

(1): Neewer Condenser + Arm/Pop Filter

This is the super budget side, it's basically bare minimum quality but would work. Honestly suprisingly good quality, but I'm kinda suspicious of stuff that's this cheap, but maybe I'm just weirdly elitist. Review/Audio Quality

(2): Samson Q2U

This is pretty good. Probably the best value for money you can get, and perfectly fine for someone who isn't literally a gigantic influencer/personality. Review/Audio Quality

(3): Audio-Technica ATR2100

I'd probably get this instead of a Blue Yeti if I was to go back. IMO this might even be overkill for Youtube, I might be wrong on this but I doubt Youtube's audio quality can even match this. Review/Audio Quality

(4): Audio-Technica AT2020USB

Basically just the Blue Yeti's price point but much better than the Yeti IMO. I'd say it's better than what you need/want, but if you want to spend a bunch to get something super good - this it it.

Basically either 1 or 2 TBH. Or a secondhand Blue Yeti/Blue Snowball. (Or one of these secondhand for even less).

• Mic: Samson Q2U or ATR-2100. Connect them via USB directly to your computer.
• Boom arm: Samson MBA38. This will mount your mic to a desk, isolate it from desk noise, and let you position the mic close to your mouth while letting you sit comfortably. The above mics come with stands but you'll have to lean over your desk to get close enough. There are cheaper arms but I think the MBA38 is a good balance. If you want to spend more for a nicer one you can get the RODE PSA1.
• Recording software for remote guests: Zencastr or Squadcast. These allow you to record with a guest by having them go to a webpage (no app to install). Plus, it records locally on the guest's machine then uploads the audio afterwards so the quality is much higher than a native Skype or Zoom recording.
• Editing: I recommend using Descript ($14 a month), which generates a machine transcription from your recordings and lets you edit your audio by deleting text instead of working with waveforms. For a more traditional editor, I recommend using Reaper ($60 one-time with unlimited trial).
• Production: If you know how to level audio and process it, then use a DAW like Reaper, Audition, etc. If you don't, then use Auphonic which can automatically level, remove noise, and process your audio. It's not as good as a professional editor, but it's much better than doing nothing to your audio.

Hey I didn't get a reply from you and I need to leave to go look at a Tempest and Baby Pacman Pinball Arcade machines, so here is a very general setup that should flexible enough that you can continue to build on if you want (for example, dac and amp will work for any future set of headphones you may consider) and will work for most gamers who occasionally use the same headphones for music:

DAC + Amp + $10 RCA male to RCA male cable (just pick one you like off amazon shielded): $250 together

1) $120 Schiit Magni 3 Heresy AMP PLENTY of power for upto 300ohm cans.

2) $120 Schiit Modi 3 DAC Excellent very well reviewed DAC, no frills, no nonsense but gets the job super well done for its price point.

3) NOTE: If you go with this DAC almost everyone gets confused about why there are TWO USB plugs in the back.

• Take a quick watch of why here

Headphones

Option one: Leans a bit towards music but still good for gaming

1) $150 Sennheiser HD 58X Jubilee.

NOTE: 58X doesn't have a input for mic so you will have to add a mic. I absolutely despise the clutter of the $50 mod mic which sticks with a magnet to the side of your headset. Instead I would suggest the mic below, Samson Q2U.

• 58X review here

2) $50 Samson Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack Above average USB or XLR mic, picture is misleading, it does NOT come with a mixer but does come with basic stand, windscreen (not a pop filter). You do NOT need XLR, this will plug directly from mic to your pc via USB.

• Podcastage review of this mic

OPTION 2: Leans more towards gaming performance and less on music. Has more BASS than the 58X.

1) $130 Philips X2HR Fidelio

• X2HR review here

2) $30 V-MODA BoomPro Microphone plugs directly into headset

NOTE: VModa gets the job done, is above average mic quality but nowhere near as good as the Samson Q2U. The advantage is that the VModa will plug directly into the Fidelio's freeing up desk space.

Again I am NOT the end all be all of advice. PLEASE take a moment to check out reviews for yourself. However, the choices I suggested tend to be the agreement in /r/HeadphoneAdvice as well as my personal experience as I own ALL the gear listed above and can vouch for them.

OK man, hope this helps. Have fun.

You dont say anything about budget. But since you already have the solo, I would get a xlr dynamic microphone, these pick up very little background noise normally. I personally use a Shure SM58 but you will do well with a cheaper one.

My recommendations would be the Samsun Q2U with a microphone arm.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R747SG/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DY1F2CS/

Or the slightly more expensive "upgraded" arm, but the neewer one will do for the casual home use.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082W4B7SX/

The microphone package comes with foam tip and xlr cable that should be long enough for use with the microphone arm. And the little extra if you want to keep vibrations and "knocks" out of it, a shock mount.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083Q5T15W/

Depending on where you have your solo compared to where you plan on having your microphone, amazon basic xlr cables does the trick.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JNLTTKS/

Podcastage has a nice review of the microphone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjCJbhjFYiA