Audio Upgrade

MacRS4

MacRS4

MacRS4

Soldato
Joined
15 Dec 2008
Posts
2,713
Location
London
I currently use a Yeti Blue USB Mic on my Mac Pro, and while it's OK I think it could be better. So looking to upgrade and hoping for some advice as I'm not really sure what I'm looking at!

I think I want an XLR Mic and Audio Interface. Ideally to allow up to two Mics, and also if the Mic could be directional (I.e. to me only).

Budget perhaps up to 500 quid, but can increase if it's really worth it.

Would appreciate some guidance! It's for a mixture of YouTube vids (less concerned about) and some work stuff that I do where quality is important, and I think I'm missing just something on the audio quality.

Thank you all in advice, obvs.
 
The YouTube/camera stuff I use some Rode mics, it's not really for that though. No cameras involved for the stuff I've been asked to improve the audio on, just me talking through some work junk and it's then overlaid later on to video.

It didn't occur to me to ask what they'd like improving - echo etc. It's their money so more than happy to upgrade tbh :D
 
I've watched a ton of video on mic comparisons and honestly unless you are doing massive productions, the USB Blue Yeti is pretty good and not worth spending more.

It would even work for Streaming too.
 
I love my Rode NT1 for a desk mic. I've quite a few different mics of £100 and up and this sounds the best by far to me. I don't use it for YouTube stuff now, as I prefer not to have it in the way, but for voice over, definitely sounds the best.

Maybe ask for Premiere Pro? It can do some pretty clever stuff on cleaning up audio...
 
Raymond Lin said:
I've watched a ton of video on mic comparisons and honestly unless you are doing massive productions, the USB Blue Yeti is pretty good and not worth spending more.

It would even work for Streaming too.
Click to expand...

Yeah, must admit I've not really noticed any issues with it tbh. I've asked them what they'd like to actually improve, so I'll see what they come back with.

Appreciate the help, thanks :-)

The Rode NT1 has been suggested a few times, I'll have a look see.
 
MacRS4 said:
Yeah, must admit I've not really noticed any issues with it tbh. I've asked them what they'd like to actually improve, so I'll see what they come back with.

Appreciate the help, thanks :)

The Rode NT1 has been suggested a few times, I'll have a look see.
Click to expand...

Also check out Audio Technica AT2020, AT2050 if you want more features.
 
I am quite interested in this subject despite being a noob. I also had a Blue Yeti but donated it to my son and have been using a modmic temporarily. I spend most of my day on conference calls so it's not for podcasting. But I wanted to get a decent mic again so have been looking into the subject a lot. I did buy an Audio Technica AT2020USB+ but I am considering sending it back and spending a little more to get an XLR setup for the long term flexibility.

Anyway, while looking at reviews it became apparent that the most important thing is to get the room sounding right. A cheap mic can sound great if you treat the room, but an expensive mic can sound terrible in a bad environment. So you might want to reserve some of your budget to treat the walls and any hard surfaces with sound proofing.
 
I've just bought a Rode PodMic, and a Scarlett audio interface. Easy to setup. I've done some testing recordings to get the gain right and the audio is cleaner. I think. Erm. Haven't quite got it right yet. If you look at this video on the 2020 MBP (anything with the desktop showing, not me yakking to the camera) this is on the new setup. If you listen to this one it's on the old yeti setup.

Weirdly, work people happy with the new setup but I can't really tell the difference!
 
I think the new setup will sound better if you boost it a little in post (or adjust gain up more?) as it's a little quite I think?

I'd not seen the Rode Podmic before. I've emailed Rode on the off chance they'll send me a review unit :)

(Also, btw, as I've been told many time, you're not allowed to link to your own YouTube if you're monetized :( )
 
Yeah, I don't normally tbh unless specifically asked for stuff. I agree to be fair, I'm not trying to pimp my channel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom