Setting up a condenser mic system: please give advice!

[TheDesX77]

OK, for a while now I have been needing a new set of cans since my old ones broke, and I have been doing some research into them. However, I have read around the web that "gaming" headsets have rubbish sound compared to proper stereo headphones.

After a bit more research into the somewhat terrifying world of condenser mics, audio mixers and XLR cables, I have decided to put together a setup using a microphone that I have and a pair of Sennheiser HD558s, using a Behringer Q802USB mixer:

Basically the PC connects to the mixer via USB and the mic connects to it via XLR. The mixer then outputs them through the headphones, and back into the PC where they can be recorded.

So, questions:
1)Will this actually work?
2)Can I still use the mic for teamspeak, skype etc?
3)Is there a significant advantage in using the USB mixer over a standard one?
4)Are these headphones good?

Thanks in advance. Also, if anyone knows a decent audio forum, please let me know as there are probably more experts there.

 

[TheDesX77]

Have you already got the Behringer Q802USB in your possession?

I would personally sack that off and buy a half decent audio interface as the Xenyx is never going to get the best out of a Condenser microphone and is frankly entry-level hardware that will no doubt set on fire (seriously - has happened to a good mate of mine 3 times now and he is taking them to court).

Speaking of, which condenser mic have you bought?

As for your questions:

1. Yes but don't expect great sound
2. Yes, I don't see why not but personally never done it
3. The advantage of using a USB mixer is that it acts like an Audio Interface so that you can get audio in and out of your computer using the DAC & ADC. However, you would be better off with a decent audio interface IMHO.
4. Not heard them

I read GearSlutz forum a lot but tend to read a lot of manuals as well. All the pro engineers I know have spent literally thousands of hours crawling through manuals...

Hope this has helped.

I haven't purchased anything yet. The microphone I have came with something my dad bought a few years ago. Not sure what model it is, there's no branding. I think it may actually be a dynamic microphone. If need be I can pick up a different one from somewhere.

What decent mixer/interface is there for around the same price as the Behringer? Ideally I don't want to spend too much on this.

Rroff: I have looked at that, but I'd like something that will allow me to do recordings as well as just gaming.