USB Audio Interface vs Mixer advice

Gazb

Gazb

Gazb

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So I'm currently using a really cheap and nasty microphone at the moment, I plan to upgrade this to something worthy of upgrading to.

The new setup will be used for anything from voice chat, voiceover's and potentially recording for music purposes.

Looks like there are a couple of viable options to go for.
First one is an audio interface like the Forcusrite Scarlett series, with an xlr microphone plugged into that (maybe something like a RODE NT1-A).
The Scarlett's always seem to get good reviews, though I'm not sure what the driver support is like or if it is like bluemicrophone's usb mics where you don't need to download a special driver and it just works.

The next option is to get a relatively simple 2-4 channel mixer, and either have one that is a usb model (so use it as a usb audio interface), or have the mixers output plugged into my soundcard.
This option probably gives the most flexibility but I'm not sure it would actually be worth it.

So I'm looking opinions from anyone who happens to be running a setup similar to one of the above and can give some advice on what they think of it, limitations/issues with that setup etc.
 
The Focusrite stuff is excellent in my experience,just make sure you get one that can supply phantom power to a decent mic when you get one.
 
APM said:
The Focusrite stuff is excellent in my experience,just make sure you get one that can supply phantom power to a decent mic when you get one.
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Yeah, was gonna get a Solo or a 2i2 if I go that route. Both of them can deliver phantom power so keeps the microphone options open.
 
I have a Saffire firewire interface that I use for basic guitar and synth stuff and it's a stunning bit of kit but I can't rate the USB ones not having used them.

I think the 2i2 is down to £90 or thereabouts now?
If you're going to use it a lot I don't think there's a better way to spend money really unless you want to go a few £100's extra and go Roland but then you're into the law of diminishing returns.
 
I've just gone for a Focusrite Scarlett Solo and a Audio Technica AT2020 setup and should be putting it together later today/tomorrow. I've heard it's a very good setup and should make me be crystal clear just when talking normally and for my recording/streaming.

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APM said:
:)

Enjoy and give us a report!
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Will do and heard a lot about the 2i2's myself, this is supposed to be the same internals but with one solo mic hence the name rather than the 2i2's two mic inputs.

Should have it set up tomorrow was missing some rubber pads, don't want to ruin my new desk fixing it to it without them.
 
Set it all up and love it, brilliant set up and crystal clear.

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Had loads of people notice a massive difference in vocals already. Super happy with it, definitely worth the outlay.
 
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If you haven't found anything yet, I use a pair of Mackie Onyx Blackbirds for recording drums etc. and it sounds great, so for a single mic I would recommend the smaller Blackjack.
 
Nice choice. I was in the same dilemma recently too. I went for the Rode Procaster, SM6 Shockmount with integrated pop filter, Zoom UAC2 (USB3), DBX286S, Citronic 180.002.

I've always said that OCUK should look into Podcasting equipment but they just seem to sell the Blue Yeti crap. No doubt they will say it's the best selling microphone to grace this World. :rolleyes:

Their competitors have a great range of stuff and is where I got my Zoom from for £106 as they managed to buy a load of stock as reported on GearSlutz. It was a bargain at that price. It's gone back up to £200 now :eek:
 
Twirlywoos said:
Nice choice. I was in the same dilemma recently too. I went for the Rode Procaster, SM6 Shockmount with integrated pop filter, Zoom UAC2 (USB3), DBX286S, Citronic 180.002.

I've always said that OCUK should look into Podcasting equipment but they just seem to sell the Blue Yeti crap. No doubt they will say it's the best selling microphone to grace this World. :rolleyes:

Their competitors have a great range of stuff and is where I got my Zoom from for £106 as they managed to buy a load of stock as reported on GearSlutz. It was a bargain at that price. It's gone back up to £200 now :eek:
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It is for people who want a plug and play mic that performs well, but compare that to an XLR mic with phantom power and a good audio interface it's easily surpassed.

Good setup though, definitely will last you a long time and nice price on the Zoom. :)
 
dakaiez said:
It is for people who want a plug and play mic that performs well, but compare that to an XLR mic with phantom power and a good audio interface it's easily surpassed.

Good setup though, definitely will last you a long time and nice price on the Zoom. :)
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There are so many usb and dual usb/xlr alternatives to the Blue Yeti and even Razer. OCUK just like selling the latest hype and if they had a decent product manager who knew his speciality then they would purchase other brands to give customers choice.

Compare the product range to that place in Bolton and you'll be amazed. The Blue Yeti isn't bad though but when you consider the shape and limited range and extortionate price of shockmounts then you know why serious podcasters/streamers chose something else.
 
Twirlywoos said:
There are so many usb and dual usb/xlr alternatives to the Blue Yeti and even Razer. OCUK just like selling the latest hype and if they had a decent product manager who knew his speciality then they would purchase other brands to give customers choice.

Compare the product range to that place in Bolton and you'll be amazed. The Blue Yeti isn't bad though but when you consider the shape and limited range and extortionate price of shockmounts then you know why serious podcasters/streamers chose something else.
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Yeah there is the AT2020USB, Rode NT-USB and quite a few other usb ones that are just as good if not better.

Then Cardoid ones even more so, no idea if they would do well though on here.
 
Twirlywoos said:
There are so many usb and dual usb/xlr alternatives to the Blue Yeti and even Razer. OCUK just like selling the latest hype and if they had a decent product manager who knew his speciality then they would purchase other brands to give customers choice.

Compare the product range to that place in Bolton and you'll be amazed. The Blue Yeti isn't bad though but when you consider the shape and limited range and extortionate price of shockmounts then you know why serious podcasters/streamers chose something else.
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The Razer mic is pretty bad in sound quality even compared to the normal Blue Yeti. Also the Blue Yeti Pro is noticeable step-up from the normal yeti as well, and is definitely not crap. Overpriced, but not crap. (The Yeti's are also built like tanks)

Anyway, I'll probably go for a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and a Rode NT1A, had thought about an Electrovoice RE320 but that's quite a bit more expensive.
 
Gazb said:
The Razer mic is pretty bad in sound quality even compared to the normal Blue Yeti. Also the Blue Yeti Pro is noticeable step-up from the normal yeti as well, and is definitely not crap. Overpriced, but not crap. (The Yeti's are also built like tanks)

Anyway, I'll probably go for a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and a Rode NT1A, had thought about an Electrovoice RE320 but that's quite a bit more expensive.
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Looked at the one i've got the AT2020? It's got glowing reviews and pretty nice price, you can get it for £85 with an XLR cable bundled on the rainforest. NT1A is very nice though, also the AT2035 is very nice for around a similar price as the Rode and again very highly recommended by people who stream and do voiceovers etc.

You'll love the Focusrite, very nice setup and the drivers work perfectly. It won't work without them though, tried that at first but they and the bundled software work very well. You going with the 2i2 as you might use two mics in the future? If not i'd suggest going with the Solo, opted for it myself and very happy with it.
 
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