RØDE - NT-USB+

I hope it’s allowed to share other links here. I’ve tested both, the HyperX and the Røde and they both sound pretty good and I’d even say similar. HYPERX: The Quadcast is older (depending on which model you buy) and their software isn’t compatible with Mac. And it has a fancy light (which you can’t control with Mac software). From the sound perspective, the Quadcast has 4 settings of recording sound, which doesn’t really help. You shouldn’t use stereo, for example. Just use the cardioid polar pattern. https://soundandgo.com/en/hyperx-quadcast-usb-microphone-models-comparison/ RØDE: Very basic and more modern microphone, works great with smartphones and the rode app is available for almost any device. Has a cardioid pattern, which you want. Always go for the +, not for the mini. https://soundandgo.com/en/rode-nt-usb-review-test/ You can also get a low profile Mic Arm. For noise reduction or audio quality improvement, I can highly recommend auphonic.com Conclusion: I’d go for the NT-USB + and use auphonic

Have you done anything to treat the acoustics in the spaces the two of you record in? The thing with condenser mics is that they are much more sensitive than dynamics. That’s good because it means instead of having them 3-4” from your mouth, you can have them 6-8” away. The bad news is that sensitivity acts like an audio magnifying glass for anything in your space. It will pick up every noise and acoustic imperfection inside and outside either space. Even things you don’t even notice. If your acoustics are bad, those mics are going to really amplify them. Condenser mics still require good mic technique. They react the same way when you move off axis of away from the mic. As for putting them on the desk, you can do that, but the sound quality is going to take a hit unless you’re using a good desk mount that can get the mic closer to your mouth. That is the number one goal for good dialog recordings. Having said all that, if you’re set on getting a condenser, go with the Rode. It’ll be a much better mic all around.

Dude just get a rode nt USB+ or an AT2020 USB both under 200 bucks and sound fantastic. No interface needed since they are USB mics and less hassle. I have a blue spark xlr and sound quality wise I can't tell the difference between it and my rode nt USB. The only difference is that the blue sounds warmer than my rode.

I stan the NT-USB. It has great build, great quality for a very affordable price. I don't know the other one, though.

Beware of advertisement in this comment section. The Rhode NT USB+ is a pretty good mic! Costs around 160€. I wonder what kind of editing software will you use?

Of those I'd only consider the Shure, but if possible increase budget for the MV7+ and listen [here](https://youtu.be/zgSub6vZ9KY) But if I were getting a USB mic for voice acting I would only consider two: the sE Neom and the RODE NT-USB+ (not the original)

I'd respectfully suggest avoiding the AT2020 as I personally find it thin/brittle/cheap/hyped top end and has the traditional characteristics of an electret condenser mic (which it is) rather than a true condenser. Note many modern electrets sound balanced these days however. If he has great mics already, a Shure x2U or MVX2U is a good portable solution. Slightly higher noise floor than a good interface's preamps but I used the older X2u in a travel setup for years and never noticed a problem. The only USB mics I really like the sound of (but I'm biased towards VO) are the RODE NTUSB+ (not the older version) and the sE Neom. I own the older (Lightning) version of the MV88 and always have it with me in case I need to capture something, but while it's good for quick 'n' dirty sound gathering, I don't consider it really "pro" sounding.

I have personal experience with the Røde NT-usb+ and would highly recommend it. It has awesome sound quality, controlls on mic for voice volume and its not omnidirectional so less risk of it picking up keyboard and mouse sound its also not insanely expensive its also gotten reviews naming it best budget friendly mic

Rode NT USB works wonders, I use it all the time

A condenser mic would be a better option sitting that far. And I should be clear, I’m not saying that condenser mics are inherently bad. The reason I would t suggest them is because they are incredibly more sensitive than dynamic mics and will pick up every single noise in your room. Your pc fans, your mouse clicks, your keyboard, your controller. You can eliminate some of this with things like noise suppression or a noise gate. A dynamic mic will still work from 2 feet, but you’ll have to crank the gain and even then it might not be enough and often comes with noise. Not to mention your voice will sound terrible and thin. There are good options for desktop mic stands that can position your mic closer to your mouth and still be out of the way. If you have a quiet enough room, or just don’t care about background noise, then it’s perfectly fine to go with a condenser mic if it works better for you. Like I said, they’re not inherently bad. And in that case, I would recommend the Audio Technica AT2020 USB or the Rode NT USB. Both can be had for around $100 and will sound great.

I would recommend the mic arm in the link below. It’s low profile and can be swung out of the way when you’re not using it. And if you want to stay within your budget, you could get the Fifine AM8 + the mic arm for around $100. The build quality of the AM8 isn’t quite as good as the Podmic or the AT2040 that I mentioned, but the audio quality is just fine as long as you set the gain right. There are plenty of YT videos you can look for on how to set the gain. And again, if you don’t want the mic directly in front of you, a condenser would probably be a better choice. You could also forgo the mic arm and just use a desktop stand. It’ll just be more sensitive to room noise and background noise. Fifine, Maono, and HyperX have budget condenser mics that sound pretty good for around $50. Mic arm: https://a.co/d/bicWLbT Fifine condenser: https://a.co/d/eLbgYUw HyperX condenser: https://a.co/d/5zfFhN5

Volume issues? Sure it's not a user angle? Are you solely using their software or do you use filters in OBS aswell? I'd scrap the software and focus on filters to adjust things. Other then that Rode NT is a solid mic, i've had the USB one myself for years.

Personally I will vouche for the Rode NT USB mic. It's roughly $140 on Amazon right now from what I saw. Yes it's a USB mic and while it sound great out of the box, with some simple OBS filters you can make it sound absolutely crisp!