Working From Home Resources/Microphone Recommendations - Revision history

11229: I worded my last edit fudging awfully and now it's better

2021-05-07T21:03:31Z

I worded my last edit fudging awfully and now it's better

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:03, 7 May 2021
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	If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) or the '''Rode NT-USB''' - they're quite pricy, but plug directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.		If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) or the '''Rode NT-USB''' - they're quite pricy, but plug directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.

	You could also get the non-USB '''AT2020''', the '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but ~~these are ''XLR mics'~~' ~~and will~~ need an interface to ~~be used - buying one of those will drive up the price quite a bit~~ (check the bottom of this page for more). If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the AT2020 or NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.		You could also get the non-USB, ''XLR'' versions: the '''AT2020''', the '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58'''. By themselves, these can be cheaper than the USB versions, but you'll need an interface to use them (check the bottom of this page for more). If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the AT2020 or NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.

	== Accessories ==		== Accessories ==

11229: prices change also wording ambiguous

2021-05-07T20:59:49Z

prices change also wording ambiguous

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:59, 7 May 2021
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	If you have a gaming headset, or indeed any headset with a mic, lying around, that can work quite well as well. Similar guidelines apply: position it 3-5cm from your mouth, while angling it to avoid air going directly into the mic, because that'll cause popping, which sounds awful.		If you have a gaming headset, or indeed any headset with a mic, lying around, that can work quite well as well. Similar guidelines apply: position it 3-5cm from your mouth, while angling it to avoid air going directly into the mic, because that'll cause popping, which sounds awful.

	== ~~<£40~~ ==		== £50ish ==

	At this price range you can't go wrong with the '''Samson Go'''. It's a small condenser mic that plugs in via USB and can sit on top of your laptop (it's really that small!), or on your desk. Don't put it too close to your mouth though, because it is quite sensitive.		At this price range you can't go wrong with the '''Samson Go'''. It's a small condenser mic that plugs in via USB and can sit on top of your laptop (it's really that small!), or on your desk. Don't put it too close to your mouth though, because it is quite sensitive.

	== ~~<£75~~ ==		== £80ish ==

	At this price range we'd recommend the Go's bigger brother, the '''Samson Meteor'''. It also plugs in via USB, but has a bigger sensor, so it'll sound much nicer. Just like the Go, put it a bit further away from your mouth.		At this price range we'd recommend the Go's bigger brother, the '''Samson Meteor'''. It also plugs in via USB, but has a bigger sensor, so it'll sound much nicer. Just like the Go, put it a bit further away from your mouth.
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	The Shure PGA58 comes in below this range, but you'll also need an audio interface for it, and a stand as well, since it doesn't come with one and suffers from bad handling noise, so when you add it all up it'll end up costing something around this. You could start building up a pro audio setup - having an interface will mean that you can use more advanced mics later down the line - but if all you'll be doing is radio, you'll be better served spending it all on one mic.		The Shure PGA58 comes in below this range, but you'll also need an audio interface for it, and a stand as well, since it doesn't come with one and suffers from bad handling noise, so when you add it all up it'll end up costing something around this. You could start building up a pro audio setup - having an interface will mean that you can use more advanced mics later down the line - but if all you'll be doing is radio, you'll be better served spending it all on one mic.

	== ~~£100~~ ==		== £100ish ==

	At this range a good option is the '''Blue Yeti Nano''', or if you can stretch the budget, the full-size '''Yeti'''. There's also the Yeti Studio, but the only real benefit of that is that it has an XLR port, which you probably won't need unless you already have XLR hardware (if you have to ask, you don't).		At this range a good option is the '''Blue Yeti Nano''', or if you can stretch the budget, the full-size '''Yeti'''. There's also the Yeti Studio, but the only real benefit of that is that it has an XLR port, which you probably won't need unless you already have XLR hardware (if you have to ask, you don't).
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	If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) or the '''Rode NT-USB''' - they're quite pricy, but plug directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.		If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) or the '''Rode NT-USB''' - they're quite pricy, but plug directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.

	You could also get the non-USB '''AT2020''', the '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used~~, so~~ will drive up the price quite a bit. If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the AT2020 or NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.		You could also get the non-USB '''AT2020''', the '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used - buying one of those will drive up the price quite a bit (check the bottom of this page for more). If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the AT2020 or NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.

	== Accessories ==		== Accessories ==

11090: /* Beyond */

2020-04-11T10:30:52Z

Beyond

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:30, 11 April 2020
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	If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) or the '''Rode NT-USB''' - they're quite pricy, but plug directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.		If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) or the '''Rode NT-USB''' - they're quite pricy, but plug directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.

	You could also get the non-USB '''AT2020''', the '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit. If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.		You could also get the non-USB '''AT2020''', the '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit. If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the AT2020 or NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.

	== Accessories ==		== Accessories ==

11090 at 10:13, 11 April 2020

2020-04-11T10:13:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:13, 11 April 2020
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	At this range, the options widen quite considerably.		At this range, the options widen quite considerably.

	If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) or the '''Rode NT-USB'''- they're quite pricy, but plug directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.		If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) or the '''Rode NT-USB''' - they're quite pricy, but plug directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.

	You could also get a '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit. If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.		You could also get the non-USB '''AT2020''', the '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit. If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.

	== Accessories ==		== Accessories ==

11192 at 20:33, 8 April 2020

2020-04-08T20:33:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:33, 8 April 2020
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	At this range, the options widen quite considerably.		At this range, the options widen quite considerably.

	If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) - it's quite pricy, but ~~plugs~~ directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.		If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) or the '''Rode NT-USB'''- they're quite pricy, but plug directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.

	You could also get a '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit. If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.		You could also get a '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit. If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.

11090 at 19:46, 5 April 2020

2020-04-05T19:46:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:46, 5 April 2020
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	As already stated, '''''you probably don't need an audio interface'''''. The options are here in case you're interested, but for most simple use cases, a mic and a pair of headphones will do you just fine.		As already stated, '''''you probably don't need an audio interface'''''. The options are here in case you're interested, but for most simple use cases, a mic and a pair of headphones will do you just fine.

			If you do buy one, make sure to check if your combo of mic and interface comes with an XLR cable - some do but many don't, so you might need to buy one separately - don't get caught out!

11090: /* Beyond */

2020-04-04T12:19:38Z

Beyond

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:19, 4 April 2020
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	If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) - it's quite pricy, but plugs directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.		If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) - it's quite pricy, but plugs directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.

	You could also get a '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit.		You could also get a '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit. If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless.

	== Accessories ==		== Accessories ==

11090 at 21:03, 3 April 2020

2020-04-03T21:03:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:03, 3 April 2020
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	An audio interface is like a really basic mixer that plugs directly into your computer. Almost all the mics listed above are USB, so you don't need an interface, but if you're looking into more advanced gear, or eventually recording multiple mics at once, these may be useful.		An audio interface is like a really basic mixer that plugs directly into your computer. Almost all the mics listed above are USB, so you don't need an interface, but if you're looking into more advanced gear, or eventually recording multiple mics at once, these may be useful.

	One that the ~~eng~~ and ~~comp people~~ use a lot at URY is the '''Behringer U-Phoria UMC22''' - we use them for a lot of events and OBs where we don't have the space or time to set up a full mixer.		One that the Engineering and Computing Teams use a lot at URY is the '''Behringer U-Phoria UMC22''' - we use them for a lot of events and OBs where we don't have the space or time to set up a full mixer.

	If you want to get fancier and need more inputs, good options are the '''Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2''' or the '''Focusrite Scarlett 2i2''', although these do have a price tag to match the fanciness.		If you want to get fancier and need more inputs, good options are the '''Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2''' or the '''Focusrite Scarlett 2i2''', although these do have a price tag to match the fanciness.

	As already stated, '''''you probably don't need an audio interface'''''. The options are here in case you're interested, but for most simple use cases, a mic and a pair of headphones will do you just fine.		As already stated, '''''you probably don't need an audio interface'''''. The options are here in case you're interested, but for most simple use cases, a mic and a pair of headphones will do you just fine.

11090: /* Beyond */

2020-04-03T20:56:27Z

Beyond

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:56, 3 April 2020
Line 43:		Line 43:
	At this range, the options widen quite considerably.		At this range, the options widen quite considerably.

	If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' - it's quite pricy, but plugs directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.		If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) - it's quite pricy, but plugs directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.

	You could also get a '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit.		You could also get a '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit.

11090 at 20:53, 3 April 2020

2020-04-03T20:53:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:53, 3 April 2020
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	At this range a good option is the '''Blue Yeti Nano''', or if you can stretch the budget, the full-size '''Yeti'''. There's also the Yeti Studio, but the only real benefit of that is that it has an XLR port, which you probably won't need unless you already have XLR hardware (if you have to ask, you don't).		At this range a good option is the '''Blue Yeti Nano''', or if you can stretch the budget, the full-size '''Yeti'''. There's also the Yeti Studio, but the only real benefit of that is that it has an XLR port, which you probably won't need unless you already have XLR hardware (if you have to ask, you don't).

			== Beyond ==

			At this range, the options widen quite considerably.

			If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' - it's quite pricy, but plugs directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware.

			You could also get a '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit.

	== Accessories ==		== Accessories ==