USB Microphone vs Audio Interface Head to Head

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  • Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
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Комментарии • 1 тыс.

  • @MusicRepo
    @MusicRepo  4 года назад +109

    My favourite recording gear is here! (Affiliate links)
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    • @gknorth
      @gknorth 4 года назад +2

      Dragon Naturally Speaking voice-to-text software does not work with the Focusrite Scarlett. I learned this when I bought the Focusrite. I had to abandon it. I use Naturally Speaking daily. Sad.

    • @stevengbolagade
      @stevengbolagade 3 года назад +2

      Pls ma can you sing with a lavaliere mic

    • @jasongeer9402
      @jasongeer9402 3 года назад +2

      I'm using my broken phone and could hear it clearly the difference but I was a stagehand for 20 years

    • @danpenner79
      @danpenner79 3 года назад

      not using those shit microphones!! audio crapnicas need i say more?,

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад +1

      Hi, I am sorry for delay in replying. Have a look at this thread. I am not familiar with Naturally Speaking but someone has posted quite a detailed bit of info about how to use it with a Focusrite 2i2 www.gearslutz.com/board/newbie-audio-engineering-production-question-zone/1201711-scarlett-2i2-usb-dragon-naturally-speaking.html

  • @dodg3rii
    @dodg3rii 3 года назад +453

    Finally!! Someone who understands that we can't pick up the differences on youtube audio. Thank you so much. The moment you said "I uploaded to soundcloud", I subscribed.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад +28

      Glad I could help!

    • @veritas932
      @veritas932 3 года назад +12

      I second that. too many youtube reviewers just tell us to listen for ourselves ie loudspeaker reviews and they don't even tell us their opinions

    • @curtr.5792
      @curtr.5792 3 года назад +8

      Doesn't soundcloud have heavier compression than youtube? Forgive me if I'm misremembering, but I tought the bitrate on youtube was higher...

    • @dodg3rii
      @dodg3rii 3 года назад +21

      @@curtr.5792 Soundcloud does have higher compression if you're going to listen online, but it gives you the option of downloading the file with the original quality

    • @curtr.5792
      @curtr.5792 3 года назад +6

      @@dodg3rii Oh neat, never looked into it. Thanks for info!

  • @rickster58
    @rickster58 4 года назад +780

    I’ve been a sound engineer my entire life (62 years old now) and I absolutely loved this video. Good job! Cheers!

  • @mikekeogh924
    @mikekeogh924 3 года назад +205

    How refreshing! No silly banter, no gimmicks, just straight forward factual unbiased information. Your perfect diction and pleasant manner made it a pleasure to watch and listen. In very short order after watching this and another of your videos, I made up my mind and bought a focusrite interface. Thank you.

  • @DojoOfCool
    @DojoOfCool 4 года назад +220

    Being a musician I have lots of audio gear for recording including a USB mic. I have to say my USB mic ends up getting used all the time because its small (with it's own stand) and takes little to no setup time. So for making recordings of my practicing, song ideas, recording the sound of some video, just about anything I need a quick recording of. I basically just leave it connected to my computer all the time and I just bring up any basic recording software and go. If I doing more serious recording then I will use my audio interface and good mics.
    So to me having a good USB mic is a very useful tool to have around.

    • @sentimentaloldme
      @sentimentaloldme 4 года назад +12

      I've been using USB microphones for the last 7 years,. I now use a Rode U.S.B. to record audio directly to my phone. My analysis is if there is just one voice/one instrument to record U.S.B. is the handiest. However to get the audio to the right levels etc..I have to use use a Audio Editing Programme..Also from my experience if you can at all place the mic. away from the computer because the microphone picks up the hum from the P.C.

    • @Captncutie
      @Captncutie 4 года назад +1

      would you be able to send me the same song sample (few seconds) recorded with each? just to see the difference when mixed

    • @nosveratu7140
      @nosveratu7140 3 года назад +2

      Is there like a buzzing noise if u use USB mic and connected it to motherboard?

    • @mxBug
      @mxBug 3 года назад +3

      @@nosveratu7140 There should be no such electrical noise, since USB does not carry analog signals.

    • @Kwayjaye
      @Kwayjaye 3 года назад +1

      Understand this completely

  • @johnford3825
    @johnford3825 3 года назад +79

    I have both of these microphones and I can confirm that the XLR version gives a higher quality recording.

  • @boostaddict_
    @boostaddict_ 3 года назад +88

    I'm getting *way* too into this considering all I do is voice chat on Discord lol. Probably gonna buy a Scarlett solo and an AT2020. Would be nice to be able to record stuff though.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад +19

      Well, if you think you will get into recording, then that's a nice choice ... but you're right. Well over the top for Discord 😂 still .... you will sound good

    • @One-Eyed-Willly
      @One-Eyed-Willly 3 года назад +2

      You might want to think about a mixer. A benefit of an audio like the scarlet is multi tracking. Mixer you can change the way the mic sounds and use a compressor. Then you can add music to you discord. The price of that scarlet "4i4"on then vid you can buy a 10 input Yamaha with FX.

    • @ElGo10x
      @ElGo10x 3 года назад +2

      im also thinking to buy this only for discord

    • @deinpxdoxd8490
      @deinpxdoxd8490 3 года назад +3

      @@MusicRepo I also want to provide a good sound quality to my friends, and since I have the money I might aswell get a full set

    • @dinimit4
      @dinimit4 3 года назад +1

      @@MusicRepo This is quite possibly one of the dumber questions you've received, but what exactly plays through the headphone out on an audio interface? If I have one mic input and headphones out while connected to my computer would I be able to hear audio from my voice on the Mic or from say a video game running on the pc? I am hoping I could have an audio interface power my condenser Mic (for discord mostly) and also act as an amp for my headphones with audio from my pc. I don't really want to hear my own voice. Thanks for anyone with some insight, sorry for the silly question.

  • @stevecook636
    @stevecook636 4 года назад +69

    Best comparison of this question I've yet seen. Thank you very much.

    • @MomusFilms
      @MomusFilms 3 года назад +2

      @Laura Brown Please stop spamming this conversation with your ads.

  • @marybattiatalittlepink5622
    @marybattiatalittlepink5622 3 года назад +44

    As a recording rookie, i am finding this channel so helpful! I haven't searched back through all of the videos yet, but if it doesn't exist, a super basic explainer on the function of pre-amps and midi would be great.

    • @alberthuang8559
      @alberthuang8559 3 года назад

      Hello pretty, how are you

    • @andy347
      @andy347 2 года назад

      @@alberthuang8559 Al, go huang out somewhere else and leave the lady alone.

    • @omi4470
      @omi4470 Год назад

      @@alberthuang8559You’re hitting the wrong person, what’s your IG??

  • @picksalot1
    @picksalot1 3 года назад +8

    Interesting comparison. Not much difference between the two mics - I did listen to them on SoundCloud. To my ears, the XLR/Audio Interface connection had a little more highs and brightness, and the USB sounded warmer and more natural. One thing I've read several times is that higher sample rates become more valuable when recordings are slowed down, like for special effects, etc.
    I would suggest comparing the recordings using a "Null Test." For those who don't know, that is where the phase of one of the recordings is reversed, and then both recorded channels are played simultaneously. All the same frequencies cancel each other out, and the resulting output reveals the difference between the two recording devices. I think this is an effective empirical way to compare the difference between the mics when used on the same signal source, and you can see and hear the differences. Thanks

  • @kingslaphappy1533
    @kingslaphappy1533 3 года назад +35

    Really well explained and demonstrated! I might just add that the audio interface option also lets you utilise any xlr mic in your mic locker rather than being tied to a single all around usb mic.Perhaps you like using a specific mic more suited for voice and yet another more suited for guitar. The audio interface option lets you swap out the right mic for the job provided you have it at hand.

  • @Birdsong6886
    @Birdsong6886 Год назад +7

    I love it so much that there finally is a woman who explains this stuff! Thank you for you're clear explanations and keen knowledge!

  • @Tudorlady5
    @Tudorlady5 2 года назад +11

    What a joy you are! Thank you for making a tricky area crystal clear. For a non-technical novice like myself, this approach is beyond helpful. Unlike so many video tutorials, you stick to the brief and stay with the essential information.

  • @brianbeattyphotography
    @brianbeattyphotography 3 года назад +8

    Wow, that USB mic sounds so much more compressed. The interface was much more natural sounding.

  • @donassarkar
    @donassarkar 4 года назад +18

    Very well explained the difference between the two types of microphones, from a beginner's point of view. That's what I was looking for. Good Job! 👏 👏

  • @danasantos6949
    @danasantos6949 3 года назад +13

    this was such a good explanation! usually whenever people make videos about usb vs xlr mics they just go "well usb stinky xlr better quality haha yes. you need to buy an xlr mic" and never good more in depth this has helped a lot

  • @martinkulik9466
    @martinkulik9466 3 года назад +1

    audio interface is not needed. I got one and never used it, I dont record anything anyway, but when I tested it, it was quiet and when I raised the voice it had some noise, not as much as USB, but nobody would notice anyway...people listen to the speech, not quality, because it doesnt differ much

  • @themightylubu
    @themightylubu 3 года назад +10

    LOL the XLR is so powerful I can hear and visualize tongue movement

  • @lucymasters4910
    @lucymasters4910 3 года назад +32

    This actually explained everything really well, thank you so much. I’ve just started looking into building my own home studio and a lot of it is really confusing and intimidating, but this was so helpful!

    • @litzvoiceactor
      @litzvoiceactor 3 года назад +1

      Did you get any further with your home studio? I'm in the same place.

  • @MGMT1000Videos
    @MGMT1000Videos 4 года назад +9

    Great video - thanks! I've had an AT-2020 USB for about 15 years; great mic. It's an older edition - doesn't have the headphone monitor jack and such so it was good to see how the newer USB mic performs. A few months ago I decided to add an AT-2020 XLR mic to my kit (since I already had a couple of Focusrites (2i2 and a Solo) and you are correct - USB is great for a quick set-up and go, and the XLR gives better sound, but a bit more fiddly (i.e., forgetting to set "mix to mono" on Camtasia say)

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  4 года назад +3

      Good points. I often use the USB mic, because it is so simple .... especially for voiceovers on RUclips. It is easily good enough for that. And as you say, very easy and reliable in Camtasia. Thanks for your comment 😀

  • @uuuummm9
    @uuuummm9 Год назад +1

    There is no difference for me both here on youtube and on soundcloud.
    Unfortunately for me I am watching this video after I bought XLR se electronics x1s and realized I cannot connect it to my PC. It costed me like $200.
    Returning it is such a pain, so I realized that I need to buy an interface for it. I did not want to buy a chip piece of crap spend an evening watching (yeah only now) videos about interfaces and chosen Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 which is another $200. Yeah, I kind of wanted a mic only, but Scarlett Solo costs just 50$ less. 2 inputs looks better at least because I can play a guitar or a piano (I can't play piano yet but want to learn).
    Another thing I realized is that probably now I can use advantage of the interface and listen a quality music if I get a good pair of headphones. So this is another thing I looked for and purchased beyerdynamic dt 770 pro for $150.
    In the end $200 (which I wanted to spend on a relatively good mic to record songs with guitar) became $550 and I am not even sure if I am able to hear any difference in the final setup because I guess I am deaf - this is my thoughts after I listened both mics from this video... :(

  • @AvvieLanche
    @AvvieLanche 3 года назад +41

    Comparison starts at 10:26 for all of you who know how conputers work.

  • @grissom0925
    @grissom0925 3 года назад +1

    Thank you very much for sharing us the wonderful information. I only need USB microphone for ZOOM or MS Team meeting.

  • @eareffect
    @eareffect 2 года назад +6

    Honestly... that was a brilliant peace of tutorial video. I've never heard anybody explain computer recording in such an easy and understandable way. Awesome job!

  • @douglasnewman4163
    @douglasnewman4163 3 года назад +6

    I just have to tell you that your videos are all extremely high quality in *every* way! Such a great resource of *useful* information in one place. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

  • @trancenebula7
    @trancenebula7 3 года назад +5

    i am SO happy i found this channel. it’s exactly what i’ve been looking for. thank you!

  • @xentoz
    @xentoz 3 года назад +1

    I have an audio interface with 2 xlr-combo inputs(presonus24c) but i need another input for vocals. Can i use a usb mic at the same time for recording live ? What can i do ?

  • @blueballedtech
    @blueballedtech 3 года назад +5

    Brilliant. Thank you for your nuanced, and clear explanation of the various recording equipment.

  • @markparkins
    @markparkins 4 года назад +15

    Hi, a nice concise and balanced review of starter level gear. :-)

  • @K9MobilityHeroes
    @K9MobilityHeroes Год назад +1

    so helpful thank you im going to watch all your videos

  • @danielaudacious
    @danielaudacious 3 года назад +4

    I can tell the the difference but most won't... It's up to us we're the ones that have to edit it... I prefer XLR all day, it has a lot to do with my voice.

    • @PrioBak
      @PrioBak 3 года назад +1

      damm exactly tho T_T

  • @gabeoshea4007
    @gabeoshea4007 2 года назад +1

    Honestly I think the USB mic sounded clearer to me here 🤷🏼‍♂️

  • @benjiang9789
    @benjiang9789 3 года назад +5

    After listening to the advice, it seems that a USB mic would serve my purpose well. Thanks!

    • @ulfrinn8783
      @ulfrinn8783 3 года назад

      Yeah, there isn't a huge advantage to XLR over USB anymore. Some USB mics are not even 24 bit 192khz which was the only real advantage interfaces had for sound. Interfaces are good if you need the additional inputs and features, but if you just need to get a mic working on your PC, nothing wrong with a quality USB mic.

  • @dhanarsantika
    @dhanarsantika 2 года назад +1

    I can hear the difference, but the soundcloud version is mindblowing

  • @bengibson866
    @bengibson866 3 года назад +5

    You have been the clearest, most precise and relevant source for me, a beginner. Thank you! I have to figure out how to chronicle your videos to learn this digital recording process.

  • @ShannonMarie_aguafiestasvlogs
    @ShannonMarie_aguafiestasvlogs 2 года назад

    Very helpful video! Thank you!!

  • @myxsys
    @myxsys 3 года назад +6

    You are by far the BEST microphone reviewer I've come across on RUclips. You method of comparison is very scientific. Your Sound cloud channel is truly amazing as I can clearly discern the difference between each microphone. So far I love the quality of the Shure MV7 and the Behringer C-1-U you have tested.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад

      Wow, thanks!

    • @Benzyl
      @Benzyl 3 года назад

      A bit doobly doo deficient though.

  • @justynssagan6156
    @justynssagan6156 2 года назад +1

    You still got it don't be shy 😘🇬🇧🇺🇸🇪🇺🇨🇦🔥

  • @guitarsingaporeRapture
    @guitarsingaporeRapture 3 года назад +3

    An awesome video with crystal clear explanations of the pros and cons of the 2 methods. I went to your soundcloud page to listen to the side by side. I can't really tell the difference between the 2 methods, I had thought the USB mic would perform much worse. Very instructive. Thanks very much.

  • @charlieschmidt9668
    @charlieschmidt9668 3 года назад +2

    I saw in the video ,you have a loop station. . . Can you make a video about that interface. . . Please

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад +1

      I am hoping to do that soon

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад

      Thanks for suggesting 👍

  • @djembemark
    @djembemark 4 года назад +4

    Brilliantly clear. This is exactly where I am at - I bought a usb rhode microphone but have just ordered a focusrite recording bundle with a condenser mic and also sm58 mic and stand. I teach west african drumming and need to mix in my voice in my lesson. I also do some singing and drum teaching. The usb mic didnt record the drum well. My partner also runs gong baths and the usb mic couldnt cope with the range of frequencies of the gong.

  • @TheAgeRating
    @TheAgeRating 3 года назад +3

    Hi new to all of this wondering if you could help me out! Need a mic for zoom music lessons and presentations over Microsoft teams? Will this mic work well for this ? If not any recommendations, (don’t have a crazy budget) this is for a school environment.

    • @sundress7300
      @sundress7300 3 года назад +2

      If you’re gonna use a mic for zoom I wouldn’t recommend hashing out $100+ for a mic. A microphone I recommend is the blue snowball. It’s 75 new or 35 refurbished. Its really simple to setup and sounds great for the price. Another microphone is the Fifine usb mic that $40 dollars new. Both are great options!
      Xlr microphones are more complicated to setup and are much more expensive but it sounds better but usb mics for what you are doing are going to work just fine and there’s nothing to worry about.
      Long story short, for you get a usb mic.
      Edit: blue snowball isn’t cheap right now. When I bought it it was much more cheap so just get the fifine.

    • @TheAgeRating
      @TheAgeRating 3 года назад

      Appreciate the reply’s thank you!

  • @dmcarter1512
    @dmcarter1512 3 года назад +6

    This is the exact video I was looking for! Thanks

  • @shesleigh2579
    @shesleigh2579 3 года назад +1

    I just subscribed! Anyways i have a question how do i connect my "Blue Yeti Microphone" to a Window 7 or HP Chromebook x360? I've tried searching for videos on google, RUclips and more. Please help me with this problem because I've been having this problem for 4 months now
    Thank you.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад

      I'm not sure about Chromebook. I think it should just plug and play if you plug it into a USB port on Windows 7? I can see that the minimum spec is supposed to be Windows 10, but this mic has been going for 10 years, so should work with Windows 7 I would have thought.

  • @joelsolotv7960
    @joelsolotv7960 3 года назад +3

    What a beautiful review. Somebody hire this lady quickly. Amazingly well done me lady.
    I’m sold on the focusrite audio interface.
    For the last 567 years. I’ve been using a Blue Yeti. With Audacity. Always happy with the sound but, I’m amateur musician at best. Thank you.
    I’ll look into maybe find one one sale.

  • @Hatchatorium
    @Hatchatorium 3 года назад +1

    If anyone would like to add up how much money I have invested in getting my condenser mic to actually work with my DAW and actually arm and record in it on my laptop, I'd be happy to tell them to not bother with the audio interface (which is virtually useless unless I wanted to buy an entirely new computer and get an electrical engineer to set everything up for me) and just get the USB plug n play mic. Unfortunately for me, I've been doing this for over 30 years and actually had no IDEA that such a thing as a USB condenser mic with its own phantom power EXISTED!!!

    • @Hatchatorium
      @Hatchatorium 3 года назад

      Where were you AT, nice British lady, around 500 dollars ago???

  • @oleurgast730
    @oleurgast730 3 года назад +7

    Very good video.
    One difference I might add: Sometimes you want to be more mobile. For XLR there are quite good RF-Interfaces like the Sennheiser XSW-D Vocal. You directly insert the transmitter to the XLR-Plug of the microphone and the reciver into the audio interface - and have up to 70m radius from your computer f.e. to do interviews. With an USB-microphone you always have the cable with more limited length and wherefore you need to carry your laptop around...

    • @Kilzu1
      @Kilzu1 2 года назад

      Hmmm odd, I can use my usb mic between 10 to 100 meters away from my computer just fine. Jokes aside, XLR isn't any more mobile than USB mic is, infact XLR mics can be even less mobile (some of them weight more than 1kg which isn't really "carry me around and talk" friendly).
      XLR mics are better yes, but mobility isn't really where they would shine that much.

    • @cali4tune
      @cali4tune Год назад

      @@Kilzu1 but there are also many XLR mics that are much smaller/lighter. lav mic? TBH a USB mic is not a good solution for a professional setup. USB is great for streaming from your bedroom or basement.

    • @cali4tune
      @cali4tune Год назад

      Cable length is important in professional setups. Trying to run USB long distances is more trouble than it is worth IMO.

  • @zacharypiell264
    @zacharypiell264 2 года назад +1

    Great Video. I have noticed that with my Blue Yeti USB microphone, I cannot sing into my mic (with my monitor speakers outputting audio) without the microphone picking up a ton of feedback from the speakers and making a super loud ringing noise. I want to be able to sing and hear my voice without needing headphones. Would a Focusrite help me here? Thank you ☺️

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  2 года назад

      No, you will have exactly the same problem. You need to wear headphones in either of these set-ups.

  • @philscott7949
    @philscott7949 3 года назад +3

    0:54 WARNING: +10db of effects. Perhaps this could be set to the same or lower then the voice track? Thanks.

  • @yardstickwhack
    @yardstickwhack 3 года назад +1

    Many USB mics can also be used on phones. My original Yeti just needed a 7 dollar "on-the-go" usb cable. In addition, you can download Open Camera for free and use the USB mic while taking video. It's a wonderful complement to my s21 ultra's camera.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад +1

      Yep, you're right, it's a fantastic way of getting good audio on videos filmed on phone

  • @jamesalfaro3155
    @jamesalfaro3155 4 года назад +5

    Thank you very much for time teaching all these things. I’ve been a musician basically all my life but nowadays live performances are evolving to the internet. And sadly even rehearsals too,
    For that purpose, I bought a Behringer Xenyx Q1202 USB mixer. I’m crossing my fingers that It was the best choice for plugging: a condenser mic, bass and maybe a rhythm machine. My struggle might start trying for the first time to connect the mixer to my MacBook Air.
    Do I need something else, like a program to make it work properly ???
    Thank you in advance for time and advice,

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  4 года назад

      Hi, I think it will just plug and play! It may have come with some recording software that will get you started, or you could try Pro Tools First, or Reaper (60 day evaluation period)

    • @jamesalfaro3155
      @jamesalfaro3155 4 года назад

      Thank you, I’ll try it this weekend 😎

    • @jamesalfaro3155
      @jamesalfaro3155 4 года назад

      Have a nice day, be safe !!!

    • @MADEMONEYSWAGG
      @MADEMONEYSWAGG 3 года назад

      @@jamesalfaro3155 hey was it worth let me know? Im inthe same boat as you right now

  • @joebarrett5625
    @joebarrett5625 3 года назад +1

    Having purchased an AT2020 on your recommendation that I can just plug and play I've found that the recorded volume is very low (even with volume settings on max). I thought condenser mics needed phantom power but you stated that it should work without. Am I doing something wrong or is your info incorrect.??

    • @theeverglow1132
      @theeverglow1132 3 года назад

      Phantom power is required

    • @joebarrett5625
      @joebarrett5625 3 года назад

      I have found that the usbA to usbB cable that came with my AT2020 usb mic didn't provide a full 5v supply to the mic. Consequently low volume. I replaced it with a usbB to usbC cable and found that worked well. So I believe that on my computer the usbC socket delivers the required voltage.

  • @pauldeshield
    @pauldeshield 3 года назад +4

    when I first started recording I had an XLR mic but didn't have an interface. I had an xlr to usb cable. It worked great.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад +1

      Thanks for your comment. Yes, the quality of those can be pretty good. But the latency can be an issue. However, an inexpensive solution.

  • @polarbear3427
    @polarbear3427 2 года назад +1

    With a USB mic you are depending of the quality of the ADC of the mic. I suppose the quality of the ADC depends on a lot more than dry values of bitrates as is the quality of the DAC to unravel the signal to your power amp. Having a separate XLR preamp allows to upgrade much easier in the ADC department. I also wonder how connecting multiple USB mics of different types or brands to a USB hub would work out on the single USB input of a computer. Last but not least: using a USB mic at a live performance with 5 meter of USB cable seams very cumbersome, or even impossible. Note that a computer at live performance will usually be unreliable (e.g. when Windows decides to start an update suddenly).

  • @Musicwav
    @Musicwav 4 года назад +5

    Thank you for posting this video, it was really helpful to understand the difference between USB and XLR mic and also the benefit of using 4i4 interface. Now i am confident and go ahead for purchasing the product which I need for my new home studio.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  4 года назад +2

      Glad it was helpful!

    • @arnav6753
      @arnav6753 4 года назад

      Also I Got The Solo Bundle By Focusrite And I Am Happy AS A Santa Now !

  • @andy347
    @andy347 2 года назад +1

    JUST what I was looking for except… I noticed the problem with USB mics came when trying to mix into an existing soundtrack, the delay (not an expert on this so not sure I’m getting the terms right). I had heard that using an audio interface negated that. I was surprised you didn’t mention anything about this inherent delay with USB mics. Or does the same problem exist with the audio interface since it is also a USB device?

  • @antoinepersonnel6509
    @antoinepersonnel6509 3 года назад +36

    The USB lose so many details in the highs, even on youtube, thats insane.

  • @fazbell
    @fazbell 3 года назад +1

    If you want it done RIGHT.......leave it to a woman.

  • @shortcut101
    @shortcut101 3 года назад +3

    I've heard the comparison in soundcloud both in a distance and not. To me it doesn't have a significant difference. Thanks, you saved my money as a beginner

  • @Colombo5218
    @Colombo5218 Год назад +2

    Thank you for an absolutely superb presentation. Not a word wasted. All my questions were answered and doubts were illuminated. Many could learn from you; especially what it means to "get on with it", "cut to the chase" and not rave on!

  • @tonyg6103
    @tonyg6103 2 года назад +3

    Let's just say that I am very impressed with this channel. How you explain everything is so practical and easy for me to understand. I've done my part by subscribing and liking. Thanks a million!

  • @kemclawson314
    @kemclawson314 4 года назад +6

    Just what I was looking for. Terrific comparison. Thank you! Stay well.🙏

  • @kenwebster5053
    @kenwebster5053 3 года назад +5

    There are more options than this, but I guess your keeping it short and simple. Just to take it a bit further if anyone is interested:
    Most desktops I have used include an analogue audio input that any microphone can connect to. Analogue connection is either single ended (unbalanced) using a TS plug or multipoint (balanced) using either a TRS or XLR plug. Single ended is a domestic standard that is good for cable runs up to about 5m while miltipoint is a pro audio interference cancelling standard that is good for 100m or so. You can get simple audio transformer devices to convert from multipoint to single ended or simple cheap wired converter plugs to allow a multi point mic to plug directly into a desktop audio input. You can then setup the PC sound properties to whatever digital audio resolution you want this analogue source to convert to. Yes, it's a bit of messing about but it's a cheap way to digitally record any analogue source you wish without using an interface. However, the interface should do a cleaner job, not that most people will notice much. Many laptops include an audio input on their 4 pole headset input/output and external microphones should be able to connect to this via a splitter plug. There are 2 standards for this so you need the right one for your laptop. Microphones tend to be of 2 types, dynamic or condenser. Dynamic mics use a coil and magnet capsule to convert sound to an electric signal and these do not require power. The most well known of these are the Shure SM57 & SM58 instrument and vocal misc. These are old designs but extremely robust with a nice rich tone and still favored for their ability to withstand the rigors of live performance, they are tough and reliable. There are arguably nicer dynamic options for studio depending on taste. Condenser mics require power, usually 48 Volts phantom power for a true condenser mic, but a sub class of these are electret mics which usually work off internal battery power (1 or 2 AA cells, 1.5 - 3 Volts). Electret mics tend to be used for things like camcorders etc while true condensor mics tend to be a more professional standard depending on the model. Both convert sound to electricity by an electrostatic principal using a small light weight diaphragm, so they pickup high frequencies and therefore detail very well, but this signal is week and requires amplification which is the reason they are powered. Warning, electret mics will be destroyed by phantom power. Large diaphragm mics tend to not pickup high frequency detail well but are really good at powerful sounds such as jazz vocals etc. Small diaphragm mics do not do those sounds well but do pickup high frequency details with certain instruments. Some mics include a high frequency cut to remove transients above 10 kHz or so which you sometimes may wish to remove or sometimes not, it's a good option. Of course, you can do filtering in the DAW but better to do it at source than digitally.
    Most pro audio recording is done at high sample rates and bit depths. The reason for this is, reducing post processing errors and headroom to avoid clipping. The final pro product though is usually down sampled to CD standard. High res is seldom made available commercially and when it is, it's usually just up-sampled from the CD standard so the consumer isn't getting the recorded resolution anyway. This is a content protection, copyright & licencing issue. Some specialist audiophile producers do release genuine high res and some DVD/BD discs contain real high res (not upsampled) but playing it is generally controlled by licencing agreements where the DAC can only access the high res stream when the content licence matches, else it just accessed standard res. So, you never know what content resolution your actually accessing, even if a DAC reports a high res stream, it may well just be upsampled and not real. You probably should bear this in mind when producing digital audio and not get too carried away with resolution. Honestly, I can hear a difference between CD and higher resolution when AB testing, but if I never heard the original analogue, I'd never know there is a difference.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад

      Wow, thanks for taking the time to share all that ...

  • @reathpd
    @reathpd 2 года назад +2

    Your Sound Cloud examples are excellent. Thank you.

  • @ogretattoo
    @ogretattoo 3 года назад +4

    I tried a USB condenser mic in front of my guitar amp and then tried the dynamic mic-and-interface method. Frankly, the USB sounded the same and cost less than half. The only real advantage I find in using an XLR and/or dynamic is keeping the condenser mic circuits from getting fried by loud amp noise.

    • @polarbear3427
      @polarbear3427 2 года назад +1

      so you have USB condensor mic which costs half of XLR dynamic mic and sounds better (not counting the amp in the price)? I am very curious which mics you have then. usually condensor mics are more expensive than dynamic ones and USB mics are more expensive than XLRs, giving the same diafram and other mechanics.

  • @brucejohnson5568
    @brucejohnson5568 Год назад +2

    Great job of explaining the ins and outs of 2 popular microphones. I appreciate the work you put into the comparison.

  • @chassy50
    @chassy50 3 года назад +5

    Wow, I didn’t know my English teacher was so cool!

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад +5

      Haha, you must have me mixed up with someone .. I taught maths and economics in high schools. Then taught Music Tech and Computer Programming at uni. Never English 😉

    • @heavymetalmusichead4969
      @heavymetalmusichead4969 3 года назад +2

      @@MusicRepo ah, but you are an English person. And a teacher. Therefore you are an English teacher. 😝

  • @adi5badi
    @adi5badi 3 года назад +2

    Excellent and super helpful video! You are the only audio RUclipsr I've come across who really seems to understand what they are talking about. Thank you again.

  • @kumaSOevl
    @kumaSOevl 3 года назад +5

    I’m so thankful for these videos because this helps my mother and her singing out a lot since I’m completely clueless to all this.

    • @alexfrazer7265
      @alexfrazer7265 3 года назад +1

      Hi GimmickXIII, I'm here for my mother too. I dont have any idea on this stuff at all. and I'm very very confused what to buy. and if I buy without knowing anything, I may be ending up wasting money buying a non suitable device. but i want to buy the best suitable mic for my mom's singing. so I've been searching and searching..
      found this video. and found ur comment

    • @kumaSOevl
      @kumaSOevl 3 года назад +1

      Alex Frazer thanks! Best of luck to you! I’ve wasted some money already buying some cheap usb mic and pc speakers. We just ordered a xlr mic with a external sound card and just waiting for it to come in.

    • @alexfrazer7265
      @alexfrazer7265 3 года назад

      @@kumaSOevl ohh..
      I hope it works well. I wish you all the very best for mother's singing

  • @marculini
    @marculini 3 года назад +1

    Another advantage in XLR mic + audio interface over USB is the liberty of gain configuration, on USB backround noise is more difficult to avoid and when you try to avoid it with the operating system volume the mic sounds very low and impact significality the quality recording. With an interface, you have more control, its easy to avoid backround noise without impact the volume of the mic and also is more easy avoid distortion noises because its not needed set a high gain as an usb mic for record in an acceptable volume.
    Im a little desagree with all equipement that is needed for a xlr mic and interface setup because depends if you are looking for voice recording with a better quality also.

  • @JimEdds
    @JimEdds Год назад

    Thanks for the video. I've found that dynamic USB mics don't have enough gain to reach optimum levels. Even with the macbook pro levels turned up. But with the Focusrite I can.

  • @wader1545
    @wader1545 4 года назад +5

    Thank you very much for this video, you're so sweet!

  • @BurninSven1
    @BurninSven1 3 года назад +2

    A cheap Behringer mixer with unbalanced output hooked up to your computers mini tele input is probably the easiest and cheapest way to get a multichannel setup.
    Usb mics well some work good but you are stuck with just one channel so if you are going for one get one with headphones output on it.

  • @solmalijan
    @solmalijan 4 года назад +3

    This video answered my questions. Thank you for this and because of that. I subscribed.

  • @PaulSebastianM
    @PaulSebastianM 3 года назад +2

    If you still want a high quality USB condenser microphone, don't look at the Audio Technica presented in this video. A better one is the Rode NT-USB Mini. It has a USB-C and 24 bit / 48 kHz sampler.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад

      Thanks! I agree there are better USB mics around now, but here I happened to have both USB and XLR version of same mic so it made for a fair comparison 🙂

  • @OurBlackFriend
    @OurBlackFriend 3 года назад +4

    When I hear this accent I immediately trust and believe whatever is said. Sue me.

  • @BrandOrigins
    @BrandOrigins 3 года назад +2

    Been looking to upgrade from my USB mic but always have been too intimidated by the complexity of it all. Your videos have been INCREDIBLY helpful. Thank you so much

  • @narikadavis3351
    @narikadavis3351 3 года назад +6

    After listening to the voice quality for about 3 minutes to both in Soundcloud, the usb mic sounds just as good as the XLR mic to me!

  • @JulieBluestoneMusic
    @JulieBluestoneMusic 3 года назад +2

    Excellent video! I get it now~

  • @marcin6386
    @marcin6386 4 года назад +6

    I dont hear ANY difference.... :-)

  • @TomHug
    @TomHug 3 года назад +2

    Useful evaluation. Thank you. I noticed after listening to your soundcloud uploads, that there's a difference in sibilant quality. To my ears, the USB is a tiny bit harsher and more pronounced on sibilants.

  • @NoThrottle
    @NoThrottle 3 года назад +14

    My take on the audio recordings:
    In both the RUclips and Soundcloud (downloaded) recordings, it was immediately apparent to me that the USB one is louder and "cooler" than the XLR which had a slight softer and warmer tone. Prefer the XLR over the USB.

    • @YeungLorentz
      @YeungLorentz 2 года назад

      yes, that's exactly what i feel too after listening to both. I prefer the XLR better.
      But I think it is all about taste. Just like some ppl prefer train travel, while some others prefer flight travel.

  • @lilmatoran1012
    @lilmatoran1012 3 года назад +2

    Mind boggling, the video made me realize and learn something. I have a USB mic with an appropriate adapter for my phone but I didn't think to connect the two and then record. I'd rather use my mic connected to my computer even still but it is something that I find pretty cool!

  • @xxxxxbriansanchezyyy
    @xxxxxbriansanchezyyy 3 года назад +10

    Love the, "Where's Waldo look".

  • @Maw4Play
    @Maw4Play 10 месяцев назад

    This is a great channel for a beginner who doesn't know what he needs in the beginning!!! Thank you!

  • @RobinC63
    @RobinC63 4 года назад +5

    Thank you for your videos, they are a great deal of help for me. Here is my background. I am a professional musician with 40 years experience in the classical, musicals, rock, folk, and other genres. I have done old school (studio) recording and understand some of the basics of recording. I am in the process of developing a home studio but have been feeling overwhelmed with all the different products and software out there and choosing what is suitable for me now and for the future. Your videos are so valuable for me not only in content but with your no nonsense way of explaining things. Thank you.

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  4 года назад +1

      Thanks! Glad to help, and good luck with your setup👍

  • @benay3621
    @benay3621 3 года назад +2

    I own a Rode NT MIC USB but haven't been satisfied with the vocal recordings. However I have been curious about replacing it with a mic & audio interface. After careful examination between the two recordings from your SoundCloud link , you can clearly tell the difference. The USB version sounds more digital compared to the audio interface which sounded more natural. Now I will purchase the audio interface with mic and would like to thank you for this helpful video. ☺️

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад +1

      Thanks, glad it helped

  • @skyflysky1919
    @skyflysky1919 3 года назад +5

    After reading several articles already, somehow this was more informative and straight to the point 👍

  • @Thiagoofficial85
    @Thiagoofficial85 3 года назад +2

    I should've discovered your channel before! Glad I have now.

  • @Lucyart
    @Lucyart 4 года назад +4

    Amazing explanation on time ❤ thank you 🎶🎻❤

  • @jcljoel
    @jcljoel 3 года назад +1

    Very clear. Excellent video. Thanks

    • @MusicRepo
      @MusicRepo  3 года назад

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @multapaucis109
    @multapaucis109 4 года назад +5

    Thanks for this, very helpful! A question I've got is about DAW: Reaper or Logic? Would would you say?

    • @arnav6753
      @arnav6753 4 года назад

      Logic AND FL ! Reaper Is Basic For Me !

    • @vatsalismusic
      @vatsalismusic 4 года назад +1

      Go for Reaper it is economic option and you can do everything in it❤️

  • @instructoruldemeditatie2367
    @instructoruldemeditatie2367 15 дней назад

    The question is if the usb microphone is a true condenser or an electret? Because most of the usb are not true condenser .People with experience say an electret can never sound as good as a true condenser.Maybe with this brand they specify what type of microphone is but with cheap brands you just don't know.

  • @fidget1860
    @fidget1860 4 года назад +3

    liked the review, I didn't hear a difference between the two but that could have just been my headset. I think I will still stick with USB for now.

  • @winterheat
    @winterheat 2 года назад

    maybe if we go for AT2020 XLR, why not just go with Shure MV5, MV7, SM7... you only need to buy a nice microphone once... unless they have USB 5 or USB 6 in another 10 or 15 years

  • @jotjotzzz5357
    @jotjotzzz5357 5 месяцев назад

    There’s microphones that do both USB and XLR like the Samson Q2U for anyone just starting! This gives you the ability to have both for future upgrades.

  • @techwithazam6992
    @techwithazam6992 2 года назад

    Thanks for your Video. How can I connect a DSLR camera with 3.5mm Jack to a USB Condenser Mic ? Do I need an adapter ? Most of the Condenser Mics don't have 3.5mm Audio Jack for inputting in the DSLR ! What's the solution !

  • @willemvanveldhuisen3119
    @willemvanveldhuisen3119 Год назад +1

    Just started getting interested in music production and your vids are crazy helpful. Thank you so so much for all you do✌️

  • @chrissankey2978
    @chrissankey2978 5 месяцев назад

    Thank you for your excellent instructional videos. You are accurate and clear....exactly what we need. I am wondering if you could offer any advice about what to do when Plug and Play approach to connecting a Midi Control Surface to Macbook computer. When I connect many items, for example keyboards, they work immediately. On the other hand, some guitar pedals, that are advertised as MIDI controllers, do not work....some seem to achieve some connection, or acknowledgement by the Mac, but do not work.. Can you offer clarity? Thanks

  • @lordwrath9621
    @lordwrath9621 Месяц назад

    Glad I watched this. I make amateur electronic music for fun, ive been interested in a mic for creating my own samples. People have been telling me to get an interface and all this stuff, when really the USB will do me just fine. Im no vocalist anyway.