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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.
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
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.
@@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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this video! I've looked this up EVERYWHERE and found nothing. You're the only one good enough to answer my question.
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.
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.
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.
Hi, thanks for this video. From a marketing perspective I suggest adding "Audio Thecnica At2020 vs Audio Thecnica XRL Microphones Comparison" I was looking exactly for this but your thumbnail / and title video didn't seem to approach this. When you mentioned this was what you were doing I was so happy I finally found a video comparing both versions. You'll video will blow up as people tent for looking for specific words. It's a suggestion 🤗🙌🏼 thanks again for this video. 💙
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
@@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.
I tried to find a tutorial trying to explain this mic but could not find anything until this video which was excellent in a very concise and detail explanation. Thank you
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
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.
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
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!
Hi Jane, and - once again - a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Again, too, I would like 2 thank u 4 figuring out the pros and cons of those 2 mic-options! Great listening 2 u and seeing ur enthusiasm spreading out to our world of tech-rookies! ;-)) With regards from Germany Martin
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...
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.
@@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.
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.
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)
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 😀
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.
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.
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. ☺️
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.
I haven't even listened to the Soundcloud comparison yet but WOW. I can totally hear the difference over RUclips. Thank you for the video. I will now be making an upgrade. After listening to the comparison over sound cloud the interface helps everything sound a little more natural
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.
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,
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)
This video was perfect for me. You answered all the questions I had regarding USB vs interface. Since I record one track at a time the USB works best for me. Thanks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is the second of your videos I've watched & it answered more of my questions than I knew I had! And for the record, my take-away from this was, save your pennies & buy both systems 'cause they'll both come in handy for different things...
Thanks for your very straightforward and informative video. I am now clearer on the difference between the two. I am off to watch a few more of your videos now!
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.
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.
Great little video. You have a really good teaching style. Rather than becoming lost in technical jargon, I feel a few doors into the recording world have suddenly opened up. Cheers !
Hey we need more videos! You give great info and explain this stiff in an easy to understand way. Please put more stuff up and teach more stuff! Thanks for all the previous videos and also in advance for new videos.
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.
Wow this is a great simple explanation! Great job! One thing I would add: The USB mic does not allow you to control the mic pre-amp level, ether it is preset (that may not provide enough gain or distort if overloaded) or has some sort of auto gain control that can adversely affect your recording sound. Personaly I have a few USB mics and a large collection of Mic's with analogue XLR outputs, along with a number of different mix/pre-amps, A/D's and computer interfaces (including a Focusrite Scarlet
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.
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.
I have worked in studios for over 60 years building FX, engineering, production & composing. You have a great presentational style which explains a difficult subject in basic terms. The only comment I would make is give us your name so we can thank you better Thanks.
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 😉
Thanks for this comparison and the explanation about the differences between them! Really helpful! I've already bought my mike and chose to go with an XLR version (Shure SM57) and after watching this video, I'm glad I went XLR as now I know it's really the right choice for my circumstances.
Thanks for this great video!! One of the best I’ve seen on here. Could I please ask you some advice with recording on garage band using usb mic? Best wishes Sean .
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?
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).
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
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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.
Pls ma can you sing with a lavaliere mic
I'm using my broken phone and could hear it clearly the difference but I was a stagehand for 20 years
not using those shit microphones!! audio crapnicas need i say more?,
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
I’ve been a sound engineer my entire life (62 years old now) and I absolutely loved this video. Good job! Cheers!
Wow, thanks!
I need xlr mic
Because I got a usb mic and I’m tyrna buy a interface
woow
Rick...can I email you?
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.
Glad I could help!
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
Doesn't soundcloud have heavier compression than youtube? Forgive me if I'm misremembering, but I tought the bitrate on youtube was higher...
@@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
@@dodg3rii Oh neat, never looked into it. Thanks for info!
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.
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.
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.
would you be able to send me the same song sample (few seconds) recorded with each? just to see the difference when mixed
Is there like a buzzing noise if u use USB mic and connected it to motherboard?
@@nosveratu7140 There should be no such electrical noise, since USB does not carry analog signals.
Understand this completely
I have both of these microphones and I can confirm that the XLR version gives a higher quality recording.
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.
Hello pretty, how are you
@@alberthuang8559 Al, go huang out somewhere else and leave the lady alone.
@@alberthuang8559You’re hitting the wrong person, what’s your IG??
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!
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!
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.
Comparison starts at 10:26 for all of you who know how conputers work.
Thank you
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
Best comparison of this question I've yet seen. Thank you very much.
@Laura Brown Please stop spamming this conversation with your ads.
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.
Wow, thanks for taking the time to share all that ...
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!
Glad it was helpful!
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
Great job of explaining the ins and outs of 2 popular microphones. I appreciate the work you put into the comparison.
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.
Wow, thanks!
A bit doobly doo deficient though.
I'm a pup entering a dog's world. This is a great channel and I'm happy that RUclips connected us. Thank you for these great tutorials!
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.
Your Sound Cloud examples are excellent. Thank you.
i am SO happy i found this channel. it’s exactly what i’ve been looking for. thank you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for making this video!
I've looked this up EVERYWHERE and found nothing. You're the only one good enough to answer my question.
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.
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.
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.
Hi, thanks for this video. From a marketing perspective I suggest adding "Audio Thecnica At2020 vs Audio Thecnica XRL Microphones Comparison" I was looking exactly for this but your thumbnail / and title video didn't seem to approach this. When you mentioned this was what you were doing I was so happy I finally found a video comparing both versions. You'll video will blow up as people tent for looking for specific words. It's a suggestion 🤗🙌🏼 thanks again for this video. 💙
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.
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
Great to hear!
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!
Did you get any further with your home studio? I'm in the same place.
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.
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.
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
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.
im also thinking to buy this only for discord
@@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
@@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.
I tried to find a tutorial trying to explain this mic but could not find anything until this video which was excellent in a very concise and detail explanation. Thank you
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.
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
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.
@@kumaSOevl ohh..
I hope it works well. I wish you all the very best for mother's singing
You are a godsend. I love how you explain these things and how fairly and dispassionately you compare and contrast different equipment. Excellent!!!
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! 👏 👏
So trueee!
Boy, this is really the gold standard for demos. Thank you!!
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
I have searched for a lot of videos regarding this type of topic but this one is more informative. Thumbs up
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!
Hi Jane,
and - once again - a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Again, too, I would like 2 thank u 4 figuring out the pros and cons of those 2 mic-options!
Great listening 2 u and seeing ur enthusiasm spreading out to our world of tech-rookies! ;-))
With regards from Germany
Martin
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...
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.
@@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.
Cable length is important in professional setups. Trying to run USB long distances is more trouble than it is worth IMO.
Thank you very much for sharing us the wonderful information. I only need USB microphone for ZOOM or MS Team meeting.
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.
Glad it was helpful!
Also I Got The Solo Bundle By Focusrite And I Am Happy AS A Santa Now !
This is a great channel for a beginner who doesn't know what he needs in the beginning!!! Thank you!
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)
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 😀
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.
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.
Thanks for your comment. Yes, the quality of those can be pretty good. But the latency can be an issue. However, an inexpensive solution.
so helpful thank you im going to watch all your videos
Brilliant. Thank you for your nuanced, and clear explanation of the various recording equipment.
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.
0:54 WARNING: +10db of effects. Perhaps this could be set to the same or lower then the voice track? Thanks.
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. ☺️
Thanks, glad it helped
After listening to the advice, it seems that a USB mic would serve my purpose well. Thanks!
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.
I haven't even listened to the Soundcloud comparison yet but WOW. I can totally hear the difference over RUclips. Thank you for the video. I will now be making an upgrade. After listening to the comparison over sound cloud the interface helps everything sound a little more natural
This is the exact video I was looking for! Thanks
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.
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,
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)
Thank you, I’ll try it this weekend 😎
Have a nice day, be safe !!!
@@jamesalfaro3155 hey was it worth let me know? Im inthe same boat as you right now
This video was perfect for me. You answered all the questions I had regarding USB vs interface. Since I record one track at a time the USB works best for me. Thanks.
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.
Thanks! Glad to help, and good luck with your setup👍
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.
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.
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.
this is the first video that made me understand the differences between the two types of mics, thank you very much really
Just what I was looking for. Terrific comparison. Thank you! Stay well.🙏
This is the second of your videos I've watched & it answered more of my questions than I knew I had!
And for the record, my take-away from this was, save your pennies & buy both systems 'cause they'll both come in handy for different things...
Wow, that USB mic sounds so much more compressed. The interface was much more natural sounding.
Thanks for your very straightforward and informative video. I am now clearer on the difference between the two. I am off to watch a few more of your videos now!
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.
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.
Appreciate the reply’s thank you!
Great little video. You have a really good teaching style. Rather than becoming lost in technical jargon, I feel a few doors into the recording world have suddenly opened up. Cheers !
Just started getting interested in music production and your vids are crazy helpful. Thank you so so much for all you do✌️
After reading several articles already, somehow this was more informative and straight to the point 👍
Hey we need more videos! You give great info and explain this stiff in an easy to understand way. Please put more stuff up and teach more stuff! Thanks for all the previous videos and also in advance for new videos.
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.
damm exactly tho T_T
Wow this is a great simple explanation! Great job!
One thing I would add: The USB mic does not allow you to control the mic pre-amp level, ether it is preset (that may not provide enough gain or distort if overloaded) or has some sort of auto gain control that can adversely affect your recording sound.
Personaly I have a few USB mics and a large collection of Mic's with analogue XLR outputs, along with a number of different mix/pre-amps, A/D's and computer interfaces (including a Focusrite Scarlet
Plenty of USB mics with gain control nowadays.
This video answered my questions. Thank you for this and because of that. I subscribed.
This is an excellent job of covering this topic. These videos are great because the subjects are carefully studied and very effectively conveyed!
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.
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.
i REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR THOROUGHNESS, AS IF WE ARE HAVING A CONVERSATION - YOU ANSWER ALL MY QUESTIONS. THANK YOU.
Hi, a nice concise and balanced review of starter level gear. :-)
I have worked in studios for over 60 years building FX, engineering, production & composing. You have a great presentational style which explains a difficult subject in basic terms. The only comment I would make is give us your name so we can thank you better Thanks.
Wow, I didn’t know my English teacher was so cool!
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 😉
@@MusicRepo ah, but you are an English person. And a teacher. Therefore you are an English teacher. 😝
your videos are sooo helpful. I'm a noob to all this and I appreciate that you explain the basics clearly but you don't dumb anything down. kudos!
LOL the XLR is so powerful I can hear and visualize tongue movement
😂😂😂😂😂😂
you're a wonderful teacher I watched a load of headache videos by cheesy youtubers and your channel is a refreshing find. Quality!
Thank you very much for this video, you're so sweet!
Thanks for this comparison and the explanation about the differences between them! Really helpful! I've already bought my mike and chose to go with an XLR version (Shure SM57) and after watching this video, I'm glad I went XLR as now I know it's really the right choice for my circumstances.
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!
I saw in the video ,you have a loop station. . . Can you make a video about that interface. . . Please
I am hoping to do that soon
Thanks for suggesting 👍
Thanks for this, very helpful! A question I've got is about DAW: Reaper or Logic? Would would you say?
Logic AND FL ! Reaper Is Basic For Me !
Go for Reaper it is economic option and you can do everything in it❤️
this video allowed me to decide on selling my usb mic. i got an at2500 usb that just doesn't cut it in terms of quality. thank you for this!
Glad I could help!
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.
Thanks for this great video!! One of the best I’ve seen on here. Could I please ask you some advice with recording on garage band using usb mic? Best wishes Sean .
Love the, "Where's Waldo look".
😭
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?
The USB lose so many details in the highs, even on youtube, thats insane.
Why are you talking out of your ass?
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).
Amazing explanation on time ❤ thank you 🎶🎻❤
this was exactly the video i needed to understand the differences between the two. great video. thanks!
When I hear this accent I immediately trust and believe whatever is said. Sue me.
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