Sadly I’ve watched dozens of videos on the topic and they all never seem to get to the point, until I found this video 😄. Thank you! Going with the $100 shotgun mic you recommended
These are indeed the best spent 14min videos on microphone knowhow that I could find on RUclips... excellent work and thanks for really summarising everything that is important on this subject (especially the aspect of distance between microphone and speaker)
Great video! Thanks for clarifying and testing different setups. I was between buying a new mic, using the rode nt1, or using the rode video go for work meetings without the mic being in the fram. I'll need to buy an 3.5mm to XLR adaptor to plug in my audio interface, but this is way cheaper than a new mic or buying a boom arm when I have such limited space.
Hi there. I'm SO glad my video helped you! That was my goal with this video, try to explain the basic differences and how we should expect to be ABLE to use each type so we can pick what's best for our situation. Thank you again, happy recording, cheers!
HI there. Thank you! So, keep in mind it's almost NEVER the mic itself that will "do better" with room reverb, It's more about mic placement as related to the sound source. Also, condenser mics are just more sensitive, so they're usually going to pick up more reverb of your room, especially when placed further away. So, the closer you have the mic to you, the less gain you'll need, (aka, you'll be able to "turn it down,") thereby turning down everything, including the "sound" of your room. However, that being said, I'd honestly go with the Rode VideoMic NTG or even the Rode VideoMic Goii, and even if you want it OUT of your video frame, get it as close as you can. Being shotgun mics, I find they do much better in reverberant spaces than diaphragm condenser mics. Some audio folks say shotgun mics don't do well in reverberant spaces, but I think that's when the reverb gets way out of hand, like a church or cathedral! I've done tests with my Rode VideoMic NTG in my dining room/living room (fairly open/bouncy-soundind/reverberant), and I think it works great in that space when placed as close as I can get it. I do some distance tests in this video: ruclips.net/video/z7bglcSQOC4/видео.html I really think the Rode VideoMic Goii may be your best bet. It's relatively inexpensive, sounds great, fairly easy to use, you'll just need a small tripod or a boom arm.
Thank you for revisiting this topic! I am looking for a USB microphone for video calls that is hidden from view on video. I was going to buy the Rode VideoMIC NTG based on your older videos. However, I think that this might not be the best idea since my desk setup is in a large untreated room. Would you still recommend a Rode VideoMIC, or should I try to find a USB version of a small diaphragm mic?
Hi there. So sorry it took me a while to reply, the past few months have been so busy and I just got behind on RUclips comments! So, if you haven't found a solution, I'd try the VideoMic Go ii (the VideoMic NTG's little brother). IT's only $100, can be boomed in very close (because it's light) and still sound great AND be out of your frame. I would, however, really TRY to add some sound absorption to your space if you want to keep the mic further away from you. Sound treatment will most often help your sound MORE than a mic. The only other way to keep the sound of your room "out" of your mic, is to get the mic very close to your mouth, thereby needing to turn the gain down. But, since you want your mic out of frame.......that's not an option. The VideoMic Goii is really a great mic, it's USB just like the more expensive model, smaller, cheaper, and sounds just about the same as the VideoMic NTG. Good luck, let me know how it's going !
Hi there Jose! You are welcome, I'm glad this video helped you. So, for my teleprompter, I'm actually using my homemade teleprompter (link to video on how I built this: ) And I use my iphone (iphone 12 mini or iphone 6s.....yes, I still have a 6s). My homemade teleprompter can just hold an iphone about the size of the 6s, and *maaaaaybe a regular iphone 13/14 (non-mini versions), but I like smaller phones, so, I can't say how large of a phone my homemade teleprompter can hold. But again, it works well with my iphone 6s & iphone 12 mini. And for software, I WAS using the Parrot teleprompter app, but it got a bit buggy a couple of years ago so I now use PromptSmartPro on my iphone. It has an auto-follow feature so it listens to me speaking and (mostly) advances the words with my voice. It works fairly well, it glitches out sometimes and doesn't follow, but, thats' where the beauty of editing comes in!! So.....homemade teleprompter > iphone 6s/12mini > PromptSmart Pro App Cheers!
I would love to see you do an updated version of this video. There have been a lot of new USB microphones released recently that boast good out of frame quality. I'm looking to get a new mic for my setup to replace a Blue Snowball for video meetings where I don't want to be using a headset on camera. I have a mechanical keyboard, I don't want the mic in frame, and I want something discreet and compact so it doesn't ruin my minimalist setup. I've been looking at the Rode VideoMic Go II (Helix), Shure MV6, and Samson Q9U. I'm not going to be recording vocals or doing a podcast, I just need something that's going to sound high quality on video calls, without picking up my keyboard. My room isnt treated, but it's carpeted and in a smaller space. I've watched hours and hours of these videos, but every single one focuses on deepthroating the mic for the best quality. I need a mic that I can keep arms length away without my keyboard overpowering it. I could use the mic that's on the webcam in between my stacked monitors, but the quality on that one is garbage.
@marioc6929 Ended up going with the Rode VideoMic Go II. It's about arm's length away, setup beside my monitor. Audio quality is really good and works well for my purposes.
@@marioc6929 I'm running it through Krisp and you can't hear the keyboard at all, even if I type while talking. It's a loud ass keyboard too cause I love my clicky clacky blue switches. Krisp also makes it easier to switch to my headset mic if I want to walk away from the computer, since whatever software I'm using just stays set to the Krisp virtual input and doesn't need to change. Without Krisp it's not too bad. I have pad disabled and HPF set to 75 in the Rode software.
Thanks for all the tips. I have a Rode video mic GO2. Would you suggest to have the pad on and keep it close to me like you showed at the end of the video. I'm asking because I have quite a noisy room. Without the pad I could hear a lot of noise.
Hi there. You are welcome, I'm glad my video helped. So, the pad isn't going to reduce any noise or make anything cleanre or better. The pad on any mic is ONLY there in case the sound source it's aimed at is too loud (like your voice, or a guitar, snare drum). If the pad is OFF and you're not clipping out the mic or the System Preferences or Windows-Sound-settings, then software...... then there's no need to use the pad. If you turn on the pad, it simply tells the mic (reduce the overall level and expect louder sounds), but that makes the signal INTO the computer lower, which means your software (Mac system Preferences, Windows sound settings, or the Rode Central App) will then be RECEIVING and overall lower signal and will have to boost it up, and, depending on your situation, you may actually induce MORE system noise (hiss) using the pad. However, if you have the mic right up close to you, then, yes, you may want to use the pad. at 13:02 in this video where I'm using the Rode ViceoMic NTG close up I'm pretty sure I do have the pad on because with the mic that close, my voice is louder to the mic so I/you will probably need the pad so we don't distort the mic. That's what pads are for. I hope that makes sense, do some more experimenting, but the long-and-short of it is......if you're happy with the sound with particular settings, then go with those settings! There's no right-or-wrong-per se, I just always approach things with knowing WHAT my choices may do to my audio and I always approach audio with "how do I reduce my system noise or hiss at all points in the signal chain" so I get clean audio. Happy Recording!
I currently have an Elgato Wave:3 but since I don’t like it in the frame, I mount it low by my keyboard. To keep it out of frame, it ends up picking up a lot of ambient noise, clicks, and reverb. I am thinking a shotgun would be a good choice, but I really like the Elgato Wave software. They make a XLR only version too so I can use the Wave software and any other XLR mic. What XLR shotgun do you recommend? Is it the NTG5 you used? I do have a ceiling fan I like to use. Thanks in advance!
Oh! That’s a whole different ballgame in my opinion. I’ve never used ribbon mics, I don’t have a lot of need to, and, of course, with the high possibility of accidentally frying them with phantom power, I just consider them a “boutique”option.
Been considering the Lewitt 440 pure for voiceover work, video conferencing, and potential future RUclips videos. Any concerns about this option? I suppose the biggest one would be to limit noise, it will have to be on screen?
Hi Marcus, I’m hoping to get your opinion on which mic I should buy. I need something portable I can take with me everyday to my office environment. It’s an open office so I’ll have others to my sides and even behind me in their own cubicles. I was looking at either something like the elgato wave 3, rode usb nt mini, or the rode video mic go II. Any thoughts?
Hi there. Great question, thanx for reaching out. Let me answer/state this for starters: With ANY of these mics, especially in a crowded office environment, the BEST solution is to be sure to get the mic close to you, as close as possible/comfortable because that, and that alone, will ensure that your voice is louder to YOU in your headphones (assuming you use headphones), and it will ensure your voice is the loudest thing to your virtual meeting attendees........and therefore the background noise of your office will not be as loud, AND, you will not have to speak as loud, so as not to be too loud in that crowded environment and possibly annoy your co-workers ;) That being said, here are my thoughts on each mic: All 3 are condenser mics, so that's good, especially if you are NOT going to have the mic right up against your face/mouth......if you were using a dynamic mic (SM7B, Shure MV7, etc), you'd need to get that really close to you for the best signal/sound. But, all of the other mics you listed here are condensers, so, a little bit better starting point for mic placement. Elgato Wave 3: I have NOT used this mic so I can't speak to the sound quality, but I think this might be your best choice IF you plan on placing the mic on the desk in front of you because this mic has (3) individual settings that are adjustable with the front dial: Mic Gain, Headphone Volume, and Crossfade mix.......and MANY USB mics do not have ALL THREE of these adjustments, and these are important to keep separate because you need good input gain to the computer vs your own headphone volume (and it depends on which headphones you use as to how much "volume" you'll need to push to them from the mic). The Wave 3 also seems very streamlined and sleek so it should fit in/out of your bag nicely I would think and would be easy/quick to set up given that you need to take it back and forth (although I would recommend simply buying a 2nd USB-C Cable and leaving one cable at work and one at home so you don't always have to pack up the cable, but that's my 2 cents). In addition, Elgato says this mic has "clip-guard" which will help you greatly if you don't set your gain properly......if you get loud or boisterous, this mic will assist with the signal so you don't clip and sound distorted to your audience. I am NOT 100% sure, but this "clip guard" feature may require installation of the Elgato software as well, but that's usually free and easy to do. But, I think even withOUT the software, you'd be able to set everything you need with the mic itself, without having to dig into System Preferences or other software......that's the big benefit of having those 3 individual settings ON the mic itself: Gain/Mix/Headphone volume. During your meetings, you don't have to go looking for software (behind your Zoom meeting, etc) to adjust things. Rode USB NT Mini: I also have NOT used this mic, but it's a condenser, that's good for being able to place a bit further away, however, this mic only has a single knob on the front for "volume" and I'm not sure if that's ONLY controlling the headphone volume. This means you *may need to utilize software to more finely control your mix and mic gain. This *CAN get in the way of what you need to do during your meetings, etc. Rode VideMic Go II: I have this mic, it sounds GREAT. But, there are NO external buttons so you HAVE To adjust input gain/headphone mix, etc all from your computer. You can use the Rode Connect app to do this for free, and you don't HAVE to use the Rode Connect App, you can just use Mac System Preferences or Windows Sound settings to set the input gain of the mic, but if you want to engage the hi-pass (lo-cut) filter or engage the 20db pad, you'll have to use the Rode Connect software. It's free, and easy to do, but an extra step if you want to use those features. However, this mic could provide more defense against low-end sounds/banging on your desk because it DOES have that high-pass filter AND it comes with a shock mount. So, if you put this mic on a small tripod in front of you in its shock mount, and engage the high-pass (lo cut) filter, it would greatly reduce low end rumble and unexpected bangs on your desk, etc. But, again, you'd want the Rode Connect software accessible. the Wave 3 and the Rode USB NT Mini are cardioid pattern mics, so they'll "hear" less sound from behind the mics. Whereas the VideoMic Go ii is a Supercardioid and will have a bit of sound it "hears" from directly behind the mic, and that's just the nature of Supercardioid mics. If you have the space and don't mind a mic RIGHT in front of you, I'd probably go for the Wave 3 because of the direct-usability with the 3-function knob on the mic, WITH a boom mic arm mounted on the side of your desk so you can pull the mic right up close-enough to you to isolate your voice more and keep it out of the way of your hands for typing, etc, and this also keep it from having to sit ON your desk. I hope that helps :)
@@MarcusHutsell Marcus, thank you so much for the detailed breakdown. That helps a ton! I’m definitely leaning more towards the elgato wave 3, only wish it had that nice magnetic base that the rode mic has haha. I will most likely be keeping the mic on the desk right in front of me on the included stand as opposed to a boom arm just for portability reasons at work.
Hi there. I currently still use a $13 mic arm to mount (at most) 3 microphones on the same arm. You don't have to use any specific arm, I just use adapters to get any mic-arm to have my receiving-device-of-choice. So.......here's the setup: I have (2) of my mics mounted just about ALL the time so I can (1) have virtual meetings using the Rode VideoMic NTG, and (2) record videos using the Rode NTG-5. Here's the arm I use: amzn.to/49Glnxa It's cheap, light, but it does hold everything, I've had no reason to upgrade. I then have a 5/8" to 1/4-20 adapter mounted on the end: amzn.to/3QebTlY Then the 1/4-20 screw of that adapter goes into a dual cold-shoe mount: amzn.to/447lyjO That dual cold shoe mount holds: (2) mini ball mounts (mounted on both sides of the dual cold-shoe)t: amzn.to/4b4JMNX - One ball head holds my Rode NTG-5, the other ball head goes on the other side of the same cold shoe mount.......and holds....... (1) MORE Cold-shoe mount (Ulanzi PT-2 - amzn.to/3JtyzuA) on the OTHER side of the SesenPro cold shoe mount)......this additional cold-shoe mount gives me a 3rd cold-shoe mounting point so I can mount a total of (3) mics if needed. My Rode VideoMic NTG is mounted to one side of the Ulanzi cold-shoe mount, which puts it right next to my Rode NTG-5, then the 3rd cold shoe mount is "free" and lets me mount other mics I want to test as needed. Granted, my chosen mounting method is via cold-shoe instead of standard microphone 5/8" or 3/8" mounts, but, so far this has worked well for me and I just add a cold-shoe-to 5/8" or 3/8" adapter somehow to mount a standard mic clip if I want to test an XLR mic, etc. I hope that makes sense.....but yes, both of the dual-cold-shoe mounts, the 2 mini ball mounts, the videoMic NTG, and the Rode NTG-5, and *mostly any additional mic I put up there, can be held by this $13 arm. It gets pretty heavy when I mount a 3rd mic, but I just tighten up the arm and so far so good, it all holds generally where I need it to stay. Now, since I need my mics mounted high, AND because of my desk/speaker/computer-monitor set up.....behind my computer monitor, I have the mic arm clamped to a spare VESA monitor arm (amzn.to/49NDFwH) to get more height out of the overall setup. I think I got this idea from Caleb Pike here: ruclips.net/video/WedG8LKO6ks/видео.html. And that WHOLE Vesa-Mount-to-mic-boom-arm is mounted on the back of my desk-shelf.....and that shelf sits about 10" above my main desk......so the whole mic arm system is already mounted higher than the standard 30" tall desk and that gives me all the height I need. .....and I did this because I need to be able to raise my computer monitor UP quite high to reveal my main front-camera for recording......when I raise up my monitor, I generally do NOT have to move my microphones at all, as the mic boom-arm mid-hinge point creates a high point for my monitor to slide-up-in-to. So, the whole thing goes: VESA Monitor arm mounted on back of desk shelf which sits 10" above my main desk surface > Mic boom arm clamped to the end of the vesa-arm > 5/8" to 1/4"-20 adapter on the end of the boom-arm > SesenPro dual-cold-shoe mount > with Neewer mini ball heads attached to each cold-shoe mounting point - Mini ball head on right side of SesenPro dual cold shoe mount = Rode NTG-5 - Mini ball head on left side SesenPro dual cold shoe mount = Ulanzi PT-2 dual cold shoe mount > Right side of PT-2 dual cold shoe mount = Rode VideoMic NTG Left side of PT-2 Dual cold shoe mount = empty/available for additional microphone mounting. That's probably way more than you asked for, maybe I should make a video on it :) Happy recording!
Just a question for anyone willing to answer: I teach reading online via Zoom. As a part of my instruction, I often articulate letter-sounds in isolation for students (for example, the /k/ sound at the beginning of "cat"). When I articulate these sounds, it is IMPERATIVE that they be crisp and clear, as this can actually be the difference between a student's learning to read versus continuing to struggle. Does anyone have any recommendations re: equipment/technology? I've tried the built-in mic on my MacBook, the built-in mic on my Logitech camera and the Logitech H390 headset but the sound quality was nowhere near where it needed to be with any of those options. Thanks!
Hi there. For starters, I would turn OFF any of the "audio settings" in Zoom......and those settings have changed over the years, but, you have to do 2 things: 1. Go to Zoom > Settings > Audio. 2. Go down to "Audio Profile" and choose the radio-button called "Original Sound For Musicians".....but keep in mind there's another step you have to do once in the meeting.... 3. Under "Original Sound for Musicians," check the box Marked "High-Fidelity Music Mode" and you can either check "Echo Cancellation" or not.......but leaving "Echo Cancellation" enabled can help Zoom mute your audio if it hears your students' voices coming out of your speakers........so....my recommendation......ALWAYS USE HEADPHONES....PERIOD. And don't amplify the zoom meeting out of ANY nearby speakers. Put the meeting in your ears only and that will allow your mic to be heard fully without any audio problems
4. Once you have checked "original sound for musicians" in the settings tab, close settings and then start a meeting. 5. Once the meeting has started, in the upper left hand corner of Zoom you'll see a box that says "Original Sound for Musicians" and then a little indicator saying "off" or "on." You want to make sure it's ON.......this will turn ON the "original sound" and turn "off" any audio processing......but it seems Zoom has the original sound "off" by default......if you forget this step for every meeting, then Zoom will impart any of the audio noise filtering settings that you have set in the settings tab........so, turning "Original Sound on" will bypass all other audio settings. Lastly, back in the Zoom Audio Settings, I almost always ensure the "Automatically adjust microphone volume" box is NOT checked, because I want to set my own mic level. Doing those things first will ensure that Zoom is not CHANGING Any of your audio. the noise filtering settings in Zoom listen for things like clicks and pops, and when you are trying to articulate your "K's" and "C"s (hard consonants), Zoom will hear that as a "problem" and get rid of it. After all of that, if you want, you can always get a USB microphone so that you can get your microphone closer to your mouth. Something like this model is budget-friendly and sounds great: amzn.to/49qpuxG
@@MarcusHutsell Hey man, thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I have since largely resolved the issue(s) I was having. I went out and purchased a Yeti X microphone--there is apparently a lot of debate about this device for some reason but so far so good in my case--and, per another person's suggestion, switched the Zoom background noise suppression setting from auto to low (which proved to be a huge game-changer). And yes, I use headphones and agree that they are essential. One follow-up, if I may: what exactly does clicking on high-fidelity music mode do and what is the other "step" you mentioned that I have to do once in the meeting?
@@brandonzurvalec2520 Hi there. So, looking at the little icon/Question mark next to the "High Fidelity Music Mode" it basically states that it will use a bit more of your CPU and network bandwidth.......which means it's going to encode the audio at a higher bit rate so the digitization and transfer over the internet comes out cleaner and more accurate on the other end. The other "step" I think I was referring to is that........Once in the meeting, you HAVE To go up to the left corner of the Zoom screen and make sure "Original Sound for Musicians" is "ON." If that says "off," then Zoom will STILL impart some audio processing. the only way to completely bypass the audio filtering in zoom is to make sure once your meeting has started, you turn ON "Original Sound." Unfortunately I don't think Zoom will "hold" that setting between meetings so you have to do it every time. make sense?
Thank you so much ❤
Sadly I’ve watched dozens of videos on the topic and they all never seem to get to the point, until I found this video 😄. Thank you! Going with the $100 shotgun mic you recommended
You’re welcome. I’m glad the video actually helped you! Happy meeting and recording :)
These are indeed the best spent 14min videos on microphone knowhow that I could find on RUclips... excellent work and thanks for really summarising everything that is important on this subject (especially the aspect of distance between microphone and speaker)
Fantastic video that summarised answers to all my doubts! The multiple camera angles are so helpful!
Great video! Thanks for clarifying and testing different setups. I was between buying a new mic, using the rode nt1, or using the rode video go for work meetings without the mic being in the fram. I'll need to buy an 3.5mm to XLR adaptor to plug in my audio interface, but this is way cheaper than a new mic or buying a boom arm when I have such limited space.
Thank you! And you're welcome, I'm glad the video helped :)
Out of all the videos to explain the same thing. This is the video that offered me the information I needed to come to a decision. Thank you so much!
Hi there. I'm SO glad my video helped you! That was my goal with this video, try to explain the basic differences and how we should expect to be ABLE to use each type so we can pick what's best for our situation.
Thank you again, happy recording, cheers!
Great video and production quality, wow.
Thank you so much!
Really like this video! What about a good budget friendly condenser mic that sets on the desk that does okay with a room with reverb?
HI there. Thank you!
So, keep in mind it's almost NEVER the mic itself that will "do better" with room reverb, It's more about mic placement as related to the sound source. Also, condenser mics are just more sensitive, so they're usually going to pick up more reverb of your room, especially when placed further away.
So, the closer you have the mic to you, the less gain you'll need, (aka, you'll be able to "turn it down,") thereby turning down everything, including the "sound" of your room.
However, that being said, I'd honestly go with the Rode VideoMic NTG or even the Rode VideoMic Goii, and even if you want it OUT of your video frame, get it as close as you can. Being shotgun mics, I find they do much better in reverberant spaces than diaphragm condenser mics. Some audio folks say shotgun mics don't do well in reverberant spaces, but I think that's when the reverb gets way out of hand, like a church or cathedral! I've done tests with my Rode VideoMic NTG in my dining room/living room (fairly open/bouncy-soundind/reverberant), and I think it works great in that space when placed as close as I can get it. I do some distance tests in this video: ruclips.net/video/z7bglcSQOC4/видео.html
I really think the Rode VideoMic Goii may be your best bet. It's relatively inexpensive, sounds great, fairly easy to use, you'll just need a small tripod or a boom arm.
Thank you for revisiting this topic! I am looking for a USB microphone for video calls that is hidden from view on video. I was going to buy the Rode VideoMIC NTG based on your older videos. However, I think that this might not be the best idea since my desk setup is in a large untreated room. Would you still recommend a Rode VideoMIC, or should I try to find a USB version of a small diaphragm mic?
Hi there. So sorry it took me a while to reply, the past few months have been so busy and I just got behind on RUclips comments!
So, if you haven't found a solution, I'd try the VideoMic Go ii (the VideoMic NTG's little brother). IT's only $100, can be boomed in very close (because it's light) and still sound great AND be out of your frame.
I would, however, really TRY to add some sound absorption to your space if you want to keep the mic further away from you. Sound treatment will most often help your sound MORE than a mic.
The only other way to keep the sound of your room "out" of your mic, is to get the mic very close to your mouth, thereby needing to turn the gain down. But, since you want your mic out of frame.......that's not an option.
The VideoMic Goii is really a great mic, it's USB just like the more expensive model, smaller, cheaper, and sounds just about the same as the VideoMic NTG.
Good luck, let me know how it's going !
So well explained! Clear and simple. Thank you very much.
I'm glad the video helped, thank you :)
Hi Marcus. Thank you for this video. I learned a lot. I would like to ask what software and hardware you use for teleprompter? Many thanks.
Hi there Jose! You are welcome, I'm glad this video helped you.
So, for my teleprompter, I'm actually using my homemade teleprompter (link to video on how I built this: )
And I use my iphone (iphone 12 mini or iphone 6s.....yes, I still have a 6s). My homemade teleprompter can just hold an iphone about the size of the 6s, and *maaaaaybe a regular iphone 13/14 (non-mini versions), but I like smaller phones, so, I can't say how large of a phone my homemade teleprompter can hold. But again, it works well with my iphone 6s & iphone 12 mini.
And for software, I WAS using the Parrot teleprompter app, but it got a bit buggy a couple of years ago so I now use PromptSmartPro on my iphone. It has an auto-follow feature so it listens to me speaking and (mostly) advances the words with my voice. It works fairly well, it glitches out sometimes and doesn't follow, but, thats' where the beauty of editing comes in!!
So.....homemade teleprompter > iphone 6s/12mini > PromptSmart Pro App
Cheers!
Thank you brother...good luck and respect from algeria
You are welcome! Good luck to you as well :)
@@MarcusHutsell Thanks bro God Bless you🤲
Another banger.
I would love to see you do an updated version of this video. There have been a lot of new USB microphones released recently that boast good out of frame quality.
I'm looking to get a new mic for my setup to replace a Blue Snowball for video meetings where I don't want to be using a headset on camera.
I have a mechanical keyboard, I don't want the mic in frame, and I want something discreet and compact so it doesn't ruin my minimalist setup.
I've been looking at the Rode VideoMic Go II (Helix), Shure MV6, and Samson Q9U.
I'm not going to be recording vocals or doing a podcast, I just need something that's going to sound high quality on video calls, without picking up my keyboard.
My room isnt treated, but it's carpeted and in a smaller space.
I've watched hours and hours of these videos, but every single one focuses on deepthroating the mic for the best quality. I need a mic that I can keep arms length away without my keyboard overpowering it.
I could use the mic that's on the webcam in between my stacked monitors, but the quality on that one is garbage.
My situation is similar. Did you buy any mic that suits you?
@marioc6929 Ended up going with the Rode VideoMic Go II. It's about arm's length away, setup beside my monitor. Audio quality is really good and works well for my purposes.
@@Draycius- thanks! What about the keyboard's sound when typing? I'd also use it while gaming.
@@marioc6929 I'm running it through Krisp and you can't hear the keyboard at all, even if I type while talking. It's a loud ass keyboard too cause I love my clicky clacky blue switches.
Krisp also makes it easier to switch to my headset mic if I want to walk away from the computer, since whatever software I'm using just stays set to the Krisp virtual input and doesn't need to change.
Without Krisp it's not too bad. I have pad disabled and HPF set to 75 in the Rode software.
What arm mounts are you using for your overhead mics? I'm looking for a low profile arm for my Rode VideoMic Go II
Thanks for all the tips.
I have a Rode video mic GO2. Would you suggest to have the pad on and keep it close to me like you showed at the end of the video. I'm asking because I have quite a noisy room. Without the pad I could hear a lot of noise.
Hi there. You are welcome, I'm glad my video helped. So, the pad isn't going to reduce any noise or make anything cleanre or better. The pad on any mic is ONLY there in case the sound source it's aimed at is too loud (like your voice, or a guitar, snare drum). If the pad is OFF and you're not clipping out the mic or the System Preferences or Windows-Sound-settings, then software...... then there's no need to use the pad.
If you turn on the pad, it simply tells the mic (reduce the overall level and expect louder sounds), but that makes the signal INTO the computer lower, which means your software (Mac system Preferences, Windows sound settings, or the Rode Central App) will then be RECEIVING and overall lower signal and will have to boost it up, and, depending on your situation, you may actually induce MORE system noise (hiss) using the pad.
However, if you have the mic right up close to you, then, yes, you may want to use the pad. at 13:02 in this video where I'm using the Rode ViceoMic NTG close up I'm pretty sure I do have the pad on because with the mic that close, my voice is louder to the mic so I/you will probably need the pad so we don't distort the mic. That's what pads are for.
I hope that makes sense, do some more experimenting, but the long-and-short of it is......if you're happy with the sound with particular settings, then go with those settings! There's no right-or-wrong-per se, I just always approach things with knowing WHAT my choices may do to my audio and I always approach audio with "how do I reduce my system noise or hiss at all points in the signal chain" so I get clean audio.
Happy Recording!
I currently have an Elgato Wave:3 but since I don’t like it in the frame, I mount it low by my keyboard. To keep it out of frame, it ends up picking up a lot of ambient noise, clicks, and reverb. I am thinking a shotgun would be a good choice, but I really like the Elgato Wave software. They make a XLR only version too so I can use the Wave software and any other XLR mic. What XLR shotgun do you recommend? Is it the NTG5 you used? I do have a ceiling fan I like to use. Thanks in advance!
What about ribbon mics?
Oh! That’s a whole different ballgame in my opinion. I’ve never used ribbon mics, I don’t have a lot of need to, and, of course, with the high possibility of accidentally frying them with phantom power, I just consider them a “boutique”option.
Been considering the Lewitt 440 pure for voiceover work, video conferencing, and potential future RUclips videos. Any concerns about this option? I suppose the biggest one would be to limit noise, it will have to be on screen?
Great video-thank you
Hi Marcus,
I’m hoping to get your opinion on which mic I should buy. I need something portable I can take with me everyday to my office environment. It’s an open office so I’ll have others to my sides and even behind me in their own cubicles. I was looking at either something like the elgato wave 3, rode usb nt mini, or the rode video mic go II. Any thoughts?
Hi there. Great question, thanx for reaching out.
Let me answer/state this for starters: With ANY of these mics, especially in a crowded office environment, the BEST solution is to be sure to get the mic close to you, as close as possible/comfortable because that, and that alone, will ensure that your voice is louder to YOU in your headphones (assuming you use headphones), and it will ensure your voice is the loudest thing to your virtual meeting attendees........and therefore the background noise of your office will not be as loud, AND, you will not have to speak as loud, so as not to be too loud in that crowded environment and possibly annoy your co-workers ;)
That being said, here are my thoughts on each mic:
All 3 are condenser mics, so that's good, especially if you are NOT going to have the mic right up against your face/mouth......if you were using a dynamic mic (SM7B, Shure MV7, etc), you'd need to get that really close to you for the best signal/sound. But, all of the other mics you listed here are condensers, so, a little bit better starting point for mic placement.
Elgato Wave 3: I have NOT used this mic so I can't speak to the sound quality, but I think this might be your best choice IF you plan on placing the mic on the desk in front of you because this mic has (3) individual settings that are adjustable with the front dial: Mic Gain, Headphone Volume, and Crossfade mix.......and MANY USB mics do not have ALL THREE of these adjustments, and these are important to keep separate because you need good input gain to the computer vs your own headphone volume (and it depends on which headphones you use as to how much "volume" you'll need to push to them from the mic). The Wave 3 also seems very streamlined and sleek so it should fit in/out of your bag nicely I would think and would be easy/quick to set up given that you need to take it back and forth (although I would recommend simply buying a 2nd USB-C Cable and leaving one cable at work and one at home so you don't always have to pack up the cable, but that's my 2 cents). In addition, Elgato says this mic has "clip-guard" which will help you greatly if you don't set your gain properly......if you get loud or boisterous, this mic will assist with the signal so you don't clip and sound distorted to your audience. I am NOT 100% sure, but this "clip guard" feature may require installation of the Elgato software as well, but that's usually free and easy to do.
But, I think even withOUT the software, you'd be able to set everything you need with the mic itself, without having to dig into System Preferences or other software......that's the big benefit of having those 3 individual settings ON the mic itself: Gain/Mix/Headphone volume. During your meetings, you don't have to go looking for software (behind your Zoom meeting, etc) to adjust things.
Rode USB NT Mini: I also have NOT used this mic, but it's a condenser, that's good for being able to place a bit further away, however, this mic only has a single knob on the front for "volume" and I'm not sure if that's ONLY controlling the headphone volume. This means you *may need to utilize software to more finely control your mix and mic gain. This *CAN get in the way of what you need to do during your meetings, etc.
Rode VideMic Go II: I have this mic, it sounds GREAT. But, there are NO external buttons so you HAVE To adjust input gain/headphone mix, etc all from your computer. You can use the Rode Connect app to do this for free, and you don't HAVE to use the Rode Connect App, you can just use Mac System Preferences or Windows Sound settings to set the input gain of the mic, but if you want to engage the hi-pass (lo-cut) filter or engage the 20db pad, you'll have to use the Rode Connect software. It's free, and easy to do, but an extra step if you want to use those features. However, this mic could provide more defense against low-end sounds/banging on your desk because it DOES have that high-pass filter AND it comes with a shock mount. So, if you put this mic on a small tripod in front of you in its shock mount, and engage the high-pass (lo cut) filter, it would greatly reduce low end rumble and unexpected bangs on your desk, etc. But, again, you'd want the Rode Connect software accessible.
the Wave 3 and the Rode USB NT Mini are cardioid pattern mics, so they'll "hear" less sound from behind the mics. Whereas the VideoMic Go ii is a Supercardioid and will have a bit of sound it "hears" from directly behind the mic, and that's just the nature of Supercardioid mics.
If you have the space and don't mind a mic RIGHT in front of you, I'd probably go for the Wave 3 because of the direct-usability with the 3-function knob on the mic, WITH a boom mic arm mounted on the side of your desk so you can pull the mic right up close-enough to you to isolate your voice more and keep it out of the way of your hands for typing, etc, and this also keep it from having to sit ON your desk.
I hope that helps :)
@@MarcusHutsell Marcus, thank you so much for the detailed breakdown. That helps a ton! I’m definitely leaning more towards the elgato wave 3, only wish it had that nice magnetic base that the rode mic has haha. I will most likely be keeping the mic on the desk right in front of me on the included stand as opposed to a boom arm just for portability reasons at work.
Just found one more mic that might be worth considering, have you seen the Sony ECM-S1 mic? Now I’m debating between that mic and the Elgato Wave 3.
13:03 that mic sounded so good
🤠
what arms do you use for Rode VideoMic NTG? doesn't seem the one on Rode's website fits according to compatible products
Hi there. I currently still use a $13 mic arm to mount (at most) 3 microphones on the same arm. You don't have to use any specific arm, I just use adapters to get any mic-arm to have my receiving-device-of-choice.
So.......here's the setup:
I have (2) of my mics mounted just about ALL the time so I can (1) have virtual meetings using the Rode VideoMic NTG, and (2) record videos using the Rode NTG-5.
Here's the arm I use: amzn.to/49Glnxa It's cheap, light, but it does hold everything, I've had no reason to upgrade.
I then have a 5/8" to 1/4-20 adapter mounted on the end: amzn.to/3QebTlY
Then the 1/4-20 screw of that adapter goes into a dual cold-shoe mount: amzn.to/447lyjO
That dual cold shoe mount holds:
(2) mini ball mounts (mounted on both sides of the dual cold-shoe)t: amzn.to/4b4JMNX - One ball head holds my Rode NTG-5, the other ball head goes on the other side of the same cold shoe mount.......and holds.......
(1) MORE Cold-shoe mount (Ulanzi PT-2 - amzn.to/3JtyzuA) on the OTHER side of the SesenPro cold shoe mount)......this additional cold-shoe mount gives me a 3rd cold-shoe mounting point so I can mount a total of (3) mics if needed.
My Rode VideoMic NTG is mounted to one side of the Ulanzi cold-shoe mount, which puts it right next to my Rode NTG-5, then the 3rd cold shoe mount is "free" and lets me mount other mics I want to test as needed.
Granted, my chosen mounting method is via cold-shoe instead of standard microphone 5/8" or 3/8" mounts, but, so far this has worked well for me and I just add a cold-shoe-to 5/8" or 3/8" adapter somehow to mount a standard mic clip if I want to test an XLR mic, etc.
I hope that makes sense.....but yes, both of the dual-cold-shoe mounts, the 2 mini ball mounts, the videoMic NTG, and the Rode NTG-5, and *mostly any additional mic I put up there, can be held by this $13 arm. It gets pretty heavy when I mount a 3rd mic, but I just tighten up the arm and so far so good, it all holds generally where I need it to stay.
Now, since I need my mics mounted high, AND because of my desk/speaker/computer-monitor set up.....behind my computer monitor, I have the mic arm clamped to a spare VESA monitor arm (amzn.to/49NDFwH) to get more height out of the overall setup. I think I got this idea from Caleb Pike here: ruclips.net/video/WedG8LKO6ks/видео.html.
And that WHOLE Vesa-Mount-to-mic-boom-arm is mounted on the back of my desk-shelf.....and that shelf sits about 10" above my main desk......so the whole mic arm system is already mounted higher than the standard 30" tall desk and that gives me all the height I need.
.....and I did this because I need to be able to raise my computer monitor UP quite high to reveal my main front-camera for recording......when I raise up my monitor, I generally do NOT have to move my microphones at all, as the mic boom-arm mid-hinge point creates a high point for my monitor to slide-up-in-to.
So, the whole thing goes:
VESA Monitor arm mounted on back of desk shelf which sits 10" above my main desk surface >
Mic boom arm clamped to the end of the vesa-arm >
5/8" to 1/4"-20 adapter on the end of the boom-arm >
SesenPro dual-cold-shoe mount > with Neewer mini ball heads attached to each cold-shoe mounting point
- Mini ball head on right side of SesenPro dual cold shoe mount = Rode NTG-5
- Mini ball head on left side SesenPro dual cold shoe mount = Ulanzi PT-2 dual cold shoe mount >
Right side of PT-2 dual cold shoe mount = Rode VideoMic NTG
Left side of PT-2 Dual cold shoe mount = empty/available for additional microphone mounting.
That's probably way more than you asked for, maybe I should make a video on it :)
Happy recording!
That sm58 actually sounded the best to me somehow
The SM58 is an industry standard for a reason!
Just a question for anyone willing to answer: I teach reading online via Zoom. As a part of my instruction, I often articulate letter-sounds in isolation for students (for example, the /k/ sound at the beginning of "cat"). When I articulate these sounds, it is IMPERATIVE that they be crisp and clear, as this can actually be the difference between a student's learning to read versus continuing to struggle. Does anyone have any recommendations re: equipment/technology? I've tried the built-in mic on my MacBook, the built-in mic on my Logitech camera and the Logitech H390 headset but the sound quality was nowhere near where it needed to be with any of those options. Thanks!
Hi there. For starters, I would turn OFF any of the "audio settings" in Zoom......and those settings have changed over the years, but, you have to do 2 things:
1. Go to Zoom > Settings > Audio.
2. Go down to "Audio Profile" and choose the radio-button called "Original Sound For Musicians".....but keep in mind there's another step you have to do once in the meeting....
3. Under "Original Sound for Musicians," check the box Marked "High-Fidelity Music Mode" and you can either check "Echo Cancellation" or not.......but leaving "Echo Cancellation" enabled can help Zoom mute your audio if it hears your students' voices coming out of your speakers........so....my recommendation......ALWAYS USE HEADPHONES....PERIOD. And don't amplify the zoom meeting out of ANY nearby speakers. Put the meeting in your ears only and that will allow your mic to be heard fully without any audio problems
I hit "Enter" Too soon.......stand by, continuing my reply
4. Once you have checked "original sound for musicians" in the settings tab, close settings and then start a meeting.
5. Once the meeting has started, in the upper left hand corner of Zoom you'll see a box that says "Original Sound for Musicians" and then a little indicator saying "off" or "on." You want to make sure it's ON.......this will turn ON the "original sound" and turn "off" any audio processing......but it seems Zoom has the original sound "off" by default......if you forget this step for every meeting, then Zoom will impart any of the audio noise filtering settings that you have set in the settings tab........so, turning "Original Sound on" will bypass all other audio settings.
Lastly, back in the Zoom Audio Settings, I almost always ensure the "Automatically adjust microphone volume" box is NOT checked, because I want to set my own mic level.
Doing those things first will ensure that Zoom is not CHANGING Any of your audio. the noise filtering settings in Zoom listen for things like clicks and pops, and when you are trying to articulate your "K's" and "C"s (hard consonants), Zoom will hear that as a "problem" and get rid of it.
After all of that, if you want, you can always get a USB microphone so that you can get your microphone closer to your mouth. Something like this model is budget-friendly and sounds great: amzn.to/49qpuxG
@@MarcusHutsell Hey man, thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. I have since largely resolved the issue(s) I was having. I went out and purchased a Yeti X microphone--there is apparently a lot of debate about this device for some reason but so far so good in my case--and, per another person's suggestion, switched the Zoom background noise suppression setting from auto to low (which proved to be a huge game-changer). And yes, I use headphones and agree that they are essential. One follow-up, if I may: what exactly does clicking on high-fidelity music mode do and what is the other "step" you mentioned that I have to do once in the meeting?
@@brandonzurvalec2520
Hi there. So, looking at the little icon/Question mark next to the "High Fidelity Music Mode" it basically states that it will use a bit more of your CPU and network bandwidth.......which means it's going to encode the audio at a higher bit rate so the digitization and transfer over the internet comes out cleaner and more accurate on the other end.
The other "step" I think I was referring to is that........Once in the meeting, you HAVE To go up to the left corner of the Zoom screen and make sure "Original Sound for Musicians" is "ON." If that says "off," then Zoom will STILL impart some audio processing. the only way to completely bypass the audio filtering in zoom is to make sure once your meeting has started, you turn ON "Original Sound." Unfortunately I don't think Zoom will "hold" that setting between meetings so you have to do it every time. make sense?
Great video. Thanks so much
Thank you, and you're welcome :)