Stop Buying Microphones From Gaming Companies

Setup your stream super easy at Own3d.pro ► s.enp.ai/own3d
REALLYGOODMOUSEPADS ►► reallygoodmousepads.com
MERCH ►► senpai.tv
The video that explains the gain problem ► • SteelSeries, your mic ...
Links (these support the channel 🫶🏼)
Elgato Wave 3 ► amzn.to/3VZjsRi
BEACN Mic ► www.beacn.com/products/beacn-mic
Rode Podmic ► amzn.to/4aTohji
Diety V0-7u ► amzn.to/4aReGtg
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STREAMBEATS Copyright Free Music for Streamers (and KZbinrs!)
15 GENRES! ►► s.enp.ai/streambeats
DOWNLOAD FOR FREE ►► streambeats.com
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Starter Streaming Kit ►► kit.co/HarrisHeller/the-strea...
Pro Streaming Kit ►► kit.co/HarrisHeller/the-pro-s...
MY Streaming Kit ►► kit.co/HarrisHeller/the-harri...
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Chapters:
00:00 - The worst mic I've ever tried
00:23 - The best mousepad you'll ever use
01:03 - Quick thoughts on gaming mics
02:40 - 1. Cutting Corners
04:16 - Set up your stream easily with Own3d.pro (sponsor)
05:21 - 2. No Value Provided
06:29 - 3. Breakable Audio
09:08 - 4. No Audio Expertise
14:15 - 5. Complete Complacency
16:48 - Good mic suggestions
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Why Twitch Growth is (almost) Impossible: • Why Growth On Twitch i...
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Description tags, yo: rog, republic of gamers, asus, mics, microphones, usb, good, bad, problems, software, mixer, razer, blue, logitech, steelseries, hyperx, elgato, wave, wavelink, beacn, rode
Thanks For Watching!
#Microphones #Gaming #ROG

[@Senpai]

I hope you guys love this video, but I hope you love the mousepads even more. Let me know which design is your favorite ► reallygoodmousepads.com

[@MatthiewMarks]

Cartographer - Abyss looks so good! I would buy one but the size isn't a good fit for my desk.

[@Haroro_88]

Love the video but I do have a question, I'm using the LOGITECH PRO X GAMING HEADSET microphone and frankly its awesome, every person that I game with Discord loves the voice but here comes the problem, it can pickup all the sounds in the house! I tried to do noise reduction but still it picks up the sounds around the house, so what should I do? I tried to record my videos on my channel but I stopped because of this issue. Appreciate @senpaigaming if you have any suggestions to improve my situation and thank you.

[@RodiBroGamer]

Great Video Harris!! MousePads are amazing! For sure getting the largest one in all white with black lines for my white setup. Again thank you and all your team for an amazing content!

[@ASDdoesgames]

you know a lot about audio and a lot about mics why don't you make a mic it is like what bruse lee knew what was wrong with Martials arts and came up jeet ko do so do what he did except with a mic

[@Senpai]

@@ASDdoesgames I think I bring way more value to the market by working with these companies, giving feedback, and helping them fine tune features than I ever could by releasing my own mic myself. I don’t plan to commit the same sin that I’m calling these companies out for.

[@Grassul]

You can always trust a KZbinr when they get told off by brands for calling them out, and then calling them out again.

[@Shuttterbugg]

Hahaha ok...Luke yourubers don't have interests in there competitors..god internet is so naive

[@Grassul]

Typo! “And then call them out again”

[@Thekidisalright]

But then produce videos that 1/3 of it is ads lol

[@Zinojn]

Not even 5 minutes into the video “this software is bad because I read a few comments that it sucks” holy shit what a worthless video. Yes, let’s please call these stupid audio products out, but we should do far better than how it’s done in this video. “Gaming” audio has always and probably will always be a joke. We shouldn’t need to cut corners to prove that… Big L

[@ff1077]

Basically any multipart mic setup will be significantly better than all-in-ones like the mics shown in the video. Always upgradable and can always get better. Plus parts can be resold on the used market and fund towards better gear.

[@slicerabbit6166]

"if you're sick of everyone using topography design on mouse pads, get this mouse pad with a topography design on it" huh?

[@chucklesdeclown8819]

I noticed that too lol

[@SirKnum]

If you can't beat them, join them! :D

[@dmrsdump3994]

The one at his setup is kinda different because it's not one color. But the black and white ones are legit just topoghraphy zoomed in

[@pacboygamer6728]

XD yeah.

[@fran13r]

He meant people using the same topography design, not as in the same style (topography) but as in the same design within that style. Imagine it like him saying "Everybody uses the red topography design, so you can buy my blue topography design". Makes sense?

[@zSirukx]

I went with the podmic and wave xlr combo, absolutely no problems AT ALL!! and the wavelink software makes routing audio soooooo easyyy. This channel is truly a gold mine for creators.

[@amadmonstergaming]

I’ve been looking at a lot of Mics a lot and I think the Podmic is what I’m going to go with. I plan to get the Podmic USB so I don’t need the wave xlr.

[@foxhallww311]

Wavelink is fantastic paired with a Stream Deck +. I am looking at the Wave XLR and getting rid of my GOXLR. What is the gain rating at on the Wave XLR?

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

​​@@amadmonstergaming the podmic usb doesnt have a gain button so if you plan to stream games or plug it into your game console that mic in usb form isnt the best to use without a computer with the rode software because otherwise you will not be loud enough for the game you're streaming so i will still recommend the wave xlr or another interface cause the podmic can be quite gain hungry

[@amadmonstergaming]

@@theoutsiderjess4869 I play on pc and pretend to make content lol. The rode software comes with the mic when you buy it right?

[@zSirukx]

@@amadmonstergaming if I were you i would just spend the extra $50 and get the regular podmic ($99) plus the $150 for the wave xlr. And I dont think you get rode unify with the podmic usb, its only if you get an “X” product like de xdm-100, xcm-50 and streamer X

[@ARMYguy01]

I think Harris is absolutely correct here. There is sooo much in the way of companies releasing unfinished crap and then never fixing it. We need to tell them that it's not ok. Whatever happened to reporting to the netter business bureau.

[@TheNerdArmory]

You mean there's nothing in the way for them to keep pushing out unfinished crap?

[@ARMYguy01]

@TheNerdArmory no I meant it in there's too many companies out there releasing crap. So much so that it's become the norm. My thoughts traveled faster than my thumbs.

[@HoosierHardware]

What's wild is that there are a ton of ~$50-~$100 USB/XLR mic options that are really solid mics. The Fifine AM8 (shown in the video), Fifine K688, Maono PD200X, etc., etc., etc. None of them are perfect, but they blow each of the gamer mic in this video out of the water.

[@ChristopherKaltSrVideos]

I agree with you 100%. I own two of the mics you mentioned for voice-over work using a 6 channel sound mixer. I also have other mics by Maono as well. Great choices you made my friend. They sound amazing and you can't beat the price point at all.

[@MNKOGaming]

Agreed, those are great mics. Even the TONOR TD510 XLR/USB mic is great.

[@siuan.]

also for a budget option in xlr: the mpm 1000 is pretty good imo

[@A2theC]

Having worked in a recording studio I can agree, any time tested standard 'stage mic' will work and have superior sound. It boggles the mind how much people will spend on a Blue "Yeti" mic where an Audio-Technica AT2020 is clearly better and cheaper, even a RØDE PodMic😅 I get that some may be on a budget looking to start their 'career' as an influencer, but they could pick up a SM58 on ebay for like $20 or Behringer C-1 for $45 But, but.... RGB!!!! 🤑💸💸 $400 on 'gamer' mic just to sound like a kid in CoD shrieking when they should get a Shure SM7b. 🤦

[@etsi0367]

i rarely purchase gaming products these days; the only gaming-related product i have right now is a Logitech G Pro Superlight. instead of buying inferior quality gaming products, i have bought a Sure MV7 Mic, Moondrop Blessing 2 IEMs and a custom keyboard.

[@nicholashadweh5710]

Me and you have the same setup lol. I’ve gotten a little more into the headphone game so I don’t use my blessing 2s as much anymore but we’re rocking almost the same everything

[@darth_cheezus]

Yeah, same. My mic for years has been the Shure SM7B. Knew I wanted a tank of a mic. My headphones are HD650 and IEMs Xenns Mangird Top. My mouse is a Vaxee AX Outset to get away from failing "gaming" mice. My keyboard is the only Razer product I have. Never had a problem with their keyboard really BUT I also stopped using Synapse. I feel like for a while now "gaming peripherals" companies have gotten away from solid pieces and just slap their logo on everything they know people will buy. Because in a way it is new and shiny but also seeing a logo some don't think they won't make bad products.

[@gyrotta]

@@darth_cheezus how are the xenns mangird top for you? i've been thinking of upgrading from my blessing 2 dusks and im not going to get the new dusks since they kinda suck imo they're only good on the dsp cable which is a shame like yea i can eq it with the normal cable but cmon and i feel like there are better iems anyway so instead of upgrading to something a little better i want to go full endgame this time and spend a bunch on a really good iem that i'll never want to replace and that will last

[@darth_cheezus]

@@gyrotta They have been amazing for me. Stem size is a bit large and haven’t found a tip yet that is good for ear size. They are the first IEMs I got and blind bought from reviews. It was between them and the variations. Yeah I was looking at the new Dusk for a cheaper pair but it surprised me how “critical” the cable was. I am worried to go below my range because of sound quality but want a pair I can be a bit more comfortable taking outside. Gaming, streaming and listening to music in house is mainly Top or HD650 but mainly IEM.

[@gyrotta]

@@darth_cheezus i see im asking since now im torn between the monarch mark 3's from thieaudio the shouer ej07m and the xenns top so im looking at these 3 since they have mostly what i want from an iem which is good imaging and separation and this one is more specific towards the shouer the blending in with the dac/amps i've seen a review on the shouers and apparently they blend in with the dac/amp that you are using which sounds really nice

[@LTkrazyy]

Hey Harris I got a copyright notice from a few of your songs on my last stream. What can I do to get those removed?

[@Eagle10021]

If you go to the streambeats website, linked in his description, you can submit a false claim ticket.

[@brandinimmo674]

Congratulations on your new endeavor!🎉 I like the new clean black and white wave one😍

[@MysticSage732]

Before content creation i watch a bunch of your videos and trusted your opinions. You spoke about budget mics and then when you could upgrade, however these 5 are exactly why i did so much reasearch before buying anything budget. Im glad to see someone holding companies accountable but in a fair way. Great info Senpai keep up the amazing work you do

[@Gamingheadjunkie]

I love youuu !! Always glad I got the things you actually like 😂 I have rode podmic usb ; just got it too !

[@crushboss]

Awesome info, good to see a video of someone that actually knows about audio. Subbed!

[@theclawedraven]

I use a Razer Seiren Mini and it took a lot of tweaking and filtering with OBS to get it to sound the way it does. Thank you for the mic recommendations and for this video explaining everything!

[@WastelandOperator]

Thank you Harris! So happy to hear that Elgato has great audio as I am a few weeks away from buying the Wave XLR and Strean Deck Plus for my dual PC setup.

[@MNKOGaming]

That's an excellent XLR setup!

[@WastelandOperator]

I hope so. Side note I spent most of the weekend wondering why the Wave Link software would not unlock with the Stream Deck +. The solution was to use 1.9.2 software as the newer version of Wave Link Software wouldn't. Now I'll be spending the next few days setting it all up. 😅

[@DatNinjaDevPlays]

Thank you as always for your incredible commitment to the details of audio. Absolutely love your content.

[@kaas61]

Thank you again for good audio advice 👍

[@manuelgomez8203]

thanks for the info every time i have had to look for audio devices for streaming and gaming i am always happy with what you recommend as long as i can afford it of course. is there any way you can do a similar video for headphones and headsets for gaming and the big sound differences between them.

[@Harklein]

On the contrary, in my humble opinion, the HyperX Quadcast is a decent microphone. It does need refinement on its "Extra Features & Gimmicks" and the price is on the high side but as a condenser microphone, it is a decent product overall.

[@daunted2322]

yeah i have a friend who streams using it, and she always sounds more than good enough. It's more than enough audio quality for a stream or video.

[@Jwebbplayz]

I’m a horrible person cause I bought the new Quadcast S on Amazon and they set on my doorstep, it was under another package “hiding” in the picture, Amazon stated “your order should be there soon” I never said anything and they refunded me and I kept the mic 🫢lol .. oh well. It seems like a good mic but that bottom knob should have micro-lock clicks maybe 100 of them, and not a loose gain disc.

[@SirDonald]

@@Jwebbplayz I bought a Quadcast (the OG one) like 2 days after it released. At the time, I don't think there were as many options? But yeah I also have issues with the gain knob. I just taped mine so it won't move. Without tape, I do bump into it a lot. Overall, it's a good mic especially if you could get it for like $50 (which seems like a **somewhat** common sale price).

[@Jwebbplayz]

@@SirDonald good deal

[@Seanraus]

I was going to comment just this. I have the Quadcast and I love it. My buddies say the quality is incredible, and I don't really mind the gain knob at all. I can slam my fists on my desk and it won't even move or change. Definitely don't think it should've been included in this video.

[@RemitheDreamfox]

God tier video as always, I never knew a company could be smoothbrain enough to combine those three settings into one but here we are! :D

[@vraeljsp]

It's thanks to you that I went from a very basic mic to an elgato wave to a beacn mic. from cheap & basic to good to amazing. love the beacn mic, easy to use software once you do the research (or watch your video). sounds amazing!

[@techspirit7]

Thns a lot bro ... ur amazing for making it simple and clear for us

[@mitzthegamer]

Love your videos , considering having a dual pc setup . What mixer would you recommend in 2024 that will be best for dual pc streaming and easy to setup?

[@nexTabDE]

I appreciated the insights! (I got absolutely no idea about audio stuff in general, but I think you made a really good case.)

[@r1ta025]

im running the shure mv7 USB/XLR mic and for half the price of the sm7b im absolutely loving it. The ones you have in the video are also amazing, ive run the rode one and i loved it

[@Moendos99TTV]

Awesome video. Great research as always

[@gryftkin]

Hey! I have an Elgato Wave 1! :D Always appreciate you Harris. When I started streaming, you were indispensable for figuring out what I wanted my starting equipment to be. My dream equipment is still out of my price range :D

[@Eranta]

Harris I'm wondering how the Blue Yeti X holds up against the big three? What are your thoughts? :)

[@d1mbo8]

Appreciate you, man! I'm gonna show this video to some of my friends who don't fully trust me when I tell what and why is a good mic 😄

[@tparty2123]

i’m so glad you talked about this, i feel like it’s been getting bad especially these past few years

[@wagonet]

alpha gaming helped me setup my twitch stream 3 years ago. you gave so much great information, I now understand audio much more because of your videos, and what to look out for. great call out. I've used the wave xlr and the submixes along w/ a samson q2u and it's a great combo. Elgato has me as a long term customer, they've been constantly updating both the wave xlr and stream deck for years after release.

[@radardadgaming]

You'll never know how awful Razer headphones are until you try something that isn't a "gaming headset"

[@promiseinblood66]

this really makes me happy that i went with the beacn mic over the hyper x. i really only use my mic for discord now days but i love tech and stuff idk if the difference really matters in my situation but i also didnt want to go backwards in audio since my go xlr died and i decided that the stream deck+ was the best alternative.

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

I dont like the beacn mic cause its boxy but tge software they have is useful

[@MNKOGaming]

@@theoutsiderjess4869 Software and hardware from Beacn is junk IMO.

[@BiCoastalGaming]

Engagement!!! I always come to you for the latest streaming gear news. I bought many things at your word alone. Arctis Pro Wireless x2 (keep breaking at the cup and the headband) GoXLR the big one and chose the Rode Procaster when I couldnt get a podmic mid covid and I'm happy with the decision. Keep doing what you do Harris love your work. oh and I play the life out of streambeats either spotify or youtube music.

[@UnrupturedTV]

Been using m Quadcast S for 2 years... so far it does what it needs to do. But I like this video. 👌🏾

[@daunted2322]

ye, there is nothing wrong with it from a recording sound perspective. It is just for the price, it could do with a few more features. It sounds pretty good.

[@bcarrero7165]

Since the first video that you made for the Beacn Mic, it has been my go to and I always recommend to all my friends when they ask about a good mic. ❤

[@Welshmanshots]

The Beacn Mic is terrible like actually bad.

[@MNKOGaming]

@@Welshmanshots Absolutely worst mic on the market. I'm surprised Harris is still endorsing them. Watch EposVox vide " I thought I found the PERFECT use for BEACN. I was wrong."

[@maxratte3818]

Thanks for the informative video.❤

[@RayCrush2008]

Would you recommend audio technica microphones as well? I'm looking for a replacement for my quadcast

[@IyeViking]

I have the HyperX Quadcast, I got it years ago as my first ever microphone, it was quite a long time before Elgato popped up as competition, if I remember right, I was deciding between the Quadcast and a blue yeti, from my extremely basic knowledge of microphones, I am still very very happy with my microphone, I’ve managed to EQ it to sound better than default and with the help of Nvidia Broadcast, the issues of “condenser mic picks up everything” is much less, though I do really want to get myself a dynamic microphone and I have been eyeing the beacn mic since you first reviewed it.

[@cherry_bomb3817]

Since I have the same mic, do you mind sharing what EQ and Nvidia Broadcast settings you have?

[@bruce_wayne]

Same, I have a hyperX quadcast and had zero problems with it (i dont know what he is talking about accidently changing gain.. its literally knob ). I'm always asked in cs2 or valo if im a streamer, cause my mic sounds so good lol. absolutly worth every penny

[@MarwinEwert]

@@cherry_bomb3817 EQ isn't something you'd want to copy, it totally depends on your voice and how you want it to sound

[@MarwinEwert]

@@bruce_wayne I've used mine for 2 and a half years now, and I do bump into the gain knob (he was talking about the gain, not the mode knob) from time to time. It's not a big deal cause I always look if I'm peaking or not. But he is right, you can bump into it and it is indeed too loose. The mic is good if you really need the other modes (I used them for podcast and streams at a sofa full of people, so I wanted one mic that could do all that, only reason I got the quadcast S), but if you don't, there are way better mics out there for the same price or cheaper

[@CWU2006EOY]

Thank you for your research and analysis, and willingness to call out things that shouldn’t be the case.

[@Winamp_]

Got myself a pre-owned Elgato Wave1 mic, bought it for 60 bucks. It changed the game for me, amazing quality and really surprising. I was stunned by how good it sounded, clearly the best USB mic out there Elgato Wave1 + Wave3 . I used to have an usb-AT2020 mic, but it picked up WAY too much background noise every time bumped into my table. The Elgato is just way better than the usb-AT2020 at literally everything else. Close 10-20cm proximity recordings are super good with Elgato, dont need any plugins honestly cuz it sounds good outta the box, but you might wanna turn on clipping effect on it just because it helps a bit.

[@observe.5328]

Nice and informative video 👍🏻 Can you review the Maono PD400X please. I would really like to know your opinion on it (if you would recommend I buy it). It's kinda a budget mic and could you compare it to the rode podmic (usb or xlr doesn’t really matter).

[@isaiahasad7433]

Does the microphones u recommend does it worth it getting for the PlayStation 5? Because I been looking online of a lot of gaming microphones and thank you for the video how deep at 2:27 on the left of the 5 different microphones the only question I’m asking is which one on the right side you recommended thank you for your time have a nice day

[@Spartan_Jackal]

I bought a Deity VO-7U a little over a year ago after watching one of your videos. I don't regret it. I also have a stream deck + so I'm able to pair it with Wave Link :)

[@christianlatonio1635]

Hi! I bought a mic 4 years ago by RODE called the RODE NT USB mini. Is this a good mic? I remember it being reviewed by Podmic and it was pretty good during the time. Should I change or I can keep using this?

[@neptune_9631]

The value I hold in these type of reviews is next to none. Truly appreciate the honest and work in making sure we the consumers, specifically streamers, have someone who gives it to us straight. ❤

[@FreelancerAmber]

I currently have the Hyper X, had it for maybe a few years, and there are times where I would hit the mic accidentally. And because I'm no sound expert I never really heard the difference when I edit my videos. So when I look at the mics recommended, I'm looking at the Rode PodMic, mainly for cheap pricing. But when you said that the Rode more on the Pro Audio side that would be more familiar for people that have experience with audio mixing, I kinda hesitated. But can I still get it for streams and simple recordings? Edit: I just purchased the BEACN Mic maybe an hour after watching thsi.

[@StormFahrt]

I ran across a cheap MXL XLR mic and liked it enough i invested more into an XLR set up after watching your videos. I went with the Elgato Wave DX because it was on sale for $70. I also bought the wave xlr to work with it. Very happy with this even used some settings of yours to tune it a bit to squeeze a little better sound out. These gaming mic companies just seem to be catering to the "oooo look it has RGB" crowd. Happy i found your channel otherwise I would not of know about the Wave DX or the Rode Podcast (the other mic i was thinking of getting before the sweet sale on the DX) and bought some of the crummy mics these other companies shovel out. I do have a question on the Wave DX. How do i tune it to block out more of the background noise from games? I don't have the gain high and i don't think my PC volume is high ether also i have the noise removal feature enabled but i've been told quite a bit of my game still comes through . Suggestions?

[@LeeTaylorTV]

Great video there Harris, Never used one of those Horrible 5 lol, I started with a Neewer Mic, cheap and cherful but sounded great with EQ, and now ive moved on to an FDUCE SL40 MIc and the compliments i get on my audio is fantastic, takes XLR AND USB C, £60 ($75 ish), Cheap doesnt always mean bad.

[@MrGhost9640]

Definitely helped me cross a mic out so.thank you trying to figure out the one I'm going to get

[@elijahcruz8895]

I bought the Beacn Mic after your review (and a few others, gotta be sure before buying something on a whim lol), and I gotta say, to this day, it is STILL one of the BEST purchases I've ever made. With that being said, I do have a single issue to this day with the mic, and that is the cable itself. There's nothing really wrong with the cable itself, it's a SOLID USB-C cable, but with it being on my Blue Mic Arm, and me moving it away from me when I'm not using it, it seems to randomly stop functioning after a while, or just unplugging and replugging. Of course, that's something to always keep in mind with USB-C, but for some reason this happens most of all with the included cable, as well as when buying others from them. I've noted that buying a really heavy duty 10FT USB-C cable works really well, but after changing the Beacn cable a few times, and then giving up and randomly grabbing an Anker one on amazon, I've had no problems for months. For context on the old USB-C, it would happen after just a few weeks (I'm very hands on and wild when I make content LUL), but switching the cable did finally make it better, just wish it didn't cost me making a $15 mistake everytime I had to change the cable. Weirdly enough, I have been even rougher lately and the braided Anker cable has been just fine LUL

[@JentusPro]

I bought for myself a Roccat Torch mic with a mixer base and happy with that. What your thoughts about the Roccat Torch?

[@Aative]

I was looking at Steelseries' mic for a while because I liked the way it looked. It wasn't in stock for a long time period so I ultimately went for an Audio Technica AT2035 and Arturia Minifuse 2 as my mic setup. If I'm recording console games with others in discord, I use headphones plugged in to the Minifuse and monitor the game through OBS.

[@sicjake]

Would have liked to have seen the Shure MV7 on the table, it's a pretty great mic for creators. It's pretty straight forward to run audio plugins in OBS which if you are streaming or recording you are already likely using. I'd rather a better quality mic over one that is bundled with software.

[@StolenJoker84]

I currently use a Yetti and my wife has a Thronmax MDrill Zero Plus. Haven’t noticed any issues with either. I’m curious to hear your opinions in these two mics.

[@dozer32__]

same goes for " gaming headsets" get one of the mics you mentioned, plus some audiophile earphones like the 58x, audeze lcd2c...and it just makes the gaming and streaming experience a lot better.

[@SimplyWisteria]

What should I get? Elgato wave 1, epos b20 or yeti x / normal yeti for the same price (50)

[@themuugen]

How do you feel about Maono? I use the PD400x microphone with the Herkules Stream 200xlr audio interface.

[@HawkHPG]

Been using a Blue Yeti Nano for years. Originally, it was fantastic quality audio. Well, fantastic to my expectations lol. But for the past few years, I've had numerous software issues with it. Stuff like Logitech buying out Blue/Sherpa and not even realizing I needed to ditch the Sherpa software app for Logitech's G Hub to update the mic. Which solved some device driver issues I was having, and gave me back that audio quality I thought I lost forever. But since then, it's a game of roulette whether or not the Blue mic will actually work right when my PC starts up. Either it works great and my voice quality is clear and warm, or it comes through heavily distorted. No apparent reason why, no clue what part of my setup could be the culprit. (And I know there could be any of many parts that could be causing the issue. But troubleshooting the problem all sorts of different ways has left me exhausted.) So I came across your video, and I thank you! I'm getting that Rode Podmic soon! I just got the USB edition since I apparently refuse to do the whole XLR setup. But I'm sure I'll be glad I did.

[@dzongwanefouillot3901]

Fifine is underrated ✨

[@theoutsiderjess4869]

Maono as well

[@willismiller7035]

these r the most underrated comments on this video...

[@oxxExtinctionXXO]

I have a sc425 here because i switched from using gaming headsets to dt770 + headphone amp years ago for general voice chat. I never properly thought about configuring the gain which made the microphone sound fine. Because you mentioned it now, i tried to properly configure the gain and volume and it sounds really fucking good now. Thanks.

[@ionrage]

I think a lot of issues for any USB microphone is, is when they start to approach the price of the Rode podmic USB since you can get them below MSRP, even the Rode NT1 5th Gen has gone down in price from retailers.

[@DM-gs2vo]

Thanks for the vid, was looking for something to treat myself with for my bday. And 200 euros is my budget. Wave link 3 fits into it like a glove. I have enough to probably buy a new monitor arm for my monitor as well with this budget. Cool

[@andreasisme]

Thank you, I'm by no means an expert in anything audio related, so this was really helpful. I was really considering buying the SteelSeries microphone, as I'm a fan of some of the other stuff they make, but this made me change my mind.

[@RibombeeTeacher]

I have had my Wave1 since it dropped, and aside from the odd hiccup when a wavelink update dropped all of my settings and had to redo them well over a year ago, I've never had an issue, and they've gotten better and better as the times have gone on.

[@iamdusk_official]

I come to you for any info regarding stream/audio. If you will do a review on the Tonor td510 Dynamic microphone, i currently have it running through steel series gg. For me it is a solid microphone especially for the price, i just want to see your opinion regarding the microphone.

[@ThatSneakman]

Just bought the Fifine AM8 XLR mic and gonna get an XLR interface. Already sounds crisp through USB, it's gonna sound even better once I have it through XLR

[@TheRealClaylex]

I myself wanna try and get the Elgato Wave DX if I can

[@Reizyyyy]

I have the Fifine am8 with the goxlr regular and it sound amazing if you set it right!

[@Senpai]

I love Fifine stuff. It’s amazing for the price.

[@tmanx2724]

@@Senpai except their SC3 ;)

[@Poggy]

I LOVE the Rode PodMic for my videos, and I do use SteelSeries Sonar just for routing. I've not noticed the performance issues reported by others. I don't use any of the effects included in SteelSeries, I just find it a nice alternative to VoiceMeeter for me. I run my mic through Reaper and use UAD plugins (1176 to LA-2A vocal compression) and Fab Filter EQ, De-esser, and Limiter, as well as a noise reduction plugin from Ozone.

[@dahpython7764]

any thoughts about the FIFINE XLR AM8 mic ? very budget looking mic but looks better than like a hyperx duocast, which I previously wanted.

[@akiliokamoto]

I had the AM8 mic before, it’s a great mic for its price. It may pick up some P’s at times so i recommend a pop filter to go with it.

[@SheasShack]

I have the Wav3 and don't know why I would ever change. I love the quality and the software is quality as you pointed out but simple to use.

[@YungMuShu]

You do Mics a lot. I would love to hear your points on headphones. I'm always stuck buying things like Razer because I'm scared of branching out.

[@6athory858]

deadass anything is better than razer in terms of headphones, the reddit headphones guide is pretty good unironically

[@imnotapartygoer]

​@@6athory858whats a good headphones for 100-150$

[@crystalsjoker90]

....ok so the hyper x and the logitech arent great because of the software (but you could download and use a different software) but you recommend 2 others where you have to do the exact same thing?

[@Veledan]

This was a great video! I really appreciated your going over gain and how it works. If you could (if you've already done this, I must have missed it) would you consider make a video explaining how to discover the proper gain settings for a microphone? You have a great way of explaining things, and I feel like you going over it would be incredibly beneficial! *Edit - poor, distracted grammar*

[@castlevaniaking5]

Been using a Wave 3 almost 3 years now based upon the glowing reviews Harris put out previously. It does way more than I need it to but was super simple to get going. Don’t see myself needing to upgrade it any time soon thats for sure.

[@ZunaOnTop]

is the shure mv7x still a great choice i wanted to buy one and combine it with the wave xlr to get the wavelink software but since he didnt talk about shure in this video idk

[@thesprucelodgechannel]

When I started my channel, I had Razer everything. I quickly learned my mistake and got everything upgraded over time. I use the Elgato Wave ecosystem exclusively now. I also use a Mackie DLZ Creator XS too. My mic is the Blue Sona and the Elgato Wave DX. My webcam is the Logitech MX Brio and the Elgato FaceCam Pro, (currently saving for a mirrorless camera). Videos like yours have helped me so much! I appreciate it man!

[@GamerGameBR]

Ok, nice 20min rant, what about an actual comparison? Genius....

[@Dragonyy-sb51]

He pointed out the issues, if u need a comparison find a few videos and look for the problems he mentioned, dude. no pressure.

[@avationmusic]

Im an audio and recording engineer now, but in high school I was a huge gamer. This video went straight for my soul. The way my stomach dropped when you showed the polarity switches on the HyperX mic…. Why? That is such a niche tool? Like I cannot imagine a use case for any polar pattern other than cardioid aside from band recordings and room calibration!? 17:30 I also just want to make a moment to shoutout Røde for this software. It’s in collaboration with the APHEX Vintage series of audio processing units. I have worked with many artists big and small, in many studios, in many genres. I am not joking when I say the APHEX series (especially the Exciter) goes on EVERY song, and I’m not alone in this. It’s like a holy grail. To have that baked into the software in such an intuitive way… Wow. Just wow.

[@CreamCheeseTho]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but what's it called when a software (or maybe hardware does it?) auto levels your quiet moments to be louder, and peak moments to be lower? Basically to have the same average volume. I have a mixer with a compressor on it and all it does is completely mute during loud volumes, which isn't what I'm looking for. I believe Harris covered it in a previous video, but I can't find it.

[@Senpai]

A compressor is what you’re describing. You either have your settings wrong or it’s a really bad compressor.

[@Senpai]

Also, this is absolutely not a dumb question. This is how you learn. Thanks for asking, homie ✌🏼

[@thatzaliasguy]

Big fan of the PreSonus PD-70, especially for use on Linux without bloatware application junk and "drivers".

[@gtfrosted5271]

i agree with most of these but the steelseries xlr ive had since launch and i absolutely love it

[@__Pathfinder__]

Which is the best mic for Gaming (Backround Noisce cancelation) up to 100$€? Is there something better than the Serein Mini? My Solocast records so much in the backround... even with a shock mount there is not much difference...

[@Jakeu1701]

Will you have custom printing on the deskmats?

[@lazyturfbattler]

Thanks for the info, learnt quite alot from the video! Guess ill be sticking to my airpods for gaming for some time and save the money

[@thomasvanrenterghem4963]

You're 100% right, but as I'm not a streamer my main buying points were: I want a standalone mic, I want it to be better then what I have now, I want it to look good and the hyperx one checks all those boxes for me personally

[@adonutplaysgames]

Great video. Had my Wave 1 for a few years now, love it. Will never go anywhere else. Re. the mouse pads, super cool! I do have a question though. Are the edges stitched? I currently own one of your Senpai Mousepads that do not have stitched edges and found the top fabric starting to come away from the base pretty early on. I still use it but it disappointed me a bit for the price and the delivery getting it to the UK. Any feedback from you would be great! Thanks for the video! Quick edit: I did check out some of the products on the site but could not easily tell. Maybe it is my eyes failing me at the old age of 34 lol.

[@Senpai]

Whole new product. The edges are stitched and the pad is about twice as thick as the old ones.

[@adonutplaysgames]

@@Senpai Exactly what I wanted to hear. Used to use a NiP Xtrfy stitched pad and loved it so I think it's time for a new pad! Thanks homes. Appreciate the snappy response!

[@joca1378]

"So what kind of microphone are you looking for?" "I want one that has lots of rgb lights" "Just gtfo please"

[@benrboss]

I have a wave 3 and its so unbelievably good. I've gotten right up next to it and clip guard works so well that I don't think its ever peaked.

[@Hashtag__Taco]

I had a hyperX, hated it. Thought about going to xlr, but took your advice on the Beacn mic and have loved every minute of it. The sole fact that all processing is done on the mic rather than the pc is a huge selling point for me.

[@jimmyjiang3413]

Now I am using Elgato Wave:3 as my daily general purpose mic even for video conference, and it still sounded great with my latest IEM currently using. Simple yet job done great for quality.

[@ImJCyo]

I have the Wave 3. The USB one, not the XLR version. I could hardly find this thing when it came out and your first review came out for it, but I knew I had to have it. Now I really want the BEACN. None of this is gonna make me a better streamer, because I have to actually stream to get those results in the first place, but sound is important to me.

[@MrRobot_]

Very valuable info. Awesome

[@the1ntrud3r72]

I use the mackie EM-99b - not too expensive and sounds great - big thumbs up 👍

[@the1ntrud3r72]

Its a dynamic, xlr broadcast mic - sounds similar to shure mv7 but is cheaper got it for a deal for 100 pounds - worth the money- no gaming mic comes close

[@BlueRobotMiner]

8:09 I can't tell you how many times I've actually bumped that (hyperx) mic in it. Then the gain either goes super soft or goes all the way up. I eventually got a beacn MiC recently

[@enemywithbenefits]

What is the best microphone for people on work-from-home laptops? The price does not matter, but I can't install software on the device.

[@leogreed]

Hey Harris, I have one question for you: My current settings is using a USB microphone with Voicemeeter, to split my audios in separate tracks. If I were to invest on a XLR mic, that means I need a mixing table or Wave XLR, which is a $200 investment + mic. Any other recommendations on a budget side that would work like Voicemeeter?

[@CoalitionGaming]

If you're only using voicemeeter to do the splitting, you dont need some crazy mixing table, wave XLR, or anything like that. A $40 Behringer UM2 will do the trick, then you just configure voicemeeter as usual (selecting the Behringer interface as your mic and thats it). This is also essentially what the Wave XLR does but that itself allows access to the Wave Link software which is another can of worms especially if you want to continue using Voicemeeter.

[@crispytakoyaki8318]

Hey, I just wanted to know if your mouse pads are speed or control mouse pads and will you ever release a 500x500 mouse pad?

[@RadOo]

Good video! I have came up with an opinion that I don't buy gaming audio stuff from gaming brands, rather I buy from Audio brands, hence I have my UMC204HD interface paired with M50xSTS headset, just amazing sound. And we bought Rode NT-USB Mini for my friend, simple microphone, came setup very well out of the box and I only did some setting up in OBS for him to have more consistent loudness and that is it.

[@BennettBeach]

Question, would you spend $40 or $60 on the hyperx one? I see at least 3 or 4 at my local pawn shop every time I go.

[@slavicodyssey]

I would advise against getting the diety. I bought it and the limiter only works at a certain gain level, but I found it to not sound all that great when that requirement is met. Also, what made me return it as soon as i saw this was a common issue, it makes a weird quick static click every once in awhile when using obs in my recordings. Turns out that was an oddly specific common problem with that mic and OBS. I instead got the Go xlr microphone i got on sale with the elgato wave interface and i am much happier. If you want to stick to a simple usb mic setup, Elgato Wave 3 has my vote.

[@You-Same]

So if sonar tanks performance what software u recommend for any usb mic?

[@BENjardt]

I wonder what your thoughts on the Sennheiser Pro are