USB vs XLR microphones - for voice over it doesn't matter - This does.

[@TomCee53]

8 minutes to say, “You get what you pay for, to a point”. Thanks for the reminder.

[@creatorsvillage]

You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@honestnerd]

Just stumbled upon your video, you should have 10x more subscribers, not just for the info, but for the production quality. Glad I found your channel!

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks!

[@beanpasteposts]

The Marantz MPM1000, Behringer C1, Samson CO1, and Tascam TM80 are all $50 xlr mics that sound excellent and are built well. I have a decent mic already (AT2035, SE X1 USB, among some others), but for those still looking, I personally know voiceover artists that have gotten gig work with those mics specifically. Pair any of them with a UMC22 and that's a solid starter setup for around $100. More than the mic, the most important factor is room treatment. There's no point in having a decent mic if you're not using it in a properly treated space, first and foremost.

[@JetWarrior]

Such good info! I see this debate all the time, and no one actually breaks it down like this. When people ask USB vs. XLR, the thing that needs to always needs to be asked as a follow-up is...What are you going to be using it for? The main detraction I give about USB mics is that there is a definite quality ceiling. The $350 Apogee HypeMic is basically the absolute highest quality USB mic you can get, but it doesn't reach the nuance enhancing capabilities of the $1000+ Neumanns and Senn pens out there. Getting an audio interface is a worthy investment that opens up that entire realm of XLR microphones to people, and you'll need that if you want to stay competitive in this field. But if you DON'T need to stay competitive...like if you're podcasting, streaming, narrating an e-learning module or instructional KZbin video, then those mics and that interface might be overkill. As a streamer, I can't imagine why some kid with 100 Twitch followers spent $600 on an SM7B + Cloudlifter + Interface + accessories for a stream that is going to be dominated by constant machine gun fire and headset team chat, where they would have been just fine with a $100 Blue Yeti and their audience would be very okay with it. I'm glad this video highlights these points. USB is not inherently worse than XLR, but you have to know why you're buying it and plan for the future.

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks man! Excellent comment!

[@slyreader]

I've been trying out a slew of both USB/XLR mics and have found some interesting conclusions. 1. The Samson Q9U is a wonderful USB mic, but I could never get it to sound the same when plugged in via XLR. The Fifine K688 was the exact opposite. It sounded great as an XLR, but failed miserably as a USB. 2. It seems that the different mic capsules make your voice sound different, so finding one that matches your voice is key. I've finally settled on the AT2040 and the Sterling P30 as a backup. You have a wonderful voice that most of us don't. Great video!

[@creatorsvillage]

thanks for the compliment. Good luck!

[@NarcissisticAbuseHealing]

This was very entertaining to watch. Thanks for putting in the extra effort.

[@creatorsvillage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@massbud1]

Thank you for the advice. This video was very helpful and good information. Keep up the great work.

[@MyStutteringLife]

GREAT VIDEO!!! In podcasting, I used the ATR2100 and then I upgraded to the Shure SM7B with the Rodecaster Pro. For voice over, I'm still using the Rodecaster Pro with my Shure SM7B. I'm sure I'll upgrade my mic as I am a techie, but for now, this is doing the job. Thank you again for an OUTSTANDING VIDEO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@creatorsvillage]

You're welcome.

[@lisaray9582]

Informative and funny. Great content Rick!

[@creatorsvillage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@VOByRobbins]

Love your humor and videos, great work!!!

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks so much!

[@Kapppa]

What I realized recently is that the majority of effects you would get from an amp are just things that you could do in post, things that I've been doing in post. I'm talking about things like altering compression, EQ etc. You also have more control over these things and post, and can revert effects that you don't want anymore. So basically, as long as the hardware in my USB mic is good enough, there is almost absolutely no advantage to using XLR (for voiceover). When researching microphones, people are always shilling XLR As though USB mics are strictly inferior. I feel like these people are just ignorant about how much you can edit audio 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 recording. I'll admit, though, that a lot of top-end XLR mics might not have a USB alternative. I still don't think that warrants people saying "if you wanna be a professional, you need an XLR mic."

[@creatorsvillage]

It's tricky because part of the equation is also speed. As you progress, the speed at which you edit your audio is important. I think it's totally possible to use a USB mic to do work, but you gotta get the right mic. Thanks for watching and for the great comment.

[@jackedkerouac4414]

This is why I'm excited for the 5th gen Rode NT1 which has a dual XLR and USB output. Are we able to now travel without an audio interface and confidently achieve the front end clarity of an XLR? Yes we can and it'll only get better since a lot of mic manufacturers will jump on board.

[@voiceshrey]

You have summed up beautifully. I am a beginner too and looking for good starting range plug and play mic. Thanks for sharing

[@helmanfrow]

1:08 Microphone capsule doesn't capture anything. It vibrates in response to changes in sound pressure and those vibrations are converted into an electrical signal.

[@nheil4778]

Subbed for the informative mic stuff and entertainment value. Awesome editing and production. Cheers!

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks!

[@techcdrive1702]

and oh yeah, the humor you used in this video made it more entertaining and amazing. Many things are clear now. Can you please make a video on Kits like - what type of Mic Kits should youtubers (educational, tutorials mostly) use for better result -beginners, intermediate, Pro. For Music (not a singer but a little information about this also helps someone if he/ she wants to try), For streamers - entry level to Pro level. And what type of mic could fit in all of these mentioned segments. And yeah, Step by step guide to setup a mic (my mic always catches mouse click sounds and computer fan noise even if the speed is slow and load is minimum and desk sounds) how to avoid them. Thanks

[@creatorsvillage]

These are great ideas, I'll try and add them to the list. Thanks!

[@susanbriggs862]

Great info and love the quality of your production. Very entertaining. Just subscribed.

[@Goat.Herder]

I'm listening on my phone at half volume and I can even hear the noise from the Neewer 😂

[@creatorsvillage]

It's pretty bad.

[@Dracomies]

I thought you were going to mention the 'room'. The sound treatment. For the 'most important question'. While it wasn't the typical answer I was expecting, the questions you posed instead are on the money. Something I think a lot of people overlook. Great points all around! :P

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks!

[@olafschermann1592]

Great content. Educational AND entertaining. Thank you!

[@creatorsvillage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@amoghdayananda3572]

@@creatorsvillage we did buddy

[@Alphoric]

Tbf a lot of very expensive XLR mics use capsules that cost 1/40th the price of the mic like the one in DIY Perks video where he made a usb c mic

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

Some usb mics have a self noise of over *30* dbA, when a *bad* self-noise for VO is over 16 (the RØDE NTG4+ has a 16 dbA; it's really designed for live-outdoor recording), and a barely "acceptable" self-noise is around 13 or 12, like the AKG C214. Whereas the quasi-affordable Røde NT1A has a self noise of only 5dbA (and you get a nifty "1970's schwinn bmx bike" shockmount with it, free!). My 2013 Samsontech usb mic had a self noise of 32!

[@creatorsvillage]

Wow. Thanks for the comment.

[@HungryForTastyFoodAndComicArt]

@@creatorsvillage Well, I thought maybe new mic buyers wouldn't want 2 repeat some mistakes others like myself have made. Always best to look at the spec sheets and find the self-noise before becoming very disappointed.

[@voiceshrey]

Very nice info about the self noise...... As I am a beginner looking for my first plug and play mic will be careful about the self noise.

[@JamesBrown-pu4lq]

Maaann I've been following you since 5 months What an amazing content you're making Keep grinding

[@creatorsvillage]

Thank you! Will do!

[@bearweethus8066]

First time watching your content and boy.... I am impressed !

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks!

[@eshbyesh]

SUPERIOR MIKE at 5:47 !!!!! Seriously, great video as always. With the Nuewer POC, fiddling with the gain, etc on the pre-amp doesn't help? or just not worth the effort?

[@creatorsvillage]

It's really not worth the effort.

[@pip5528]

I got a good chuckle out of the Neewer NW-700 Piece of Crap! I had a Blue Yeti for a few years and later upgraded to a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen with Rode NT1 and Shure SM57. I love the demonstration of a mic with stupidly high self noise and that I have the mic that's famous for its insanely low self noise.

[@voiceshrey]

Nice info

[@bmarie___]

AUDIO IS INSANEEEE❤❤❤

[@creatorsvillage]

LOL thanks

[@LazarusStirs]

I don't know if I necessarily agree with this any longer. In the past I used to feel the same way. But I was just comparing a Pyle PDMIC78 to an SM57. The Pyle PDMIC78 was on sale for $20 while the SM57 is 100 bucks. I thought the Pyle PDMIC78 sounded better. Technology has advanced to a point where I don't think people realize that it is just not that difficult to replicate the sound of really expensive gear with an incredibly inexpensive product. Time and time again in the last couple of months I've been blown away at how microphones that cost nothing almost, microphones that most people would just scoff at, end up sounding the same or better than Elite microphones. That certainly isn't always the case, but I have noticed it a quite a bit. I also no longer necessarily believe that XLR are is better than USB. Even at similar prices. I've heard some USB mics that soundsjust as good as XLR mics in the same price range. Technology really has come a long way.

[@creatorsvillage]

Agreed. USB mics have gotten so much better. It's a bit of a risk with a really cheap mic though. The tone and quality can really vary even with the same brand and model. I recently bought and used a couple of berringer dynamics for a client, and when I was setting them up, they each sounded completly different. One was really dark and muddy sounding, and one wouldn't hold the XLR cable. You can roll the dice and see if you get a good one. But it's a risk.

[@EnglishEloquenceMoscow]

"Bob's your uncle" - had to google it. Thanks for the video man, really enjoying your work. Hey, what's your fav VO mic? Thanks!

[@creatorsvillage]

I love my KSM 32. I use it for 80% of my work. When I need that low end with good articulation, I'll use the MKH 416.

[@EnglishEloquenceMoscow]

@@creatorsvillage I see! Thanks. I've just purchased a KSM32 today. I like how smooth it is. It is not as bright as my TLM 103, Worker Bee and my Aston Spirit and Origin. Is it supposed to be like that man or am I doing something wrong? Thank you!

[@creatorsvillage]

It’s a smooth mic, some call it dark. But I find if I back off between 5-7 inches, it balances perfectly. I have a really well treated space so I can do that without getting any room noise.

[@EnglishEloquenceMoscow]

@@creatorsvillage Cool man. Now I know my mic is not defected. If you could make a video about treating your space, that'd be really great. Cheers!

[@misterwhyte]

Not a voice over artist but that was still a fantastic video. Thank you for that, I learned some important stuff.

[@iwmsutajaya]

Thanks a lot for detailed description I change my opinion on Public announvement Amplifier posing XLR or USB Microphone.

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks for the comment.

[@DecoratewithManas]

Funny and informative!! Thanks for the video...I had a smile through out :)

[@creatorsvillage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@techcdrive1702]

BDW great content you have. Absolutely awesome channel for audio information and technological terms. going to watch them all... Thanks for all the efforts.

[@creatorsvillage]

Glad you like them!

[@chriscollins7586]

What mic do i see you ising in this video? I could find it when i looked up your gear maybe just looks different.

[@travis3567]

Do you think I could do voice acting as a side gig/hobby using a HyperX Quadcast? I already own it and a boom. I can’t really afford/justify buying a new mic and interface. I’d rather spend the money sound treating my office.

[@arikiAnime]

video good yes 👍

[@creatorsvillage]

Thank you 👍

[@ha-1wm]

please for voice over < is rode nt usp good???

[@Bran.man24]

I just got a samson Q9U ($150.00) usb/XLR microphone to do streaming and voiceovers. I got it hooked up as usb right now until i can buy the XLR components. That being said, it sounds like complete dog crap in usb. I don't know if im missing something because i figured at that price range it would sound alot better. Im hoping it will sound better once i get the XLR components and run it that way. Did I screw up by getting that microphone?

[@LunasWorld]

Awesome video! I appreciate all the effort you put in! You should have way more subs than you do! Keep up the great work!

[@ShadoWolfe]

The newer mic is actually less than 4 usd in asian countries so your actually getting something way cheaper than the 20$ you paid for

[@creatorsvillage]

OMG

[@Muhluri]

Wow! Does this mean that other Chinese brands are also being overpriced?

[@ShadoWolfe]

@@Muhluri Perhaps? it could also just be sellers trying to cover import costs or make a quick buck. All I know is that the Mic costs around less than 4$-6$ when it's just the standalone mic. no mic arm or soundcard (Which don't work btw) Sometimes they have faulty cables, mine did and that made it unusable with my phantom power which I also got from the kit.

[@jackieobrien9808]

I've been using my work (radio station) sound booth for my recordings for 7 years and have been meaning to build myself a home studio for just as long. But every time I dive into it I get so overwhelmed by all the conflicting advise and information that I just bail and don't change anything. I also live in SE Asia where access to quality recording equipment is not great and the cost of 2-5x higher than if I was back in the States. I was toying with just getting a Blue Yeti and sound proofing my spare bedroom but the mic is about 300$ here and I have no way of testing it until it's in my hands. I'm just a Fiverr/Upwork Voice Actor who mostly does commercials and youtube video narrations. Have you tried the Blue Yeti personally? Do you think it would be comparable to a (slightly run down) Radio booth? Any advise would be *chefs kiss*

[@MR-vs9rd]

I can recommend the neewer 7000 usb. Its like 25 bucks and better than the yeti.

[@creatorsvillage]

I'm not a huge fan of the Yeti, but... that being said. I get where you're coming from. I lived in SE Asia for a while and I can't imagine trying to build a home booth there. My advice is to keep your recording space as small as possible. That way you won't have to have as much sound treatment, which will cut down on costs. Think closet size. I had a Yeti for seveal years, and I struggled with mic noise, and inconsistant audio levels. I don't recommend any Neewer mics, I haven't heard them all though. If you're needing a USB mic, try the Workerbee, or the Tempest, or the Neom. I think the workerbee 2 is on sale these days. Best of luck.

[@jackieobrien9808]

@@creatorsvillage You're a legend for this response. Thank you!

[@TauBuuVuong]

At 6:23 you mentioned the AT2020. Do you mean this mic is good or not since i'm planning on getting one and doesn't understand your opinion on this.

[@pia31415]

it's considered good and pretty standard in the industry. similar to how sm series is considered for live audio. people are split on its usb version though. it is brighter if that matters to you.

[@brucequinn]

Really nice. Great style & content both.

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks so much!

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

Oh the Neewer mic …😳🤢🫣🤪 Love your channel! Spot on as always! I actually have the FiFine k669b the for mic reviews I do for comparisons. It is shocking how good it sounds. It’s a rare bird, just comes down to dependability, no headphone monitoring, etc.

[@SavageNami]

Great video, I know you'll grow lots :D

[@creatorsvillage]

Hope so!

[@arcticfloof3122]

I'm thinking of getting a byerdynamic fox usb mic, its about $90 so I'm wondering if I was to get this mainly for gaming and possibly beginner vocals for music would this be a good choice?

[@leeedsonetwo]

Very interesting and helpful thanks

[@creatorsvillage]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bryanmeier272xp8]

man hope i didnt screw up lol i bought a akg 220 and a alpa interface and tryed for hours to get it to work for music studio recording couldnt get no sound so didnt know if was the interface or the mic anywase my firend been doing his music with a zoom mic he claims it the best usb mic and his music sounds like he is useing xlr but i bought the SE NEOM usb brand new for 110

[@creatorsvillage]

Hope you worked it out.

[@3DEnthusiast]

Thank you for your video!!

[@creatorsvillage]

Welcome

[@harpreetsinghmoga]

Great Video .

[@pennythompson7139]

Ric(k) - great info, especially for a beginner audiobook narrator such as myself. I also watched your review of the Bumblebee II - based on that review and this video, I'm not sure if I should buy the Bumblebee II or go a little higher. Thoughts?

[@creatorsvillage]

If you're looking to use a USB mic for audiobooks, the bumblebee 2 is a good choice. It has a more relaxed sound that is good for long form. That's also why I like the sound of the TULA. Very soft, and clean. Eventually I think you might want to upgrade to a XLR system. There are a lot of advantages.

[@MicD1]

Haha this is awesome content. Have Beyerdynamic reached out to you re their Pro X mics? The M90 sounds compelling and would love your thoughts on it.

[@creatorsvillage]

No, i haven’t heard the M90. I buy all my own microphones. Thanks for watching!

[@AntiProibicionismo]

I have a Zoom H5n recorder and I'm not sure whether to buy a ZOOM condenser module (model "MSH-6") [$79.99] or an Audio-Technica AT2020 (XLR) [$99.00] . I didn't find a comparison between the two on Google or KZbin. Could you give me a suggestion? Thanks!

[@creatorsvillage]

Hey Tommy, I haven't tested the MSH-6, but check out a channel called podcastage, maybe bandrew has tested out that mic. I like the 2020, but also look at the king bee 2, it's a little bit more, but it's a great mic

[@legendrbb990]

Excuse me sir.... I'm big fan of your channel.... I'm a Voice Artist too.... I've seen a lot of videos on your channel... But please make a video on editing audio.... After recordings.... How to polish aur audio quality on audio editing software.... Whether it's audacity or adobe.... Please make a video on audio editing

[@creatorsvillage]

Noted, I'll look into it.

[@legendrbb990]

@@creatorsvillage Thankyou so much sir, 😍😍😍 and please tell the way you edited in this video on AT2020 😍😍😍 Waiting for your video.... Much love ❤

[@davidagbona8869]

I loved this video!

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks!

[@korruption2802]

Amazing video

[@vassilyonasm2136]

Lol bro that's funny, when you mentioned fifin , cause I'm using one ,and the funny part I got hired more than people using very expensive mics , yes the quality of the microphone plays a major role , but the quality of Voice is the factor number one , and just a question was it you who made commercial for phone video game called VERSUS Season 2 ???

[@creatorsvillage]

I can't say

[@dizzy1896]

what fifine mic are you using?

[@vassilyonasm2136]

@@dizzy1896 k690

[@BobTX041966]

I’ll be your Uncle Bob.

[@creatorsvillage]

LOL

[@techcdrive1702]

What about wireless microphones then, they are nowhere near to these featured mics in this video for tutorial purpose.

[@creatorsvillage]

Wireless mics are risky, the tech is better these days, but you still risk dropouts.

[@appomobi]

man you are awesome

[@Morhunov]

Thanks

[@creatorsvillage]

Welcome

[@ronnieryanpc]

Where is the Gain dial at for the AT2040??

[@creatorsvillage]

On your interface.

[@unodosblanco]

GREAT video, your mic out of your booth is it the AT RE320?

[@creatorsvillage]

No, it's the AT 2040. Thanks for watching.

[@MigranteKorea]

@@creatorsvillage you made AT2040 sound amazing

[@toadamine]

what about the $150 USB AT2020?

[@creatorsvillage]

What about it?

[@toadamine]

We determined that a $33-40 USB mic is complete junk, but what about the USB at2020 at $150? Will that be reasonable? I'm not looking to be super pro, I'm just doing youtube reviews and such occasionally... Or am I gonna be screwed with any USB mic and it's gonna be noisy?

[@creatorsvillage]

@@toadamine I think the USB version of the 2020 has a good reputation. I haven't heard it personally though.

[@FittedMisfits1]

Does using interface with usb/xlr mic boost usb side?

[@creatorsvillage]

You don't use an interface with a USB mic. It's built in to the mic

[@johnrobb3275]

..................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . This is about 30 seconds worth of information and opinion (w)rapped up in an 8 minute video. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I don't like the ratio here in this particular video. I'm guessing many people watch these videos for the general production value. They all look and sound nice. He is a talented actor. As such, I think people here are entertained and learning how to create somewhat entertaining video content. This video draws too heavily on its entertainment factor. I like being entertained with quality personality and production technique, but personally I am here mainly for the information - the "USB vs XLR" stuff, and there ain't really much of that here in this video. I previously watched the pop filter comparison video, and that was okay. The pop filter comparison video was a nice 50/50 video - 50% information and 50% entertainment - nice ratio -worthwhile! I came away from this USBvsXLR video with a sense that I didn't learn much of anything about the subject at hand. His great wisdom, wait for it... wait for it, was pretty hollow and in the end just seemed somewhat condescending and forcibly consumeristic. "Much of anything", yeah I guess he did point out in there somewhere to not worry specifically about any technical differences between USB and XLR but to expect paying at least $200 for a starter USB and maybe around $250 for a starter XLR setup, but that's about 30 seconds worth of information to convey. So if you throw in another 30 seconds of entertainment that would make for a one minute video to suit this KZbinr(me). This video's end actually gave me that sinking feeling we've all experienced here and there, "Shit, there's eight minutes of my life I'll never get back!" If you find it ironic that this comment is far too long to simply express what is needed, then you might understand that I'm a lot like the guy in this video ;D

[@creatorsvillage]

LOL. you said it.

[@Muzammil.S]

Shure MV7 USB / XLR -- All rounder

[@creatorsvillage]

It's a good mic. Thanks for the comment.

[@jaywoodgrain]

Idk why but I got some Weird kinda resemblance to Ryan Reynolds like in the Eyes towards the End it must be that Dam good Quality

[@creatorsvillage]

LOL. Thanks for watching.

[@seanfrost2509]

So the USB version of the AT2020 will likely not do for voiceover, correct?

[@creatorsvillage]

Thats a good question. I would have to hear them side by side. But I suspect because the AT2020 USB version is $50 more, thats the cost of the preamps and AD converters.

[@breakvo]

I do have an Uncle Bob and he's hilarious

[@creatorsvillage]

HA!

[@hdihiiehei]

❤️❤️❤️

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks

[@thesilencer6736]

I've got an Aston Origin. Would it be possible for you to give a feedback on one of my recordings to say if you find that the microphone is the right fit for my voice? Maybe by hearing my voice, you could come with a better suggestion in terms of microphones, only if it's possible xD Btw, I already shared your channel to my friends ☺️

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks for the share! The Origin is a great mic. You really want to think about your audience when it comes to microphones. What are you going to be using it for?

[@thesilencer6736]

@@creatorsvillage Voice acting - especially character work.

[@thesilencer6736]

@@creatorsvillage Do you think aston origin is good for character work?

[@SweboySMM2]

I donno... don't feel the piece of crap-mic sounds much different than the regular he has. Except no self-noise and a little warmer, but nothing else. Think people are just picky.

[@creatorsvillage]

People are for sure picky

[@uwuawoo3987]

If everyone got an re20 and sold their sm7bs and throw away their usb mics the world would be a better place. A place where EV is the only brand that matters. In EV we trust 🥺🥺🥺

[@derekgindlesperger1575]

You cannot tell me that a $4k Neumann is THAT much better than $400 Rode or the like.

[@creatorsvillage]

Right?!

[@davidagbona8869]

2:58 It's actually pronounced Fee Fi Fo Fum.

[@creatorsvillage]

LOL

[@foodcommando]

piece of crap, I like that, straight to the point

[@creatorsvillage]

LOL

[@tricogustrico]

USB mics will take over with consumers while XLR move to the elite recording space.

[@creatorsvillage]

It's possible.

[@milahoot8168]

hahaha but but but "i need"

[@creatorsvillage]

I know, right?! Ugh.

[@Anonymous-ti9pb]

Lmao you're awesome 🤜🤛

[@Anonymous-ti9pb]

Subbed

[@creatorsvillage]

Thanks!