I am shopping for a new USB microphone for recording audio for my screencasts. This year I expect I’ll record at 100 screencasts so I wanted one that delivered good quality and was suitable for that task.
I compared these models:
- Rode Podcaster USB
- Shure PG42-USB Vocal Micrphone
- Samson C01U USB Studio Condenser Microphone (the one I use now)
- Blue Yeti USB Microphone (I have this one but don’t often use it)
- Blue Yeti Pro USB Microphone
Here is my comparison chart. Click on it to get to the PDF.
Or click on the Icon below to get the PDF.
FEATURES I NEED
- Monitoring the line – I was introduced to this feature through my Blue Yeti. It surprised me how useful it is. I get a much better sense of how I am sounding. Also, because the connection to the computer is USB, the sound comes through the headphones attached much more clearly than when connected directly to the PC – this means I sometimes just listen to music via my Microphone
- Control the Gain – somewhat useful for me.I have to record my screencasts in rooms that have a lot of ambient noise. For example my office at work has 4 workstations in it and then we have the sounds of the building AC.
- Mountability – I use a HeilPL2T Boom mount because with the equipment I have on my desk, it would make it awkward to have the mike on a small stand next to my keyboard.
MY FINAL CHOICE
The Shure PG42-USB. It has three key things I am looking for. (1) Ability to be used on a shock mount, can monitor the audio with a headphone (surprisingly useful feature), and based on the reviews I’ve read excellent sound quality.
That being said, I have to say that want to be clear that I am completely satisfied with the sound quality of the least expensive one on the list: the Samson C01U (which I own and have used for almost all my screencasts so far).
Also, I am very happy with the quality of the Blue Yeti and its many extra features – but because it can only sit on a desk and cannot be mounted to my Heil PL2T boom – which given my workspace setup is a very important – I can’t go with it as a choice.
REVIEWS ON YOUTUBE
It’s good to evaluate some of the reviews on YouTube to get some extra insight. You’ll get a sense of the audio quality.