Should I Consider a USB Microphone?

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JohnBM01

JohnBM01

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Back in June, I bought a brand new sound card after my Realtek AC97 onboard audio gave out on me. I bought a Sound Blaster Audigy SE before I eventually returned it in exchange for my current Diamond XtremeSound 7.1 24-bit sound card. A problem I have is that despite turning microphone recording volume up high and putting in the microphone boost, my microphone recording volume still delivers poor recording quality. I'm not even going to chance something like putting the microphone in any other recording slot or anything...

...then I looked online at a USB desktop microphone by Logitech ( http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/microphones/devices/221&cl=US,EN ). I deem Logitech a good brand. For years, I've had a Labtec Verse 504 microphone. I even have a Creative small microphone that came with my Creative webcam. One of the benefits of such a USB Microphone is its ability to cancel out noise as well as being able to record digitally. What I am unsure of is if a USB microphone will record any better and any not have to rely too much on a standard desktop microphone. So my question to you all is...

Would you recommend a USB microphone for me to use in making digital recordings (like recording my own voice)?
 
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Something I was considering also was downloading some program to boost microphone volume. This problem wouldn't have happened if my onboard audio were still working. However, I still believe that a USB microphone (even a headset) would probably produce better sound quality at better volume than this sound card's microphone sounds with a regular cable microphone.

Any suggestions on if I should go through with a USB microphone?
 
USB does have a faster connection and should be able to give a good quality. Though it is a bit high in price for being a microphone. If I were to get a headset, I'd get this one here.
 
Well, I think I'm going to try to get a USB headset. I just need a better microphone in hopes that I can be able to use it to make voice recordings. Here's a problem I may face- not every store (and I'm thinking of Wal-Marts and maybe some Radio Shacks) will have one. I'm thinking of the Logitech ClearChat Comfort USB headset for a headset, and maybe the Nady USB-24M microphone for a semi-professional type of microphone. The best-case scenario for me is if someone has the Logitech ClearChat USB headset for a price I have enough money for. I think WalMart sold the headset for about $24, but it's only an online item. However, one YouTube video I saw shown one guy reviewing it saying he got it from WalMart. Not sure if it was online or not. However, at least I know my options. Another possibility is to get a Logitech microphone for the PS2, then maybe download some drivers to get it to work for my PC.

It's either going to be a USB headset or a USB microphone. Since they have their own little soundcards, I may not need to worry about having to use a standard desktop microphone again. If these fail, I may go back to wanting to use the USB Desktop Microphone from Logitech. My final alternative (if all this doesn't work) is to seek some sort of microphone-boosting software that makes the microphone recording sounds louder.

I'll try my luck this weekend. Any further comments are welcome. By the way, a YouTube person I came across (LookanIndian) noted that USB microphones offer better sound quality. If I do get a USB, it will be my first USB headset, but not my first microphone headset of any kind.
 
I headed out to a Walmart and ended up getting me the Logitech Vantage USB Headset. While it's made for the PlayStation 3, it also works for the PS2... and also the PC. The thing I noted was clearer voice quality as well as being able to speak into the mic so I can remember just what the hell I sound like. It has only one earphone, and it's flaw for me is trying to keep the thing around my big head. My voice is projected clearly into the microphone. I may now be able to make recordings and maybe even some videos. I'm my own tech diva.

I believe I've solved my problem. My only issue was if I was going to be able to find one at a store even as websites have said "only online." I was real fortunate to get one of these if such headsets aren't really available. I could have saved my money and maybe got a more proper headset- the Logitech ClearChat USB headset. But really, I've solved this problem with this thing. I'll be sure to use this to listen to my speeches and maybe start some video material. I've surpassed analog microphones now. This is a great headset and a true replacement to analog microphones.

I'd like to add that I'm thankful I got SOME comments and advice. So thank you, nick09. Nice of you to offer your advice to me again.
 
I agree the digital signal is doing a better job! I will subscribe to you, to see if you have anything good to post on youtube.:)
 
I am looking for a set of quality over-the-ear headphones with multi-channel surround sound capabilities (not just stereo, but multi speaker arrays in each cup) and microphone for late night movie screenings and gaming sessions. In my search I came across the following model and am curious if anyone owns it or is familiar with the model:
I'm also open for other suggestions as well. Thanks!
 
I just want you all to know that I've used my headset to make YouTube videos featuring my face. Check out some of my videos at my YouTube channel at ( http://www.youtube.com/user/johnmarinetube ). It can also be found in my signature.

I had a choice when looking for a USB microphone- get a headset or a straight USB microphone. I got my Logitech Vantage USB headset. I could have gotten an available ClearChat Pro. There was a YouTube video that had a review on the ClearChat Pro USB headset. I just wanted something to enjoy using a USB microphone. The Vantage USB served me well and still does. All I wanted was a USB microphone. Maybe would have been better if I had gotten the ClearChat USB Pro because I could actually hear my voice without having to change to my headphones to hear myself. My headset doesn't require drivers to be installed on your PC. Just jack it into an available USB slot to enjoy having a microphone. Another good thing about me getting a headset is that I don't have to have a microphone right in front of me to speak into. So I just sit upright and speak into the mic. I even have to change some of the Audio properties to enjoy digital sound.

I wasn't really looking for gaming-type headphones. Those Tritton headphones look pretty extreme for the best sound quality and recording and voice input. But if you have the money and stuff, they would serve you well. I'm more frugal often times. So I think of "best bang for the buck."
 

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