Mic advice needed!

[KukkiKat]

Hi everyone! I have a question regarding mics and if it’s worth spending extra! I’ve done research and I’ve found a similar mic recommended in a thread from a few years back, but I’m unsure if it’s still worth it!

I currently have and use a Pink Razer Siren Mini for streaming and I used it for my first bank, I liked how it came out! However I’ve decided to remake my bank completely and include multiple pitches + expressions (my first bank had 3 pitches + 1 expression, I’d like to expand!)

The mic i was thinking of getting is the Audio-Technica AT2020USB-X Cardioid Condenser USB Mic but would it be worth it or would it not really make a difference? I’ve already bought supplies to treat my room to minimize noise! I’ve tried re-recording the samples using my current mic but I’m just not satisfied, maybe I’m being too picky ^^”

Thank you!

 

[Suzuki Hoshi]

i don't know if it'll make too much of a difference because I use a COCONISE ME6S gaming mic and it works fine,

 

[Kiyoteru]

The difference between the two mics that you listed may not be very significant. If you want to start upgrading your gear, I would suggest getting an audio interface and a cheap XLR microphone. This will also have similar audio quality, but having the basic equipment will make it easier to make further upgrades to better microphones.

 

[SaKe]

I second what Adlez said, also, the AT2020 is 50 dollars cheaper in it's XLR variant, as with most XLR mics. It's cheaper in the long run than buying USB mics till you reach the quality ceiling they have.

Edit: Guitar Centre has a bundle where you get a Shure SM58 (standard live performance mic, you'll see them in a lot of early 2000s concert recordings but they're still good mics), a Scarlett Solo (solid interface, Ado used to use one) and some Audio Technica headphones for 240-ish dollars. All of those things will last you a pretty long time, especially the SM58.

 

[SkipperIsCoolIG]

Speaking as someone who records with a Razer Seiren V2 Pro, I always just take the time to clean up in audacity, and it pays off imo.

 

[KukkiKat]

I second what Adlez said, also, the AT2020 is 50 dollars cheaper in it's XLR variant, as with most XLR mics. It's cheaper in the long run than buying USB mics till you reach the quality ceiling they have.

Edit: Guitar Centre has a bundle where you get a Shure SM58 (standard live performance mic, you'll see them in a lot of early 2000s concert recordings but they're still good mics), a Scarlett Solo (solid interface, Ado used to use one) and some Audio Technica headphones for 240-ish dollars. All of those things will last you a pretty long time, especially the SM58.

I’m going to check this out, thank you so much for the recommendations!!

Post automatically merged: Apr 28, 2025

The difference between the two mics that you listed may not be very significant. If you want to start upgrading your gear, I would suggest getting an audio interface and a cheap XLR microphone. This will also have similar audio quality, but having the basic equipment will make it easier to make further upgrades to better microphones.

I will look into XLR mics, thank you so much for the advice! <3

 

[KukkiKat]

Update: I got an XLR mic with an interface and.. WOW. major game changer I’m shaking LOL I compared audio recording with my USB mic with the XLR and it was insane! More clarity, less noise, and loud enough… that was a huge issue i had with my usb mic. It was so quiet and raising the gain only made the noise unbearable >.<

Definitely recommend upgrading to an XLR mic if you haven’t already if you’ll be making a lot of audio related content (music, streaming, etc)! Ty for the advice everyone, was a huge help! <3