Best Microphones Critic

Turtle Beach Stream Mic Review

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The Turtle Beach USB Stream Mic could be exactly what you were looking for if you’re a gamer or podcaster looking for a low-cost USB microphone that produces crisp audio.  It has more digital signal processing (DSP) than almost every other mic that we have tried, which helps it to record finely and clearly from about any distance.

You can also swap between multiple polar patterns on the mic to get the best sound for certain situations. This, combined with its low price, makes it an excellent option for gamers on a budget.

Turtle Beach Stream Mic

About the Product

The Stream Mic by Turtle Beach is a low-cost USB microphone suitable for gamers with a variety of recording patterns to choose from. The Stream Mic is unique in that it does most of the processing within the device. This means that it can block out any background noise and provide a higher-quality final product, unlike most USB microphones.

When you are in a noisy setting, Turtle Beach’s mic will do much better than a Blue Snowball microphone wired directly to a PS4, but it won’t fit on the Xbox One. It can also be used for interviews, podcasts, and voice-over roles.

Turtle Beach Stream Mic Review
Turtle Beach Stream Mic

View on Amazon

Price: $140-$200

Product Design & Quality

The gray and black Stream Mic has a vintage-looking build and measures approximately 6.5 inches in height, 2.0 inches in width, and 4.5 inches in depth. However, its casing is made of plastic and seems to be a bit cheap.

It isn’t a major flaw given the product’s low price. The mic comes with a feature to swivel around to the position of a speaker thanks to the built-in desk stand, and its strong base means it won’t move on the desk. We discovered that the screws on either side of the mount cannot do a great job of securing the angle of the mic into position.

So you should be careful to not tug the cord and adjust the alignment of the mic unintentionally while using headphones plugged with the mic’s socket. The screws can also be taken off from the frame and screwed onto a regular mic stand with the adapter provided with it.

A mute button is located on the front screen, which is covered by a multi-colored LED band. The top parts of both front and back screens, and even the top part of the mic, are covered in the grille.

The Stream uses a multi-pattern valve on the inside. By using this pattern button you get the option to shift between the most common style for general voice recording known as the Cardioid, a pattern suitable for noisier situations, which refuses more sound from both the sides and back than other patterns known as Hypercardioid, and Omnidirectional ideal for catching sound from the entire room without refusing any sound from any position.

The modes are colored by LED as green, orange, and blue according to the patterns.

The supplied USB cable is extremely long and attaches to the mini USB connector at the rear panel of the mic.  In addition to the 3.5mm headphone socket, this panel comes with a volume button for the headphones, the aforesaid pattern button, as well as a key marked PS4/PC on one side and Xbox on another.

If you want to use this Stream mic to live stream, the purpose of this switch is pretty simple: choose the right choice for the system or device on which you want to stream live. The switch must be adjusted to PC if you intend on using the mic to record voiceovers or podcasts.

Product Features:

  • Performance

First and foremost, depending on the recording device or game system, you can encounter some delays while using the in-built headphone port. Although you can use the Stream Mic as a standalone listening system without headphones, the recording software can only show it just like a recording unit, not as a device with outputs. The lag is a little bothersome.

When tracking with a GarageBand, for example, there is a small slap back pause when using the mic. Of course, it has no impact on the recording, but it does have an effect on a vocalist’s performance. About the fact that the different mic patterns seem to be a gimmick, there is a significant variation in how sound.

For example, the omnidirectional mode provides a really crisp, light signal, whereas the cardioid pattern sounds almost dull. However, as compared to the other cardioid mics we’ve checked, nearly all of them being rigid cardioid mics, the cardioid mode of a Stream Mic sounds rather equalized. To balance baritone or darker voices, the lows are improved, as are the high-mids.

  • Versatility

Because of the built-in processing, you should be able to connect it to almost everything and it should run. If you have a PlayStation 4, an Xbox One, or PC and would want to do a variety of audio editing, the Stream Mic is an easy workaround.

Pros

  • Many recording patterns are available
  • Standard mic frames would be alright for positioning it
  • The included USB cable is long enough for carrying it around bigger spaces

Cons

  • Plastic contour seems to be made of low-cost material
  • The mic stand’s side screws don’t always lock the angle in place

Bottom Line

The Turtle Beach USB Stream Mic allows you to handle the live streaming or recording phase in new ways for podcasting and gaming. Switching mic patterns becomes particularly helpful in multi-person situations.

Consider the more costly Beyerdynamic Fox or Blue Raspberry, or the less costly Blue Snowball for a much more pure signal from a USB microphone. The Stream Mic produces a stable, if highly processed, a signal which is less likely to upset gamers who’re looking for a USB solution under $100.

You may also like to read: Best Microphone for Streaming.

Fifine Microphone Review

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Microphones with coaxial cables are undoubtedly considered as some of the most common microphone models, offering a highly flexible performance despite the price point.  On the other hand, USB microphones are intriguing because they provide the required amount of versatility and accessibility. Most people choose one to the other, so why not get them at the same time? Fifine USB microphone is one such product that can fulfill both needs.

A brief overview of Fifine K668

In particular, the K668 USB microphone by Fifine incorporates the perfect combination of convenience and flexibility, effortlessly blending USB handheld portability with a condenser microphone.

It provides an all-around performance. Stay tuned to see what this amazing microphone has to deliver if you’re in search of a microphone that will help you boost the sound of any podcasts, interviews, vlogs, blogs, and also any recorded music.

We’ll learn about how Fifine’s K668 microphone looks like, what can it be used for, possible drawbacks, and also if it’s worth your money in the final analysis. Without further ado, we shall begin our review straight away.

Let’s have a look at the microphone’s components before moving on to the device itself. At first, you’ll receive a simple and concise useful guide that includes all the knowledge you need to know about Fifine’s K668 functionality, features, configuration, and program compatibility, along with the tiniest of specifics.

You can also get an organized, small bookmark as a bonus feature, but it isn’t considered a “main feature of the package. The Fifine K668 USB microphone sits just below these features. A USB cable is installed in the microphone, which is the first feature that we learn about it. While it helps you from losing or misplacing it, there seem to be a number of disadvantages to this design.

Fifine K668 USB Microphone

About the Product

The K668 USB microphone from Fifine is a portable condenser microphone. Among the most important aspects to consider when deciding whether to purchase this microphone or not is to understand what you are using it for.

It doesn’t have any ports to connect speaker or headphone, so the USB is the only way to connect it to the other devices.

Unfortunately, this renders it unusable for something other than filming in close proximity to your device. You may also combine its portability with a laptop for remarkably flexible performance. Although the microphone is reasonably flexible as a budget option, it is not well suited to most sound recording circumstances.

It has a lot of latency, meaning that even though you have an excellent interface, you’ll have to face almost unbearable lag times.

Fifine Microphone
Fifine K668 USB Microphone

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Price: $-$$

Product Design & Quality

The tripod holder is a great feature of the package, particularly if you make blogs, vlogs, and videos for YouTube, or even work as an online influencer. It has metal stands with a solid plastic centerpiece, and it greatly improves the microphone’s stability and placement.

The microphone is thin in design, and it comes with a semi-adjustable plastic sturdy stand. It’s built within the microphone’s foundation, much like the wire.  You’ll even see the interior volume buttons, but that’s all about it – the K668 does not really come with a lot of options or functionality.

Sonic Performance

Unlike other microphones at their entry level, the Fifine K668 USB microphone has a dedicated series of operators that create a reasonably well-rounded sound system. The microphone retrieves on ultra-low wavelengths and has no trouble coping with an insanely high gain when it comes to the peaks.

Overall, the sound quality is superior to that of most low-cost microphones. It has a lot of clarity in its pitch, a strong presence that leaves no room for change, and it doesn’t have any significant issues with harmonic distortion, feedback, static or hissing.

Fifine K669 is beneficial to whom?

Primarily, this microphone is considered a budget microphone made of good quality materials. It can be used as an enhancement if you’re already using a lead-in microphone that has been subjected to years of abuse, tear, and wear, regardless of your needs.

We think this microphone will fit well on any desk of writers, YouTubers, and podcasters, based on its specifications and functionality. Its USB mode of service is ideal for these types of jobs, and its excellent sound quality can make the voice sound a little louder than it does on a low-cost microphone.

Musicians and studio engineers should stop using this microphone at all costs. And if you like the way it sounds, appears, and plays, you won’t be able to overlook the plethora of latency issues it has.

It also lacks any peripheral ports, so you’ll have to use it with a computer. About the possibility that its sound will not seem to be stellar at first sight, this microphone, if you’re not a musician, is actually very flexible.

Pros

  • Provides a great sonic performance
  • A good microphone at a reasonable price
  • It’s very convenient to use and set up
  • It’s small and light, but it’s still very sturdy
  • Podcasts, blogs, and interviews will all profit from this
  • Its quite durable

Cons

  • The mesh hardtop is very thin
  • The USB cable is built into the frame
  • In order to record in a timely manner, latency can be a challenge
  • Its future applications are limited due to a lack of bandwidth

Bottom Line

Overall, most users of the Fifine K668 USB microphone might have come up with an ambivalent conclusion with it. Basically, the poor accessibility can be disappointing at times, which isn’t what you’d expect from a USB microphone.

On another hand, it sounds amazing and is as practical as a reasonably priced microphone should be. To put it in another way, if you can deal with the disadvantages, you can be rewarded with extraordinary and incredible benefits.

You may also like to read: Best USB Microphone for Vocals in 2021.

Drums vs. Guitars

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Drums and Guitars are two very different instruments when talking about their looks, play style, sound, and other things. They have very distinct roles in music.

Choosing between one over the other might be difficult to some but there really is no one answer to this question. It all depends on what sound style you like most, how much effort can you put into each of them, and just what is more convenient to you.

YOU CAN ALSO READ: How to Use Echo Dot as a Speaker

Drums

Before we break down the differences between the 2 instruments, we have to look at each of them as an individual instrument at first. Drums are a really powerful and loud instrument. They have a very distinct soundstage in music.

They are the main part of music that produces the base, upbeat sounds and can bring the fullness of the sound. A drum has a lot of different parts, each producing a distinct sound. Here are some of the parts which make a full drum kit:

  • Hanging Toms
  • Floor Tom
  • Snare Drums
  • Cymbal
  • Hi-hat Cymbal
  • Bass Drum

These are all the components needed for a full drum kit. Learning the drums can take a lot of getting used to as you need to use both your hand for playing and one of your legs to control the bass. But, with determination and practice, you can be really good at it.

Guitar

The guitar is a really popular choice among most people for its portability and relatively hassles-less playing. It can produce some amazing tunes if you can learn it. Most of the guitars have 6 strings or 6 chords that you can alternate from and produce different types of music from.

There are a few different types of guitars, so let’s break each of them down.

  • Acoustic Guitar: drums vs. guitar

Acoustic guitar is famous for producing melodic and acoustic music. It’s also the most popular guitar people choose from as it doesn’t need any other equipment to play.

  • Electric Guitar:Drums vs. Guitars

Electric guitars produce a metallic, lengthy decal sound. It needs to be plugged into an amplifier and then a speaker or sound system to hear the sound that it produces.

  • Electro-Acoustic Guitar:drums vs. guitar

Electro-acoustic guitars are produced in a way so that it can produce that acoustic and melodic sound that it produces. The difference is you can plug it into an amplifier and a speaker to emphasize its sound more.

  • Twelve-String Guitar:drums vs. guitar

The Twelve-String is another version of a normal 6 string guitar. This version has all the strings in a normal 6 string guitar with a second set of thinner strings.

  • Archtop Guitars:drums vs. guitar

This guitar has a hollow or semi-hollow electric guitar. The archtop has the most aesthetically pleasing look to them and is built really well.

These are some of the popular guitars that people tend to go over when learning to play the guitar.

Which one to choose

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing to buy one instrument over the other as they are quite different when comparing their playstyle, portability, sound, Cost, and many other things. So let’s take a deeper dive into what we should be considerate about.

Sound

The first thing to consider is the main thing that makes each of these instruments shine. Their sound is their main signature feature when it comes to their differences.

Drums are a really upbeat, bass-heavy, and loud instrument. Drums can either be played very fast but in a surprisingly melodic manner which makes it really good to hear. The complex sound signature of it makes it especially attractive to hear.

Guitars have more of a high-pitched and melodic sound to them which makes them pleasant to hear. With that being said, other guitars produce some really jarring sounds that can hype up the music a lot more.

Different guitars have different sound profiles which makes them especially more viable for people. Moreover, guitars can be plugged into an amp or pedals that can make the sound profile much different and it also lets you choose a lot of different types of pedals which helps more to its customizability.

Portability

Another big factor for a lot of people is the portability of instruments. Many people want to learn instruments as a hobby and want so that they can take the instrument anywhere with them on journeys, tours, and other occasions.

As we know, guitars are portable instruments. Acoustic guitars can be carried anywhere you go. They don’t need any extra pieces of equipment to play with. They can be played by themselves and can produce some really good tunes. So, it is a very popular choice among many as you can show it off to your friends and family.

Drums however aren’t portable at all. A drum kit has several different parts to it and they are aligned in a way that suits the playstyle of it. They also have to be very sturdy to the ground or else they won’t be able to produce a good beat.

They also require quite a bit of space in your house which is also a consideration of many. But if you love drums and have no issues with portability, you should not consider it for your buying decision.

Cost

Cost is a big factor while considering buying anything. And it is as much of a factor in buying musical instruments as they can be very costly depending on what you want.

There are different types of guitars you can choose from. While some can be found for relatively cheap prices, some of the types like electric or twelve-string guitars can be a lot costly.

But most people tend to start with Acoustic guitars as they represent what guitars are meant to be. And if you look hard enough, you can find some really good ones for really good prices.

Drums consist of a lot of different parts. And adding up all of these to make a full drum kit can be a lot of money. Even if you search really hard enough for cheap drums, it really won’t be able to beat a good and cheap acoustic guitar.

With that being said, if you are determined enough to play the drums and if you want to learn it as a skill, the whole drum kit can be a worthy expense for you.

Conclusion

No matter which one you choose, each of these instruments has its own sound signature. No matter which one you choose or prefer, you won’t be disappointed with either of these.

We hope our little comparison will be able to help you choose an instrument with a little more confidence.

Open-Back Headphones or Closed-Back Headphones: Which Is Superior?

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Buying audio equipment is a tad intimidating. Especially if you’re unaware of the technical jargon. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate through the buzzwords. Over-the-ear, circumaural headphones come in two forms. Open-back and closed-back. It’s important to know the differences. 

Audio professionals tend to gravitate towards closed-back headphones. These devices are best for isolating sounds and concentrating on your music. Open-back headphones help with mixing. Either way, scrutinizing reviews is a must while purchasing headphones. 

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown between open-back and closed-back headphones. First up, closed-back headphones. 

YOU CAN ALSO READ: How to Connect External Mic to iPad

Closed-Back Headphones 

open back vs. closed back headphones

These headphones are designed to temporarily transport you to a different world. It isolates you from external sounds. These headphones also minimize sound leaks. So if you’re looking for a truly immersive experience, this is it. Most models have large, snug ear cups. 

  • Design 

Closed-back headphones cover your ears entirely. You’ll find no perforations. This contributes to isolating music. However, they tend to vent around your ears. The large cups have their benefits though. They tend to reduce external sounds by 10db. If you want a headset that dampens background sounds, this is it. 

  • Isolation

The audio you hear won’t be as natural as open-back headphones but the isolation is superb. It will block out most external sounds. Also, no sound leaks! You can submerge yourself in music while you’re taking public transport. The best part? You can avoid the nosy busybodies by literally tuning them out. 

  • Durability 

The durability of closed-back headphones is superior to open-back ones. Audiophiles will appreciate the feeling. The structure is more sturdy and can withstand heavy-duty. They tend to be covered with artificial leather for a luxurious feel. So if you’re looking for a touch of opulence, this is for you!

Open-Back Headphones

open back vs. closed back headphones

Now, these headphones have contrasting characteristics. They don’t block out surrounding sounds. Open-back headphones are more spacious compared to closed-back ones. You’re meant to stay aware of your surroundings. So if you don’t want to remain isolated, this is your best bet. 

  • Design 

Open-back headphones cover the outer shell of your ear. The design usually comes with horizontal cutouts. This enables airflow. There’s a benefit to this. Pressure won’t build up and interfere with the sound. You can’t often hear echoes in headphones. That’s not the case here. The audio sounds more natural and rich. 

  • Isolation

Again, open-back headphones don’t block out ambient sounds. You’ll be aware of everything happening around you. You should also know that sound leaks. If you’re in the office,  your coworkers will assuredly judge your questionable playlist. Trust us, it’s best to leave these in the confines of your home. 

  • Durability 

Compared to closed-back headphones, open-back ones aren’t as durable. The design makes them fairly fragile. It’s more susceptible to breaking too. Also, there’s a high chance of moisture seeping into the cups. So make sure you treat these headphones with utmost care!

How to Make a Choice

Open-back and closed-back headphones have always been a highly debated topic. It all comes down to a matter of preference though. There are many instances where the need for one is more important than the other. So you just need to stay true to the purpose of your purchase. 

Nothing works without a solid comparison. So let’s break down the good and the bad. 

Open-Back Headphones 

If escapism considered your surroundings, this is it. Open-back headphones sound more natural and feel more liberating. Listening to acoustic or live music with these makes you feel like you’re right next to the stage. It’s the ideal choice for critical listening too. 

  • The Good 

Using open-back headphones won’t result in ear fatigue. Trust us, this is an important feature to consider. It’s comfortable and cozy. The lightweight design is perfect for long jamming sessions. It also ventilates better. Your ears don’t feel constricted. 

These headphones are perfect if you spend a lot of time at home. Buy this if you don’t mind being interrupted now and then. If you like being aware of your surroundings, then this is for you. There are more dynamic and electrostatic drivers involved too. This elevates your experience. 

  • The Bad

It’s not portable. Yes, you can carry it around. It’s just best not to. They’re fragile because they’re built with lighter materials. So you might damage it accidentally. You can’t also use it in busy places. These headphones leak sounds that might bother people around you. 

Closed-Back Headphones 

If you want to focus more on the audio, closed-back headphones are it. It’s more immersive but we can’t say the musical presentation is always the best. Some brands aren’t up on par. The experience you get from these is undoubtedly introspective because of the isolation feature. Let’s take a look. 

  • The Good 

Closed-back headphones are known for noise isolation. If you’re planning to pursue music professionally, you can use this to study notes more carefully. These headsets are perfect for focused listening sessions. Or when you don’t want to be disturbed by people. 

The design is more ergonomic too. You can easily carry this everywhere you go. It’s a perfect companion for commuters. Offices too. Closed-back headphones block out all sorts of background and ambient sounds. Consider making this investment if you like bass-heavy music too. 

  • The Bad

The ventilation could use some work. Your ears tend to warm up quickly as sweat builds up. Ear fatigue is inevitable afterward. Especially if you use this for hours without interruption. The driver options are limited compared to open-back headphones too. 

Conclusion

Now you know all the details about open-back and closed-back headphones. Both designs will allow you to momentarily escape reality. It all comes down to your preference and where you’ll be using these headphones.

It’s best to opt for closed-back headphones in mixed company. Open-back ones are perfect for a cozy set-up at home. Look through the good and the bad and pick the one that suits your needs the best!

What Headset Does Shroud Use

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Before jumping into the details of what headset Shroud uses, let’s learn a little more about him. Not everyone can boast having over 350 million views on the Twitch platform. His YouTube channel has over 6.5 million subscribers. He has moved on from Switch in 2019 and now has an exclusive contract with Microsoft.

Shroud: A Veritable Gaming Legend

Michael Grzesiek, or Shroud, is a Canadian streamer known as one of the best gaming aimers. He has garnered a large following for his gaming and streaming commentary. This first-person shooter excels in Apex Legends, Blackout, Word of Warcraft, and more.

His passion for gaming knows no bounds. He built a name for himself after years of gaming and streaming. Of course, that requires some of the best equipment in the market. If you’re looking to find out what sort of equipment he used to get an edge, you’re at the right place.

First, let’s see why headsets play an important role in gaming.

The Impact of Headsets on Gaming

If you’re an aspiring gamer, a gaming headset is worth the investment. Not only does it provide balanced sounds, but it also helps you pinpoint enemies from afar.  They’re comfortable even after long hours of use. Here are a few reasons why you should get a gaming headset.

1. Amps Up Your Gaming

Did we mention you get superior sound quality? A gaming headset offers the best sound quality. Every movement is associated with a clear and crisp sound. Competitive gaming depends on precision. So even the most subtle movements will help you corner your enemy. Get a headset for a surreal auditory experience.

2. Blocks External Sounds

Background noise and constant interruptions are a nuisance while gaming. You don’t want to listen to Janice Hosenstein’s annoying laugh in the middle of the match. A good headset will block all external sounds and allow you to focus. Some have noise-canceling features which let you immerse into your world.

3. Stops Sound Leakage

You don’t want your cohabitants listening to the curses thrown at you when you fail the missions. The sounds of swords clashing and gunfighting can be pretty annoying to those around you. Headsets stop sound from leaking into your surrounding. So if you want to limit the disturbance, this is a great bet.

4. Improves Team Communication

Communication is crucial in team-based games. You need to be synchronized with your teammates to coordinate strategies. This might make or break the game. Miscommunication can lead to failure. That’s not an option in competitive gaming. A good headset comes with an adjustable mic that enhances gameplay.

So What Headset Does Shroud Use?

Logitech features some of the gaming products in the market. They offer impeccable sounds, enhanced comfort, and assured durability. So imagine the team the company makes with the legendary Shroud. We’ve highlighted two headsets Shroud has been spotted using in his videos. Let’s take a look.

What Headset Does Shroud Use
Photo credit: Lee campbell

G Pro Gaming Headset by Logitech (Current)

This gaming headset was built for professional gamers and streamers. It has an excellent bass response which is ideal for action-packed games. Noise from multiple directions can be heard distinctly. The headphones come with 50mm drivers which help provide an immersive experience.

Shroud claims this helps him detect his enemies before they get near him. You get to hear both your teammates and enemies. This amount of precision will undoubtedly improve your gaming. The headphones also work with an external USB sound card.

Design and Build

Logitech promises durability and this headset is no different. It’s built from steel and aluminum construction which is what makes it lightweight. The headset is the perfect companion for long gaming sessions because of its comfort. The aluminum forks can be easily adjusted and the ear cups are snug.

Benefits of Using G Pro Gaming Headset
  • The advanced drivers offer precise positioning and omnidirectional awareness.
  • The headset has a sleek design that is both comfortable and durable.
  • It comes with two types of ear pads.
  • The Blue Voice technology enables you to communicate and stream your games without a hitch.
Drawbacks of Using G Pro Gaming Headset
  • You can hear static if there’s a connection issue.
  • You need to adjust the settings a fair bit to make the most of the headset.

G633 Artemis Gaming Headset by Logitech (Previous)

This has been a stalwart support of Shroud’s gaming career. The gamer came a long way since but this headset has its notable feature. It’s just as durable and comfortable as the G Pro Gaming Headset. It has strong audio drivers which offer a rich gaming experience.

Shroud simply had better offers and gear to move onto. If you’re new to the gaming scene and need a reliable headset, this is a great place to start. Mind you, this headset was designed for anti-distortion. So you know you’ll hear every movement with clarity

Design and Build

This headset comes with swiveling earcups. The rotators are made of plastic though. So it’s not as durable as you think. While the ear cups fit comfortably around your ears, they tend to wear out easily. The headband padding is extremely comfortable though. You can easily use this for hours without feeling discomfort.

Benefits of Using G633 Artemis Gaming Headset
  • It comes with a noise-canceling microphone so you can communicate without a hitch.
  • The headset has anti-distortion drivers for clear audio.
Drawbacks of Using G633 Artemis Gaming Headset
  • It’s not as durable because of the plastic components.

Conclusion

If you’re set on gaming, you need a professional setup. Shroud is the perfect individual to take inspiration from. The headsets he uses are known for their reliability and precision. A competitive player needs to have the best tools in the market to excel. So take a look at these two highlighted ones and get started!

You may also like to read: Best Headsets with Microphone for Laptop.