Best Microphones Critic

Turtle Beach Stream Mic Review

Last Updated

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

Last Updated

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

View on Amazon

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.

Cheap Ways to Soundproof a Room for Drums

Last Updated

Introduction

It is highly likely that you have come across this article for a reason all too familiar with drummers. Getting complaints from neighbors is nothing to take lightly, as it can lead doorways to bigger problems.

At the same time, it is very important to stay true to your practice to get better at your craft. Soundproofing your room is the easiest solution to this problem. That is what we will talk about today, what are the cheapest ways to soundproof a room for your drums?

Proper Soundproofing

Usually, music studios are soundproof and they can give a drummer the comfort to practice as loudly as they want. This can be difficult however, and not under the budget for many. So the wisest path to take in this case is to take a room in your house, assuming you are a drummer, and having it soundproofed.

Cheapest Steps to Soundproof your Room

  • Closing the Gaps and Cracks

Before adding any extra paddings or foams in your room, you need to take care of a few things. If your room has cracks, holes or any kind of openings in the wall, it will leak sound waves out. You might not think of it to be a big deal at first, but a drum is a massive source of sound. It will give the sound away no matter what.

You can probably hire someone under a budget who can do this for you, but you can do this yourself. We prefer to take that approach, as this will be more helpful for your budget. You will need to invest into some other things later on.

Find cracks or openings, by touching the walls, windows or doors. You may also know about some of them beforehand. The windows or doors will probably have gaps that allow sound to go out.

Fix these cracks using so that they block sound waves to keep them inside the room. You can use gap fillers or airtight foam tape for the best results. For door bottoms, use door sweeps as these are larger to seal up. You should also remember that doors and windows should be mobile after sealing them up.

Do not seal them up in any way that they cannot be closed or opened anymore! That will be creating an entirely different problem for you and your house mates.

  • Carpetscheap ways to soundproof a room for drums

Carpets can be useful to not only keep sound from escaping to the floor below. They can also be greatly helpful to absorb and dampen drum vibrations. An alternative to carpets can be those thick rugs you can find. They are both easy solutions. 

This will not be completely solving any of the actual problems. They will however, be able to reduce the amount of sound that goes to the floor below you. 

You can also try placing your drum set on a carpet. This can ensure that the sound waves do not pass directly to the floor, and instead get dampened.

  • Drum Rug cheap ways to soundproof a room for drums

One thing you may not know is that your drum sounds do not directly pass away to outside your room. Instead, they first strike against the floor. They then find a way to echo around your whole room, and wherever possible, pass to the outside. 

A drum rug can be a solution to this problem. We already mentioned how a carpet can help you on this. However, a drum rug will just go the extra mile for you. A drum rug is a specialized piece of thick clothing to absorb the vibrations of a playing drum further.

It will absorb the sound waves of the drum from going to the floor, at least to a good extent if not completely. It can then stop the echoing against the walls and therefore stop them from passing to the outside.

  • Compact Walls and Ceiling

A wall, ceiling or floors will end up amplifying the sound created by your drums. You can counter these by using dense materials, like sound absorption panels,  to combat the sound waves. If you are familiar with the physics of a drum, you already know how much sound the materials can absorb. 

You will be spending some money on this, but you will see that it will be worth it. These acoustic foam base straps will be set up at the corner of the rooms. They will be able to absorb the lower frequencies emitting from your drums. You will notice great differences after they are installed.

You do not need too many sound absorption panels to reduce most of the sound, but every bit will help you. Remember that the goal here is to make sure that all the sound stays inside your room. They can also get absorbed on their way outside of your room.

  • Soundproofing Curtainscheap ways to soundproof a room for drums

Soundproofing curtains can be installed next to stop sound from escaping. You want to get the curtains that are the thickest in this situation. They will also take some money, but like before it will be worth it. 

These curtains have threads installed into them with high density, that will absorb these sound waves. They will prevent the waves from escaping outside into the world to prevent noise pollution.

Additional Tips

  • Using Noise Absorbing Paint

As the name suggests, noise absorbing paint is thick layers of paint that will be able to absorb sound. Paint your room with a few coats of these to get the best results.

  • Getting Professional Help

If you are facing difficulty in any of these, you can consult with a professional for tips or advices. 

Conclusion

These were just some of the ways you can soundproof your room for drum noise. We hope this article has answered at least some of your queries and has been helpful. Happy soundproofing!

YOU CAN ALSO READ: How to Clean AirPods Case

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

Last Updated

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

Last Updated

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.