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

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.

What Does A Pop Filter Do?

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Pop filters are a must-have for recording in enclosed spaces. This nylon or metallic object acts as a shield around your microphone. They filter any mechanical sounds made from misplaced instruments. A pop filter also reduces any whooshing sound made from fast-moving air from singing.

Plosive air is inevitable when someone is too close to the microphone. Misspoken words or loud clicks are more audible this way. Even if they’re not usually heard, microphones tend to amplify them. This is why pop filters are so handy. Let’s take a closer look at this practical device.

Uses of Pop Filter

Pop filters are a blessing. You can’t control a sudden blast of plosive air in the middle of singing. They tend to be noticeable if the speaker or singer is close to the microphone. That can’t be helped either. So to avoid such mishaps in your room or studio, having a pop filter attached to your microphone helps heaps.

So why does plosive air affect your audio so much? Some microphones come with high-pass filters. However, the sound gets amplified when the air hits the microphone no matter what the setting is. Omnidirectional microphones, for all their benefits, are susceptible to this effect more. Proximity overtakes safeguard features.

The real question is, do you need a pop filter to have a superior vocal take?

Pop Filter
Photo credit: Voices.com

Are Pop Filters Necessary?

Simply put, no. You don’t need a pop filter to have a glorious recording. There’s a neat technique for positioning your microphone. Just place it a tad off-axis. This will help you avoid directly singing into the microphone. Mind you, it’s not always effective. Singing sideways into the microphone isn’t necessarily comfortable either.

Here are two factors to consider.

1. Low-Pitched Tones

However, pop filters (if improperly placed) can make your voice sound flat. If you have a low-pitched voice, it’s best to avoid this equipment. The same goes for those singing altos and basses. There’s a way around this though. Nylon pop filters have wired meshes. You get to avoid sounding flat and eliminate plosives.

2. Frequency Losses

Most brands will claim that the highs absorbed by these filters won’t affect your vocals or music. As a singer, you’ll be able to notice better. If you think it’s affecting your tone, invest in nylon pop filters. Metal ones help too. They reduce high-frequency loss. This is because they have wide-spaced meshes.

Benefits of Using Pop Filters

Editing is a crucial part of making songs or podcasts. It adds to your creative genius. Pop filters come in handy here. They make recording and editing audio files easier. What does this mean? Better demos and polished audio files. Not impressed yet? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits.

  1. Produce high-quality audio files.
  2. Eliminate echoes that are found in audios recorded in enclosed spaces.
  3. Reduce unwanted ambient sounds and frequency changes.
  4. Lower popping sounds resulted from mechanical impacts.
  5. Cuts down plosives from words ending with Ps and B.
  6. Reduced sibilance from S sounds.
  7. Adds a layer of protection on your microphone against dirt.

Pop Filter Buying Guide

If you’ve settled on buying a pop filter, great. Your work doesn’t end there though. There are several things you need to consider before making your purchase. Here’s a quick breakdown.

1. Size

You don’t want a pop filter that is too big or too small for your microphone. The pop filter must complement your mic. You may want to consider getting a larger pop filter if you move around while singing. If you’re stationary while recording, a smaller size will do. Just remember the diameter matters.

2. Mount

How do you attach the pop filter to the microphone? Is the mount sturdy and easy to attach? Most pop filters have a gooseneck mouth. You need to screw it into the frame and clamp it. So before making your purchase, make sure the neck of the attachment is long enough to get the job done.

3. Shape

You’d think pop filters would have a default shape and size, right? Wrong! They come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. You’ll find flat filters and even curved ones. The former is more cost-effective and durable. You need to speak right at the center though. Curved filters offer more range of movement.

Comparing the Best Pop Filters and Screens on the Market

There are so many options in the market. The two popular ones are nylon mesh pop filters and metallic mesh pop filters. It ultimately comes down to your preference and budget. We’ve listed down the advantages and disadvantages of using both. Take a look!

Nylon Mesh Pop Filter

This pop filter makes use of two thin layers of nylon to diffuse air. It slows down the air movements before it hits the mic. They are diffused through different directions. These layers reduce plosive noise resulting from the proximity of the speaker.

Advantages of Nylon Mesh Pop Filters:

  • It’s cheaper compared to the other designs.
  • It’s a standard instrument in the music industry.
  • They come in large sizes which allow freedom of movement.

Disadvantages of Nylon Mesh Pop Filters:

  • The audio may sound flat.
  • The fabric is susceptible to wear and tear.

Metallic Mesh Pop Filter

This pop filter works much differently than the nylon mesh ones. It doesn’t diffuse the air. Instead, it moves the air away from the microphone. The barrier deflects the air movement. So if you utilize this properly, you won’t have to worry about unwanted noise plosives.

Advantages of Metal Mesh Pop Filters:

  • The mesh has wider holes so it doesn’t affect your frequency.
  • They are more durable.
  • The equipment is easy to maintain.

Disadvantages of Metal Mesh Pop Filters:

  • It’s costlier than a nylon mesh filter.
  • The thin metal sheet can bend easily.

Conclusion

You could do worse things than investing in a pop filter. In all seriousness, this can help you pace your frequency and eliminate vocal mishaps. Now that you know what a pop filter does, it’s time to make your purchase. Invest in a metal pop filter for durability or a nylon one for flexibility.

You may also like to read: Best Pop Filter for Blue Yeti.

How To Increase The Microphone Volume

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Recording audio shouldn’t be a big deal, right? Well, it is. We wish it was something as simple as setting up a mic and pressing the record button. Having a quality mic is great. Only if you know how to use it properly. What do you do when the microphone volume is low?

Distinct and understandable audio is crucial in music, videos, and podcasts. However, problems pop up now and then. The sound could bleed and come muffled. There could be a lot of wind noise and background sounds too. Either way, it helps know how to increase the microphone volume.

How to Increase the Microphone Volume

It’s okay if you’re struggling with your microphone volume. We all faced this problem. It’s pretty easy to sort this out on a Windows computer.

Step 1:

Go to the bottom right corner of your computer screen. There should be an audio symbol there. Right-click on it.

Step 2:

Open Sound settings. The option will appear as Recording Devices on a previous model.

Step 3:

You’ll notice a Microphone listed as an Input device. Click on Device properties.

Step 4:

Now use a slider to adjust the microphone’s volume.

Step 5:

Drag it to the very top to get maximum volume.

Keep reading for more tips. Especially if you’re still having trouble with the volume. These should resolve the issue.

Enable Microphone Access on Applications

Are you facing microphone troubles with a few apps in particular? In that case, they probably don’t have permission to use it. This typically happens after a software update. So all you need to do is enable microphone access again. Again, it takes a few simple steps.

Step 1:

Click on Start and press Settings,

Step 2:

Go to Privacy and select Microphone.

Step 3:

Now select Change and enable microphone access. You need to activate “Allow apps to access your microphone.”

You can also specify which apps can access the microphone. Just select which Microsoft Store apps need it. You can also give access to third-party applications. Simply ensure the “Allow desktop apps to access your microphone” is activated.

What can you do if others can’t hear you?

First up, you need to make sure you’re not muted. Trust us, it happens more often than you think. Then check if your headset is properly connected. A poor connection often leads to this problem. Also, make sure the default system isn’t set as the recording device. You should be good to go!

How to Boost the Microphone Volume

If your microphone volume seems too low, you can always try boosting it. The steps are similar to how you increase the volume. Go to Device Properties and select Additional Device Properties. You’ll find what you’re looking for here. This is the Microphone Properties windows. Here are the following steps.

Microphone Volume
Photo credit: 10Scopes

Step 1:

Four tabs will pop up on the top. Select the Levels tab.

Step 2:

Adjust the slider under the Microphone Boost according to your need. If you want a boost, make sure it’s on the highest level.

Step 3:

Press on “OK.”

Test your microphone to make sure it’s working well. If the line on the bar is moving back and forth, then it is. However, there may be some other technical issue if it isn’t. No movement means the microphone isn’t picking up any audio signals.

Deactivate Enhancements to Increase Microphone Volume

Audio enhancements are pretty cool but they can crash while using third-party applications. These enhancements are activated by default. You should disable them as an added measure.

Step 1:

Find the Control Panel and go to Sound settings.

Step 2:

Click on the Sound control panel and press on Recording.

Step 3:

Click on the microphone you want to modify twice.

Step 4:

You’ll find the Enhancement option on the top panel. Just click on “Disable all sound effects” to get it sorted.

Activate Far Field Pickup

On the contrary, there’s one enhancement that can help you boost the microphone volume. Far-Field Pickup (FFP) picks up voices from larger distances. If you think your microphone volume is too low, then enable this feature. The steps you need to take are similar to the ones above. Just click on the checkbox next to FFP.

Stop Application Interferences

There’s an option that enables applications to take control of the microphone. There’s a benefit to this. You don’t have to change volumes separately. The problem is that the application volume takes precedence. So even if you change the system settings, it won’t make a difference.

Follow these steps to solve the problem.

Step 1:

Go to the Control Panel and click on Sound settings.

Step 2:

Press the Sound setting and tap on Recording.

Step 3:

Click on the microphone you’re using twice.

Step 4:

Now press on the Advanced tab from the panel at the top. There’s this option called “Exclusive mode.” From there, untick “Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device.”

Switch to DVD Quality

Now if you think the audio quality is poor then you can change the bitrate of your microphone. Mind you, this means the audio size will be larger. These files will take more space and will require more data while transferring. The difference isn’t that significant though.

Again, follow the steps above and pick the “Advanced” tab at the top of the panel. Click on the drop-down menu under “Default Format” and you’ll find the option you’re looking for. Select a higher bitrate to improve the quality of your audio. Select 16 bit (48000 Hz) for DVD quality.

Conclusion

All these methods above should help you solve the problem. Low volume is not a big deal. It can be easily sorted. If none of these works, there’s a high chance it’s a hardware issue. A damaged mic could result in low volume. Hope you know how to increase mic volume now!

You may also like to read: How to Use Phone as Microphone.

How to Connect External Mic to iPad

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Owning an iPad may solve many of your problems, but getting a top-notch recording experience is not one of them. For this particular reason, people prefer external microphones that can record any sound, sometimes even multiple sound sources. But what are these devices and which one to choose? To solve this problem, we are going to talk about everything you may need to know  for how to connect external mic to iPad! 

You can also read: Cool Things to Do with AirPods

What is an Audio Interface? 

How to Connect External Mic to iPad
Photo by: vollume-control

The market is filled with numerous external microphones that you can purchase. But the external microphone is not your only concern. For the connection, you need several other devices so you can record anything.

The connection depends on what device you use for adding an external microphone with your iPad. An audio interface is the most popular when it comes to recording. 

Well, an audio interface takes care of every recording of you. The main function is to convert the captured audio signal into a digital signal. This is done by an A/D converter which transforms the sound into signals that can be expressed via 0 and 1. Then it is stored or it can be even edited by you.

When you need to hear the sound, this digital signal converts once again. This time the process is reversed and it is called D/A conversion. These interfaces can not only add external microphones but can also add guitar cables. You can hear the recordings anytime via your earphones or speakers.

Now, audio interfaces can vary depending on your purpose. There are multiple types of audio interfaces. Some of these are perfect for everyday use such as podcasts, vlogging. However, if you need to record audio tracks that need to have clear smooth audio then you need interfaces that support professional recording.

Which Type of Audio Interface Should I Choose?

First, you need to realize how many audio sources you need to record. For example, if you are only working with a single sound source or one particular instrument, you can choose Focusrite Scarlett Studio 3rd Generation.

The Scarlett 3rd Gen Interface also offers audio interfaces that are a little bit advanced. For example, Cusrite Scarlett 2i2 is for capturing multiple sources. This particular audio interface also features air mode that gives the best quality audio.

Is There Any Other Option Available?

Another option that you can choose for connecting an external microphone is field recorders. Field recorders can be a substitute for an audio interface. Moreover, field recorders offer an added advantage where you do not need any power supply.

So if you are outdoors, for example, if you’re camping or hiking, you can choose field recorders. That’s why they are named field recorders so you can capture even the sound of nature, without any problem.

However, even though people need additional AC power with audio interfaces, audio interfaces are more popular and preferred by people.  

What Do I Need for Connecting an External Mic to iPad?

  • Audio interface or field recorder, depending on your usage. We suggest an audio interface
  • Microphone. Any external microphone will work. However, the quality depends solely on you.
  • The cables depend on your port. Depending on your port you will either need USB-C to USB-C cable or Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.
  • Powered USB Hub for power so they can function. You also need headphones so you can listen to your recording and identify any errors if they occur.
How to Connect External Mic to iPad
Photo by: kelly-sikkema

How Do I Connect My External Microphone?

  • For an iPad that Features USB-C Port

The adapter will depend on your audio interface. If the audio interface can work with USB-C cable then buy a USB-C to USB-C cable.

However, for audio interfaces that do no support such configuration, you will require a USB to USB-C adapter. Then, add the audio interface with your iPad via your adapter or cable.

  • For an iPad that Features Lightning Port

You will require a lightning to USB-3 camera adapter for connecting an external mic to your iPad. Add the audio interface with your iPad via your adapter or cable.

How to Connect External Mic to iPad
Photo by: daniel-korpai

Remaining Connection

After this connection, you need to add the external mic with your audio interface. Your connection has been complete! Now you can use this to record almost anything you want. Add a headset so that you can hear your recording after. 

This is actually an amazing way to ensure you get to record anything through your iPad. Once you realize the process, you can purchase any type of external microphones for high-quality audio. 

You can also use your iPad to stream anything anywhere, also as we mentioned before. 

You need to use a Powered USB Hub for supplying power to your audio interface. The device can send warning messages which indicate these additional connections require a power supply.

For this purpose, a Powered USB Hub needs to be added to any power source. Then add the Powered USB Hub with your iPad and connect it with your audio interface. You can use the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter for this purpose.

Though you may connect the external microphone correctly, sometimes they may not function. So you need to do an error check. For this purpose, check if the microphone is muted or if the cables are loosely plugged. Moreover, check if the powered USB Hub is functional too.

Sometimes due to this, the external microphone does not record. There should also be a recording indication on your iPad which you can check. 

However, if none of these work, check your settings. If you are recording for some app then check if your settings allow microphone access to these apps known as third-party apps. 

Final Thoughts 

Hopefully, we have been able to answer every question of yours.  So, the audio interfaces also change depending on your need and the cables vary depending on your port. So the first step of connecting your external microphone is understanding what you need. Do not purchase something that cannot be supported by your iPad. Finally, follow our simple instructions step-by-step for a hassle free connection. Best of luck!