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Round late-September/early-October every yr, I get a Slack message from Greg asking whether or not I’m all in favour of writing a present information (or two). “Certain,” I say, by no means anticipating simply how a lot of a slog the following two months are going to be for {hardware} information/opinions. Placing collectively a roundup like that has the determined advantage of forgetting what a ache the entire thing may be.
I used to write down a “Finest Presents for Vacationers” every year. After which this international pandemic factor occurred, at which level I shifted to “Finest Presents for Working from House.” Fittingly, this yr I’ve dedicated myself to each, as myself and others semi-cautiously reenter the world.
My course of for placing these collectively is getting in no matter potential merchandise I can get my palms on. It’s simpler stated than accomplished generally, however an vital a part of recommending merchandise is definitely attempting them your self. I do know it sounds easy, however you’d be stunned.
The previous few years have been a little bit of a quiet revolution for teleconferencing. Some of us are completely content material utilizing their computer systems’ built-in digital camera and microphone, be it for the sake of simplicity or value. Actually, that’s high-quality for like 99% of the individuals 99% of the time. I had my hand pressured on each of these items for 2 causes. First, I evaluate devices for a dwelling. Second, I’ve been internet hosting a podcast for slightly below 10 years and the pandemic required a shift from in-person to distant.
For a wide range of causes, I haven’t gone again.
I’ve written about my in-person cellular podcasting setup in these pages quite a few occasions. It was the results of a number of years of refinement by trial and error. Placing collectively my at-home setup hasn’t been all that completely different, actually. Particularly, I’ve gone by quite a few completely different USB mics.
If I had extra time and money, I’d most likely have a extra skilled auto interface with a correct XLR microphone. My stage of dedication has, as an alternative, been searching for out my platonic splendid USB microphone. To date, I’ve been fortunately recommending the Audio Technica ATR2100-USB. It’s a great-sounding, directional stick mic, with each a USB-C and XLR enter that’s not dissimilar from the kind I used for face-to-face interviews.
I’m keen on directional microphones for quite a few causes, and have lengthy thought they must be the business normal, notably for inexperienced persons. Right here’s the soiled little secret in all of these: You may get fairly good sound from most USB mics over $100 (and several other beneath), however the interface is sort of deliberately tough.
Many of those microphones characteristic three, 4 or 5 directional settings. Newbies will nearly invariably select the incorrect one, by chance flip the acquire up full drive and wind up sounding worse than they’d have with a pair of earbuds or a default system microphone. The ATR2100-USB fastened that with easy, out of the field setup. However the Shure MV7 takes issues even additional.
The design seems to be like a extra compact model of the legendary studio/podcasting SM78. I’m not going to say it sounds pretty much as good as a correct studio mic with a correct studio interface, however I’ll say I doubt most individuals would be capable of pick the distinction. The MV7’s sound is wealthy, full and heat — all the things you need out of a vocal mic. Just like the ATR2100-USB, it sports activities each an XLR and USB-C output. Given how good it sounds, nonetheless, I don’t really feel any want to modify to the previous.
Additionally just like the Audio Technica system, it simply works. Plug it in, ensure your software program is accessing it and you ought to be good. Higher nonetheless, there’s a contact panel with inexperienced lights that permits you to alter the amount on the fly. There’s additionally a headphone enter if you wish to monitor your voice in actual time by the mic.
A couple of downsides. First is value. At $250, you will get a superb mic at half the value. This, nonetheless, is a superb mic. If sound is vital to you, splurge a bit. Second has extra to do with the directional design. When you absentmindedly shift lots in your seat whereas talking, this may not be the mic for you. I do this generally, and I’m simply attempting to drive myself to be extra conscious of these actions.
Third, it’s pretty heavy. If it’s simply going to stay on your property desk, no biggie. It mounts on both a mic stand (I’ve a small one I take advantage of) or an arm. For an extra $20, the corporate will toss in a mini tripod. When you plan to take it on the street, it could possibly be a bit extra of a difficulty, but it surely’s removed from a dealbreaker, particularly given the small dimension (simply keep in mind to pack a stand).
I’ve been recording episodes of my podcast completely on the MV7 and haven’t seemed again since.
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