Lol can I trade the bumblebee I bought @ $25 for this? : p
It’s been listed as $30~ forever on Amazon according to CamelCamelCamel. Maybe the Neat Bumblebee II is a better deal in the end
Possibly, this one does look smaller, but cooler at the same time lol. I actually didn’t notice at first but it looks to use the old style USB-B/ Printer cable. I think you might be right about the bumblebee being the winner
I researched a LOT of mics in all ranges for a book/audiobook on podcasting I am trying to finish.
The world of Chinese cheapie USB mics is largely illusion. Regardless of shape, size, claims, etc, you will often find the same circuit board (about the size of a stick of gum) and some small variation in the size of the actual part -the diaphragm- that picks up the sound.
The Chinese are great at putting the same “guts” inside all kinds of housings, some big some small, some with LEDs that mimic the look of much better mics.
The inconsistency of parts used to make the rest of the circuit is also a factor of the mic being a real crap shoot.
Does this mean all mics are the same or all garbage? No. My JLabs 16.99 USB mic works well for ME, but your voice may vary. This was the mic that seemed to have bad USB cords.
I have a non-USB Pyle condenser mic that Woot cleared out for $9.95 in garish fake gold that I bought to use as a “bad example” (with no name mentioned) in my audio book. The dumb thing wasn’t that bad! Other no-name USB mics were Tinny and examples of garbage. Still others picked up RF interference from my PC.
Do not expect parts or service on ANY of these mics. They are ordered at a Chinese trade show and the importers know very little about them and can provide no meaningful service.
I used to like my Blue Yeti for spoken word, but now that the company has been sold, who knows what will happen.
So “you pays your money and you takes your chances.” But don’t be swayed by looks alone.
If you find one that adjusts the INPUT volume, that is a big plus.
Then the Bumblebee with an adjustable volume is perfect! (for $20 lol)
So I know nothing and understand very little about what makes a microphone tinny or causes interference with a speaker. All i know is that the microphone on my video camera sucks and causes feedback with my speaker. I also know that my pc seems to lack the power capabilities or specs to take on another usb device. I don’t need an amazing mic. I just need it to work for meetings and gaming. Are there search terms or things i can look for to help me identify a working mic?
What was the non usb cheap mic that surprised you and wasn’t tinny?
Start with a brand name. If you see the same mic with four names that sound like X0XMO, FYNAX, IXTYT or something that looks like a new prescription drug and/or feature decorative LED lights, stay away.
The problem is that each voice is different. You may find a cheaper mic that makes you sound great. I had a $500 mic that made my voice a bit muddy sounding. What you do NOT want is a mic made for use in nice quiet studios!
The adapter to use analog microphones is a “PC Audio Interface” which requires a USB connection. Back where you started with a Pyle PDMIC71 for $20 and an audio interface for $50-$200.
Get an external powered usb hub. Most USB microphones are condenser style which requires power. Try a usb dynamic microphone which doesn’t require power?
If you have a 3.5 mm microphone jack or a combo headset/microphone jack you can get a dynamic XLR mic and a XLR to 3.5mm cable or if the mic comes with a cable you can get an XLR to 3.5mm adapter. If you have a combination headset-microphone jack you’ll need a reverse splitter.