3rd microphone that i bought that has distortion...

[flsixtwo]

So, i bought 2 microphones from Amazon. The first two were "Used, like new" condition. These are only cheap $20 mics, but still shouldn't have distortion like this. I forgot to return the first one on time, so i still have it, and the 2nd one i returned. Then i bought a brand new, cheap mic:

http/www.amazon.com/Professional-Broadcasting-Recording-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00XJF53PK

Came brand new in the box, but it still has distortion:

https/youtu.be/UekLVedQkzA

My girlfriend has a microphone that she uses on the same model computer, but there is no distortion:

http/www.amazon.com/Professional-Condenser-Microphone-Recording-ZaxSound/dp/B017SQ8MN0/

And here's a video without that distortion (using my girlfriends mic):

https/www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLwkY_Vsymg

The big difference between the two mics are that mine have all had unpluggable XLR cables, where her's doesnt, her cable is built right into the mic. Anybody have any idea what could be causing this? I dont think all three microphones are broken.

Edit: I have a cheap linux laptop, and i recorded a quick audio file, and i got no distortion, so its the computer, not the microphone, but it still doesnt make sense why 1 mic will have distortion while the others dont. Audio recorded on laptop:

https/drive.google.com/file/d/0B-3bGtscrcNDeUNNZmQ4OS1ocFU/view?usp=sharing

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... a "Condenser" MIC has internal electronics in it... and it needs to be "Powered"... typically they call it "phantom power"... and you would connect it to a Power Supply/Battery/Mixer/Audio interface that provided "phantom power' for that MIC.
If you want a MIC to just plug into your MB/Laptop... get a "Dynamic" MIC... No electronics power is needed.

 

[flsixtwo]

Hello... a "Condenser MIC" has internal electronics in it... and it needs to be "Powered"... typically they call it "phantom power"... and you would connect it to a Mixer/Audio interface that provided "phantom power' for that MIC.
If you want a MIC to just plug into your MB/Laptop... get a "Dynamic' Mic... No electronics power is needed.

I dont think that is the issue, as i hooked up the mic and headphones to a cheap Linux laptop and the microphone worked flawlessly - and i was using the same setup as on the desktop - no phantom power. Also in the Amazon listing it says it doesnt need to be connected to phantom power.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Well... buying "LOW cost" mis-represented items (Clones) is a Risk indeed... I have found some Good sounding PC "Dynamic" mics and earbuds at the Local computer re-cycler and Dollar Stores... for say a $1 B )

1) Are you speaking into the Correct side of the MIC?
2) How far away are you speaking from the Diaphragm?
3) Could you have broken the input connection? how do other Mics test in your Connection?
4) All Microphones/Guitar cables need a "Quality" shielded cable for 60HZ hum/Noise rejection... if you move the cable away from your Monitor and other electronics, PS supplies and outlets... does the noise go away OR improve?

 

[thor220]

Hello... a "Condenser MIC" has internal electronics in it... and it needs to be "Powered"... typically they call it "phantom power"... and you would connect it to a Mixer/Audio interface that provided "phantom power' for that MIC.
If you want a MIC to just plug into your MB/Laptop... get a "Dynamic' Mic... No electronics power is needed.

I dont think that is the issue, as i hooked up the mic and headphones to a cheap Linux laptop and the microphone worked flawlessly - and i was using the same setup as on the desktop - no phantom power. Also in the Amazon listing it says it doesnt need to be connected to phantom power.

So essentially, only your computer is exhibiting these distortion problems while your GF's computer does not with the very same mic? It's very possible that the sound card / integrated sound is the cause of the issue. Some form of EMI is most likely affecting it. I'd recommend an external sound card, otherwise known as a DAC. This type of sound device is not subject to interference because it is outside the computer.