Best Microphone/Setup combo?

DevSquallz

Commendable
Mar 12, 2016
3
0
1,510
Hey, I am currently trying to decide what would be the best for my dollar!

Setup 1:
- Mic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KQPGRRE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER w/included popfilter (USB NOT XLR)
- Boom arm: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D7UYBO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER (Total: $268.00)

Setup 2:
- Mic: https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK (XLR)
- XLR Cable: https://www.amazon.com/GLS-Audio-Cable-Patch-Cords/dp/B003IXSQL6
- Windscreen/Popfilter: https://www.amazon.com/AT2020-Foam-Windscreen-Filter-Whisperteknik/dp/B00NYNJO3O/ref=pd_sim_267_6?ie=UTF8&dpID=511QXNp1OvL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR244%2C320_&psc=1&refRID=C7GHYD6QQ0JME4P9Z4E1
- Boom Arm: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001D7UYBO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
- Shock Mount: https://www.amazon.com/Vibration-Suspension-Microphone-Shock-Holder/dp/B00G35U9Z2/ref=pd_sim_267_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=41pB%2B84WuSL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=C7GHYD6QQ0JME4P9Z4E1
- Phantom Power Supplier: https://www.amazon.com/InnoGear-Condenser-Microphone-Recording-Equipment/dp/B00KAPGLQC/ref=pd_sim_267_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=41xRpwaDBjL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=C7GHYD6QQ0JME4P9Z4E1
- XLR to 3.5mm (into PC): https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Female-Stereo-Microphone/dp/B00KO8VRSM/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1467346463&sr=1-4&keywords=XLR+to+3.5 (Total: ~$260.00)
 
Solution
both the 2020 and rode nt are good mics. the 2020 is available in usb as well. the 2020usb is cheaper.

if you go xlr, use an interface like the scarlet solo/2i2 (you can go cheaper, but some of them are iffy). better quality but unless you do serious editing it likely doesnt matter over usb.

i've seen many people have issues when using that phantom power adapter and xlr to 3.5mm cables. be aware. last person said they used xlr to usb and fixed their issue.
both the 2020 and rode nt are good mics. the 2020 is available in usb as well. the 2020usb is cheaper.

if you go xlr, use an interface like the scarlet solo/2i2 (you can go cheaper, but some of them are iffy). better quality but unless you do serious editing it likely doesnt matter over usb.

i've seen many people have issues when using that phantom power adapter and xlr to 3.5mm cables. be aware. last person said they used xlr to usb and fixed their issue.
 
Solution

DevSquallz

Commendable
Mar 12, 2016
3
0
1,510


Thanks for the useful information. I appreciate it. Is there a nice affordable shock mount for the NT USB you are aware of?
 
the nt usb has knobs on the side so clamp style mounts like you picked out for the 2020 will not work despite the mics being the same diameter. you would need one that clamps or screws to the base where the pop filter normally screws on if you got one.

this is the style mount you need RØDE SM6 Shock Mount with Pop Filter which is meant for that kind of mic from rode. there are "child sized mic" shock mounts out there which might fit over the thread diameter but i'm not sure what that diameter is on the thread.

it seems silly that you're willing to spend the money on a nice stand but want to cheap out on the rest of the components.

 

DevSquallz

Commendable
Mar 12, 2016
3
0
1,510


"cheap out"? I said affordable and I got an expensive stand cause I dont want it falling and breaking.
 
unfortunately if you want a product designed to work with the rode nt usb you will need to go with the $40-50 rode stand which is designed for it. you may be able to get a sub $20 stand which can clamp on to that stud but theres no way to be sure if it will work or not as its hard to find dimensions. a normal clamp stand like the 2020 would have fit the nt if it did not have the knobs on the side but since it does thats no good.