Reddit reviews Samson C02 Pencil Condenser Microphones (Pair)

The Yeti seems to be pretty cool, though I have not tried it. Any of the Blue mics should be good for voice communication, but the Snowball and the Snowflake are not the best for recording.

Some ideas that are not the yeti and mainly for recording would be M-Audio mobile pre with either Samson CO2 Small Diaphragm Condensers or Studio Projects B1 Large Diaphragm Condenser

I have the C02's and the B1 and they are both great.

These Samson mics are surprisingly good. I use them for indoor interviews and am perfectly happy with the quality.

AT2021 - 79$: https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2021-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B005OCZOA0/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1538709519&sr=1-1&keywords=at2021

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Behringer C2's - 69$ for a PAIR of 2: https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-C-2-BEHRINGER/dp/B000CZ0RLU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

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Samson C02's - 99$ for a PAIR of 2: https://www.amazon.com/Samson-C02-Pencil-Condenser-Microphones/dp/B0002D0KBE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Yeti is sensitive and you can do a lot better at the price point.

Dynamic Microphones

For most gamers I'd recommend dynamic microphones since they pick up a lot less noise. Look into: XM8500, SM58, Beta 58.

Condenser Microphones

If you are set on a condenser microphone, be aware everyone is going to hear your keyboard, mouse, roommates etc. Avoid the Yeti. Look into: AT2020, MXL 770, Samson C02, LyxPro SDPC-2.

Mixers for Single Microphones

With any of the single microphones you'll be able to use the Xenyx 502, 1 RCA to 3.5 cable and 1 XLR cable.

Mixers for Microphone Pairs

With either of the stereo microphone pairs you'll need to use a mixer with more inputs OR go halves with a friend. You'd be able to use the Xenyx 802, 1 RCA to 3.5 cable and 2 XLR Cables, you are also going to want a stereo microphone bar

Accessories

Scissor Arm - $20 : You'll want a stand with any of the microphones listed, however if you'd prefer a stage style boom arm it would be the same price.


Pop Filter - $7 : You'll want one with any of the condenser microphones. However it would be a nice addition to any of the microphones.


Windscreen - $3 : You'll want one with any of the dynamic microphones.


--EDIT-- Let me know any questions you have. If you want to talk we could meet up on the discord server or something.

/u/NineteenAD9 - for what you're trying to do (recording two people without a boom op), I recommend a [$108.99 pair of Samson C02s] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002D0KBE//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=battleforthew-20).

With two mics, you can optimize the pickup for each person, record each person to a separate channel and maximize your flexibility in post.

Nice review (with examples) from Curtis Judd [here] (https://youtu.be/YDy75_ciuf8).

Hope this is helpful and good luck finding the best mic solution for your needs!

hey guys,

I've been trying to produce some of my music for awhile - moody, folksy, and atmospheric singer/songwriter stuff -and looking to go in an early Elliott Smith kind of direction.

I've been working with an SM57 for years and dear god do I hate it. It just feels so muddy and dull. All the bass notes seem to get lost in this soup, and my voice just really struggles with it. I'm looking for crisp, clean and articulate presentation from a mostly finger-picked or hand-strummed steel string. I'm looking for something bright, but still warm and inviting, with enough definition that I can layer multiple guitar tracks without it becoming unlistenable. I like the idea of a stereo pair so that I create a lot of space and atmosphere with mostly just a single guitar track, but I'm also still pretty inexperienced and may not know what's best!

I think I'm probably looking for a condenser stereo'd pair in a cardioid pattern because I get a lot of harsh room reflections that I can't afford to treat.

Do you guys have any suggestions or know if these are any good for someone pretty broke?

Samson C02

Rode Compact M5