Because I try to keep things very simple by using a direct USB microphone/Logic Pro X. My uncle just gave me all this new equipment and I would love to improve whatever I'm using now. Would it make sense to use that and purchase the non USB version of my microphone which happens to be on sale right now as well, plug in my mic and speakers into it, and just have one USB plug going into my computer?

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK

Quite cheaper than the USB version, don't let that fool you though.

The regular AT2020 is going for $99 right now

And the scarlett solo is $99 too

So altogether only $30 more than the rode. I haven't personally used it, but I've heard good things about Behringer and that's only $60

I guess the first question is - why are you getting a mixer? If it's just to connect an XLR mic to the computer, go check out Sure X2U. Secondly, don't buy that mic - it's cheap garbage. If you want a quality mic that will last at a decent price point go get an AT2020. There is also a USB version that will remove the need for a mixer.

Any decent ones will work nicely. Extra hotkeys are nice on both a keyboard and mouse, for example I have the "back" button on the side of my mouse bound to my teamspeak push-to-talk and the "forward" button bound to in-game radio. I've used the programmable hotkeys on my keyboard for some vehicle commands but I don't have that set up right now. Mechanical keyboards are nice, but if you don't want to spend a bunch of money they aren't necessary. For headphones, a lot of people think over-ears are more comfortable. I have a seperate USB mic but you can pick up an all-in-one headphones/mic combo if you want. If you're ordering soon, Amazon Prime day is today and there are a lot of other sales too like Newegg. I'm sure there are gonna be discounts on peripherals, check around!

Here's my current peripheral setup:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

If you're just starting out and don't have much of a preference, check out these items:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

| Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-15 10:45 EDT-0400 |

If you want some other suggestions or have any preferences, let me know!

I've decided i am going to have to break my budget alittle, so this is the mic i'm getting.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006H92QK?ref\_=cm\_sw\_r\_apan\_dp\_98VJHHFTH9ZQMYW6CT67&th=1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0006H92QK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1450306039&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=at2020

This one doesn't seem to, for about $90

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B5ZX9FM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1450306039&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=at2020&dpPl=1&dpID=41pEeIKTIiL&ref=plSrch

This one does, for $130, the price for a yeti at normal price.

I’ve been debating jumping on this one, but to be honest, even a cheap condenser or dynamic mic can sound amazing with the right (free) software.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_X6o.Eb3WVW1KS

I'm currently running with a Blue Yeti. Once it finally kicks the bucket I'm going to be switching over to an Audio Technica AT2020.

I only very recently started using a pop filter (the same one that you link in the OP) and arm stand (also a NEEWER stand). Since switching over I've noticed a pretty marked increase in audio quality. The pop filter helps a surprising amount. I'm definitely liking my current setup more than just having the yeti sitting on my desk in front of m.e

Normally I'd advise against Blue mics but this is a really good deal.

Edit: audio technica AT2020 USB is on sale as well for $99:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B001AS6OYC/

and for those of you who have a mixer, the XLR version is $80:

http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1417208180&sr=1-2&keywords=Audio-Technica+AT2020

So you're saying you want to convert a USB mic to be used with an XLR jack? I'm pretty sure that is not possible, or would reduce sound quality substantially. However, I'm fairly certain you can convert a XLR to USB without too much issue.

To answer your question about the mics: The AT2020 does not function on XLR. It has a dedicated port for only usb. Check the fourth picture on the amazon website to see what I mean. The Apex has not had a firmware update since Windows XP, so it might not work properly on newer OS's. I believe it also has the same dedicated port as the AT2020.

If you're interested in using a mic for both computer and live performances, check out this one. It is a XLRm, so if you used a conversion cable with it, it could be plugged into your computer. You may need to download certain drivers to get it to work, but I think it's your best bet. Hope that helps!

I'm more of a dynamic mic kind of guy but spotted the ever so popular Audio Technica AT2020 for $74 -- https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK/

Hello friend,

Good news is that XLR mics are generally better than USB mics. however, in order to use one you will need some sort of input into your computer. You can use a USB microphone preamp like the Blue Icicle ($31), a USB mixing board like the Behringer Xenyx 502USB ($60), or a USB tube preamp like the Scarlett ($100). However, each one of these uses a USB output to your computer.

If you CAN'T use a USB at all, then you will have to go through the soundcard on your PC. If you don't have a good sound card then you might want to get one for anywhere from $30 - $50. If that is the case, I suggest getting the Xenyx 502 without USB and the Creative 5.1. Together it will cost you about $85, but will allow you to use the Line in directly to your motherboard.

Now, let's talk mics. You will want an XLR mic. Depending on what option of input you went with, I suggest the:

AT2020 - $99

ATR2500 - $67

MXL 770 - $88

MXL 990 - $96

Samson C01 - $80

Don't forget a Pop filter ($6)

Okay so depending on how you do this here is what you do:

• XLR to USB - Plug your XLR mic into the board/preamp and then the USB into your computer.

• XLR no USB - Plug the XLR mix into the board/preamp. Use the Line Out of the board/preamp into the Line In on your sound card. You will need a 1/4 to 3.5mm adapter as well to plug into your card.

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions!

::SeaOtterGamer

P.S. - Yes, I know you can get a headset (or mic) that uses a 3.5mm jack and plug it directly into your computer or soundcard. You will get better sound and more capabilities using an XLR setup. Plus, if you use a board like I do, you can adjust your settings on your desk and EQ before recording. It also looks super fancy.

I guess "Video Production" is the right flair?

When I started streaming I couldn't find all the info I needed in one place, so I thought I'd put something together to be used as a reference to get people started. I recommend watching at x2 speed, because then it isn't as obvious that I should have made a script.

Below are links to some of the products I mentioned. Many of the amazon links are affiliate links for a twitch streamer named Arcus -- I just thought it'd be nice to provide support for him since he's where I found most of this stuff anyway. If you want to remove the affiliate link, search amazon for the name of the product after manually going to amazon.

Capture Card, GV-USB2 https://www.amazon.com/DATA-connection-video-capture-GV-USB2/dp/B00428BF1Y/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=GV-USB2&qid=1580479390&sr=8-3

Webcam, Logitech C920: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Widescreen-Calling-Recording-Desktop/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=logitech+c920&qid=1580479267&sr=8-3

Mic, AT2020 https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=AT2020&qid=1580479298&sr=8-4

Mic, Blue Yeti https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Yeti-USB-Microphone-Blackout/dp/B00N1YPXW2/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=blue+yeti&qid=1580479364&sr=8-3

Foot Pedal, Infininty USB-1 https://www.amazon.com/Infinity-USB-1-Computer-Transcription-Pedal/dp/B008EA1K66/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=Infinity+usb+foot+pedal&qid=1580479414&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVE1HSDRMVlMwV1FLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzIxMDA5MURINzkxTFMzVDYyVCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTg2Mzk3M1dEUjRRVjVIVzhFJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Lighting, Cowboy Lighting Kit https://www.amazon.com/s?k=cowboy+lighting+kit&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

Lighting, TaoTronics LED Desk Lamp (my light) https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-Gooseneck-Temperatures-Brightness-Licensing/dp/B00XC5KNB6/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=led+lamp+flexible+neck&qid=1580479659&sr=8-9

Important URLS:

Livesplit: https://livesplit.org/downloads/

OBS: https://obsproject.com/download

Free LUT pack: https://gamingcareers.com/guides/30-free-webcam-filters-obs/

Everdrive: https://www.amazon.com/EverDrive-N8-NES-Nintendo/dp/B079WYDPX5/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=everdrive&qid=1580479898&sr=8-3

Stoneagegamer for purchasing everdrives: https://stoneagegamer.com/

Krikzz for purchasing everdrives: https://krikzz.com/store/

Ebay for finding an NES, carts, etc.

Replacement Rubber Pads for NES: https://japanspelshop.se/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=5268

Replacement 72 Pin Connector for NES (for repair): https://www.arcadeworks.net/blw

Retrotink: https://www.retrotink.com/
(Retrotink allows you to play on non-CRT displays with minimal lag; CRTs are still preferred, but rare)

Speedruns: https://speedrun.com/

BestofNES (Big 20): http://twitch.tv/bestofnes

RGLTv (Nescathlon): https://www.twitch.tv/retrogaminglivetv