Need help on setting up a semi budget Audio Setup

[Exoriya]

Planning on upgrading my Microphone from a Blue Yeti, to perhaps the new Shure MV7+. I think I'd like to take it a step further in my audio quality while gaming/talking with friends via Discord. I understand, for those reasons alone, I should get something maybe cheaper. However, I think the Shure MV7+ might be a good step up?.

So far, I have planned is buying the MV7+ and use it as a XLR. Furthermore, I'd like to purchase a Interface to go alongside it. I've searched and Ive heard many good reviews even older models of the Focusrite Scarlett 4th gen. I plan on getting the Solo model as I will only be using one microphone. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen

So, to clarify, I plan on getting:

• Shure MV7+ XLR setup
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th gen) Interface
• Rode PSA1+ Pro Boom Arm (already owned)

Does this setup seem to work along side everything? Asking before I decide to lock it in.

/// Also, for anyone who has the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd or 4th gen. On the right side of the Inteface is a plugin for headphone. I also plan on buying a DAC/AMP for my headphones, however, does this also act as a DAC/AMP? If it does then perhaps i'll scratch buying one and use the one provided by the Focusrite. However, if not, then I'll be buying one later on.

Thank you for anyone who helps me provide either better equipment or lets me know this is a good enough setup. <3

 

[staticV3]

The Solo 4th Gen has a pretty poor built-in headphone Amp with a very high 50Ω output impedance, low output power, and high crosstalk when loaded:


If you'd like to have an All-in-One unit, consider the Topping E1x2.
It has an excellent built-in headphone Amp, on par with dedicated, external Amps.

 

[Exoriya]

The Solo 4th Gen has a pretty poor built-in headphone Amp with a very high 50Ω output impedance, low output power, and high crosstalk when loaded:
View attachment 386426

If you'd like to have an All-in-One unit, consider the Topping E1x2.
It has an excellent built-in headphone Amp, on par with dedicated, external Amps.

@staticV3

Thanks for the reply. What about just an audio interface alone? Will the focusrite 4th gen pair good with the MV7?

I plan on just getting a FiiO K7 for the headphones. Tho will look into the Topping you mentioned.

 

[staticV3]

What about just an audio interface alone? Will the focusrite 4th gen pair good with the MV7?

Yes. Both the Focusrite and Topping will work fine with the MV7+

Pairing will be even less on an issue if you give the MV7+ power, where the built-in preamp will boost the signal before it goes out via XLR.

 

[Exoriya]

Yes. Both the Focusrite and Topping will work fine with the MV7+

Pairing will be even less on an issue if you give the MV7+ power, where the built-in preamp will boost the signal before it goes out via XLR.

@staticV3

Thanks again for the reply. It's been itching me, and I might consider just going for the SM7B. I really like the looks of the original mic.

However, purely using it via talking/discord/gaming. Might be a waste. But if I do go with it, which do you recommend for a Interface? I'd like to get one with a Mute, but if not then its alright.

So far, its between the Focusrite 2i2 4th gen, and the Elgato Wave XLR. I'm probably still going to use a cloudlifter for either, even tho the Elgato has boost of 75db. I think it'll put less strain on the Elgato, limit noise?

What are your thoughts?

 

[Multicore]

Thanks again for the reply. It's been itching me, and I might consider just going for the SM7B. I really like the looks of the original mic.

Are you choosing mics based on their looks and/or fashionability in YouTube and streaming etc?

I don't rate the SM7B. It sounds meh and has extremely low output so you need to choose a preamp with enough gain and low enough noise for it. I know that the MOTU M2 and M4 are good enough for that job but for the money there are better mics. It is compensated for proximity effect but isn't unique in that.

Just cos Rogan uses it and everyone else chose the same doesn't mean it's good. And I'm sick of seeing half a person's face with the rest hidden behind a gigantic mic.

And I increasingly see people with big fancy mics getting dismal sound because they are using them wrong in meetings and on YT. One YT guy, an MD, was all set up with a decorated video booth and lighting and a great big shiny side-address LDC and he was talking across the diaphragm.

Which brings me to: you can use the best mics and get a terrible speech sound. You can use meh mics and get decent sound. It depends on how. I use a headset mics because the position of the mic relative to the head is kept fixed and close. Close mic like that increases the ratio of direct to reflected sound so you don't hear the room much. Further, even in a acoustically treated space, if you close mic (as is the fashion) then you need to keep the head consistently positioned, hence head set.

If you're going for looks, or have a hankering for what Rogan uses, go for it. But learn to use it. You can get better results for less money but they will all work acceptably if you do it right.

 

[staticV3]

@staticV3

Thanks again for the reply. It's been itching me, and I might consider just going for the SM7B. I really like the looks of the original mic.

However, purely using it via talking/discord/gaming. Might be a waste. But if I do go with it, which do you recommend for a Interface? I'd like to get one with a Mute, but if not then its alright.

So far, its between the Focusrite 2i2 4th gen, and the Elgato Wave XLR. I'm probably still going to use a cloudlifter for either, even tho the Elgato has boost of 75db. I think it'll put less strain on the Elgato, limit noise?

What are your thoughts?

Skip the Cloudlifter, it serves no purpose with modern interfaces.

It will not "reduce strain" on your interface. You can safely max out the interface gain without reducing sound quality.

Some useful videos:
https://youtu.be/S0sE5mpSLYM
https://youtu.be/beXVfl1TSD0

And graphs:


If you're worried about gain, consider the SM7dB, which fixes the SM7B's biggest flaw with a built in mic pre.

 

[Multicore]

The Solo 4th Gen has a pretty poor built-in headphone Amp with a very high 50Ω output impedance, low output power, and high crosstalk when loaded:
View attachment 386426

@staticV3 is sharing Julian Krause's data here. Krause has the dope on interfaces and he's a very good YT educator.

He often tests mic preamps with the SM7B and always sternly cautions the audience that he's using it to demonstrate the use of the preamp with a mic that has terribly low output, "... not because it's a good mic, it's not." He's so deadpan it's quite funny.

If you'd like to have an All-in-One unit, consider the Topping E1x2.
It has an excellent built-in headphone Amp, on par with dedicated, external Amps.

On the MOTU M4 which also doesn't have much of a headphone amp, I get good performance without needing to set the knob beyond 1 o'clock. But all my phones have higher impedance and sensitivity. If you want a hi-fi grade headphone amp that can cope with anything then the Topping will do it.

 

[Exoriya]

Are you choosing mics based on their looks and/or fashionability in YouTube and streaming etc?

I don't rate the SM7B. It sounds meh and has extremely low output so you need to choose a preamp with enough gain and low enough noise for it. I know that the MOTU M2 and M4 are good enough for that job but for the money there are better mics. It is compensated for proximity effect but isn't unique in that.

Just cos Rogan uses it and everyone else chose the same doesn't mean it's good. And I'm sick of seeing half a person's face with the rest hidden behind a gigantic mic.

And I increasingly see people with big fancy mics getting dismal sound because they are using them wrong in meetings and on YT. One YT guy, an MD, was all set up with a decorated video booth and lighting and a great big shiny side-address LDC and he was talking across the diaphragm.

Which brings me to: you can use the best mics and get a terrible speech sound. You can use meh mics and get decent sound. It depends on how. I use a headset mics because the position of the mic relative to the head is kept fixed and close. Close mic like that increases the ratio of direct to reflected sound so you don't hear the room much. Further, even in a acoustically treated space, if you close mic (as is the fashion) then you need to keep the head consistently positioned, hence head set.

If you're going for looks, or have a hankering for what Rogan uses, go for it. But learn to use it. You can get better results for less money but they will all work acceptably if you do it right.

@Multicore

I am coming from a Blue Yeti, and I'm just wanting to get a nice step up from what I currently am using. I have no idea of what is good when it comes to microphones. I made the Yeti choice off a friends suggestion, tho yes, after seeing many streamers, youtubers, and sometimes just regular folks use the SM7B and also looking at it, I love the looks of it. Also, hearing many good reviews how its supreme, etc. As any novice, would want to get the higher end might go for.

I understand by getting the sm7b, I will be needing to purchase an Audio Interface to drive it, and upon that, I might need to change a few settings such as EQ, tho that could be later once I even make the choice. So if I do therefore, purchase the SM7B, my choices at the moment are the Elgato Wave XLR, 4th gen of the Scarlett, or as you said, the MOTU's. At the moment as my first pick would be the Scarlett 4th gen, its newer, and has 69dB of gain. Plenty to power the SM7B. Although, I will still be buying a CL to give more gain and less noise from the interface.

Another option is getting something cheaper such as a MV7, or even go for a Elgato Wave 3. Though, my current pick is the SM7B. If anything, I can test it and if I ultimately dislike, I can return it.

 

[Exoriya]

Skip the Cloudlifter, it serves no purpose with modern interfaces.

It will not "reduce strain" on your interface. You can safely max out the interface gain without reducing sound quality.

Some useful videos:
https://youtu.be/S0sE5mpSLYM
https://youtu.be/beXVfl1TSD0

And graphs:
View attachment 386596View attachment 386597View attachment 386598

If you're worried about gain, consider the SM7dB, which fixes the SM7B's biggest flaw with a built in mic pre.

@staticV3

Roger, thanks for the tips. This is all just suggestions/ideas at the moment as well. I don't plan on buying anything yet, but when I do I'd like to have whichever I choose to be most optimal etc.

 

[staticV3]

Although, I will still be buying a CL to give more gain and less noise from the interface.

It doesn't work like that (CL for less noise). Watch the videos.

 

[Multicore]

I think you have the info you need.

In the mean time, you can experiment with the Blue Yeti to teach yourself some lessons about mics and positions in the room and relative to the source. Because of the stand that comes with that mic, they are often too far away and on a desk surface next to a computer screen. Try picking it up and making test recordings with it and yourself in different positions.

It's like learning to use lighting, reflection, modifiers etc. in photography. There's no substitute for learning by experimentation and improvising with your own gear. Pros tend to use pro gear but skilled photogs can get great results with almost anything.