USB Microphone recommendations for operating remote with a Windows laptop.

Dan Trainor

I am thinking of using a USB microphone for operating remote from my Windows PC laptop.  I have been researching and found this one got good reviews:  Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ or maybe I could go with a USB headset.  So many brands and models to choose from, so a bit overwhelming.  Also, when I am in shack I could still use PC mic and audio and not connect mic and speakers to 6400 rig.  Is that good idea, or should I be thinking about plugging in another microphone into 6400 directly when I am in the shack? Any advantage.  I will be operating ESSB sometimes. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks in advance, Dan WA1QZX

Dan Trainor

 Here is what I was thinking:  https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2020USBP--audio-technica-at2020usb-cardioid-condenser-usb-...  Mounted on a boom stand. It does have a no-latency monitoring jack for headphone, but I wonder if I would be able to also hear radio output from usb channel though the same headphones also.

Dave - W6OVP

For under $50 this setup works great in a fixed station:

Behringer XM8500 microphone:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KZAKS/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

... plus a matching cable with USB adaptor:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0050CEEIW/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i02

But it is too heavy to carry around with a laptop.


For portable use I am very pleased with this little lavalier mike for $22:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AG56HYQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But you have to add a little USB adapter like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-External-Adapter-Windows-AU-MMSA/dp/B00IRVQ0F8/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=us...


So I have ordered a similar lavelier mike complete with USB adapter like this for $13:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077VNGVL2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We'll see how this works out. USB is certainly the way to go for portable IMHO. You can do a lot of experimenting for very little cash with the above examples.

Good Luck Dan.  73 -Dave.

Dan Trainor

Thanks Dave for ideas.  I just realized while reading this, I may want to have two sets of microphones. One set permanent in the shack - that mic and speaker would be plugged directly into 6400 rig.  Then a separate portable clip on mic or light headset for portable remote use with laptop.  OK, thanks for ideas, I just purchased my 6400 and I am trying to sort what I want to do for mics / speakers / headsets.  dan  

Dave - W6OVP

Dan- I fussed with mikes too long before going the USB route. Now it's a piece of cake. I use them with both the 6300 and 6400, both portable and with some desktops.

The iPad is a good way to go portable and the mike is built in. But if you want to run SmartSDR instead the laptop built-in mike is too far away for good audio and too clumsy to wrestle with IMHO. The lapel mike is easy, plus you can use a mouse if desired.

In case you are not aware, you can use the spacebar as a "push to talk" toggle switch. Simply click on the MOX button as the last thing you do before talking. The spacebar remembers that last keyboard action and will think it's that button. Very convenient.  -Dave.

 

John - K3MA

Check out the Logitech H600 and H800.

Ted VE3TRQ

The nice thing about these Logitech headsets is they are both Bluetooth and Wireless USB. The USB transceiver module sits in the battery compartment, and you get to choose the communication mode.

Dan Trainor

Dave, thanks much for all this great advice.  Very helpful.  Dan

Dan Trainor

Thank you, I shall check these Logitech H600 and H800 (or similar) out also. Thank you John and Ted.

Daria

You can find good clip on mics here https://www.microphonetopgear.com/modern-clip-on-microphones/