This video demonstrates the massive benefits of using an external interface with solid preamps over the cheap built in preamp that you find in a USB plug and play microphone. In this case, the microphone happens to have both a USB connection and an XLR jack, so I went ahead and used the exact same microphone — an ATR2100 — to let you hear the difference a preamp can make.
Notes:
- No more USB plug and play
- Always use an XLR connections
Audio Technica ATR2100
- Has both a USB and an XLR connection
Comparison Order
- USB
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface
- USB with Limiting applied
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 with Limiting applied
Results
- USB connection creates hiss
- USB components have less quality
- Knowledge = Level of Awesome
- Always use the XLR connection over the USB connection
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