I’ve been in the market for a new mic for a long time. Ever since I had to return my dad’s expensive and cumbersome microphone, I’ve relied on my Mac. Even though my Mac has done a decent job during interviews, there’s always been an unpolished aspect to my audio, made worse by every shuffle in my chair or the rustle of a concealed bag of sweets.
Despite knowing a better microphone is required, I’ve been loath to make such an investment, especially when I don’t regularly use one. It just didn’t feel enough of a necessity to warrant paying a hefty price.
Then, as if a higher being heard my quiet cries, I discovered the Streamplify Mic Pro. Like so many of us, I’ve been conditioned to read the word “pro” and automatically assume the price will make my eyes water – thanks Apple(!) However, I’m happy to report that the cost of this piece of equipment is more than reasonable, especially considering the level of quality you receive.
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Marketed as a “studio-quality” microphone, I can confirm that it offers crisp audio even when you’re but a humble novice with few editing skills. Not to sound like a boomer, but I need my tech to be easy to set up otherwise I get stroppy. Cue the dramatic Disney princess collapse onto a bed, frustrated and upset.
With the Streamplify Mic Pro, all I had to do was plug it in via my USB-C port and it was ready to use. Granted, those of you who enjoy fine-tuning your streaming setup may want to fiddle about with settings, but for a simple gal like me, I just needed an instantaneous arrangement.
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If you’re starting to doubt my ability to put this microphone through its paces to ensure it’s up to scratch, I can assure you that it was subject to vigorous testing. Wrangling my cat to help, I made sure he noisily walked across my desk, taking pens as he went. I also left my office window open so the sound of the great outdoors wafted in (by which I mean lawnmowers and barking dogs).
My tests weren't complete. I then arranged different video calls with friends and family, not to mention how many mini monologues I recorded that I pray remain hidden until my Mac's dying day. Sadly, I had no upcoming interviews in my calendar to utilise my mic for, so I had to get inventive. Nonetheless, while I had to create ample opportunities, it paid off in confirming what I’d thought from my very first test run: the Streamplify Mic Pro is every bit a professional minus the steep cost. You can purchase it for just £69.99.
Not only can you adjust audio with greater precision in real time without hindering your stream and/or video call, but the audio sampling rate averages 192kHz/24bit. Say goodbye to tinny, low-quality. Arguably, one aspect that further helps to maintain audio quality is the anti-vibration mount. This simplistic but sleek stand isolates the mic to greatly reduce vibrations that normally affect audio. That said, this isn’t a rigid setup but rather one that reminds me of a bridge: it’s sturdy because of its flexibility.
Although it would be a lie to say none of the disruption I sought to cause wasn't captured during my recordings, the unwanted noise was minimal. Furthermore, with a maximum of four different polar patterns - Stereo, Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional – this versatile mic can adapt to suit any situation.
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For aesthetically conscious individuals, this mic is a looker. While its design doesn’t appear overly flashy, it has a few surprises hidden within its chic casing. It comes with a diverting array of lighting options, meaning you can add a “stylish flair” to whatever call you’re on, even if it’s a dull work meeting. I typically opt for a cascade of rainbow colours, however, if you’re more of a minimalist you can select a single colour instead.
Mood lighting, while important, isn’t the only perk of this vibrant light show there’s also a practical side as well. When transitioning between muted and unmuted, the lighting of the mic changes accordingly to indicate which mode you’re in; white for unmuted, red for muted. As an absentminded individual who talks while muted, I welcome such an unmistakable reminder.
What more is there to say? It’s stylish, it’s affordable, it delivers on quality typically kept behind a higher price threshold.