Good Microphone?

[Bobsama]

Ok so I'm looking at headphones and a microphone, for gaming and music (60s+ rock and metal). I guess, what should I be looking for? I've done some reading and what not, so I think the headphones I'll get are the Sennheiser HD201's for $20 shipped from NewEgg. But, I'd still need to get a microphone. Ideas? I heard the Zalman Zm-Mic1 was good, but I find it to be quite pricey. Overall budget is about $35, so $15 for a microphone. Quality of sound has to be "average" or better, for $15 or so shipped (if possible).

[YukonTrooper]

That microphone sucks balls. I had one. Now I use my speakers with my headset wrapped around my neck to use the mic. If you plan on using just headphones with your mic, I would suggest a good quality desktop mic. Should be able to find one for cheap.

[Knight203]

As for microphones Im using the one that came with a pair of steel series Siberias and ive never had a better mic, So I would look and see if you can find one of those apart from the headphones. http://www.steelseries.com/us/products/audio/siberia-full/information
I play Cod4/CSS and I'm sponsored in Cod4 playing cal main/cevo A and I know my way around mics/headphones.

Edit:sorry i shouldnt post things while..humm not all "there"

[Bobsama]

I've heard from plenty of people that the HD201/HD202's are the best headphones under $75-100. I'm going to try a set of Koss PortaPro, probably tomorrow. Whatever I choose for headphones, I still want a decent microphone. Ideas?

[sLice.9]

i use the Zalman clip mic. Works fantastic and its cheap.

[Bobsama]

I just found it for $8 at Xoxide, so I bought the Zm-Mic1. I still need to choose on a good set of gaming cans. I'm still thinking of the HD201s, but I want a more direct comparison gaming. Even if I don't, NewEgg has them for $20 shipped.

[Jodiuh]

I just found it for $8 at Xoxide, so I bought the Zm-Mic1.
I love mine. (http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1380227)

[Knight203]

For closed cans >20 the HD201 will be better than any thing but they wont compare to a pair of HD280 or even a pair of sony v6's. My beyerdynamic DT770's pwn u all :D

[Bobsama]

I was checking around Head-Fi for a while and came to the conclusion that there's simply nothing better for $20 then the Sennheiser HD201. So, I bought them. $20 shipped from Newegg. I have them shipped to my dorm in Florida, so I should see them by Wednesday or Thursday. Pair them with the Zalman "Mic1" and I should have a kick-ass setup with the rig in my signature. Only thing I still would have to do is replace the graphics card by late-February, so that I have something better and my sister has something for her Sims 3.

[Bobsama]

Ok, I got the Zalman mic. So far it works pretty well, and I'm happy it has a 10' cord. I just hope that it'll easily stay on the Sennheiser HD201s, which I expect on Thursday...

[YukonTrooper]

It works good for you? I wonder if they revised it. Mines junk.

[Bobsama]

The only thing I'm thinking is I'll probably need to improvise the holder a bit. I should get the headphones either tomorrow or the day after. The package is about 230-240 miles away right now, but it's already in-state. Anyways--on the little mod that I'll probably be doing (once I get the HD201s) will basically be wrap the cord with something to bulk it up, like paper, cotton, or even tape. The microphone works fine. The good thing I see so far is the 10' cord--which should match the HD201 cord which is said to also be 10'. I've already used the mic a bit, playing TF2.

[YukonTrooper]

Show us pics, Bob!

[Bobsama]

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.2ef3723068.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?2ef3723068.jpg)
Basic comparison between the jack and the microphone itself.

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.0645ecdd78.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?0645ecdd78.jpg)
Different view of it--there's no dedicated clip, it's supposed to slide on and stay firm on a wire by lightly pinching it, but the problem is they catered the microphone to an overpriced set of Zalman 5.1 headphones, so if the wires are thin or whatever, it may not fit. That can be improvised by sliding it over the likely-rubber part connected the cans under the neck or by adding a foreign object to take up space. As I said, paper, tape, or cloth should all work well.

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/th.eca969f763.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/image.php?eca969f763.jpg)
The wire is quite thinly--it should be sufficient, and it's not like I'll be recording anything. It's just there to turn a decent set of cans into a gaming headset on the cheap. Better audio quality, dedicated microphone, and hopefully less maintenance. Next time I go to the grocery store, I'll look for small zip-ties, so to attach the mic to the headphones along the length, maybe.

[YukonTrooper]

No, no, no. I mean pics of the mod when it's done. I can go look at my ZM-MIC1 in real life. :p:

[YukonTrooper]

By the way, here's a similar mod: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1096815

So, you're just going to clip the Zalman onto the earpiece part?

EDIT: Never mind, you mentioned bulking up the wire. And then you plan on connecting the end of the bulked up part to the headphone, correct? Could use a straw maybe? Like cut a slit lengthwise, place the wire in, then tape it up.

EDIT: Ohhhh, wait! You could use the shroud of a pen to the same effect! Nice and stiff.

[Bobsama]

yeah, I'll post my mod when it's done. Consider those stock images--I realize clarity sucks, but deal with it. Once I get em, it'll be done. By the way--I found that a 10-20dB gain makes it much better. Otherwise it's too quiet I found.

[Jodiuh]

Here's my mod, haha.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v212/jodiuh/Headphones/IMG_2763.jpg

Fortunately, the nub on the left cup's thick enough to hold it. I get no complaints about the mic online, but I think that has more to do w/ the onboard sound card.

[Bobsama]

Ok no real mod on my side. The microphone seems fine simply clipped on the nub connecting each can. Other then that, I'm not terribly impressed with these HD201s--they're not as comfortable as I hoped they would be.

[Donnie27]

http://i488.photobucket.com/albums/rr245/Donnie27_photos/MICRigged.jpg

Velcro

[Bobsama]

That looks pretty good. Anyways--I'm selling my HD201s, they're listed on eBay right now. My Koss PortaPros arrived, so I'll pick them up tomorrow.

By the way--the Zalman Zm-Mic1 should fit just fine on any nubs along the cord. To get the most utility out of it, I'd suggest you do a +10-20dB gain.

[Jodiuh]

This mic sucks!

It's OK by myself w/ nothing on in the background, but it's a complete and total fail @ a LAN party. It's super sensitivity omnidirectional mic picks up EVERYTHING in the room.

Has anyone found a stand alone NOISE CANCELLING mic/headset that can be clipped onto some headphones?!