Відео

Among the three USB microphones mentioned, AKG Lyra 👍

AEA R88A excellent single stereo active ribbon mic. You'll need a very strong mic stand. Best!

Before I acquired the Fifine K690, I would've recommended the AKG Lyra. However, the K690 does surprisingly well, for it's basically a Chinese clone of the regular Blue Yeti. Although the Blue Yeti is a very popular USB condenser mic, the sound quality for recording especially violin tends to sound a bit shrill and has noticeable presence of sibilance. The AKG Lyra is a touch warmer but perhaps nasal sounding (beauty is in the ear of the beholder). The K690 is a great value but I just checked (2022.5.24) on Amazon and the current price of the Lyra is $99, which is less than I what I paid over a year ago. To answer your question, either K690 or Lyra can work well, but the mic is only one piece of the puzzle. Whichever mic you choose, experiment with mic placement, room consideration and use a decent DAW for post editing. If you have the means, take it to the next level and buy some pro gear with ribbon mics, which work well for violin to get a warmer sound.

@@jkviolinstudio1741 Thanks for the detailed response

akg !!! or....

Thanks for your feedback. Glad it was of help for you. Here are several suggestions/tips: For iPhone/iPad recording 1. Make sure to use the correct USB cable adapter to connect the mic to your device. 2. If you decide on the Fifine K690, record with mic set to 'stereo'. 3. Check the gain level: do several sound checks to avoid distortion or a weak audio signal. 4. Experiment with mic placement/distance. 5. Use Garageband for post recording editing (ex. noise reduction, reverb, if allowed, etc.) For virtual lessons/streaming 1. Set K690 to 'cardioid' (K669 & K678 are only cardioid). 2. The summer string camp will most likely use Zoom unless the private teacher has an Apple device and can teach lessons using Facetime. Therefore, do NOT use a cell phone or iPad, because Zoom audio settings for mobile devices are limited compared to full audio settings on laptop version. iPhone/iPad sounds like @#%#. Instead, use a laptop or desktop computer to fine tune Zoom audio settings (ex. Original Sound On, etc.). If you do not have a laptop, then you will need a Bluetooth speaker to use with the USB mic and your mobile device. Otherwise, you cannot hear audio when the mic is connected to your mobile device. If you don't have a Bluetooth speaker and do not mind using head/earphones, you can connect to the K690 and K678. The K669 does not have a headphone port. However, unless your headphone cable is really long, it will interfere with your bow. Plus, you don't want to stand so close to the mic/camera for lessons. Using airpods may/may not work. You will need to test your entire set up to make sure everything works properly for virtual music lessons. You don't want to waste your teacher's time trying to solve tech issues. 3. Lastly, for a/v stability, an ethernet connection is highly recommended over wi-fi. Best - JK

@@jkviolinstudio1741 wow thank you so much for the thorough advice!

Thanks for your comment. WA 47jr & sE VR2 in Blumlein array. Combining a condenser & ribbon produce a unique mixed sound; maybe not for everyone, but I like it.

I'm not sure if warmer necessarily means better. I think the first one might actually record more detail in the higher frequencies, but may need some more processing to sound pleasing.

@@Nonkel_Jef I think the sound is more uneven, rather than more detailed. That could be at least in part attributable to a less flat frequency response curve, mic positioning, or inconsistent performances, to name a few.

It depends on your needs. For live podcasting, Zoom, etc., all three mics work well. BY & AKG have several polar pattern options: cardioid (uni-directional), omni, stereo, figure of 8. The Fifine is cardioid only. If using primarily for voice, cardioid would sound best to focus on your voice and minimize room sounds. For recording acoustic stringed instruments (ie. violin, cello), BY is the most sensitive. Mic placement is important. For example, if placed too close to a violin (<3ft), the sound is shrill, metallic. AKG sounds a bit nasal/thin. Fifine has a tin can like quality but focused sound and surprisingly decent considering the price disparity. I won't bore you with all the specs, but specs aren't the end all. Ultimately, your ears will be the judge for your preference/taste. Blue Yeti pros: - built like a tank, all metal housing - high sensitivity - multi-polar patterns (cardioid, omni, stereo, figure of 8) - separate headphone & gain knobs + mute button - sturdy removeable metal desktop stand, mic boom mountable (shock mount sold separately) - plug & play, Windows/Mac, iOS, Android compatible - removeable USB-C to USB-A cable cons: - heavy - records only up to 16bit/48kHz (Blue Yeti Pro can record up to 24bit/192kHz but costs $249) - location of USB-C port, cable can get in the way or come lose easily - poor design - high noise floor AKG Lyra pros: - cool retro style reminiscent of the vintage RCA 44BX ribbon mic - multi-polar patterns (cardioid, omni, stereo, figure of 8) - separate headphone & gain knobs + mute button - sturdy removeable metal desktop stand, mic boom mountable (separate shock mount unnecessary) - records up to 24bit/192kHz - plug & play, Windows/Mac, iOS, Android compatible - removeable USB-C to USB-A cable cons: - plastic housing, doesn't look cheap but feels like a toy; mesh grill is metal but thin/cheap - headphone & gain knobs do not have any scale/level indicator - VERY POOR DESIGN! - plastic knobs feel cheap & are wobbly - location of USB-C port, cable can get in the way or come lose easily - poor design - noticeable noise floor but lower than Blue Yeti Fifine K669 pros: - very affordable - mostly metal capsule housing + plastic parts - included metal, somewhat sturdy tripod desktop stand, removeable for mic boom mounting (separate shock mount unnecessary) - 20Hz-20kHz frequency response - 5.9 ft. USB cable, thicker than BY & AKG - plug & play, Windows/Mac, iOS, Android compatible - physical mic gain knob, plastic & a bit wobbly but nice feel cons: - bit/sample rate unknown - only cardioid polar pattern (not really a con if other patterns not needed) - NO separate headphone knob or port - NO mute button but gain knob can be turned down to zero/mute - USB cable is permanently attached and is USB-A 2.0 but can work with USB-C adapters - noticeable noise floor but lower than Blue Yeti Conclusion: All three USB condenser mics are good for voice on podcasting, live streaming, Zoom, music lessons, etc. All three can record adequate quality for casual home recording projects and casual UA-cam videos, etc. However, for more serious recordings for violin/cello/piano auditions & competitions, go to a professional recording studio or invest in XLR condenser or ribbon microphones, quality XLR mic cables, mic boom stands, shock mounts, audio interface and newer laptop.