A fair number of our GeekDad family create content outside of our blog, from podcasts to YouTube videos. Content creation requires a certain investment in equipment. At its most basic, you’ll use your phone or webcam to shoot videos. But if you want something of better quality for your audience, you’ll need more specialized audio and video gear.
One such upgrade you’ll be looking for is in your audio gear. RIG Gaming recently released the M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR microphone, geared towards streamers, content creators, and gamers. They sent me one so I could share my thoughts with our readers.
What Is the RIG M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR?
The RIG M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR is a USB Microphone with built-in Bluetooth, compatible with both PC and MAC. It has the following specifications:
- CRAFTED FOR CREATORS: 16mm precision electret condenser features directional, cardioid polar pattern sound capture and 20 Hz – 20 kHz frequency range, designed for optimal voice-pickup when creating online content.
- STUDIO-GRADE AUDIO: Produce professional audio sessions via studio-quality 24-bit resolution. Stream and record with increased accuracy thanks to a 192 kHz sampling rate, accurate enough to capture the intricacies of your voice without distortion.
- UNLOCK BLUETOOTH LOW LATENCY AUDIO: Upgrade your PC or laptop to Bluetooth 5.4 and low latency audio with the Bluetooth low latency audio gateway. Pair wireless earbuds or headphones directly to the microphone to experience gaming and video without distracting lag.
- REAL TIME WIRELESS MONITORING: M2 STREAMSTAR is the world’s first wired USB microphone with real-time wireless PC audio playback via a Bluetooth low latency audio gateway. This allows users to hear their recording or PC audio using wireless earbuds or headphones without lag. M2 STREAMSTAR’s Bluetooth 5.4 integration with aptX HD instantly upgrades compatible devices to a low-latency connection. Wired headphone monitoring is also available via 3.5mm audio jack.
- ON-MIC CONTROLS: Mic gain, mic mute, and audio volume can be adjusted via the microphone, without the need for accessing your PC control settings or capture software.
- PLUG & PLAY SETUP: Instantly record studio-quality audio thanks to quick plug & play setup. Simply insert the included USB-C to USB-A cable and you’re set to capture high-resolution audio that is ready to go live.
- DISCRETE DESIGN: Premium design allows the microphone to seamlessly fit into any content creator’s setup, while being easy to take with you and connect wherever you produce content. Mic includes a desktop stand and is compatible with most boom arms via 5/8” thread connection.
- ZERO LAG AUDIO MONITORING: M2 STREAMSTAR also offers wired headphone monitoring via 3.5mm audio jack for a zero lag connection. Extension cable also included to ensure compatibility with most setups.
The M2 Pro HD retails for $129.99, and is available from the Nacon store or on Amazon.
Using the RIG M2 Pro HD Streamstar
The M2 Pro HD comes with an easy to assemble microphone stand, or you can readily attach it to a boom arm if you have one. Assembly of the stand takes moments, and is accomplished with three hand screws.
The microphone stand is plastic, but it feels solid, and has a rubberized base. The stylish M2 Pro HD microphone is also plastic, which keeps it lightweight and balances well on the stand.
The microphone attaches to your computer via an included USB-C to USB-A cable. You can also choose to connect a wired headset directly to the microphone. Inputs are at the bottom of the M2 Pro HD.
I found pairing a Bluetooth headset to be a painless experience. Simply press in the headset dial for a few seconds until the ring around the dial flashes red and white, then press the pairing button for the Bluetooth headset. Once the ring around the dial turns white, the headset is paired.
Once the headphones (in my case, my Apple AirPods) are connected, you still will need to go into the audio settings for your computer and choose them as the audio output for them to work. The sound was lag-free as promised with the Bluetooth connection.
RIG M2 Pro HD STREAMSTAR – The Verdict
I found the M2 Pro HD to be very easy to operate. It doesn’t come with its own software, so (at least on the PC) you do need to go into your computer’s audio settings and select the RIG for both audio input and, if you want to use headphones, audio output. However, you can adjust the microphone output and headphone volume directly from the dials on the front of the M2. You can also mute either channel simply by clicking in the corresponding dial. The light around that dial will then turn red to indicate muting.
The built-in pop filter on the microphone works well, and overall, voice quality is excellent. While on a Zoom call, my friends commented on just how nice my voice sounded using the M2. However, for those of us that use mechanical keyboards, the M2 Pro HD will pick up the sounds of the keystrokes, so that’s something to be aware of.
While the RIG M2 Pro HD has an all-plastic construction, the microphone still looks and feels solid. Certainly its light weight and size make it easy to transport, should you wish to use it with a laptop. Though at the M2’s price point, one might expect a bit of metal in the base and body. However that may not be an issue for you- it doesn’t affect the performance of the microphone.
Overall, with its quality audio and the ability to connect a Bluetooth headset, the RIG M2 Pro HD is a solid contender for content creation, streaming, and especially for gaming. It’s easy to set up and use, and should be a welcome addition to most desktops.
RIG Gaming sent a unit for evaluation but had no input into this review. As an Amazon affiliate, I may receive a small commission on qualified purchases.
Fonte: GeekDad - Leia mais