INTRODUCTION

   I may not be a streamer but I've been using standalone microphones with my PCs for as far back as i can remember, first with applications like TeamSpeak in order to coordinate with other gamers online and as time went by with more popular applications like Skype, Viber, Microsoft Teams and even Facebook. Needless to say, not everyone used a standalone microphone like i did but with the somewhat recent rise in the number of streamers and the COVID-19 outbreak which forced people to work and study from home this is no longer the case. Manufacturers are certainly well aware of this so we've seen quite a few players both old and new enter the market lately hoping to get a piece of the pie. Streamplify is the latest of them and today with me i have their just announced MIC RGB USB Microphone.

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   Streamplify currently has their MIC RGB Microphone available in two versions, one with a small tripod and one with a long flexible mounting arm (both made out of metal). Other than that, however everything else remains the same so both are single condenser (16mm capsule) cardioid pattern plug and play USB microphones (mostly pickup sounds directly in front of them) that sport a recording quality of 16bit 48KHz and a frequency response of 100Hz-18KHz with -36dB sensitivity, 0.1% THD and 680Ohm impedance. These microphones also feature a nice looking RGB ring (8 modes), volume control knob/mute button, convenient 3.5mm audio output for use with headphones and come complete with anti-vibration shock mounts and pop filters. So, time to see how good (or bad) Streamplify has done with one of their very first products.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

Streamplify uses green and black boxes to ship the MIC RGB microphones in both of which have large product pictures at the front just over the main product features.

The tripod and mount arm are showcased on the right side of their boxes.

Moving at the rear we find the main product features listed in 16 languages right over the product specifications table.

Both bundles are safely placed inside thick pieces of foam.

As mentioned earlier both microphones are bundled with anti-vibration shock mounts and pop filters (aside quick start guide and the USB-C and USB-A to USB-C 180cm long cables), the only differences are the stands (tripod/mounting arm) and the number of cable straps (1 for the tripod version and 3 for the mounting arm version).

THE MIC

The 247g heavy MIC microphones are made out of plastic and metal and measure 171mm in height and 42mm in diameter.

The RGB ring is located just under the condenser capsule.

Further down we find the volume control knob/mute/mode change button, RGB mode button, activity LED and the 3.5mm audio output.

Streamplify has placed their logo both at the top and the side of the microphone.

At the base of the MIC we find the USB-C port.

As expected, the pop filters are made out of metal whereas the anti-vibration shock mounts are made out of plastic.

To install them you just need to put the pop filter on the base of the MIC and then attach the shock mount by tightening this plastic ring.

The tripod model is height adjustable by up to a total of 21mm (stability is best at its lowest however).

On the other hand, the mounting arm can extend a total of 775mm so it’s far more versatile.

You can set the RGB LED ring to 8 different modes, 2 RGB ones and 6 different colors (you can also turn it off entirely).

CONCLUSION

   Condenser microphones have been around for as long as i can remember, same as cardioid pattern ones so at least in that regard the MIC RGB USB models by streamplify don't really bring anything new to the table. In terms of audio recording quality things are good overall (you can check the usual good morning Vietnam recording here) but these are by no means high-end models so some features (like different pickup patterns and number of condenser capsules) are obviously left out (and the same applies for audio performance as well). Still for the vast majority of streamers who simply have no need for more pickup patterns and/or excellent recording quality these will without doubt be a good fit. Build quality is also quite good overall even though i have to admit that i was surprised to see that the volume knob doesn't have a start/end position (meaning you can't really know which volume level you've selected) and that the anti-vibration shock mounts secure on the microphones by tightening a plastic ring instead of screwing them onto them (the base of the microphones clearly implies this). As for looks well the RGB LED ring does a good job making the MIC stand out so nothing to complain here.

   The MIC RGB USB Microphones by streamplify were officially announced just 2 days ago and right now the tripod version will set you back 54.90Euros (Caseking.de) whereas the mounting arm version will set you back 69.90Euros (Caseking.de) so both are priced very well for what they offer. Again, for very demanding streamers or streamers who need more pickup patterns (streamers who have guests for example) the MIC models by streamplify are probably not the way to go but if you’re just taking your first steps in streaming or if you just want a good overall USB microphone to talk with friends, family and/or colleagues I strongly suggest giving both of them a chance.

PROS

- Overall Quality
- RGB Lighting (8 Modes)
- Good Audio Clarity
- 3.5mm Headphone Port
- 2 Playback Modes
- Plug & Play
- Tripod & Mounting Arm Versions
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Volume Control Knob (No Start/End)
- Microphone Mounting Mechanism