It's not easy to find a headset with a microphone anywhere near streaming quality. However, it is easy to add a new headset mic to any available second, thanks to Antlion Audio's ModMics series.
The ModMic series is the answer to a problem I've been facing for years. The head set microphone is incorrect. I've gone through a bunch of gaming headsets over the last 10 years, and only one or two of them have a microphone that I think I use for streaming or recording. Usually I add my gaming headsets via USB full size or XLR, wishing I had a working solution for one. ModMics, standalone capsule microphones attach to headphones or headphones, a wish come true.
There are three different types of ModMic right now. The $ 50 ModMic Uni is a ModMic-level entry. It is not considered studio quality, but it does include sound cancellation and is compatible with everything. The $ 80 ModMic USB, which I tested, switching between studio quality and sound cancellation on-the-fly. As the name implies it needs USB connection and wiring, so be careful to add an extra cable that runs from your head to your computer. I've been using it for wireless headsets, defeating the purpose of wireless headphones.
Then there is $ 120 ModMic Wireless, which I reviewed. It doesn't add extra wire, but it does require a dongle to connect to a PC or PlayStation 4. It's a dual mode microphone, which alternates between omni-directional and unwanted audio filters. ModMic Wireless has a 12-hour battery life, and can charge while connected via a micro USB.
Both units connect to a set of headsets with a magnetic clasp. The base sticks to the ear cup and sticks. Snipers get into the clasp and are easily removed to be kept inside the cases that are attached to the zipper tight.
Removable microphones are a great idea, and not just for improving quality. Now I can buy headphones instead of headset, giving me a very wide range of expensive ear cups to choose from. I bought a set of red Edifier headers to celebrate this new release. I don't love them, but I love freedom.
What do ModMics sound like? Let them listen. First up we have ModMic USB 5 (I say 6 in the video, by mistake). As you listen, keep in mind that I am in a noisy living room with a laptop not two meters from my face, a breeze, and two 8-year-olds at home because schools are closed due to covid-19.
Given the conditions I'm recording, the results sound amazing. By considering a few posts and possibly criticizing my kids in the blanket, that sound I happily use as a video voiceover. ModMic Wireless is even more impressive.
It sounds great to have the sound stamped on top of the wireless signal. Many wireless headsets send audio over a very narrow band, which is why it sounds like… headset audio. ModMic Wireless 16bit records, 48khz audio, also known as DVD quality. The microphone will not stand up to a good machine, but this one is wireless.
After being overwhelmed by the idea of ModMic for years, I've finally found my lipsticks many of them, and I'm not disappointed. Now I need only good headphones and I am organized.
The beauty of the extra head