The Antlion ModMic vary helps you to flip your favorite pair of headphones right into a headset mic. I used to be first launched to their gear in 2016, and so they’ve frequently improved and upgraded with new fashions and improvements since then. Right now, I’m looking at two of their newest iterations: the ModMic USB 2 and the ModMic Uni 2.
An enormous due to Antlion for sending this package out to us for assessment. Our hyperlinks to each mics are associates, so we’d earn a small fee must you select to purchase via them, by no means at any additional price. Relaxation assured, although, that associates by no means cease us from giving our sincere opinions about merchandise – we at all times assessment pretty!
Why Contemplate Utilizing a ModMic?
We dwell in an period the place we’re spoiled for alternative in the case of mics. You should purchase some high quality gear for not very a lot in any respect, as we’ve lined in our best podcast microphones roundup. Now, right here I’m including much more option to the combo, however with good cause. Listed here are some causes you may want a ModMic:
Small (Or Non-existent) Desk?
Desk house is at a premium for a lot of creatives, and that’s assuming you even personal one. True, a increase arm solely takes up just a few inches of tabletop, but it surely’s nonetheless an enormous lump of steel that may annoy you in different methods while you’re not recording.
Desk stands have their limitations, too. Even you probably have the room to accommodate one, they’re nearly by no means posture-friendly and are vulnerable to conducting noise every time you unintentionally bump or kick a desk leg.
Journey A lot?
If in case you have a Mary Poppins-esque capacity to pack a bag that qualifies as hand baggage, you in all probability don’t wish to be lugging round a Blue Yeti in there. All the ModMics I’ve used have are available in a helpful, transportable wee field that’s strong sufficient to not get squashed. It’s about the identical measurement as your sun shades case, which is one thing you received’t want in case you’re visiting Scotland.
Splashed Out on Fancy Headphones?
Okay, possibly you haven’t just lately purchased your self a pair of Sennheiser HD600s; possibly you simply like your present cans and discover them as snug as an previous pair of slippers. In any case, you need the comfort of a headset-style mic however not the discomfort that tends to accompany it.
Want Dynamic, Arms-Free Presentation?
It’s true that the majority podcasting mics are “hands-free” however normally set in a semi-static situation. In case you’re a sensible demonstration form of podcaster—say, a yoga teacher, chef, or DIY professional—the very last thing you wish to take into consideration is, “Am I nonetheless on-mic?”. With a ModMic, you by no means want to fret about that.
So, in case you tick one (or all) of those containers, learn on and take into account the Antlion ModMic 2 USB and ModMic Uni 2…
The ModMic 2 USB
Would you imagine me if I informed you this was a USB mic? I do know, I do know, but it surely’s my job to interrupt down these complicated technical schematics so that you simply don’t need to. Anyway, sure, it pops into your pc or gaming console by way of a USB (A) connection, and there’s a USB-A to C adapter within the field for the hipsters. There’s additionally a helpful Mute button on the increase neck; in case you’re an professional (like me), you’ll know precisely what that does!
I’m not vastly impressed by the audio on this one (for podcasting, anyway). I a lot favor the sound of the Uni 2.
The ModMic 2 USB at present prices $89.95 (Check prices on Amazon)
The ModMic Uni 2
The ModMic Uni 2 switches out USB for a 3.5mm connection. A 3.5mm plug is the wee one all of us had on our earbuds again within the halcyon days. You possibly can plug this instantly into your pc if it has a 3.5mm jack particularly for an enter (mic); the wee icon subsequent to it’s going to inform you. In case you solely have one 3.5mm jack in your pc, it’s nearly definitely an output (headphone), and also you’ll want an adapter to run the Uni 2.
You’ll additionally discover 3.5mm jacks on most gaming controllers. I ran mine into my Zoom H5 recorder, and I might additionally stick a 1/4″ adapter on it and run it into the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
The ModMic Uni 2 has a Mute change on the increase neck. In case you’re a Mute button fanatic, it appears to be like and clicks barely totally different from the USB 2 model, so write that in your wee ‘Mute Buttons of the World’ e-book.
I’m impressed with the audio on this one, particularly contemplating the worth and general comfort.
The ModMic Uni 2 at present prices $59.95 (Check prices on Amazon)
How Does the ModMic Connect to My Headphones?
Every ModMic comes with a bag of small magnetised clips. Stick one in every of these in your headphones, and you may connect and detach your mic shortly and simply. This implies you’re not completely turning your headphones right into a headset, and the clip is so unobtrusive you barely discover it. I’ve had one caught to my Audio-Technica M20Xs for one of the best a part of eight years.
Antlion ModMics: Any Downsides?
Cons are an inevitable a part of any gear assessment, and the ModMic USB 2 and Uni 2 have some potential downsides:
Blended Audio High quality of the ModMic USB 2
Firstly, I’m not tremendous impressed with the USB 2’s audio high quality. There are just a few causes for that, none of that are completely the mic’s fault. The principle one is that I can’t assist however examine it to the USB audio available at a similar (or lesser) price range elsewhere. With that stated, the USB 2 hits again with a listing of advantages talked about earlier on this assessment.
I’ve additionally labored with audio for a very long time, significantly within the fiction podcast and audio drama house, the place I’ll scrutinise audio fairly harshly. These days, I discover myself doing the odd distant interview with somebody who makes use of built-in or earbud mics, and let me inform you, I’d be completely over the moon in the event that they have been utilizing a ModMic USB 2. Backside line; don’t let me inform you what to consider the audio high quality, and remember to decide for your self.
Lack of Energetic Monitoring With the ModMic USB 2
Listening to your self speak, as you speak, is nice observe for recording any audio. You’ll be capable to choose up on any technical points and proper poor mic method instantly, versus discovering them baked into the hour-long file you’ve simply began listening again to.
However, with the ModMic USB 2, your output is your headphones, that are plugged instantly into the pc; thus, there is no such thing as a lively monitoring. For this to occur, a future iteration of the ModMic USB would want to have a 3.5mm jack on the machine itself, as I’m certain the workforce at Antlion are very a lot conscious of.
Compatibility of the ModMic Uni 2
Many laptops don’t have a 3.5mm enter jack.
If you wish to run the Uni 2 into your pc, you may want to purchase an extra “splitter”-style adapter. You possibly can choose one in every of these up for $8-$10, which nonetheless offers you a great-sounding mic (with all the professionals and conveniences talked about earlier) for round $70.
It’s additionally price mentioning that any 3.5mm mic is closely depending on no matter you’re working it into. I’m getting nice outcomes with the Zoom H5, but it surely’s a first-class audio recorder. Don’t anticipate superb outcomes in case you plug it right into a tin of spam.
Conclusion: The Antlion ModMic USB 2 & Uni 2
For people who lack house (particularly desk house), typically journey or document on the go, or actually just like the consolation of their present headphones, a ModMic may very well be a fantastic choice.
I a lot favor the sound high quality of the Uni 2 over the USB 2. Keep in mind, it’d want an extra adapter to make it work in your pc, however these are low-cost, and it will seemingly price you lower than $70 for each.
A ModMic’s setup time is lower than two seconds, so they’re extremely helpful, particularly in case you get a textual content like “We’re all ready within the recording channel. The place are you?” or “Fast, let’s pwn some n00bz in Grand Theft Auto: Bognor Regis.”
On a remaining observe, simply keep in mind that there’s by no means any one-size-fits-all reply when shopping for a mic, so weigh up your individual scenario and desires towards the ModMic’s choices. And if you wish to do some extra purchasing round, remember to take a look at our full guide to podcast microphones!
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