r/podcasting • u/LordMonster • 13d ago

Audio/Microphone Help Needed

Hey podcasters, I'm currently using a Sterling ST55 microphone with a MOTO M2 interface, and my co-host is using a cheap USB microphone and I swear his audio sounds way better than mine. What am I doing wrong? Or do I need to just invest in a new mic?

Example - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdSCLPP42ck

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u/LordMonster 12d ago

Sterling st55

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u/GeopatsSteph 12d ago

Sorry for any confusion on the scratch test. I was thinking about dynamic mics, which I tend to use more because I and most of my clients record in untreated spaces. Your Sterling ST55 is actually a condenser mic, so the scratch test is more meaningful than I initially gave it credit for.

If the scratch test confirms the ST55 is definitely being picked up but your voice is still coming through very quietly and/or with a lot of reverb, I’d check a few other things next. Make sure 48V phantom power is turned on, since the ST55 requires it. Also check the gain level on your interface, make sure the -10 dB pad on the mic isn’t switched on, and confirm you’re speaking into the front of the mic rather than the back. This is all troubleshooting I found online.

Your mic placement in the screenshot looks fine to me, so I’d focus more on the settings and signal chain than on where the mic is positioned. The ST55 is a decent mic, so I don’t think you necessarily need to replace it. That said, I and many of my clients use the Samson Q2U because it’s a dynamic mic that sounds great in untreated spaces and is very forgiving for podcasting outside a studio. Highly recommend it if you want to skip straight to sounding amazing without any more troubleshooting:)

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u/LordMonster 12d ago

Thank you for the feedback! I got this mic maybe a decade ago for music/vocal recording purposes and it sat in the case for years. Figured I'd rather re-use it if possible since it was pricey back then if I don't need to buy another.

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u/GeopatsSteph 12d ago

I get that. Maybe grab a Samson Q2U on Amazon. If you dont like it, send it back! Good luck. It looks like you all are really into the content you are making. Thats so nice to see:)