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(More customer reviews)I'll start by saying that I am biased and forgiving of Shure products. My previous experience with the PG58 was amazing, thus purchasing this model--which produces a more professional sound than simply using a mini-plug adapted microphone--was a no-brainer for me.
I began this journey seeking a USB microphone to use for my home recordings. I did not want to purchase an external board, nor did I want to regress to using the aforementioned mini-jack input. The best sound--least noise--that I could get, given my stipulations, was a microphone with a USB interface. In all honesty, I went looking for a Shure microphone with a USB interface. The models that appeared were the PG27USB (which I've recently heard as better for all around recording) and the PG42USB (which is "enhanced" for vocal recording). Since I have no need to record any instrument other than a human voice, the PG42USB was perfect. I happened to catch the microphone for a better deal here on Amazon, but even if I hadn't found the deal, I would've bought this at full-price.
Now, with all of that bias, you might think that I am going to exclaim that my experience was magnificent and that I am overwhelmingly impressed with the characteristics of the microphone...but that's not the case.
Stepping up to this level of microphone has been an interesting ride. When you go "Professional" you have to make sure that your environment complements the equipment.
I used this microphone in-hand for three months and was able to get great recordings. The interpretation of sound is wonderful, really. Voices sound crisp and controlled. Many times, I had to step back and wonder how such great sound came from sitting on my futon and holding the microphone...
...and then I bought a Musician's Gear Die-Cast Mic Stand, Black, a Nady MPF-6 6-Inch Clamp On Microphone Pop Filter, and Auralex Studiofoam Designer Kit, Charcoal Gray...
Looking back at my first recordings, it's amazing to me that I was able to even do that. At this point, with these additional accessories (necessities, really) there is little to distinguish the recordings I make and those made in professional studios.
The only other experience I have with USB microphones is with a M-Audio Producer USB microphone. Compared to the Shure, the M-Audio sounded muddy and not exactly clear. The reality that Shure only does microphones and headphones should stand as an affirmation of their specialties. A company like Audio-Technica, who makes standard, good equipment, can't hold a candle in this field. Well, yes, they can--just being dramatic, I guess.
You're reading this to get an idea on whether or not you should purchase this microphone.
Something I will complain about is the potentiometers on the microphone (Volume and Mic Gain). They, in a word, suck. In addition, the headphone amp on the microphone seems a bit noisy, but that noise doesn't seem to transfer to the recording, so I'll presume it's just the headphone amp. In addition, I have yet to successfully install drivers for Windows 7, thus I use XP to record. XP is great since my computer is built for Windows 7, so it screams with performance (I dual-boot with 7 and XP)... And that's always a good thing once you start getting real-time effects involved.
Is it worth $200?
That's a good question. I don't believe that this mic is worth $200+ however, the convenience features (low freq roll-off, realtime monitoring, mic pre-amp, built in pop filter--questionable, yes) do provide for a much easier time recording. If you do invest in this microphone, be sure to invest in the accessories mentioned above... As I said in another review, why put regular gas in a premium car? Pay the little extra, and your recordings will be the better for it.
I hope that helps!!
Update:
I have to retract my former statements about the potentiometers (gain, mix). Maybe they had to break in, but the problems I had with them earlier no longer exists.
Looking at what's available out there, and considering the Shure brand, this is a microphone worth getting. Sure, you could get a less expensive one, but the microphone is the first and last word on the quality of your recordings. Might as well invest in a great one...and this is, truly, a great one.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Shure PG42-USB Vocal Microphone
Specifically engineered for lead vocal reproduction, the PG42USB side-address condenser microphone easily plugs into a computer USB port for the convenience of digital recording. The PG42USB features a large cardioid diaphragm tailored with high sensitivity to clearly reproduce refined performances with guaranteed "Plug and Play" Shure quality.
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Click here for more information about Shure PG42-USB Vocal Microphone
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