Shure PG27-USB Side-Address Condenser Microphone, Plug and Play, natural reproduction, Integrated Pre-Amp with Microphone Gain Control, Zero Latency Monitoring, Headphone Jack

The sound of a budget Shure Condenser Mic in a USB packageI like Shure as a brand so was prepared to pay the extra for their product.

In looking at a number of microphones I first made use of the Heil which I have now sent back, and the Rode USB which I think is great as is this one. What I like about it is that you can simply place it on the desk and you do not have to sit on top of it and the sound that comes out of it is excellent. I have one of the similar microphones that has the integrated USB connection by Shure which has some hiss. This one is virtually silent and I must say that it has been a pleasure to make use of it with videos and podcasts. I mainly use it when I am doing videos and I do not want the microphone in front of my mouth and still want a nice stereo sound. In general I would say that it is an excellent product which produces a good sound.If you are going to make voice-overs on top of PowerPoint slides and you are going to do anything into the computer my advice is to make use of a direct USB connection without making use of an external soundcard. It seems to add in an extra element of sound if you do it that way with no advantage. I saw a podcast that has recommended the exterior card solution and a Heil microphone, but I cannot say that that was a good way to go. I did try an external Rode with the soundcard and agrees a lot better but not as good as a USB version. I cannot say that I think that the Rode or Shure is better, as each has its uses. I have tried a wide variety of wireless microphones but all seem to be mono. Also when you amplify the voice without music is exterior hiss.

The sound from the PG27-USB is wonderfully full and *warm.* Your voice sounds natural and full, with just a little bit of bass added to it, lending a note of authority to the recording. The external "mic gain" control allows me to record even in poor audio conditions (like when people are talking outside my office). I can bring the gain down and get really close to the mic. This picks up just my voice an almost none of the background noise.I've had the PG27USB for 3 years now and have never had a problem with it. The build quality is very high. Nothing cheap or plasticky about it. Fwiw, I've used it primarily for voice over work for presentations and screencast videos (Camtasia). The mic is good enough that I'm thinking about buying another, just in case Shure discontinues the model. It's that good.

Not as sexy as a baby bottle mic or retro-styled sphere, but this mic lives up to its reputation for sensitivity and responsiveness. I am amazed by what it picks up. In terms of finish, the knurled dial that controls the gain had some slight finish defects, but these are only visible if you look closely. I generally leave the gain at one position and adjust everything from my computer. The light is useful to let you know roughly when you are in the clipping danger zone. Given its sensitivity, you need to be very careful if attaching a headphone to the jack in the mic itself. I would only do so for some initial checks or in a very loud environment where occasional taps or the headphone cable against the mic would not be noticed.

Have not had a chance to use it since I purchased this product but I like this product and that is why I bought it. I will soon use in a month or so. Music and hectic life do not mingle.

One of my side jams is voice acting and narration. This is an investment but you will see the return very quickly. Great for a home studio