Page 3 - Recording Performance Tests
While a typical user may not always need a dedicated microphone, there are definite use cases for one, especially for those who are working from home. In addition, dedicated studio-grade options are often the audio input of choice for content creators, streamers, and gaming enthusiasts. We have evaluated microphones in various contexts in the past, and the result has ranged from barely usable to surprisingly clear. While we could just sit and say, "It picked up my voice loud and clear, 10/10", there are some tests we can do to see how it performs. Furthermore, we can also validate different use cases for a microphone, whether it means speaking for recording podcasts or instruments and singing for music recording. A specific product may not work for every situation, but this will be a demonstration of its capabilities. With respect to the AVerMedia VERSATI go AM310G2, I connected this directly to my motherboard via USB. For quicker maneuverability, I installed the VERSATI go AM310G2 on its included tripod stand.
As we have already discussed, the AVerMedia VERSATI go AM310G2 has a cardioid polar pattern. This means sounds captured are loudest and most natural from the front. In this case, it is the "top" or primarily flat portion that is the front. This is how the capsule is oriented. If I move to the sides or the back, there is a reduction in volume and change in quality. In our off-axis pickup tests, I recorded and compared how the microphone dealt with sounds that were not directly at the diaphragm to hear for distortion or change in quality. The VERSATI go AM310G2 is directional, and my voice from the sides sound hollow and recessed. This effect is even more noticeable when recording from the back, as there is a bit of echo too. You can also hear the handling sounds when I rotate the microphone on its tripod.
Moving to some technical tests, I first evaluated the AVerMedia VERSATI go AM310G2 for how it dealt with plosive noises. Plosive sounds traditionally refer to a speech sound from the blockage of the vocal tract, and airflow stops right before the pronunciation of these sounds. If you try making sounds like p, k, t, d, b, or g, you will notice right before you say these letters, your airflow will have stopped. Afterwards, this produces a "puff" or immediate contrast in air pressure. When it comes to microphones, this air pressure change can result in an unpleasant sound. The AVerMedia VERSATI go AM310G2 was decent, but not spectacular, at reducing plosive sounds. As it is relying on an internal wind screen, the plosives were a bit noticeable, especially on the hard "p" sounds. With the starting "t" and middle "b" sounds, you could also hear the puffs of air, but it was not as harsh. I would have personally liked to see an external windsock or screen as this physically ensures users are not too close to the diaphragm. AVerMedia does suggest users record from 10 to 25cm away from the product.
Next, I assessed for its handling of background sounds. The pickup pattern and off-axis capture behavior also play a role here. The AVerMedia VERSATI go AM310G2 picked up quite a bit of background noise, including my keyboard and mouse clicks. This included the deeper sounds from the vibration of the table on every keypress, as well as the higher pitched clicks from the keyboard switches and my mouse clicking. As I have mentioned earlier, I could not get any noise removal from AVerMedia Streaming Center to work while recording with Audacity, so I am unsure if their software-based solutions would work. Regardless, if you are in a louder environment, you might want to find a different option or reduce the gain.
Checking for vibrational rejection, I recorded the AVerMedia VERSATI go AM310G2 and tapped on different surfaces around and on the microphone. This should give an indication of how well the base rejects vibrations. As expected, the VERSATI go AM310G2 did capture these deep knocks, regardless of where I tapped on or around the unit. Thankfully, there was no metal-resonating noise either with the stand dampening this from further vibrations traveling around. I should also note the microphone was sitting on my mousepad, which also helps in reducing vibrations. Even so, this is excellent and ensures there are no unnecessary moving parts around the VERSATI go AM310G2.
In this review, I added one more test to the arsenal. I recorded the AVerMedia VERSATI go AM310G2 from different distances away from the microphone to see how it would capture farther sounds. I should note I performed this test in an untreated room, so it is likely you will hear some echo and openness to the sound. Unsurprisingly, at close distances, the sound felt immediate and clear. Even at a 1m distance away, the audio sounded natural and clear. However, moving further back, you could hear a bit more of a recessed nature, which, at the least, is accurate. You could also hear me tripping on a box as I moved further back, which is why there was a sound captured between 2m and 3m.
As with all recordings, a good microphone should capture the source in a natural way. For the spoken word test, I recorded an excerpt from the quick start guide of the AVerMedia VERSATI go AM310G2. From the recording, it captured my speaking articulations clearly while reading the information. Everything sounded natural with no nasal or robotic portions. With its wider frequency response, it could capture human voices cleanly. This was an improvement over most gaming headsets, and I was quite happy with the performance of the VERSATI go AM310G2.
The next recordings were of me strumming on an acoustic guitar, then overlaying the recording with me singing into the AVerMedia VERSATI go AM310G2. I placed the microphone about 10cm near the 14th fret on my guitar, away from the sound hole. Thanks to its tilting mount, I could point it to where my guitar was without needing to use extra equipment. However, the FLEXI go BA311L would have been handy here too. As expected, I used a song I wrote for a previous review to avoid any legal issues.
The captured audio showed the guitar I played had a deep and full sound. The low end of the guitar was a bit heavier than the rest, but the higher trebles were still bright and sharp. The natural wooden resonance of the guitar was audible, which is another positive aspect. With my singing on top, you can hear my voice was like the spoken word test with a full and natural sound. My singing itself may not be top tier, but the VERSATI go AM310G2 captured everything as I sounded. During my singing, I did slightly peak at some point in the song, but the microphone did not distort too much. As such, this is truly versatile in capturing instruments or singing, as well as other applications.
As for the AVerMedia FLEXI go BA311L, I mounted it to the side of my desk and positioned the microphone in front of my face. I was genuinely impressed with how low-profile and minimal the stand was without getting in my way. During my tests, it never dropped accidentally and stayed very secure in place. Its movement is also noticeably quiet without any creaking or other odd noises while adjusting. I later moved the stand to the back of my desk with the head of the stand sticking out underneath my monitors, and the FLEXI go BA311L managed this with ease. If you need to make continuous adjustments, you will have to loosen and tighten each knob as you go, but this just emphasizes its rigidity and ability to stay in place. Overall, I was pleasantly satisfied when using the FLEXI go BA311L.
Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware
3. Recording Performance Tests
4. Conclusion
