Sandberg Streamer USB Microphone Kit – Hardware Review
Back in January 2018, Sandberg released its first microphone that was designed for their eSports line. We tried out the device and loved it, as it was a worthy competitor for many high-end devices on the market. While still the device was not that cheap, it seems that Sandberg wants to involve streamers in their corporate ideas as well, by creating the Streamer USB Microphone Kit, which is as the name suggest, a complete kit for those who want to stream content. We didn’t know what to expect, seeing this complete package actually comes at a lower price than the Studio Pro Microphone USB, but in the end we were not disappointed.
Design
In terms of design, things remain quite simple. The microphone looks like a more compact version of the Studio Pro Microphone USB, albeit without its tripod. There aren’t that many special features incorporated in the design of the microphone, the pop filter, the actual cradle for the microphone and its adjustable desktop arm. A simple design such as this is probably the best to entice many different streamers into considering this setup.
Comfort
This entire package is built for comfort, and it shows. You’ll get a complete setup, that includes an adjustable desktop arm, a pop filter, a proper cradle for your microphone and a foam cover if needed. You’ll need to attach the desktop arm to your desk, or table, and make sure it’s applied in a straight way, as otherwise the screw will not have a decent grip on the surface. Other than that, you’ll always have to use the entire construction, as the microphone can’t be used on its own, due to the lack of a tripod.
Specs
- Type: Back Electret Condenser
- Directivity: Uni directional
- Frequency response: 30 – 16,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: -27 +/-3dB
- S/N ratio: 70 dB,
- Max Sound Pressure Level: 120 dB
- Sampling Rate: 96kHz / 24bit
- Voltage: Powered from USB, DC 5.0V
- Material of main body: Rugged Zinc, Alu + ABS plastic
- USB-port in mic: USB 2.0 type B
Overview
Sandberg’s kit is a matter of plug and play, as you’ll just have to plug in the cable, wait for your computer to recognize the set, and sometimes you’ll also have to choose the audio input ensuring the microphone will work. The set comes with no additional software or anything to help you regulate specific settings and this might also be one of the downsides of the microphone. There aren’t any special buttons to regulate volume, mute audio and so on. You’ll be treated to a very basic setup, that works great, but is as basic as they come.
Truth be told, we love the device, and the entire package, but there isn’t all too much to tell about the setup. You can adjust the desktop arm, opt to leave off the pop filter, or the foam cover of the microphone and that’s pretty much it. The sound quality is great, but with no adjustable features, there is little to discuss in terms of options. We understand that this is probably due to the very low price of this complete package and it’s certainly a great introduction set for streamers that are just starting out. We simply hope that there will also be a higher tier set, with a detachable microphone such as the Studio Pro Microphone USB, which offered a bit more in terms of options.
Overall the sound quality is great. People on the receiving end will hear you crystal clear, and the pop filter is always a nice touch to the whole picture. Not only does everything sound great, it also looks great during a streaming session when viewers see a rather impressive rig. While the latter is not a selling point, it’s certainly something to keep in mind, as it simply looks professional when streaming with such a setup.
Conclusion
Sandberg’s Streamer USB Microphone Kit is a worthy purchase for beginning streamers or those who don’t require that many whistles and bells during their streaming sessions. This rig is built for comfort and it shows thanks to the added pop filter, a very decent adjustable desktop arm and so on. If you’re looking to tread into the waters of streaming, but don’t have a big budget, or aren’t sure about which direction you wish to go in, then Sandberg’s kit is certainly great as a starter set.
No Comments