What Mic Does Valkyrae Use? Tech Behind Valkyrae’s Voice

What Mic Does Valkyrae Use? Well, if you’ve ever wondered how this gaming goddess manages to sound as crisp and clear as a freshly opened bag of chips while she dominates the virtual world, you’re in for a treat! 

But before we spill the beans, stick around to discover the secret behind Valkyrae’s audio prowess and why her choice of mic matters more than you might think.

What Mic Does Valkyrae Use?

What Mic Does Valkyrae Use

Valkyrae relies on the CAD Audio CAD GXL2200 microphone for her audio needs. 

This particular microphone boasts a large diaphragm and a fixed cardioid pattern, making it a condenser microphone renowned for its exceptional sensitivity and minimal distortion. 

What sets the GXL2200 apart is its advanced capsule housing a 1″ gold vapor deposited diaphragm, contributing to its impressive performance.

Key Features of Valkyrae’s Microphone

The CAD GXL2200 microphone has several important features that make it an ideal choice for content creators.

Microphone Type

The CAD GXL2200 represents a condenser microphone, renowned for its remarkable sensitivity and capacity to faithfully capture an extensive spectrum of frequencies. 

Within professional studio recording and broadcasting domains, condenser microphones are ubiquitously favored for their exceptional performance.

Polar Pattern

The GXL2200 microphone boasts a cardioid polar pattern, a characteristic that renders it particularly attuned to capturing sounds emanating from its front while exhibiting diminished sensitivity to sounds originating from its sides and rear. 

This particular pattern proves exceptionally well-suited for the recording of vocals and solo musical instruments.

Frequency Response

With a frequency response range spanning from 30 Hz to 20 kHz, this microphone demonstrates a remarkable capability to capture a broad spectrum of frequencies, encompassing the deepest bass notes to the highest treble tones. 

The selection of a microphone for diverse content creation purposes hinges significantly on its frequency response, making this a pivotal factor to bear in mind.

Connectivity

Valkyrae employs a professional-grade XLR cable to link her microphone with her streaming setup. 

This choice of connection is widely favored in the realm of professional audio, renowned for its dependable and superior signal quality.

Why Valkyrae Chose This Mic

Valkyrae’s choice of the CAD Audio CAD GXL2200 microphone is backed by several compelling reasons. 

Firstly, its exceptional sensitivity coupled with minimal distortion sets it apart as an ideal option for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and even overhead cymbals with precision. 

Secondly, its cardioid polar pattern effectively reduces unwanted noise and feedback from off-axis directions, ensuring a clean recording. 

Furthermore, its design boasts a linear frequency response and a remarkably low noise floor, making it a versatile tool for broadcast, recording, and sound reinforcement endeavors. 

Notably, it features an internal hi-pass filter, and it comes complete with an elastic shock mount and a protective pouch for added convenience. Moreover, this microphone strikes a reasonable balance between cost and quality, garnering positive feedback from users. 

All in all, the CAD GXL2200 microphone not only delivers top-notch audio performance but also seamlessly integrates with Valkyrae’s setup, making it a highly commendable choice for her content creation endeavors.

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How Does Valkyrae Set Up Her Mic?

Valkyrae employs professional-grade equipment for her audio setup, utilizing the Rode PSA 1 microphone stand to securely hold her CAD Audio GXL2200 microphone.

She expertly situates the microphone approximately 6 to 8 inches from her mouth, with a pop filter affixed to it. 

This strategic placement effectively mitigates plosives and unwanted sounds that may arise during recording. To facilitate seamless movement, Valkyrae opts for the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP.

For precise adjustments to her audio output, Valkyrae relies on the Voicemeeter Banana software, showcasing her proficiency in optimizing microphone settings. 

This versatile tool enables her to fine-tune parameters such as gain, equalization, and compression. 

Additionally, she leverages the reputable NVIDIA Broadcast app to adeptly diminish background noise and accentuate the clarity of her voice. 

This demonstrates her commitment to delivering a top-tier audio experience for her audience.

Tips for viewers interested in replicating her setup:

  • Opt for the CAD Audio GXL2200 microphone, incorporating a pop filter for improved audio quality.
  • Ensure the microphone is ideally situated at a distance of approximately 6-8 inches from your mouth for optimal sound capture.
  • Employ either the Rode PSA 1 microphone stand or the Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP to securely hold your microphone in place.
  • Harness the power of Voicemeeter Banana software to fine-tune essential aspects such as gain, equalization, and compression to achieve the desired audio output.
  • Enhance your setup further by utilizing the NVIDIA Broadcast app, which effectively minimizes background noise and elevates the clarity of your voice recordings.

Alternatives to Valkyrae’s Microphone Explore other microphone 

Here are some microphones that are similar to the CAD Audio CAD GXL2200:

Comparable Microphones

  1. Audio-Technica AT2020
  2. MXL 990
  3. Shure SM58
  4. Rode NT1
  5. Blue Yeti

Features, Pros, and Cons

  1. Audio-Technica AT2020
    • Features: Cardioid polar pattern, 16mm low-mass diaphragm, 144dB SPL handling, and 20Hz-20kHz frequency response.
    • Pros: Affordable, durable, and versatile.
    • Cons: Lacks some advanced features, such as a built-in pop filter or shock mount.
  2. MXL 990
    • Features: Large 6-micron gold-sputtered diaphragm, FET preamp with balanced output, and 30Hz-20kHz frequency response.
    • Pros: Warm and rich sound, affordable, and versatile.
    • Cons: Sensitive to handling noise, requires a shock mount.
  3. Shure SM58
    • Features: Dynamic cardioid polar pattern, 50Hz-15kHz frequency response, and built-in pop filter.
    • Pros: Durable, reliable, and excellent for live performances.
    • Cons: Not ideal for recording, lacks some advanced features.
  4. Rode NT1
    • Features: Large 1-inch capsule with gold-plated diaphragm, cardioid polar pattern, and 20Hz-20kHz frequency response.
    • Pros: Low noise, high sensitivity, and excellent for vocals and acoustic instruments.
    • Cons: Requires phantom power, lacks some advanced features.
  5. Blue Yeti
    • Features: Tri-capsule array with cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo polar patterns, gain control, mute button, and headphone jack.
    • Pros: Versatile, easy to use, and excellent for streaming and podcasting.
    • Cons: Bulky, sensitive to handling noise, and requires a pop filter.

AT2020, MXL 990, Shure SM58, Rode NT1, and Blue Yeti are featured in the following Best Quick Reviews articles:
Best Condenser Mic Under $200 for Studio-Quality Sound

Budget-Friendly Options

If you’re on a tight budget, here are some affordable microphones that offer decent performance:

  1. Boya BYM1 Omnidirectional Lavalier Condenser Microphone
  2. Blue Snowball iCE
  3. Fifine K669B
  4. TONOR TC30
  5. PoP voice 16

Premium Choices

If you’re looking to invest in quality, here are some high-end microphones that offer advanced features and benefits:

  1. Shure SM7B
  2. Neumann TLM 103
  3. Electro-Voice RE20
  4. AKG Pro Audio C414
  5. Rode NT2-A

These microphones are more expensive but offer superior sound quality, durability, and versatility. They are ideal for professional content creators who require the best possible audio quality.

Tips for Choosing the Right Microphone 

Choosing the right microphone can be a daunting task, but there are a few tips that can help make the process easier. Here are some things to consider when choosing a microphone:

  • Identifying Your Recording Needs: The initial step in the microphone selection process involves defining the purpose of your recordings. Different microphones are optimized for distinct applications, so clarity in your recording intentions is key.
  • Environmental Considerations: Take into account the recording environment’s characteristics, as they can significantly influence your microphone choice. For instance, in noisy surroundings, opting for a microphone with a directional pickup pattern can help mitigate unwanted background noise.
  • Understanding Microphone Types: Microphones come in various types, including dynamic, condenser, and ribbon models, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Gaining a deep understanding of these differences is essential in making an informed decision.
  • Delving into Polar Patterns: Polar patterns describe how a microphone captures sound from different directions. By selecting the appropriate pattern, you can prevent undesirable sound sources from interfering with your recordings, fine-tune the balance between dry and room sound, modify the frequency response, and control the proximity effect.
  • Budget Assessment: Microphone prices span a wide range, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Establish your budget parameters and seek out microphones that fall within your financial scope.
  • Test Before You Invest: Whenever possible, engage in hands-on testing of various microphones before committing to a purchase. This hands-on experience provides valuable insights into how the microphones perform and how well they integrate with your specific recording environment.

By taking these factors into careful consideration, you can confidently select the microphone that aligns with your precise needs, ultimately ensuring the highest quality sound reproduction.

If you’d like to expand your knowledge of Pokimane, Sykkuno, Hasanabi, and Lilypichu mics my article is a great resource:
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Find out HasanAbi’s microphone brand
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FAQs About What Mic Does Valkyrae Use

What is Valkyrae’s setup like?

Valkyrae’s PC setup consists of a HyperX Alloy Origins keyboard, a BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 monitor, and an ASUS ROG Maximus XI Hero Z390 motherboard. 

Additionally, she uses a HyperX Pulsefire Surge gaming mouse, a HyperX Fury S Pro mouse pad, and sits on a MAVIX M9 gaming chair. She showcased her room and PC arrangement in a YouTube video posted in June 2023.

What headphones does Fuslie prefer?

Fuslie opts for HyperX gaming gear, specifically the HyperX Cloud Mix headset.

What games does Valkyrae enjoy playing?

Valkyrae engages in a diverse range of games, including Fortnite, League of Legends, Just Chatting, Minecraft, and Red Dead Redemption 2.

Is Valkyrae considered a professional gamer?

Indeed, Valkyrae is a professional gamer and streamer, having competed on all-female esports teams.

What led to Valkyrae’s rise to prominence?

Valkyrae’s success can be attributed to her optimistic demeanor, engaging character, and captivating content. 

She has been streaming since 2015 and has garnered a devoted following through her consistent streaming schedule and active engagement with her fans.

Why does Valkyrae raise her voice on occasion?

Valkyrae is recognized for her lively and spirited personality, which includes moments of enthusiastic outbursts, especially during intense gaming sessions or moments of excitement. 

This expressive style is a deliberate part of her streaming persona and is cherished by her fanbase.

Final Thoughts About What Mic Does Valkyrae Use

Valkyrae relies on the CAD Audio CAD GXL2200 microphone, a sophisticated large diaphragm condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid pattern. 

This microphone boasts exceptional sensitivity and minimal distortion, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of audio tasks, including recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. 

Notably, the GXL2200 incorporates an internal hi-pass filter for added versatility. The package also includes valuable accessories such as an elastic shock mount and a protective pouch.

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