Seeking PC Headset/Microphone Advice

Hello Head-Fi!

Long time no post (had to pull myself away from this site or my wallet never would have recovered :P).

Anywho, I've recently become unhappy with my PC audio setup (PC -> optical out -> EMU 0404 USB -> AD700s), and thought I would come back for some advice.

My main issue doesn't actually have anything to do with my DAC/Amp or headphones (which I am very happy with), but rather my microphone (a super generic Logitech desktop microphone). The problem is that, being a desktop microphone, it has absolutely no noise cancellation capabilities. It picks up my keyboard and mouse clicks, my toilet when it flushes in the other room, and even the train that runs a couple miles away.

This has been a problem for the past year or so, during which time I've built up a relatively successful YouTube gaming channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/d0n7bl1nk). I make live commentaries on a regular basis, which require me to record my voice while playing. Thus, with my current microphone, these videos end up being riddled with clicks and button presses, which some of my subscribers have complained about.

So, I'm currently looking either for a high quality headset which I'll be able to use with my EMU, and which has a good microphone that won't pick up on my furious clicking, or some sort of directional microphone setup that I can use with my beloved AD700s.

The three headsets I'm currently considering are the Sennheiser PC 350, 360, and Beyerdynamic MMX 300. Cheaper is preferred, but I of course would like something similar to my AD700s in terms of audio quality. That, and the microphone needs to be good enough for me to be able to record my videos.

As for microphones that would solve my problem, I have absolutely no idea. I'm not familiar at all with microphone technology, so I guess that's where you all come in.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Chris

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max 

I've seen people use the Zalman mic with AD700.

I don't know if you will still have the same issues you do now.

I've read that before. Might try it out, but I've heard reports that it's pretty sensitive (and, as a result, doesn't cancel background noises well). It's only $10, though, so I might as well try. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougofTheAbaci 

Are you looking for something to do narration with? If so you want a good USB condenser microphone and then to do some noise-dampening in your room. If you want to go cheap DIY some thick blankets draped around you will do nicely.

 

If not, then Astro A30 or A40 (difference being stereo and surround-sound) on the high end, Sennheiser otherwise. If you want similar quality to your A700's then I might lean towards the Astros. I've heard really good things about them and am considering a pair myself.

I am definitely considering picking up a better quality microphone for standard commentaries, but first I'd like to look into reducing background noises in my live ones. I've thought about getting the Astros in the past, but have heard conflicting reports on build quality, so I'm a bit wary.