Is the RIG M2 Streamstar Pro HD the Ultimate Microphone for Streamers?

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The RIG M2 Streamstar Pro HD makes its debut in the bustling equipment market for content creators, adopting a simple strategy. Designed primarily for streamers, podcasters, and amateur creators seeking clearer vocal quality without complicated setup processes, this tool stands out. Its easy-to-use plug-and-play feature is one of its key selling points, making it an attractive choice for individuals who prefer to start recording without delving into software installations or intricate audio configurations.

Although the M2 Streamstar is generally easy to use, it may not be ideal for everyone. It can be considered as a mid-range choice, offering superior quality compared to basic headset microphones, but not quite matching up to high-end XLR microphones with external preamps. Some issues with its control layout and Bluetooth connectivity slightly detract from its overall quality, but it generally provides a fair compromise of performance, features, and affordability.

In the Box

With the M2 Streamstar Pro HD, you’ll receive a comprehensive assortment of accessories. Among these are a heavy-duty desktop stand equipped with a robust screw system for easy attachment or detachment. In addition, you’ll find a 3-meter USB-A to USB-C cable, featuring a handy 90-degree connector for the microphone side. This cable ensures broad compatibility with both PCs and Macs right away. The microphone comes equipped with built-in Bluetooth functionality and a 3.5 mm jack, allowing for both wireless and wired monitoring from the get-go.

1) The mounting feature works well with regular boom arms, making it convenient for users who already have setups in place. A built-in pop filter is included to manage plosives effectively, eliminating the need for an additional screen, even though it may not be perfect at reducing plosive sounds completely. Lastly, there’s a short extension cord for the 3.5 mm jack to facilitate connecting wired headsets more effortlessly. In summary, this package enables creators to transition quickly from unboxing to recording in no time without neglecting important components.

Build Quality

The M2 Pro HD has a solid yet refined feel, which becomes apparent right away. Its exterior combines matte-finish plastic and a metal mesh grille, creating a sleek, lightweight design that appears durable for long-term use. Although it lacks the all-metal build of more expensive microphones, its quality doesn’t seem to be compromised. In fact, the plastic somewhat resembles anodized aluminum, leading us to believe at first that it was entirely metal. It sits firmly on a desk without wobbling, providing a good balance between weight and stability thanks to its rubberized base.

The dials offer a blend of advantages and challenges: Firstly, their touch-sensitive nature allows for quick adjustments to settings without needing to navigate through menus, offering a tactile response that’s spot on. However, the absence of any visual cue makes it tricky to monitor microphone gain levels without using headphones. This isn’t as much of an issue when adjusting headphone volume, as you can hear the changes, but it would certainly be beneficial. For those who require consistent microphone levels across sessions, this could potentially be a deal-breaker, especially considering there’s no built-in clipping indicator.

Audio Performance

The M2 Streamstar Pro HD excels at capturing clear, usable voice recordings suitable for streaming, occasional voiceovers, and podcasting. Its 16mm cardioid condenser capsule delivers a natural sound with minimal background noise. Impressively, it boasts a 24-bit/192kHz resolution, offering some room for editing and post-processing. However, it may lack the rich, warm tones found in comparably priced XLR microphones, which could be slightly tinny to discerning ears. Yet, compared to other USB microphones, its sound quality is respectable.

As a devoted enthusiast, I can confidently say that this mic excels in unprocessed settings, primarily due to its targeted pickup design and built-in pop filter. It’s music to podcasters’ ears that it exhibits minimal coloration, and its background noise suppression is satisfactory when you’re near the microphone. However, keep in mind that post-processing tools like EQ or enhancement software can significantly enhance your recordings, especially for those aiming to establish a unique sound profile.

If you don’t have a boom arm and intend to use the microphone directly on your desk, I strongly advise investing in noise cancellation software as well. Increasing the gain to amplify voice volume unfortunately amplifies ambient noise significantly.

In essence, the audio quality delivered by the M2 Streamstar Pro HD is precisely what one might anticipate from such a device. This microphone is primarily intended for streamers and content creators, not for recording studio albums. It noticeably outperforms many headphone microphones and even approaches the sound quality of less expensive XLR condenser microphones. It refrains from excessive post-processing and maintains a relatively natural tone. As a USB microphone, it performs admirably within its mid-tier segment, though it’s more suited for casual users rather than audiophiles striving for the highest quality sound.

Features and Controls

One special aspect of this microphone is its ability to support two headphones simultaneously, either via Bluetooth or a standard 3.5mm connection. The Bluetooth 5.4 and aptX HD technology ensures smooth, wireless listening, when functioning properly. However, the Windows setting for sidetone wasn’t accessible in our configuration. Pairing initially could be unreliable, and occasionally reconnecting headphones might not work consistently. Nevertheless, once connected, the audio remained steady and synchronized without any delay. For users who prefer a reliable wired connection, the 3.5 mm jack functions as expected with various wired headsets and headphones without any complications.

The microphone controls are simple yet intuitive, offering mute, microphone sensitivity, and volume adjustments through two rotary knobs. The mute function, accessible by clicking either dial and indicated by an LED that turns red, has a slight delay. Additionally, the clicky button may be audible in recordings unless software eliminates it, which can hinder its use in real-time editing or live performances where microphone sensitivity settings aren’t optimal. Most importantly, the rotary knobs can make it challenging to revert to specific settings, particularly for microphone gain, which can impact consistency across different recording sessions.

Final Thoughts

The RIG M2 Streamstar Pro HD could be considered as a straightforward, functional device catering to creators seeking superior-quality sound without delving deep into technicalities. It doesn’t aim to replace an extensive studio setup, but it certainly doesn’t shy away from its purpose. Instead, it provides good clarity, supports wireless headsets, and boasts a user-friendly design that resonates with livestreamers, podcasters, and remote workers disheartened by subpar headset microphone quality. Its design and capabilities make it adaptable to numerous creator profiles.

With this device, you’ll encounter some trade-offs, primarily in terms of control finesse and minor connectivity idiosyncrasies. Yet, these aspects are manageable if your expectations are suitably adjusted. This microphone provides a decent amount of customization for users who are semi-serious about recording, without overwhelming those who are more casual. Priced at $129.99, the RIG M2 Streamstar Pro HD stands as a reliable mid-range USB microphone that emphasizes user-friendliness over comprehensive features. In the right application, it offers more than sufficient quality.

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2025-04-27 21:09