VIAS Desktop Condenser Microphone for PC with Integrated Cable, On/Off Switch and Tripod - Skype, MSN, videoconferencing, Gaming, Dictation, Karaoke, Vocal Recording.

This microphone REALLY surprised me. It's so light and so, well, "plasticky" that at first glance and touch I was fairly sure it was cheap--and I wasn't thinking about its cheap (inexpensive) price. I mean, I was pretty sure it couldn't perform well given how it looks and feels.But I was quite wrong: It may look "cheap" because of its plastic design, but IT ISN'T CHEAP, qualitatively speaking. Given its very inexpensive price, and given the fact it's not pretending to be a slicker, high-end mic, this VIAS Desktop Condenser mic--for what it is--delivers a 5-star performance.I tested the mic both on my computer as well as on my iPhone 6 Plus. As of this writing, I'm surprised that the product description doesn't even mention using the mic with compatible smartphones, like my iPhone. I used the mic not only with the Recorder app but also with GarageBand. And in both cases it exceeded my expectations by far.On my PC, I used the mic in conjunction with Skype, with Win 10's voice-recognition commands, as well as with Win 10's own Recorder app. And again I was pleasantly surprised how well it performed (as were my friends on the other end of our Skype connection).It's perhaps worth mentioning that, on both my PC and my iPhone 6 Plus, I recorded myself playing a medium high-pitched Native American Flute. And I was even more impressed with the mic's ability to handle the flute's higher, and sometimes louder, pitches. I had to experiment a bit to find a sweet spot--which for my flute playing was approximately two feet away from the mic. By comparison, when speaking into the mic I found it was best to be right near the mic or no more than a few inches away from it.In terms of negatives, I have deducted one star because I believe the mic SHOULD come with a basic set of instructions, especially since it is sold as a "computer mic." At the very least there should be a set of troubleshooting instructions (or a website link) for those whose computers do not recognize the mic upon plug in. And knowing computers, there WILL BE many folks who find themselves in this situation. I in fact was one of them! lol My Win 10 machine did NOT immediately set the microphone up for me. But since I'm fairly competent with computers, I was able to get it working pretty quickly."How?!," someone will inevitably ask. For Win 10, begin by clicking on Start (the Windows icon) --> Settings --> Personalization --> Themes --> Advanced Sound Settings. Then click on the Recording tab and select the new microphone. It may not say VIAS, but may only say Microphone. Click on it to set as your default device.If I find out that the company has started including instructions or has provided a helpful website link, I will change my rating to 5 stars.It's a shame to have to deduct one star, because otherwise this is a very good "starter" microphone. It would in fact be ideal for kids, but, as I've indicated, it can work just fine for adults as well. For me, I can see using it as a portable mic, with it being light enough and durable enough to put in my suitcase or briefcase for out-of-town purposes. Having a decent enough stand makes it ideal for those purposes as well. And don't forget that it can easily be used with a smartphone as well.For the quality you DO get in such an inexpensive microphone, I do recommend this VIAS Desktop Condenser mic. If you do end up purchasing it, here's hoping that the mic "connects directly" and easily to your computer's microphone input, as the product description states.I received this product at a discounted price in exchange for my HONEST and UNBIASED review of it. And that's what I've truly given you. Discounts or freebies don't sway my opinions in the least. My goal is always to try and help others make better informed decisions about any potential Amazon products they may be considering. Toward that end, I hope in some small way you may have found something helpful here. Thanks for reading my review.

At first I was really frustrated with this microphone. I would scream into it only to produce not much more than a whisper upon playback. I contacted the company want they helped me with some settings on my computer and now the microphone works MUCH better. I wish it was a little louder with my settings all the way up, but for the price I am happy with what I have.

I have to be 5 inches from it to pick up my voice. I've tried it on 3 different computer. It seems the quality isn't that great. I expected more.

Great sound quality and pick up; plug and played with out any problem with Windows 10.

damaged and didn't work

I was excited to see this sitting at my front door after ordering it. I was a little peeved that it arrived a day late as it was suppose to be my husband's Father's Day gift from my daughter and I. My husband was in the music industry from the time he was 16. He's 38 now & still loves to record his music. This was awesome because he wanted a new microphone, but now that we have a baby, he hasn't wanted to spend the money on himself. My husband's eyes lit up when he laid eyes on this microphone. He immediately plugged it into his computer, booted up his software, and began to play. He played a little bit of a song and then played it back. The sound quality of this microphone is amazing. He was so excited. He loves how portable the microphone is. He can pack it up and take it wherever he wants, which he is always doing! This is going to get so much usage! Best gift EVER.I did receive this product for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my unbiased review.

I needed a microphone for filming vlogs and I must say I was somewhat disappointed. I suppose I need a different microphone for what I want to do. This mic would be best for voice-overs but not for actively filming while connected to my camera.This is your basic microphone and it performs basic functions. It would be best for chats and the other functions that were advertised. This is not to be mistaken as a high-level microphone.This item was offered at a discount in exchange for an honest and unbias review.

I really liked this microphone it has great sound and is adjustable and hooks up in a jiffy to most electronic devices, the tripod is also a great added feature, has a fairly long enough cord to move it around to where ever you need it. It's also great for Seniors or elderly, it is very durable also and would hold up for a long time, very well constructed and user friendly.