So I've had my mod mic 4.0 for a while now, and I know this thing can sound pretty good for the price (based on the Tek's video they did with the recording sample). However, since this thing connects via 3.5mm aux, I have to plug it in to my Soundblaster Z.
I can use the soundcard's "Crystal Voice" features such as noise reduction to get rid of ambient noises like my keyboard and mouse clicks, as well as any white noise, but the end result creates a generally muffled and fuzzy recording that is easily drowned out by other audio (game audio, other people talking in voice chat, etc.). Without it, my voice is easily heard, but the ambient background noise is annoying for others to hear, and it sounds bad in any recordings I make. If you're wondering, the primary intent here is recording my voice during gaming with my buddies.
Basically, I'm looking for an alternative means of connecting this mic to my PC to record my voice without it sounding like crap. I eventually want to pick up a mic similar to what Logan uses (the AT2020), but that's down the road when I have more cash at hand. Until then, I plan to use the mod mic 4.0.
So is there something decent out there that has some proper features built in? I feel like going from analog back to digital outside the computer and not having the mic plugged in to an internal component will help reduce any weird white noise (minus ambient noise in my room) in the recording. Is this possible? Obviously it needs to be value-oriented since my budget is tight at the moment. If nothing worthwhile is affordable, then I guess I'll just save up for a nice USB mic like the AT2020.
Any help is greatly appreciated.