I'm looking around for a sound card with proper microphone inputs. I am starting to get into doing a lot more "Let's plays" and online casting, and I'm looking for a setup that I can use a high quality microphone. Any advice?
Not sure what you are using now, but I've had fantastic luck with the ASUS Xonar DG/DGX for a good, inexpensive solution. More importantly than the mic input on the computer though, which mic are you using? What connection do you require? 3.5mm? 1/4"? XLR?
Same here, I have a Xonar DGX currently in two separate systems and they work great. Audio out is much, much better than integrated and the mic input is much louder/clearer according to the people I play with. Only accepts optical and 3.5mm jacks though so if I need another type of connecter it's not the choice card to have.
$39 on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Xonar-DGX-PCI-E-GX2-5-Engine/dp/B007TMZ1BK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387095851&sr=8-1&keywords=xonar+dgx
$49 on Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829132052
You mean XLR? Gotta get an audio interface for that, not a mere soundcard. There are a few professional products that plug in like a soundcard and use break-away cables, but all the good ones are expensive and you can get external solutions for much less with the same quality.
I guess I'm really looking for an Audio Interface, I really want to plug in XLR microphones and get into that kind of quality.
Your best option would be to get a mixer. Either analog or usb would be fine. This for example is cheap and would get the job done fine.
inb4 someone trash talks Behringer
I think Logan uses something from Roland.
What microphone are you planing to use?
Dynamic or condenser?
Does it need phantom power?
What is your pricerange?