This microphone provides surprising versatility, quality, and device compatibility for well under $100

As a seasoned content creator who’s been through countless microphones, let me tell you that the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) is a hidden gem among affordable microphones. Coming from someone who’s struggled with flimsy and underperforming budget mics, this one stands out like a beacon of hope in the wilderness of subpar audio equipment.

Individuals engaged in content creation, streaming, working, learning at home, or frequently find themselves speaking extensively would benefit significantly from having a high-quality dedicated microphone as part of their setup.

Striving for high-quality sound without breaking the bank is achievable, and that’s exactly what AVerMedia aims to deliver with their latest microphone, the VERSATI go (AM310G2). Despite its peculiar name, this microphone prioritizes simplicity – a straightforward design, user-friendly operation, and consistently good sound recording.

For only $70, the VERSATI go microphone offers an exceptional value, outperforming its price range significantly. It boasts a sleek design and robust construction, while its recording capabilities match those of more expensive models. Its USB compatibility ensures versatility across various devices, and AVerMedia provides ample software for customization. Although the AM310G2 may have some awkward aspects and is somewhat limited in one area, these drawbacks are easily overlooked considering its low cost.

VERSATI go review: Pricing and specifications

This microphone provides surprising versatility, quality, and device compatibility for well under $100

Pricing highlights

The AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone retails for $69.99, a very reasonable price for a well-balanced, quality mic.
AVerMedia also offers the FLEXI go (BA311L) microphone boom arm for $99.99 if you need a more flexible setup (for an oddly high price compared to the mic).

Previously, I assessed the AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350 (AM350), a high-end USB microphone from AVerMedia. On the other hand, the VERSATI go caters to a more affordable price point and a sleek, compact structure. Available on Amazon for $69.99, the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone is an excellent option for beginners or those conscious of their budget.

This USB microphone operates independently without needing an XLR audio interface. It can be connected to various devices using its USB Type-C port, such as Windows PCs, macOS computers, Android devices, and iOS/iPadOS devices. Additionally, it features a 3.5mm audio jack for attaching a wired headset.

Inside the box, you’ll discover the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone, which comes with a 3/8-inch screw hole, a 3/8-inch swivel joint mount that also has a 5/8-inch screw hole, a 5/8-inch tripod mount, a 5/8-inch to 1/4-inch thread adapter for the swivel joint mount, and a standard USB Type-C to USB Type-A data and power cable. The AM310G2 is covered by AVerMedia’s 36-month limited warranty.

VERSATI go review: The good

The pros highlights

The AM310G2 microphone’s design is a pretty standard affair, but it still looks clean and, more importantly, feels like a quality product.
It also does an excellent job as a microphone, with clear, deep, isolated vocals and respectable background noise cancelation.
If you go through the trouble of installing the supported software suite, you can also dig up a solid number of options and features for customization.

The microphone you find on your desk is essential due to its close proximity to your mouth, and it needs to appear professional. Luckily, although the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM313G2) may not catch attention in a group, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. This sleek, metal cylinder features subtle openings and embedded red lights. It has a minimalistic design, and the AM313G2’s construction gives a satisfying sense of quality.

For the most part, this device is useful due to its standard 3/8-inch mounting thread on the side. This allows you to affix it to a swivel joint mount (which connects either to the provided tripod or any mic boom arm you prefer). The swivel mount offers flexibility, though adjustments can be quite manual. However, what truly matters is that the AM310G2 microphone can find its place in almost any setting, and that’s a plus.

The device, VERSATI go, boasts a versatile 5V USB Type-C port that takes care of both connectivity and power supply. This means hassle-free plug-and-play functionality across multiple platforms without the need for any drivers or additional software installation. Simply switch it on and you’re ready to record! Additionally, there’s a 3.5mm audio jack available for connecting a headset, making it an ideal choice for those using the AM310G2 with mobile devices.

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Connect the AM310G2, press the record button, and play it like a pro! This USB microphone keeps improving, and the VERSATI go stands out as an exceptional contender against pricier audio recording systems. The sound produced by the AM310G2 is smooth, clear, and rich in detail. It offers just the right balance of depth and bass to create a solid foundation for your recordings.

The AM310G2 microphone performs admirably at separating your voice and eliminating unwanted background noise, while also avoiding distortion. However, its default audio settings might seem a bit harsh, and the VERSATI go model may sound slightly hollow compared to high-end microphones. Yet, the quality of recordings it produces is significantly better than I anticipated for a $70 microphone. In fact, I believe the AM310G2 outperforms the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma, which I previously reviewed, in terms of raw recording quality, though it falls short of the premium AVerMedia Live Streamer MIC 350.

The AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) microphone functions without requiring any software, yet you have the option to enhance its capabilities by installing the manufacturer’s Streaming Center software.

AVerMedia’s AM310G2 offers an extensive range of features, including advanced noise suppression and echo cancellation capabilities, such as NVIDIA RTX Broadcast support. It also includes noise gates, a de-esser for minimizing mouth and lip sounds during recording, multiple preset equalizers, custom 10-band EQ adjustments, along with various effects like half-stepping, amplification, reverb, and compression. Essentially, it’s a comprehensive toolkit that grants you substantial control over the AM310G2’s sound settings.

VERSATI go review: The bad

The cons highlights

The VERSATI go (AM310G2) nails the fundamentals as a mic, but there are a few oddities.
The physical mute switch is in an awkward position on the reverse side of the microphone, for example.
In order to access any microphone settings, you also have to download the entire Streaming Center software suite and dive through hidden menus.

A crucial feature that a quality mic should possess is a mute button or switch, and the AM310G2 certainly provides this. However, the issue lies in its placement – the small circular button is tucked away on the backside of the microphone, requiring you to stretch and feel around blindly to find it. The volume dial for connected headsets also lacks clear directional markings, making it unclear whether turning it up or down will help.

The VERSATI go (AM310G2) mic is primarily intended for solo use, as it lacks the ability to accommodate multiple pickup patterns. This makes it less ideal for broadcasts or conferences with multiple participants, as it’s optimized for one person to use at a closer distance.

Among VERSATI go’s key attributes, one stands out as both a significant advantage and a potential drawback: AVerMedia has integrated various software features typically found in pricier microphones into the AM310G2. However, this device requires the installation of AVerMedia’s Streaming Center app, which serves not just as a management tool but also as an extensive platform for configuring and utilizing all your streaming and content creation devices, encompassing more than mere device management.

If you solely rely on the AM310G2 from AVerMedia for all your content creation, it might be more than what you need. Additionally, the settings to customize your microphone can be quite difficult to find as they’re not readily visible. Instead of finding them under “Device Settings,” you’ll encounter a hidden menu by hovering over the AM310G2’s name in the mixer section. Click on the ellipsis that appears, then go to “Audio Settings,” and you can adjust it according to your preferences. Although the device offers many useful features, navigating to them involves unnecessary hassles.

VERSATI go review: Final thoughts

You should buy this if …

✅You want an affordable, accessible microphone that doesn’t compromise on quality

For those working with limited funds or seeking a dependable, user-friendly microphone that’s simple to install and operate, the AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) makes an outstanding choice.

✅You want a microphone that gives you a good number of customization options

One striking feature of the VERSATI go (AM310G2) lies in its extensive digital customization options provided by AVerMedia. With the help of their Streaming Center software, you’ll find numerous settings that can be tailored to your preferences.

You should not buy this if …

❌You need a microphone for recording multiple people at once

The VERSATI go microphone is not equipped to handle multiple audio inputs happening concurrently, making it less efficient when recording multiple people at once. Despite its affordability and user-friendly design, capturing more than one person’s voice may still be somewhat challenging.

It’s hard to find the widely accepted standard USB microphone like the Blue Yeti X we reviewed, which typically costs more than $100. High-quality microphones, unlike the cheap options that often sacrifice quality, are not as abundant as one might expect.

This is where the AVerMedia VERSATI AM310G2 microphone steps in. At first glance, I wasn’t impressed by its simple design, but it hides a comprehensive approach to creating a dependable, all-around microphone. The construction is robust, the sound quality is sharp and distinct, and you’ll also find a variety of software customization options – a feature made possible by AVerMedia’s extensive experience in audio technology.

The AVerMedia VERSATI go (AM310G2) only costs $69.99 at Amazon, and I’ve even seen it go on sale for a little less than that. It’s frankly a dead simple recommendation at that price, and you’re almost guaranteed to be pleasantly surprised. I have a separate review for the AVerMedia FLEXI go (BA311L) mic boom arm, but you can pick up the FLEXI go arm for $99.99 at Amazon to obtain the complete, low-cost (ish, but only because of the mic arm) and low-effort audio recording setup.

2024-12-14 20:09