In the last few years the world of streaming has experienced an unparalleled expansion! More time to spend at home and a growing awareness of the tool, has meant that more and more users have approached this world both as users and as streamers. T.witch, Youtube Live, Periscope and many other live streaming sites, have welcomed thousands of users willing to undertake this fun experience. To do this, however, in addition to a great willingness to get involved, also the right tools are necessary. Wanting to search for the best streamer products out there, we’ve tested the GXT 241 Velica microphone by Trust, specially designed for streaming, and this is his review.
Our Trust GXT 241 Velica review
The streaming microphone Trust GXT 241 Velica promises high recording quality, an attractive design and the typical performance of the company’s products, all while maintaining a more than competitive price. Let’s find out how it went!
Design
The first thing that immediately catches the eye when looking at this Trust GXT 241 Velica is yours minimalist and elegant design. The microphone consists of a single central cylindrical body just 13cm long x 2cm thick, a unique compactness equal only to its style. The microphone is inserted inside a plastic and metal structure, fitted with a simple elastic system that hold it firmly. The metal tripods, with non-slip rubber pads, it supports everything and if necessary, it can also be unscrewed. Concludes the whole pop filter which is inserted on the top of the structure so as to cover the microphone.
Inside the package we find a single USB Type C cable (1.8m) that is inserted into the back of the microphone where there is also the only button available to activate or deactivate the microphone.
Audio quality
This small GXT 241 Velica boasts a concentrate of technology on the same level as much larger (and expensive) instruments. The microphone indeed boasts a cardioid recording pattern, this results in increased sensitivity in the front direction so that only the sound of your voice is recorded. Although there is no internal noise reduction mechanism, this particular type of recording makes theabsolutely flawless audio.
To make this a reality, the anti-pop filter positioned right in front of the microphone also thinks about it. It is an iron mesh filter that is particularly effective in reducing the unpleasant hum of the T’s and P’s, dissipating the air and reducing its speed so as to allow a cleaner and smudge-free recording.
Our streamer test
We tested the new Trust GXT 241 Velica for about two weeks and used it to go live on our Official Twitch channel. The first positive thing to report is theextreme simplicity of use and installation. Once the microphone is mounted on its structure, just connect the USB cable to the PC and we are ready to use it. No installation required, no programming, just us, our voice and the audience. The minimalist, small and compact design immediately won us over, it takes up little space on the desk and does not hinder the other “tools of the trade” such as webcam and mouse.
L’tripod height is fixed and cannot be altered and although the instinct leads us to bend down to bring the mouth closer to the microphone, the recording takes place in a clear and clean way without the need to bend down. The anti-pop filter that, we must admit, we considered superfluous, reality greatly improves the audio quality by eliminating those small defects that, in the long run, risk tiring the ear. The only doubt we have concerns the rubber bands that hold the microphone in place. Although they carry out their work diligently, we cannot fail to notice, after a few weeks, the classic sign of wear of the elastic bands constantly under tension. We are not sure how durable they can be in the long run.
As for the audio quality, during the test weeks, thanks also to the feedback from our viewers, we encountered a clear, clean and engaging sound. The GXT 241 Velica was able to record exclusively the sound of our voice completely ignoring any external noises like a fan that we have access for the hottest days but which no one has ever noticed (now you know!).
What shocks us most about this microphone is the impressive value for money. In fact, at the time of writing this review, the Trust GXT 241 Velica microphone is priced at around € 60, an exceptional price considering the quality of the materials and the performance of the microphone.
A bit of technicalities
We conclude with some technicalities that can help us better understand what we are facing
| Height (in mm) | 250 mm |
| Width (in mm) | 150 mm |
| Depth (in mm) | 200 mm |
| Total weight | 360 g |
| Connection Type | wired |
| Cable length | 180 cm |
| USB type | USB-C |
| Sensitivity | -36 dB |
| Sound pressure level | 130 dB |
| Frequency response | 30 Hz – 18,000 Hz |
| Sensor | condenser |
| Recording pattern | Cardioid |
| Sampling rate | 16bit, 48kHz |
| Echo cancellation | no |
The Trust GXT 241 Velica streamer microphone review in a nutshell
The Trust GXT 241 Velica microphone quickly replaced the usual microphone we used on a daily basis. The recording quality, enclosed in such a small and elegant instrument, brought out the streamer in us and gave a boost to our broadcasts. It is a ideal microphone both for those who intend to start their journey in the world of streaming and those who have been there for a long time and wants to refurbish its setting.
The value for money, we repeat, it is truly exceptional and has destroyed all the prejudices we had about “if it costs a lot, it means that it is excellent”, showing us that even such a small and relatively low-priced device can give us great satisfaction.