Marvo Scorpion Mic-03 Gaming Microphone Review

While I'm sure you're all aware that we often cover the more premium brands here at eTeknix, there's certainly a huge market for things that are a lot more affordable. Marvo has proven that recently with the launch of a huge range of very affordable products that are surprisingly decent. You can check out our previous Marvo review here. However, their new Marvo Scorpion Mic-03 looks pretty amazing value too! Could this be your next desktop microphone? Marvo Scorpion Mic-03 It's modestly equipped, as one would expect for a more affordable desktop microphone. It's not as well equipped as say, the HyperX Quadcast, but maybe more in line with the Turtle Beach Stream Mic. It features a built-in sound card that's plug and play ready thanks to the USB 2.0 connection. Plus, it comes with its own adjustable tripod, which is great. The specifications look promising, with a good microphone sensitivity and frequency response, as well as the cardioid mode. They're not studio quality, but it's likely a good step-up from the pin-hole microphone on your common gaming headset. Features Professional capacitor microphone allows recording with the highest quality sound.Built-in Sound card + MicrophoneCardioid Mode Portable with 270° adjustable Tripod Specifications IC: CM6327A+BL24C04AFrequency response: 20 Hz - 20 KHzImpedance: ≤2200 ΩMicrophone type: omnidirectionalMicrophone size: 9x6 mmMicrophone sensitivity: -47 dB ± 3 dBConnectors: USBCable length: 1.5 mSize: 150x45 mm Packaging As with the other Marvo products we've seen, the box is really cool looking. IT mixes black with a background rainbow effect, as well as a clear photo of the product. They're not hiding anything here, and I like that. Around the back, there's even more product pictures, showing all the finer details such as the tripod and filters. Plus, you get a quick run-down of the main specifications. Overall, it's everything you'll need to know. On the interior, you'll find a few components wrapped in plastic. However, everything else is protected nicely in this insulating foam. In the box, you'll find two foam filters,, the microphone, a tripod mount, and a funky adjustable arm mount. A Closer Look The microphone its self comes pretty much setup and ready to use. Also, I think it looks pretty fantastic given the price of it. It may be affordable, but it looks the business! I was expecting a bit more plastic and wobble to the design too, but the tripod is actually quite heavy and uses metal legs. It's good a reassuring sturdiness to it. There's a small join here, which allows you to adjust the overall angle of the microphone. However, for most scenarios, leaving it upright will do just fine. The stand its self, as I said, it feels really sturdy. There's a reassuring spring/lock feeling when they're opened out too, so it's not going anywhere. Plus, there are rubber mounts on the end so your desk doesn't get scratched. A humble 1.5m USB 2.0 cable, pretty standard stuff, but it gets the job done. The only downside I can see is that it's hard wired, so be careful not to damage it. It all mounts into a set of sturdy rubber bands that allow the microphone to be suspended. This is pretty common for microphones, as it isolates them from vibrations. Next up we have this funky adjustable arm. It features a small screw fitting on the end, to which you can install the filter. The microphone its self is pretty much as you would expect. It doesn't look overly "gamer" or anything like that either, which I love. It features a harder mesh design, so it's unlikely you'll damage the microphone any time soon. Setup & Performance Setting up the Marvo microphone really couldn't have been much easier. I'm using the latest version of Windows 10 Pro, and when I connected the USB cable, it was immediately installed with basic Windows drivers, and Windows set it as my default microphone. Of course, it never hurts to go into your Sound Control Panel settings and make sure the quality settings etc are correct, as every PC setup is somewhat unique. The pop filter screws onto the arm easily enough, and while it is a little delicate being a fine mesh screen, it's overall quality is great. It's more than enough to get the job done and improve the overall quality of your recordings and streams. Next up, we have the windshield. Now, this isn't always something you'll need, but I guess it's one of those things you should try with and without. Obviously, outside like this, a windshield has a place. In your home, maybe your a heavy breather! Either way, it'll take off a tiny bit of high frequency and that can often be a welcome addition. The microphone isn't too heavy, but overall, it has a sturdy weight to it that should keep it firmly in place on your desk. Of course, the rubber feet, plus the rubber suspension mount, both help to reduce unwanted vibrations, such as those caused while you're mashing away at your keyboard and mouse. The microphone its self offers really good quality. Actually, I was expecting to say it's "OK at best" but honestly, it's really very good. The pic up is a little sensitive, so those with mechanical keyboards and very clicky mice, these noises will be picked up with the microphone on your desk. However, it doesn't dominate the sound and the cardioid pickup favours your voice. There's a little drop off on the lower end of the EQ, it doesn't have quite the same depth and range as a more professional microphone, but then again, I wasn't expecting it to. The main purpose for this microphone is voice-over work for YouTube videos and similar platforms and conference calling, mostly. You could use it as a streamer or for to-camera video work too, but I don't think the short stand is really conducive for those. Actually, I'm thinking the short stand is perfect for micing up a guitar amp for a video, but I don't have the amp here right now, so will revisit this idea. Shakes fist at lockdown. The sensitivity is great for recording quality, but be sure to manage your room echo and tone most of all as it'll really show on this microphone. If I could change one thing though, a tripod screw mount on the microphone would be amazing. Just so you could use alternative mounts. However, as it stands, I quite like the little one, it's not going to over impose on your desktop setup. How Much Does it Cost? Marvo doesn't typically just distribute on big platforms like Amazon. At least, not themselves, as they sell to smaller retailers who then put the product in their own stores. Typically, you'll see them in a lot of brick and mortar PC retailers here in the UK. However, you can check for stock on Amazon here and Google here. Typically, I've seen them listed for around £30, with some stores going up to £40. However, I wouldn't be surprised if you stumble into some smaller retailers that have them closer to £25. Overview We're not all world-class recording artists, Twitch streaming professionals, or hit star YouTubers, albeit, we can all try to get there. There's a path to take and you have to start somewhere, especially when it comes to gear. It'd be nice to drop £1000 on a microphone and pre-amp, but honestly, not everyone needs that or can afford it. At this price, the Marvo is enough to test the water, get some experience with recording, streaming, voice-over work, etc. Performance It's not exactly lighting the world on fire if I'm honest. However, it's still pretty great. It's more sensitive and picks up a lot more detail and range than your typical headset microphone. If you've ever tried to record a voice over with a gaming headset, you'll know that it typically sounds like trash. It'll sound like a phone call. The Mic-03 sounds a lot bigger and more open, because, well, it is! Plus, the inclusion of the pop filter set the distance and pronounce your "P's" until you get less pop in the recording and it'll sound much more professional every time. Build Qaulity This is actually the bit that surprised me the most because it's really good. I'm not saying all Marvo stuff is trash because it's not. However, they often do build to a cost, and that cost is often quite low. They're a budget brand, and they're not hiding that fact. However, this is really good, and the sturdy stand, the great looking microphone, all the extra filters they include, it's a quality product. The only thing I would change is giving it a removable USB cable. Should I Buy One? It's a pretty straight forward product really. If you're after a microphone, and you don't want to spend over £100 on some of the more gamer and professional focused stuff, this is a bit of a bargain. For entry-level streamers and recording in general, it's a great place to start. Marvo Scorpion Mic-03 Gaming Microphone Review