Microphones, Headphones, Interfaces, and PopScreens

You can use a variety of hardware to produce your audio for the internet. See the list below for some gear I use or know works well. I am also including other hardware of interest.
  • Internal and USB Microphones - It is possible to just use your internal microphone, but it is not recommended. I have been know to use it when I am on the road and need to produce a screencast tutorial for my students and have no mics with me. There are a variety of USB microphones that work well.
    • SnowBall - this mic is made by Blue which manufactures very good quality pro-audio products. It can be uni-directional for a bit of a round table style recording or switched to directional (also called polar patterns). Blue suggests using it for instrument and voice for music production / pre-production / demos, DV-looping / dialog, podcasting, sound effects, audio sampling, interactive programming, video sweetening / post, internet telephony, internet conferencing, recording lectures, poetry slams, spoken word performances and speeches.
    • LogiTech - USB desktop microphone. It is plug and play like the other USB mics but not as good quality. There is a power button which at times has been a bit noisy if you are recording a live telephony call or webcast. There are other ways to mute a mic than to use the power switch so don't let it deter you if you want an inexpensive USB mic. It boasts noise-canceling technology to filter out unwanted background noise for better voice recognition. Just remember that you only get so good for $30! For all LogiTech mic options, click here.
    • Here is the result of a general search for USB desktop mics at buy.com
    • Chat 50 - allows users to simultaneously speak and listen without audio causing echo or cutting in and out. Provides high-quality audio playback.
    • NEC Booom Mic - around $75
  • HeadSets - Headsets can connect with a USB plug or if they do not have a USB connector, there must be two plugs to use them on your computer for the mic in and a headphone out. This type of headset would have two 1/8th" plugs. We advise you use a USB adaptor for this type and it often comes with the headset.
    •  LogiTech is one name that offers a variety of headsets.
    • Plantronics is another - be sure to choose the USB versions if possible or get a USB connector to use with headsets with seperate mic and headphone plugs as mentioned above.
    • Best Buys - You can always shop around for best buys. The LogiTech 250 is a good USB headset and a good buy here. I bought a set of 25 for my school's computer lab and they held up well and had good quality recording. One good thing about this set is you can wipe the pads to keep them nice and clean!
    • Any headsets you buy especially from brand names you have heard before should work if you follow the guidelines mentioned above.
  • Headphones - Any set of headphones will work for audio. Using headphones with an 1/8th" stereo plug or 1/4" stereo plug will work but you need to use an adaptor for any 1/4" plug to fit into your headphone jack on the computer. Just ask at a RadioShack or any electronic department or store for a 1/4" to 1/8th" stereo adaptor. Please look over the options listed below. Good headphones are worth every penny. I have a pair of professional quality headphones I bought in 1986 and they still make my work on audio a pleasure!
  • Standard Microphones - I like to use a regular microphone used for music production. One of the better workhorse mics is a Shure SM 57, SM 58, or SM 59. They require an XLR mic cord. I plug my mic into a preamp then into my USB input on my comptuer. M-Audio and others offer nice low priced preamps. There are also a variety of FireWire pre's you can purchase but they tend to get more pricey.
  • Computer Interface - when recording with a standard microphone, guitar, bass, keyboard, or other input, you need to "power" it so there is a good strong signal when it ends up in your audio recording software. Though iMic and other converters offer a connection adaption for 1/8th" plugs into USB, they do not provide preamplification (or power).You do not need to use an interface for USB microphones. Here are a few of my favorites.
    • M-Audio FastTrack - Just connect Fast Track USB to the USB port of your computer. You can plug in an XLR from a standard mic cable, two RCA connectors (remember it is useful for analog inputs like phonos), and 1/4" input. There is a headphone out. It costs around $129.
  • Computer Speakers - any speakers will do but powered are better than not powered and the "you get what you pay for" saying applies here.
  • FlashMic by HHB - a portable recorder that include 1 GB of flash RAM and a Sennheiser mic capsule. No cords since it records to the flash memory.
  • Recording Telephone Interviews - a JK Audio QuicTap is a tiny device that connects between teh phone's headset and base. It provides an output jack to a recorder.
  • Pop screens - a pop screen is nothing more than a peice of panty hose over an emboidery hoop and placed about a foot from your mouth. It prevents the pops and sssss's from becoming a highlight in your audio. You can also buy this tool but it is very simple to make. Click here for a great site for more specific instructions.
  • Other
    1. Zing