Please help me to choose a microphone ofr podcasting

[awaretek]

I did one experimental podcast, but even with all controls turned up to maximum, the sound volume was much too low. I used:

PowerMac dual 800
Radio Shack $19.95 microphone into PowerMac's line-in jack
GarageBand
iTunes

Now, I have already ordered a Griffin iMic. I wan to buy a headset with microphone combo.
My podcasts will be almost entirely voice only, usually just me, but a times I will, use Skype.

The best place locally I have found to find microphones is CompUSA, but it isn't so good either. I seem to have two choices at CompUSA:

1. Logitech USB "Premium" headset...$49.99

2. Logitech line-in jack type headset microphone, "Premium"...$34.99

I would be willing to pay a little more for a better brand like Sennheiser and quality, but only Sennheiser headphones (no microphone) seem to be available at CompUSA. I could order online, but don't know what I want yet. So, I think I could be happy for now with either the USB Logitech or the line-in jack Logitech, I can always upgrade later.

But that leaves one big question:

Will my Griffin iMic accept either USB or line-in jack (1/8 inch)? Which will give me better performance with the iMic, the USB or the line-in jack model?

Any help will be appreciated. Like I say, I can always upgrade later. I might wan to go with a "studio" mike later, maybe in the $75 to $150 range. But for now, help me choose amongst the headsets, or else suggest other alternatives ;-)))
Ron www.awaretek.com

[gozar]

I did one experimental podcast, but even with all controls turned up to maximum, the sound volume was much too low. I used:


In your System Preferences, check your sound panel for input and adjust the input level there. See if that helps.

[PaulCasting]

I'm not sure where you are in CT, but you'd be MUCH better off going to a music store. I think there are 2 Guitar Centers in CT:

Guitar Center Manchester
120-B Hale Rd.
Manchester, Connecticut 06040
Phone: 860-648-3900
M-F: 11-9
Sat: 10-8
Sun: 12-6
Located at 120-B Hale Rd. exit 63, off the 84, near the Buckland Hills Mall.

Guitar Center Orange
50 Boston Post Road
Orange, Connecticut 06477
Phone: 203-799-0233
M-F: 11-9
Sat: 10-8
Sun: 12-6
Located west of I-95 on Boston Post Road in the old Shaw's Market building, near Lowes.

[audiocollective]

Since you have already ordered the Griffin iMic., the best bet would the Logitech line-in jack type headset microphone. That is what I use for my mobile Podcast where I want to block external noise.
I have the Logitech “Internet Chat Headset� I got it from Wal-Mart for $15.00 and it sounds good. It is a Skype certified headset microphone also. If you did get the usb mic it would make the griffin iMic useless.

[vikingyouth]

i don't think you'll find a better deal for a better mic than this.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/d=tp?q=MXL-990&rsrc=00633

when i bought it it was $10 cheaper and came with a case and pop filter for free. i assume it's the same deal now, but hceck on it.

[awaretek]

Thanks to all who have replied. Paul, I will check out the Guitar Center in Orange CT, I had not thought of that. Also, thanks to the replier that explained exactly what I needed to know right now, that the USB Logitech would obviate the need for the iMic, so go with the Logitech line-in jack model for a quick, cheap solution for now. That’s what I wasn’t sure of.

I appreciate the quick responses and I will study up on alternatives for the future! It sure is nice to join such a helpful community! ;-)))

Ron Stephens

[Cookiepuss]

The new Samson CO1U looks promising. Since no need for pre-amp etc due to it being direct USB. Anyone already have one to comment on it?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C01usb/

[yaz]

has anyone used or tried nady mics, if so, what did/do you think, i think we're going with the sp4 or something like that...

[PaulCasting]

Uhhh... that Nady mic is $10. It probably sounds like a $10 mic. It lists 3 "Features" this mic has... a cord and a on/off switch are 2 of the 3. On/Off switch is a FEATURE? Yikes!

THE most important part of your set up is your mic.

Have you given any thought to the MXL mic mentioned elsewhere?
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/search/detail/base_pid/273156/?c_tid=topseller

For $70, you really can't find a better deal.

Maybe one of the Behringer mics. FOr $100 you can get one of the B-1's. These look to be a great mic. Give it some thought:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=live/search/detail/base_pid/270405/

[ferg]

We use the MXL Mics for our podcast, and I'm very pleased.
However, they do require phantom power, which means you'd need a mixer or power supply.

If you're going to record into an iTalk, I'm not sure you'll benefit that much from high-end mics, because that things sounds pretty much like a telelphone no matter what mic you plug into it.

My feeling is that if you go with the Logitech headset that uses the analog connections, that's going to best suit both of your needs.

[PaulCasting]

Do you use any other processing on your mic?

I've not listened to your show, but I'll check it out to hear what that mic sounds like. Just want to know if you've got a comp, gate or any other processors.

[Keeme]

What is the interface on the MXL?

XLR type? USB?

I need/want a better Mic and headset myself.

[pdadave]

What is the interface on the MXL?

The MXL's are usually an XLR interface. Pretty much any condenser mic will be XLR and will require phantom power (like ferg notes).

I am very happy with the Behringer B-1. $100. Considered the MXL but I heard a lot of good things about the B-1. Again, same deal, XLR interface.

[joelthecomic]

Corey and I use the MXL 990 and MXL 991, we got them at Guitar Center as a package for $79. It should have been $99 but we haggled. You can do that at Guitar Center, we dropped around $250 on our whole set-up so they cut us a break. We run the mics through a Behringer 802 mixer and they sound great. The 991 is really sensitive, so a pop filter and/or a windscreen is necessary. The 990 is a bit easier to deal with, but overall we're really happy with the mics.

I think the show sounds very good, certainly near broadcst radio quality and not an amateur production. It's our jokes that makes us sound like an amateur production! (actually we rock, go listen now!)

Of course, no microphone is going to make you more entertaining or interesting to listen to, so keep that in mind. If your content is no good there's really no need for a $500 mic.

[yaz]

thats way too much, you're talking to a broke *** college student...as long as it records my voice, hooray! we're coming off headset/mic combo things, these can't be worse...

[dcolanduno]

If you haven't seen or heard the KEL HM-1, it's a **** good mic for the money. I rank it higher than all the other 75-100 dollar mics in it's class. Real nice warm voice sound, more like what you hear on the recordings where folks are using high end EV's and Sure microphones.

http://www.kelaudio.com/hm1.html

[MattyB]

The new Samson CO1U looks promising. Since no need for pre-amp etc due to it being direct USB. Anyone already have one to comment on it?

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C01usb/

I'm interested in Podcasting, but also recording voice for 3D animations, and I stumbled onto the above Samson C01U USB condenser mic too (from the Samson site - http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810&brandID=2). I don't know much about microphones. HowStuffWorks.com gave me a good overview, with the USB providing the phantom power (woo I sound like I know stuff!), but I'd be interested in any opinion of some more experienced folk, and if anyone has any comments about the C01 that this mic is meant to be based on.