Handheld mic vs. Headset

I'm debating on buying a mic vs. going with a good quality headset. My goal is something 50 bucks or less. Do any of you out there podcast using a headset? What do you think of using the headset? Are there any problems podcasting using a USB mic set up? If you do use a headset, please provide the info on your show so I can listen and see if it sounds the same.

My reason for the headset idea is that I'm most comfortable using it, I use a headset all day at my job so I'm used to the concept of having the mic in front of your mouth.

Looking forward to your thoughts.

And Craig, I hope you are doing ok today, I know things get a bit snippy yesterday on another forum posting. I do respect your thoughts, just disagree with some of them.

[Craig]

I'm debating on buying a mic vs. going with a good quality headset. My goal is something 50 bucks or less. Do any of you out there podcast using a headset? What do you think of using the headset? Are there any problems podcasting using a USB mic set up? If you do use a headset, please provide the info on your show so I can listen and see if it sounds the same.
I podcast using a headset with a noise-canceling mic when I need to record in the car, for obvious reasons. While the sound quality is good, it's nowhere near what I could get from a $50 handheld (especially if I shopped around for a used one). On the other hand, there may be headset mics out there that do give you comparable quality to a handheld. I just have my doubts that you would find them in the price range you're looking for.

And Craig, I hope you are doing ok today, I know things get a bit snippy yesterday on another forum posting. I do respect your thoughts, just disagree with some of them.
Not a problem at all...thanks!

Craig

[bramley]

I use a headset mic, but I'd like to switch to handheld. The main problem is that when doing phone interviews, I have to mute the microphone while the other person is speaking. With a headset, the mic is so close to your face and mine picks up my breathing, turning my show into some of that food porn folks talk about, which is not really what I intended.

[speechless]

A handheld microphone will (usually) sound better than a headset. But there are trade offs in convenience, portability, ease of use and equipment requirements. Many haldhelds require a preamp, where headsets don't.

[Swami]

...turning my show into some of that food porn folks talk about...
That is so hot! lol

:twisted:

would any of you reccomend an iRiver over a handheld mic? With my budget, I can only have one...

[Craig]

With a headset, the mic is so close to your face and mine picks up my breathing.
That's just a matter of positioning. Ideally the mic should be a couple of finger widths away from either corner of your mouth. This will get rid of breathing sounds as well as most popping while still giving you excellent sound quality.

Craig

[Craig]

would any of you reccomend an iRiver over a handheld mic? With my budget, I can only have one...
Not unless you have a pressing need to do some portable recording.

Craig

[Spanishben]

you could always pick up a cheap lav mic from sound professionals - kind of halfway between a headset and a handheld, and pretty convenient!

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-LAV-1

I recorded this program on a 10 dollar headset that I used to use for skype, if you are interested.....

http://www.spanishben.blogspain.com/2005/05/podcast-view-from-spain-may-8th-2005_09.html

[cybercooler]

While slightly off subject. You mentioned buying an iriver. I had a Rio Cabon (5 Gigs) and I exchanged it for an iRiver 899. Wow, unless you REALLY plan on doing some recording, the iRiver software is worse, the Rio could be used as a portable hard drive, the dispaly and navigation were better on the Rio. The iRiver has an FM tuner and can record, and it runs on a single AA battery. FM is awful, the battery thing is cool, but unless you plan on recording, I would say the Rio is much better. It works fine, but its not as user friendly, and the 899 has 1 G. They are coming out with some new 6 G models. I did my first sound seeing tour yesterday, and much like every sound seeing tour I've heard, the sound of cars, wind, etc doesn't really make up for bad content. It only makes it more annoying.

[In Silico]

I use a nice $45 Altec-Lansing headset I got at Best Buy for the ACIDplanet podcasts. It does the trick nicely. It's got 3 mic settings (High, Low, and Mute) but anything besides High gives a nasty buzz on the input. Never had any other problems though. It's been a trooper for both Podcasting, Teleconferencing, and Making Tracks with Vocals.

-Rob

[fcrand27]

G'day,
I'm in the process of set up for my podcast. It will be a show with myself and a co-host. I know this is probably a silly question, but I've had difficulty finding an answer through tutorials and other sites.
With 2 mics on a pc, what is the best way to set up the mic's?
My cohost has a USB headset mic, and I have a "regular" cheapy mic that plugs in to the mic port. We'll be using audacity to record. Will it be fine to have the one mic plugged in to the mic port and the other in to the USB or should I go out and get a USB and have both coming in through the USB?
Thanks for any suggestions.

[rfwjr]

I use a Plantronics Audio 70 headset mic and it was about 30 dollars US, I had a problem with it picking up my breathing and popping p's until I saw Craig post on the mic positioning awhile back. That made a major difference in my recording.

[georgeryder9]

Hi to everybody, I just wanted to ask whether this is also possible with bluetooth headset (http://www.bbctechnologies.biz) maybe.

[mac321]

A headset will usually sound better than a blutooth,so i will suggest you to go for the headset.
Thanks