sot: pc microphone?

ushere wrote on 10/20/2009, 4:06 PM
looking for cheap mic to simply plug directly into mini jack on pc. it's basically for rough narrations (timing). i see $10>20 in pc shops - look incredibly plasticy and much too mean to spend $10 on what might be junk!

all my audio equip is xlr, and even with 'adaptors' to mini jack all my mics (ecm55, me80, me66, etc.,) seem pretty insensitive. this is an area i've never dealt with before, so any advice / suggestions most welcome.

i don't want to have to get out a mixing desk either!

leslie

(would have gone direct to me mate bob (farss), but i thought any answers might be of use.....

Comments

farss wrote on 10/20/2009, 4:20 PM
Rode podcaster??

As you've got balanced XLR with I assume phantom power get a Rode NT-1A. Very sensitive mic and I think it has the lowest noise floor of any mic at any price and it's not very expensive. If you only own one mic this is the one in my opinion. I've used it on VOs and on instruments.
Just be aware like any Large Diaphragm Condensor microphone it's pretty easy to make it pop with plosives when close micing speech. Highly recommend a pop filter with these. At a pinch a nylon stocking over a bent coathanger will work.

I've now got a few NT1A mics that I've bought at a good price second hand off eBay. Street price new is AUD 300 so don't pay more for a 2nd hand one. If you want to borrow one for a trial and you're down this way let me know.

Bob.
ushere wrote on 10/20/2009, 5:27 PM
thanks for that bob, appreciated.

does that mean i can simply use a xlr > mini jack straight into pc, or do i still need phantom / preamp?

also saw this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/522285-REG/MXL_MICMATE_BASIC_USB_Mic_Mate_.html#specifications

any thoughts - i'd rather use my existing mics if possible rather than spend big on a mic that'll be mainly used for 'rough' work....

as ever bob, thanks

farss wrote on 10/20/2009, 7:20 PM
"does that mean i can simply use a xlr > mini jack straight into pc, or do i still need phantom / preamp?"

Sorry mate, I thought you meant you had balanced audio inputs to your PC so yes, you need phantom power.

We have a similar unit to the XML one, works as advertised.
If you don't want to spend too much money Samson have a range of USB mics. Don't know much about any of them but Samson gear is generally good value for money.
http://www.turramusic.com.au/Pages/CategoryList.aspx?CAT3ID=484
Do ring for the actual price :)
Your other option could be a Zoom H4n, you can pick one up from the USA via eBay for around AUD 350 with a 16GB card and stand. That really expands your audio capabilities.

The thing is there's so many options around it's hard to recommend one in particular.

Bob.
John_Cline wrote on 10/20/2009, 8:43 PM
The MXL Micmate is a great solution and it's inexpensive. It has a much better sounding mic preamp than any computer soundcard.

Even Blue Microphones has one and it's pretty inexpensive as well.
http://www.bluemic.com/icicle/

Shure has one, too, but it's about twice the price of either the Blue or the MXL.
http://www.shure.com/newproducts/X2u/index.htm
ushere wrote on 10/20/2009, 11:53 PM
thanks jc / bob,

i think it's either the mxl or icicle i'm after.

bob, anyone have them over here, or should i just order direct from b&h?

thanks again,

leslie
JohnnyRoy wrote on 10/21/2009, 6:41 AM
> i think it's either the mxl or icicle i'm after.

I have the Blue Icicle and it's made of cheap plastic! It works... but it doesn't look like it will hold up for long. If the MXL is made of metal (and it looks like it is) I would go for that. I can't believe how cheaply the Blue Icicle is made. Even the XLR connector is plastic painted with silver paint!!! This is one case were ordering over the Internet had me fooled. I would have *never* even considered it if I had seen it in a store. IMHO, not a professional piece of equipment.

~jr
ushere wrote on 10/21/2009, 8:59 PM
thanks jr - noted!!!!
UlfLaursen wrote on 10/21/2009, 9:22 PM
I have the Røde podcaster, and like it very much, and it's metal :-)

/Ulf