I have waded through some of the forum looking for a conclusion on what recording equipment in the mid-price range is best suited for Librivox work. Is there anything like a summary?
My main questions are:
1. Any qualitative difference between USB vs 3.mm stereo jack connections?
2. Headsets with mics would seem to provide a good deal more flexibility. Are the mics as good as stand alone?
3. Condenser vs other mic design?
4. Are there any stand out systems that people recommend?
I am about to return a desktop mic but don't want to unless I have a good alternative.
USB Headset microphone conclusion
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People have much the same differences of opinion about microphones as about cars, phones etc.
If the only reason you are buying a microphone is for LibriVox my suggestion would be to buy something reasonably cheap - if you really like it you may decide to buy a more expensive one and then you will know what will suit your voice.
USB versus Jack - the USB port bypasses the sound card - if you have a great soundcard it doesn't matter but most computers don't so USB will give you better sound in general
Some like headsets , some don't. The microphone says in the same place , which is good in some ways but means you can not work the microphone and for example move back a bit if you want to shout. The only real problem I have heard with them is that sometimes a wire can come loose and you get clicks when you move.
Many people start with a Logitek desk microphone which gives good results for most people and is fairly simple to use.
So - there is no real , easy answer. Everyone is different, has different computers , has different depth pockets, has different ambitions
But hope some of this helps
Anne
If the only reason you are buying a microphone is for LibriVox my suggestion would be to buy something reasonably cheap - if you really like it you may decide to buy a more expensive one and then you will know what will suit your voice.
USB versus Jack - the USB port bypasses the sound card - if you have a great soundcard it doesn't matter but most computers don't so USB will give you better sound in general
Some like headsets , some don't. The microphone says in the same place , which is good in some ways but means you can not work the microphone and for example move back a bit if you want to shout. The only real problem I have heard with them is that sometimes a wire can come loose and you get clicks when you move.
Many people start with a Logitek desk microphone which gives good results for most people and is fairly simple to use.
So - there is no real , easy answer. Everyone is different, has different computers , has different depth pockets, has different ambitions
But hope some of this helps
Anne
Many people have commented on how nice the samson gomic is...
http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/gomic/
Here are some samples of different mics:
http://librivox.org/microphone-showdown-i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud-by-william-wordsworth/
Esther
http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/gomic/
Here are some samples of different mics:
http://librivox.org/microphone-showdown-i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud-by-william-wordsworth/
Esther
"Reasonable people adapt themselves to the world. Unreasonable
people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress,
therefore, depends on unreasonable people." George Bernard Shaw
people attempt to adapt the world to themselves. All progress,
therefore, depends on unreasonable people." George Bernard Shaw
I certainly wouldn't wade through the forums for this information. Why not try:
Wiki: http://wiki.librivox.org/index.php/User-Recommended_Equipment
Microphone showdown: http://librivox.org/microphone-showdown-i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud-by-william-wordsworth/ A comparison of audio recordings using many different types of recording devices.
Re USB vs. analog (round jack) - a USB will almost certainly be better unless you have a very good soundcard.
Headset vs. standalone: matter of personal taste. I can't get along with headsets for love nor money. This woman and her Yeti will not be parted.
Ruth
Wiki: http://wiki.librivox.org/index.php/User-Recommended_Equipment
Microphone showdown: http://librivox.org/microphone-showdown-i-wandered-lonely-as-a-cloud-by-william-wordsworth/ A comparison of audio recordings using many different types of recording devices.
Re USB vs. analog (round jack) - a USB will almost certainly be better unless you have a very good soundcard.
Headset vs. standalone: matter of personal taste. I can't get along with headsets for love nor money. This woman and her Yeti will not be parted.
Ruth
My LV catalogue page | RuthieG's CataBlog of recordings | Tweet: @RuthGolding