I have to do some voiceover work for something I'm working on and need to purchase a good, but inexpensive PC mic.  Does anyone have any suggestions?


Phil

Logitech makes pretty good stuff in my experience, and the prices won't kill you.

I have this , which is a webcam and microphone all in one, but the microphone is of pretty good quality.  At least on what I've used it for.

For a straight mic, you could try this

Logitech's products are excellent.  I haven't got a mic by them but I have bought other Logitech stuff.  I wouldn't hesitate in buying a mic by them.

My wife is telling me about Snowball microphones.  Any word on these?


Phil

Reviews seem good, but the price is a little hefty at $159.

http://macaudiopro.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=38607

A little cheaper at Amazon, and more reviews to check out.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Bundle/dp/B000EOPQ7E

Amazon is cheaper, but I need it now.  I'll be visiting Circuit City on my way out tonight to see what they have.  I really don't want to spend this much money, especially for twenty seconds of voice over work.


Phil

The quality of the mic should probably depend some on what you are going to use the VO for. If it's something that's not that important you can probably get away with something less expensive, but if it's for some quality work for a short film, I would suggest getting a pretty good one. It can be hard to fix sound in post... I've learned lately.  :-)

I'll be doing some last minute voice over stuff for Pugumentary and then e-mailing it to England.  Essentially, I'm writing letters.

Open to suggestions.


Phil

Definitely want some quality then. You don't want that film to come off as cheap because of sound. I've seen the trailer for it and it looks good. You gotta make sure your part is good too.

Regardless of what mic you get, be sure to record it in a quiet as possible area. Turn off anything that makes noise in your apartment. Record it in a closet, usually the clothes absorbs a lot of sound and takes care of any ecos. You can also sit under a thick blanket. Kinda like a tent. Be sure to use a wind screen on the mic. That might help as well.

Good luck.  :-)

I'm looking at this microphone.  It's very inexpensive, but the reviews are really good (and from musicians),

Rick, the director, was telling me to cover myself with a blanket when I did the recording.


Phil

http://computers.pricegrabber.com/microphones-headsets/p/88/st=sort/popup1[]=20:1073/sortby=priceA

This is a selection of mics through the us site.

Problem is that I have to send the voice files out tomorrow.  I have to buy it tonight; online stores aren't helping me.


Phil

You live in NYC!!

I thought everything was available there!  ;-)

Well you could use a simple mic that every computer has. And use an sound editing software to make the rest.

I used to use Cool Edit. You can make everything with that. Change voices anything - but it's like a labyrinth.

Go to someone with a good mic. :)

That Dynex one doesn't look to be too bad, Phil.

Did you check the stores in your area for availability?

A few people have said Logitech and i agree. If your not sure you can read some reviews from amazon.

clicky

I bought the Dynex one tonight and will be doing the recordings tomorrow morning.  I just hope my lap top has the necessary software.


Phil

Okay.  I got my microphone and now realize I don't know how to record with it.



Phil

Tap the microphone three times.  This will activate it and let it know you want to record, then simply start speaking.


Or, there should be an installation disk or plug and play feature with the mic.

If there isn't, do you have a sound recording program already?  You should have a wave recorder, but that's not the greatest to use.  I have a few free options if you need one.  MP3 format?

I'd love a free option.  MP3 is fine.


Phil

http://www.dynexproducts.com/skins/skin_1/Topics/Documents/DX-54%2007-451_WEB.pdf

Refer to the "Testing your microphone section".  Looks like it doesn't give you any recording software.

http://www.filesforfree.com/freeware/free_mp3_recorder.htm

You can also Google "free mp3 recorder" if you want to search for something other than the one above.

thanks.


Phil