Microphone specs?

Subject: Microphone specs?
From: canoer
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 01:46 AM

For a microphone to plug into my computer for recording songs as files, as well as to communicate on HearMe -- there any particular specifications I should ask for at Radio Shack?

Subject: RE: Microphone specs?
From: Banjer
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 07:24 AM

I got mine at Wal-Mart and it works well. It is a Labtec AM-242. Just tell the folks at Radio Shack you want something equivalent.

Subject: RE: Microphone specs?
From: John in Brisbane
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 07:40 AM

Hi Canoer, I haven't been following the Hearme threads but here's some blind advice:

- Make sure that it is uni-directional (another word is cardioid) rather than omni-directional. In other words you need the mic to pick up the sound of your voice (coming from one direction) rather than some other source of noise in the room.

_ If you really only want Web quality I'd opt for one of the headset/mic combinations that only cost a few bucks. Before you spend more than about $20 see if you can borrow a better one and try it out. It may sound better when you play it back through your hi fi system, but remember that what you send down a phone line will only be a fraction of the overall quality.

- If you have a local pawn shop check out some brand names at second hand prices. What you buy at Tandy are likely to be imitations of Shure, Sennheiser or AKG etc anyway.

- I like to buy mics that don't require batteries and power supplies. Mics can and should be simple - don't fall for hi tech guff that really only provides something else to go wrong.

- Don't get suckered into paying for something you don't need. Bands that are on the road need gear that you can run a truck over and paying for a durable product under these circumstances makes a lot of sense. Look after whatever you buy and you shouldn't need that sort of robustness.

- Likewise specialist mics might be able to pick up the vibration of a bee's dick at 50 paces. For average use however don't be conned that a more expensive mic will make you sound better. A graphic equaliser or singing lessons probably will.

- When you finally find a mic that you like at the right price for use, don't be too phased by the type of plug on the end. Many mics won't plug into a sound card, but Tandy will have adaptors for a few bucks that will do the trick.

Best wishes, John

Subject: RE: Microphone specs?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 09:08 AM

While we are on the subject-- can regular non-computer mics be used??? If the plug fits, does it acquit?

Subject: RE: Microphone specs?
From: canoer
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 11:49 AM

Acquit it, Praise ... *BG* ...

I'm sure that John's idea of an adaptor is meant just for that case! A simple idea yet one I wouldn't have thought of. The wonders of Mudcat are many and varied!

Subject: RE: Microphone specs?
From: GUEST,Dale Dennis
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 12:01 PM

Basically, the "specs" for a microphone for a sound card are as follows:

High impediance, cardioid (unidirectional), dynamic microphone with a mini-phone plug connector.

Anything that fits those specs should work quite well. If you are planning to input music, though, don't do it through a mic. Use the card's "line input." For this, you need a player (CD, tape, etc.) that has a Line output as well.

Most high impedance mics are pretty cheap. Don't bother getting an expensive low-impedance mic for this application because the mic's output level won't match the card's designed input level and you will get an "impedance mismatch." Some "AGC" (Automatic Gain Control) circuits can handle either type of mic, but I wouldn't suspect that sound cards are designed that way. I haven't tried it, so that's just my suspicion.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Dale Jay Dennis Sr. Television Technician

Subject: RE: Microphone specs?
From: canoer
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 12:17 PM

Thanks everyone ! I do believe it's time to ... shop ...

Subject: RE: Microphone specs?
From: paddymac
Date: 20 Mar 00 - 01:00 PM

Don't "over-buy" if all you need is something to let you participate in the hearme sings. I also use the AM-242 from Walmart ($10(US)) because I want the sound to come back thru my speakers. Some folks prefer the headset variety, and these are available at any decent computor store for from $10 -$40(US). We'll look forward to hearing you in the sings soon.