Computer Microphone Recommendation

[jelythefish]

Hi Everyone ... I'm looking for a recommendation for a microphone for audio recording. Specifically, I'm looking to record a narration for a video (to be posted on YouTube). My budget isn't enormous, but I do want quality. Note, I don't need a headset / mic combo since this isn't for gaming.

[zoobie]

Because I'm so efficient, I first started with the mike that was on my camera and never looked back. I'm still amazed how good it is.
I'm sure others will have recommendations - just thought I'd throw that out there to start with.

[Cornucopia]

Sorry to tell you this zoobie, but while that may be "efficient", it is not optimal. Rarely is the method used for getting optimal video ALSO the optimal audio method.

@jellyfish, please be specific: what's your actual budget? your workflow & current equipment/toolset? your recording environment?

Scott

[jelythefish]

Sorry to tell you this zoobie, but while that may be "efficient", it is not optimal. Rarely is the method used for getting optimal video ALSO the optimal audio method.

@jellyfish, please be specific: what's your actual budget? your workflow & current equipment/toolset? your recording environment?

Scott

Budget - say $100 to $125
Environment - enclosed office space, not a professional sound booth or anything like that.
Equipment - Standard PC

Basically, I'll be narrating off a script and adding the audio layer to the video myself.

[julitomg]

Maybe something like this?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/588893-REG/Behringer_C_1U_C_1U_Condenser_Microphone_with.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/751978-REG/Audio_Technica_ATR2500_USB_ATR2500_US...icrophone.html
or this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/598775-REG/Samson_SAGOMICS_Go_Mic_USB.html
with any of these you´ll need also a pop filter:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/904756-REG/Nady_MPF_7_BLACK_MPF_7_MIC_POP_FILTER.html
As they are quite sensitive, you´ll want to place them as far from your computer as posible (and facing AWAY from it) to avoid picking up the PC´s fan noise.

[Cornucopia]

Buy a mike stand w/ crane arm attachment & windscreen/pop-filter = ~$25.

Buy a Cardioid Condenser mike, for your case, you might be able to do with a USB-based one: Audio-Technica AT2020USB = $95. It has built-in (from USB) "phantom" powersupply, and analog-to-digital converter on-board, so it's fairly low noise (not fully-professional low noise @-120dB, but better than PC users are used to - @-75dB).

Also get some foam padding or blankets to ~surround near the area where you'll be recording.

Maybe get a copy stand so you don't have to hold your notes while you read the narration. Better to stand while reading (opens up the diaphragm).

Good places to check out = Sweetwater.com, B&Hphoto, Markertek,TAIaudio.

Scott

<edit>julitomg got back to you first. Looks like similar ideas. I agree, PC fan & house A/C (and maybe other household appliances) will be your largest sources of noise.

[jelythefish]

Awesome ... thx julitomg and Scott ... I'll definitely look into these recommendations Really looking forward to researching into this. Thanks again!