Microphones for screencast recording

[cojak]

I'm recording a screencast but I'm having problems with headset mics as they seem to be too close to my mouth and are making a slight speech impediment worse (I sound like Hissing Sid... ).

How do people make nice recordings ala (some) youtube vids and those on Camtasia?

Do I have to buy a special mic for this, or do I try the desktop mic (which is cheap) that's sitting unused by my computer?

[BlasterBates]

Normally you need a recording mic, and a the electronic box of tricks that gets the signal into into the PC. Otherwise whatever you use it will sound pretty awful. You could try a different mic which removes the hiss, but whatever you get out of it, you won't sound like a great singer however hard you try, becuase these mics will make you sound dreadful.

Even when you have a great voice, a great mic and a great box of tricks it is not easy, without going to sound studio and having it "mastered" by a pro, but I think you'll get something reasonable.

If you have a mastered recording you'll sound like a godess.

I would go down to the music shop, just get a reasonably priced recording mic, and the electronic box, to go with it. Probably set you back £50-100.

[cojak]

Many thanks Blaster.

Much as a I like the screencast goddess idea, I just want a serviceable quality in order to create online tutorials that don't grate on the ear..

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[BlasterBates]

oh dear I thought that was for singing...

in which case my advice is of course completely useless. A recording mic would be complete over kill.

I'm sure there are very reasonably priced mics suitable for presentations.

[cojak]

pssst..

What the proper name for the electronic box that I have to buy with it? Do you mean a pre-amplifier?

and would I need to buy a XLR cable for it, or does it come with one?

cojak in 'fast learner' mode...

[BlasterBates]

I found this:

Recording presentations

So in fact for very good quality, yes condenser mic is best. The normal mics, you use for doing the presentation live, are identical to singing mics and produce too many "urghy" sounds so a condenser mic from music shop, then you need a USB audio interface, and you need a mic cable. But the shop will automatically offer you one, usually cost £10-20.

Try Behringer, these are the cheapest at around £30, but I'm sure would be great for presentations.
However these USB audio interfaces might be a bit pricey.

According to that article you'll get a better quality simply by using a USB mic. I suppose you'd have to try it in the shop. Don't know these at all. This would be the cheapest solution, and might give you the quality you need.

[BlasterBates]

Looks like what you need

The main thing is that it is a condensor mic.

[Sysman]

However these USB audio interfaces might be a bit pricey.

I got a Griffin iMic as a USB audio interface.

Technical Specifications

Audio input: 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo line/mic-level minijack
Audio output: 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo line-level minijack
Hardware control: toggle switch for mic/line level
Height: 0.5 in.
Diameter: 2 in.
Weight: 2 oz.
Cable Length: 18"

USD 49.95

[cojak]

Ta Chaps!