[NFBCS] Computer mic recommendations?

[David Andrews]

I would agree with this, a headset mic will also prevent possible 
feedback between your mic and speakers. Also, you can mute yourself, 
in Zoom with alt-a so your breathing won't get on your recording -- 
alt-a to unmute when you need to talk.

Dave

At 04:46 PM 11/7/2019, you wrote:
>The Sound Professionals mic that Curtis suggested may be overkill for your
>application. It might be better suited to recording a live concert. It is a
>stereo microphone, which you do not need for video conferencing and has no
>computer direct connection.
>
>For your application, I suggest something cheaper like the Logitech USB
>Headset H390 with noise cancelling mic. This and similar headsets are
>widely available for about one third of the price of the Sound
>Professionals offering. It would likely work well if your computer has a
>free USB port.
>
>The audio quality is more a function of microphone position than any other
>factor, so getting it close to your mouth is a big advantage. The audio
>quality of the low-cost USB headsets is not great but is adequate for
>spoken word applications. The cutting out of audio that you experience is
>more likely a network connection issue than a fault of your laptop's
>microphone, by the way. I hope this helps and I want to emphasize that I
>mean no disrespect to Curtis's audio choices. I just think they are too
>high end for video conferencing.
>
>- Mick
>
>On Thu, Nov 7, 2019 at 5:33 PM Curtis Chong via NFBCS <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
>wrote:
>
> > Hello Jim:
> >
> >
> >
> > I have purchased good microphones and cables from Sound Professionals. The
> > below information represents products which I personally have purchased and
> > with which I am quite pleased.
> >
> >
> >
> > Part #: SP-SPSM-1-HS
> >
> > Description:
> >
> > The SP-SPSM-1-HS is a High-Sensitivity Omnidirectional stereo microphone
> > that can be plugged directly into the mic input jack of your recorder and
> > has no cables. It has an optional, removable, black lavaliere style clip
> > available that can be used to attach the microphone to an article of
> > clothing such as lapel or necktie or to any convenient mounting surface.
> >
> >
> >
> > The microphone is very small measuring approximately 1.75" long and 1.5"
> > wide. The upper portion of the microphone which houses the two microphone
> > elements consists of high quality brass shell covered in black rubber, and
> > is approximately 1/4" in diameter. The vertical, lower portion of the mic
> > which plugs into the recorder is spring loaded to help prevent excess wear
> > and tear on your recorder's input jacks. Removable premium black foam
> > windscreens are provided at no additional cost.
> >
> >
> >
> > In addition, there are several battery modules designed for this microphone
> > that will give this microphone increased dynamic range and the ability to
> > record loud sounds. More info on battery modules is located here.
> >
> >
> >
> > General Information:
> >
> >
> >
> > The Sound Professionals single point stereo microphones are small, stereo
> > microphones that can be plugged into any recorder (DAT, MiniDisc or analog)
> > that supplies bias voltage of between 1.5 and 10 Volts DC at the microphone
> > input jack, commonly known as "plug in power". Many of the recorders on the
> > market today include this feature.
> >
> >
> >
> > When connected to your recorder in this manner, these microphones are
> > perfect for recording lectures, business meetings, and musical performances
> > when an easy to setup and use microphone is required. For situations that
> > do
> > require wider stereo separation, we recommend the Mini Binaurals or Mini
> > Cardioids.
> >
> >
> >
> > Battery modules (power supplies)
> >
> > In certain recording situations, you may need separate power source for
> > your
> > microphones. Visit our Battery Module FAQ for more info on why you would
> > want to use battery module. All of the single point stereo microphones are
> > compatible with any of our battery power modules. See the battery module
> > page for more details.
> >
> >
> >
> > Sound Quality
> >
> > The Sound Professionals microphone systems have an extended frequency
> > response and very natural and accurate sound, providing deep, solid bass,
> > smooth midrange and clean highs. They have very wide dynamic range, and
> > will
> > handle very high sound pressure levels without distortion or clipping. (See
> > details above for more info). When combined with one of the battery
> > modules,
> > they are designed to operate into nominal impedance of 10K Ohms.
> >
> >
> >
> > Made in the USA.
> >
> >
> >
> > https://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-SPSM-1-HS
> >
> >
> >
> > Since this does not come with a cable, check out the following.
> >
> >
> >
> > Part #: SP-SPSC-1
> >
> > Description:
> >
> > Add the length you need to your microphone or other audio equipment with
> > this premium quality, double shielded extension cable. Various lengths
> > available by using the additional length option. Standard length is 72
> > inches. All other lengths are custom made, require extra time for
> > processing
> > and are non-returnable. Made in USA.
> >
> >
> >
> > Features:
> >
> >
> >
> > - Allows remote use of equipment double shielded Flexible Audio Technica
> > cable Also available as patch cable (male to male) here
> > <
> > https://www.soundprofessionals.com/mas_assets/cpanel/htmlarea/popups/analog
> > patch.html
> > 
> <https://www.soundprofessionals.com/mas_assets/cpanel/htmlarea/popups/analogpatch.html>>
> > 3.5mm (1/8") gold plated connections on both ends. Made in USA
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I have this microphone and have used it to record meetings. It works very
> > well and, in my experience, doesn't really need the battery.
> >
> >
> >
> > Sound Professionals is a very good company.
> >
> >
> >
> > Cordially,
> >
> >
> >
> > Curtis Chong
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: NFBCS <nfbcs-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jim Portillo via NFBCS
> > Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2019 3:07 PM
> > To: 'NFB in Computer Science Mailing List' <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>; 'List for
> > teachers and trainers of adaptive technology' <trainer-talk at nfbnet.org>
> > Cc: portillo.jim at gmail.com
> > Subject: [NFBCS] Computer mic recommendations?
> >
> >
> >
> > Hello there,
> >
> >
> >
> > I seem to be involved with a few groups or classes that use Zoom as their
> >
> > video conferencing system when we meet.  Currently, I'm just using my
> > laptop
> >
> > built-in mic, and although it's OK, I sometimes get told that other sounds
> >
> > might get in the way or that words cut out at times.
> >
> >
> >
> > So, I'm just wondering if anyone can recommend a good, light-weight
> >
> > microphone I can use on my computer.  I don't mind a headset mic thing, but
> >
> > I sometimes record my Zoom sessions, so I don't know what I'd do about
> > that.
> >
> > I was also thinking about a possible lapel mic, but again, I don't know.
> >
> >
> >
> > What do you guys think?
> >
> >
> >
> > Jim
> >