Hi there does anyone have any recommendations on microphones that can be used for recording voiceovers/narration for eLearning? All development is done on articulate and captivate at present so we would like something that connects directly to the laptop/pc and something that ideally reduces background noise. any recommendations would be great thanks
+1 for the Micport Pro from Centrance. I use it as my primary audio interface coupled with an Audio-technical AT 3035. My website demos were all recorded with it and I've never had a complaint from clients about the audio quality. All told, just under $300.
I just discovered iTalk from Griffin. I tried the app on my iPhone with the built in microphone. The audio I recorded was i aiff format and I could upload it to my dropbox account. The quality was shockingly good! There is a free version too.
I got a couple of mics, one, a Blue, and another with a headset. They are both USB, and when I connect them to my pc, even after all the checks I can do, while the mics appear to be working...when I try to do voice overs in Articulate, the software does not see them.
My old cheapo mic that plugs into the jack in my pc...works great, but lousy in quality.
1. If you have multiple USB devices, try simply switching ports, say by switching your earphones for your mic connections - believe it or not. When I reboot at the end of the day, I have to do this the next morning.
2. If I infer correctly, you're using Articulate's onboard recording utility rather than an external program such as Audacity. If so, be sure your mic is specifically recognized in Audio Editor - Options. "Yeti Stereo Microphone" is shown as my Default device, and "Recording line" is "Microphone" for me.
3. If you're using Windows, check the settings in Audio Properties, specifically the Hardware settings. In my XP case, "USB Audio Device" is the last item in the hardware list, which is the last tab on the right. When I click Hardware, it confirms "Yeti Blue Microphone" is working properly.
4. You have overall USB connectivity, right? Ports are operating correctly? USB 2.0?
If all settings are correct, but still no joy, try simply rebooting with all settings intact and all connections in place.
If that still doesn't work, try using solid quarters instead of nickels and dimes (I'm a little bit sorry for that old joke.)
Wayne makes some good points. (except for the joke)
His audio editor options suggestion could be the ticket, but that is only an option if you are using XP. The only other thing I might add, is to confirm that the mic is connected directly into the computer and not through any kind of of USB hub.
I bought the Blue Snowball and find that it works very well. Just make sure your computer recognizes it by going into the control panel and checking the audio devices.
The ability to set different sound patterns is very useful. I'm planning on building a sound enclosure for it to use on my desk. I also use Sound Forge to edit the wav file before importing it into my presentation.
Thanks, everyone. I'm still working on this. Tom K sent me, via email, a few things to try. I've tried most of what you suggest including all the devise settings, proper USB connectivity, etc. Wayne, I did not try the nickel and dime thing ;o)
I must have some kind of glitch...still working, and all suggestions certainly welcome!
Another great item that is relatively inexpensive is a Porta-booth. Tom K recommended it a while back and I really like it. We have the luxury of a pretty nice studio in our building, but it's a large room that picks up noise from the break room just outside the door. This porta-booth has really helped cut down on the background noise. So much that most of the time I just record in my office now.
I use the Samson Go Mic sometimes (good, especially if you need to travel) - Pretty cheap - not bad sound.
I love the Yeti, by Blue. . . It is really nice. (not as travel friendly - TSA is always curious about it, and it's big) Here is a pic of mine in its on little portable sound booth (cardboard box line with foam)
At my office, we only have one room that is suitable for recording audio in, all the other rooms have an echo, or the sound comes out funny when published.
How can I correct this when rocording in different rooms? If the mic is in a 'portable sound booth' like Ron's, would that solve the issue?
Another great item that is relatively inexpensive is a Porta-booth. Tom K recommended it a while back and I really like it. We have the luxury of a pretty nice studio in our building, but it's a large room that picks up noise from the break room just outside the door. This porta-booth has really helped cut down on the background noise. So much that most of the time I just record in my office now.
While it's a useful item, $149 is quite overpriced. I could go to any number of places and buy the eggcrate sound deadening foam for a lot less and make the enclosure out of a paper box. Maybe I'll do that.
Yes. If I was paying out of my pocket instead of it coming out my dept budget, I'd probably feel differently. If I ever need one at home I would definitely just make it myself since it's exactly as easy to construct as it looks. But I probably should have clarified that "relatively inexpensive" meant compared to setting up a full size studio.
After watching the demo for David's new mic, I think I'll be looking for my chance to request a new mic next...
Thanks for the comments on my mic issue. I have to say that Tom K really IS an elearning rock star! He told me how to solve the problem. It was a software problem with PPT, a program called Sound Max, which is not compatible with PPT. Once I uninstalled it, everything worked great! Kudos to Tom!!
I realize that I'm coming in way after the fact, but I thought I might throw in anyway.
I've got a pretty wide array of mics and mixers floating around, but the one that gets used the most for simple recording is an Audio Technica AT2020. It's a very good quality cardioid mic with a USB interface. It can be had for $99 or less. It comes with a mini-tripod stand, cable and all the goodies. The echo pickup on them is very minimal.
Remember when you are recording, you want to be in a room with lots of soft objects. People frequently try to use conference rooms which provide pretty poor acoustics for recording (big flat table, blank walls, exposed glass, etc).
I've got a Blue Snowball, but since I picked up the AT2020's...the Snowball has gone on the shelf.
45 Replies
Remember that really cool thread we had last year where folks shared their microphones and demo recordings? I didn't want to lose those recordings so I compiled them into a single Presenter course. http://community.articulate.com/blogs/david/archive/2011/02/17/microphone-demos-from-the-user-community.aspx
If you have a microphone demo you want to share, include it and we'll update the examples!
+1 for the Micport Pro from Centrance. I use it as my primary audio interface coupled with an Audio-technical AT 3035. My website demos were all recorded with it and I've never had a complaint from clients about the audio quality. All told, just under $300.
Just a quick blog post that resurrects some real business benefits that lie behind this whole conversation.
http://wp.me/s13NYZ-166
Bruce
I just discovered iTalk from Griffin. I tried the app on my iPhone with the built in microphone. The audio I recorded was i aiff format and I could upload it to my dropbox account. The quality was shockingly good! There is a free version too.
http://store.griffintechnology.com/italk-premium
-Trond
hi everyone,
I got a couple of mics, one, a Blue, and another with a headset. They are both USB, and when I connect them to my pc, even after all the checks I can do, while the mics appear to be working...when I try to do voice overs in Articulate, the software does not see them.
My old cheapo mic that plugs into the jack in my pc...works great, but lousy in quality.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated!
Glenn
Glenn,
Here are some suggestions:
1. If you have multiple USB devices, try simply switching ports, say by switching your earphones for your mic connections - believe it or not. When I reboot at the end of the day, I have to do this the next morning.
2. If I infer correctly, you're using Articulate's onboard recording utility rather than an external program such as Audacity. If so, be sure your mic is specifically recognized in Audio Editor - Options. "Yeti Stereo Microphone" is shown as my Default device, and "Recording line" is "Microphone" for me.
3. If you're using Windows, check the settings in Audio Properties, specifically the Hardware settings. In my XP case, "USB Audio Device" is the last item in the hardware list, which is the last tab on the right. When I click Hardware, it confirms "Yeti Blue Microphone" is working properly.
4. You have overall USB connectivity, right? Ports are operating correctly? USB 2.0?
If all settings are correct, but still no joy, try simply rebooting with all settings intact and all connections in place.
If that still doesn't work, try using solid quarters instead of nickels and dimes (I'm a little bit sorry for that old joke.)
Wayne makes some good points. (except for the joke)
His audio editor options suggestion could be the ticket, but that is only an option if you are using XP. The only other thing I might add, is to confirm that the mic is connected directly into the computer and not through any kind of of USB hub.
Hi All,
I'm with Zara, Eyeball from Blue - very nice audio.
Although I just purchased the M- Audio (Avid) comes with a cut down
version of Pro Tools.
Cheers
Gazzzz
I bought the Blue Snowball and find that it works very well. Just make sure your computer recognizes it by going into the control panel and checking the audio devices.
The ability to set different sound patterns is very useful. I'm planning on building a sound enclosure for it to use on my desk. I also use Sound Forge to edit the wav file before importing it into my presentation.
Thanks, everyone. I'm still working on this. Tom K sent me, via email, a few things to try. I've tried most of what you suggest including all the devise settings, proper USB connectivity, etc. Wayne, I did not try the nickel and dime thing ;o)
I must have some kind of glitch...still working, and all suggestions certainly welcome!
I would suggest Headset of Plantronics. It's little costly but worth it.
Another great item that is relatively inexpensive is a Porta-booth. Tom K recommended it a while back and I really like it. We have the luxury of a pretty nice studio in our building, but it's a large room that picks up noise from the break room just outside the door. This porta-booth has really helped cut down on the background noise. So much that most of the time I just record in my office now.
Link to Amazon
At my office, we only have one room that is suitable for recording audio in, all the other rooms have an echo, or the sound comes out funny when published.
How can I correct this when rocording in different rooms? If the mic is in a 'portable sound booth' like Ron's, would that solve the issue?
While it's a useful item, $149 is quite overpriced. I could go to any number of places and buy the eggcrate sound deadening foam for a lot less and make the enclosure out of a paper box. Maybe I'll do that.
http://www.foambymail.com/acoustical-eggcrate-foam.html
Yes. If I was paying out of my pocket instead of it coming out my dept budget, I'd probably feel differently. If I ever need one at home I would definitely just make it myself since it's exactly as easy to construct as it looks. But I probably should have clarified that "relatively inexpensive" meant compared to setting up a full size studio.
After watching the demo for David's new mic, I think I'll be looking for my chance to request a new mic next...
Wow, Natalia, small world. I'm from STL and I think my dad worked for Graybar; he was an electrician.
Thanks for the comments on my mic issue. I have to say that Tom K really IS an elearning rock star! He told me how to solve the problem. It was a software problem with PPT, a program called Sound Max, which is not compatible with PPT. Once I uninstalled it, everything worked great! Kudos to Tom!!
I realize that I'm coming in way after the fact, but I thought I might throw in anyway.
I've got a pretty wide array of mics and mixers floating around, but the one that gets used the most for simple recording is an Audio Technica AT2020. It's a very good quality cardioid mic with a USB interface. It can be had for $99 or less. It comes with a mini-tripod stand, cable and all the goodies. The echo pickup on them is very minimal.
Remember when you are recording, you want to be in a room with lots of soft objects. People frequently try to use conference rooms which provide pretty poor acoustics for recording (big flat table, blank walls, exposed glass, etc).
I've got a Blue Snowball, but since I picked up the AT2020's...the Snowball has gone on the shelf.
Hi Justin
I use the Samson USB mic.
It works fine
- Bjarne (DK)
This post was removed by a moderator
iPhone 6 bluetooth
maybe this site can help you: http://www.ourcase.co.uk/
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