Does anyone have suggestions for a high quality, noise cancelling microphone that works well for recording eLearning audio? I think I want an over the ear mic or a lapel mic but I'm not sure which ones have the best quality. Thanks!
How much are you looking to spend on a Mic? That can really change answers I think that http://podcastanswerman.com/equipment/ has some great options but they are expensive. Another highly recommended mic that's less expensive is the Snowball Mic but you'll want to make sure that you know how to cancel out background noise. Fortunately, it's pretty easy with audacity (free): http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Noise_Removal
Most of the "noice-cancelling" microphones (not headphones) I know about are geared towards use in an automobile or industrial setting. They use an active (electronic) approach to reducing noise that offers a series of compromises that can include:
reduced dynamice range
clipped off syllables/words
lower fidelity overall
and... oddly enough... not always great supression of the unwanted noises! (they work best with constant noise in a narrow band such as automobile road rumble)
In short, there is a reason that voiceover pros, studios, tv/radio stations, even amatuer wedding videographers do not use them.
Instead, most folks will advise you to try and address the noise either at time of recording via methods such as finding a quieter place, "porta booth" type bags, etc. Or if an electronic bandaid is still needed, do it in the editing phase where more advanced software and computing power on your PC can do a better job of it than a noise-cancelling mic might (eg Audicity's noise reduction).
What that in mind, the two folks above have reccommended two best bang-for-the-buck USB mics out there... I would add the Samson CO1U which can be had in a kit for short money.
The other choice would be a more tradtional (analogue) microphone with some means to convert / capture that signal to digital; a d/a convertor or portable digital recorder.
Maybe not exactly what you asked for, but hopefully you will find some of the info useful. In any case, good luck and have fun recording narration for your e-learning... it's a blast.
4 Replies
Hi Rachel,
There are loads of posts re this, see https://www.google.co.uk/#q=articulate+storyline+heroes+microphones&safe=off
As usual, the mic quality is not the only thing you need to consider - the surrounding recording environment is just as important.
How much are you looking to spend on a Mic? That can really change answers
I think that http://podcastanswerman.com/equipment/ has some great options but they are expensive. Another highly recommended mic that's less expensive is the Snowball Mic but you'll want to make sure that you know how to cancel out background noise. Fortunately, it's pretty easy with audacity (free): http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Noise_Removal
I use a usb studio condenser that works beautifully with audacity. http://www.musiciansfriend.com/usb-microphones/behringer-c-1u-usb-studio-condenser-mic?pfm=sp
Hi Rachel,
Most of the "noice-cancelling" microphones (not headphones) I know about are geared towards use in an automobile or industrial setting. They use an active (electronic) approach to reducing noise that offers a series of compromises that can include:
In short, there is a reason that voiceover pros, studios, tv/radio stations, even amatuer wedding videographers do not use them.
Instead, most folks will advise you to try and address the noise either at time of recording via methods such as finding a quieter place, "porta booth" type bags, etc. Or if an electronic bandaid is still needed, do it in the editing phase where more advanced software and computing power on your PC can do a better job of it than a noise-cancelling mic might (eg Audicity's noise reduction).
What that in mind, the two folks above have reccommended two best bang-for-the-buck USB mics out there... I would add the Samson CO1U which can be had in a kit for short money.
The other choice would be a more tradtional (analogue) microphone with some means to convert / capture that signal to digital; a d/a convertor or portable digital recorder.
Maybe not exactly what you asked for, but hopefully you will find some of the info useful. In any case, good luck and have fun recording narration for your e-learning... it's a blast.
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