Need a microphone

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Cucurbita wrote on 2011-05-26 03:21

Now as far as a standard microphone goes, it seems everyone's bargain pick is this one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=36-111-601&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=true&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=false&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&chkPurchaseMark=on&Keywords=%28keywords%29#scrollFullInfo

It seems like a good deal for 20 dollars.

Now what I want to use it for:

1. Voice recording, for videos or guides
2. Gaming chat
3. [s]Singing[/s] Recording nearby sounds (instruments, for example)

I know its not a quality microphone, but I really can't go very high in terms of expenses. Alternatively, I could get a headset. Downside is, headsets in my price range (20 to 40 dollars, maybe up to 50) are all flabby and I'm generally worried about the microphone quality. And if I'm using a headset, I'm worried about the headphones being bad too. Or maybe because the mic is designed to pick up voice from directly up front, it won't pick up other sounds that are a bit further away. I've noticed that if I save up another good 50 dollars I can really go for a good headset, but I can't waste that much money on a microphone.

So is the logitech one good enough or is there another one you would suggest, thats anywhere below the 50 dollar price range?

Edit: I think I could maybe spend a tad bit extra and go for this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826106157

SENNHEISER has a pretty good reputation, and it came up first when I searched by best reviews...
Ampersand wrote on 2011-05-26 05:22

The PC151 is like the baseline for comparing all entry-level headsets. If you don't already have really nice speakers or a decent headset, save up for it.

Don't get a $20 mic and pretend to yourself that you'll record stuff on it. You might as well use a cellphone.
Random wrote on 2011-05-26 11:43

I have been using that Logitech mic for about 5-6 years. Not much to say other then the base and mic can become a little flimsy and get hard to stay at certain angles. It's decent for the price but you'll want to get a different one if you plan on recording anything that you want to sound better.

Apparently it makes me sound angrier than other microphones too.
Mama wrote on 2011-05-26 17:02

I recommend this. No need to buy a headset, just clip it onto whatever fave earpiece you use.

http://www.amazon.com/Zalman-Microphone-Zm-Mic1-Sensitivity-Headphone/dp/B00029MTMQ

quality is formidable for the price.
it's what I got for pops.
Yoorah wrote on 2011-05-26 17:26

Generally speaking (no pun intended), stand-alone mics are better for recordings than the stuff on headsets. At least, that's what some dude who did professional recordings told me a while back.
Cucurbita wrote on 2011-05-26 19:05

Does anyone have any actual recommendations or should I just save up for the Sennheiser PC151
Mama wrote on 2011-05-26 19:08

Quote from Cucurbita;456028:
Does anyone have any actual recommendations or should I just save up for the Sennheiser PC151

if you have headphones you already like and use, just get what I linked.
Cucurbita wrote on 2011-05-26 19:09

Quote from Mama;456033:
if you have headphones you already like and use, just get what I linked.

I actually dont. But I got bad ass speakers so I don't really need a headphone. Really optional.
wolfram wrote on 2011-05-27 19:04

The quality of recordings you get from the microphone you listed in your OP is not quality material. It's an great microphone for Vent and Teamspeak, but for recording of music, and streaming or VOD's it is just so-so.

I am assuming you want a USB connected Microphone and not a XLR Microphone.

I would recommend this Microphone:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/651857-REG/Blue_SNOWBALL_BUNDLE_BA_Snowball_USB_Condenser_Microphone.html

Blue Snowball. I know the price is a little bit higher then what your looking for.

This is the microphone I currently use to record home movies, and other such games replays that I may or may not upload.
Ampersand wrote on 2011-05-28 19:58

Sennheiser PC151 is only $30? Go get it!
Cucurbita wrote on 2011-05-28 22:34

WHAT THE HELL IS THIS BULL****.

I ordered this thing yesterday for 60 dollars.

Order went through. Too late to cancel I'm supposing?
Ampersand wrote on 2011-05-29 03:24

No harm in trying...
Navy wrote on 2011-05-29 04:08

oh no.not that
that would get very annoying very quick
I suggest getting a clip-on or headset
Ampersand wrote on 2011-05-29 08:33

That is a headset.