Looking for good podcast mics?
 

I was looking at http://www.filmjunk.com/video-podcast/
They use a cool looking mic - I wonder what kind it is and if it is USB?
Anyone recognize these mics?

Couldn't find that page. The opening frame on their "end of 2007" vodcast shows a mic that could be anything from an MXL to an AKG large diaphram condensor.

It appears to have a Neutrik silver XLR cable coming out of it, so, no, not USB.

I like the Samson C0-1U as a USB mic, but forum contributor Ty Ford pointed out that it doesn't have a headphone output, which is kind of important, as monitoring a USB mic through the computer involves some latency.

He recommended the Rode USB mic, called the "podcaster" or something, which has a headphone output right on the mic. I've not listened to this mic but Rode has a great reputation as a mid-range manufacturer.

Here is a mic with a much better sound than the Samson. In fact this mic is excellent. It is USB.
http://www.bluemic.com/modules.php?o...dex&prod_id=18

The mic comes without a stand, so you should order a "kit."
Without the ringer shockmount, but with a stand:
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphon...9316219&sr=1-1
With the stand and ringer shockmount:
http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Snowball-...9316140&sr=8-1

I don't know anything about this one, but here's another USB mic that suggests it is very high quality:
http://www.amazon.com/AVANTONE-CU-2-...9316219&sr=1-4

Here's the Blue Snowball at B&H, a trusted DVinfoNet reseller:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...arch&Q=*&bhs=t

I listened to several demos comparing the Samson to other mics (including the Snowball). To me the Samson was both hollow and tinny in its sound. The Snowball comes from top end mic manufacturer Blue.

There's also a couple of cool XLR to USB adapters out that are interesting to use - esp. if you have some existing mics.

http://bswusa.com/proditem.asp?item=MICPORTPRO
http://www.mxlmics.com/condenser_mic...te/micMate.htm

The Centrance has a headphone output, and input levels while the MXL does not. I think the Centrance would be a better buy for the extra few bucks. I currently have the RODE NT1-A hooked into an MXL Mic mate. It's a cool match.

If you check the Transom Mic Shootout there is quite the list of mics used in radio. Click the "Mic Shootout Key" on the left to see photos. You may be able to tell what mic it is from there.


http://www.transom.org/tools/recordi...shootout.html#

Some of those mics in the examples sound so good. Like the Neumann U-87

I'd skip the Blue Snowball. I thought it sounded awful.

Take a listen to the RODE Podcaster and learn a little technique http://rodepodcaster.com/page2.html

The Rode mic looks like it might be a solid choice for a USB mic at this time:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...icrophone.html

Here is a review of the Rode Podcaster mic. (The Showball is also mentioned):
http://blogs.oreilly.com/digitalmedi...er-review.html

And the Samson sounded bad to me in comparison to the Snowball, so perhaps both of these should be avoided.

Nice test of mics. I wish the Heil PR40 had been included. And the AT4050. But this was still a very large selection of affordable choices. The recording of three different type voices was helpful, too.

I am starting to see the value in a better mic, but also in a mixer. Unfortunately, I want to get two mics at this time and that kills my budget - so I am trying to get 2 cheaper mics and a mixer for a lesser amount, but the $100.00 are a little too pricey right now.

I have the RODE Podcaster mic, and I love it. I have a variety of mics in my kit for various types of work and access to some really great mics in my business partner's audio facility. But for its great sound, convenience of use and very reasonable price, I find the Poscaster tough to beat at its price range.

My experience with some other USB mics had not been very positive up till then. Some I've heard or used just sounded very thin or 'lifeless'. RODE really seemed to put a lot of effort into developing this mic, and IMO, it shows. It provides a very warm and clean FM broadcast type of smooth sound.

I just leave it permanently set up at my desk, near my editing bay, and have used it for some voice-over and narrative work. I've been very impressed with the results (although it did take a little while to get used to its proper positioning as compared to some of the more traditional broadcast mics I've used.)

I bought the Podcaster last January from the Guitar Center vendor booth on the show floor of MacWorld in San Francisco. If I'm looking for gear around this time of year, I wait till then to look for discounted show deals.

I was shopping for something else, but they were out of stock and the salesman pointed me to the Podcaster. I was with a few audio pro's, and they gave me the 'thumbs up'. The salesman cut me a deal that so far I have not seen any other vendor come close to...but it was a show deal only, so they are few and far between. It was icing on the cake. I love the mic, and got it for a real bargain.

Rode Podcaster.

1. Sounds OK.
2. Has headphone jack On The Mic so you don't hear USB latency. What a great idea!

Regards,

Ty Ford

The R0de Podcaster is a nice mic. A colleague set up a local writer with one to podcast a book. The MP3s are here (Episodes 1-22 were done with the podcaster): http://journeyfortheheart.com/sitepages/podcast.php

However, that said, I think David wants to use a multi-mic setup which as far as I know, precludes using the USB mics doesn't it?

Ernest,
Thanks for redirecting the quest. If it's multiples, I don't know of a way either. I have seen a couple of small firewire out mixers. I think Behringer makes one.

Regards,

Ty Ford

Ernest,
Thanks for redirecting the quest. If it's multiples, I don't see it on the first post I see, but if it is, I don't know of a way either. I have seen a couple of small firewire out mixers. I think Behringer makes one.

Regards,

Ty Ford

I do want multiple mics, so I think I am going to not use the USB ones. I was almost talked into the PG58 (Behringer copy of a Shure mic?) for under $50.00 - that way I could get two mics and buy a UB1002 Behringer Mixer ALL for under $200.00. I will probably make my own shock mounts at this point to save some cash.
I hope this is going to make my foray into podcasting interesting and also not bank-breaking.