[NFBCS] Computer mic recommendations?

Thu Nov 7 22:46:09 UTC 2019

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
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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