[NFBCS] Computer mic recommendations?

Thu Nov 7 22:54:21 UTC 2019

The microphone Curtis suggested would totally fit my actual music needs. I might still look into it for that reason. But yes, I just need something for my computer as well. Thank you for the idea. I think both you and Curtis have given me some good ideas.

Sent from my iPhone XR!

> On Nov 7, 2019, at 2:48 PM, Michael McQuaid via NFBCS <nfbcs at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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