Audio Geeks: Best Microphone for Camtasia/Powerpoint?

5 replies
My logitech $20 mic is no longer good. Too much dampen echoes, popping P's at end of each word no matter my recording distance.

Which mic would you recommend for specific use in camtasia/powerpoint voice recordings? The Audio-Technica AT2020 can't be used with Powerpoint 07, so I may have to pass.

Any other 'experience' alternative?

Thanks.
#audio #camtasia or powerpoint #geeks #microphone
  • Profile picture of the author Brandon Tanner
    Hey Boricua,

    You could get a nicer mic, but that won't necessarily solve your problems. Echos are generally caused by the recording environment (ie small rooms without enough absorptive material), not the mic.

    You might be referring to 'latency' echo though (which is a slight time delay between when you speak into the mic and when your computer plays the sound back). If that's the case, then that means your computer is simply not fast enough to play back the sound in "real time" (although you may be able to improve that somewhat by tweaking a few settings).

    As for the popping sounds, you can get around that by wrapping thin cloth around the mic head.

    USB mics are nice for what you need it for - pretty much any USB mic will sound a lot better than a cheap Logitech mic. But you will likely still need a windscreen or pop filter on it to keep the popping sounds to a minimum.

    Also, what does Powerpoint have to do with what kind of mic you use?
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    I have been using the samson G tech USB with keynote and it's awesome
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    • Profile picture of the author Boricua
      Hey Guys,

      Samson and the at2020 should be one of the options. Situation with the logitech I was using (well over 3 years now) was that I heard echoes do to small room, having closed windows and door closed while recording. So in seconds the echoed was resolved as for Brandon suggestion. However, every single time I started recording I had to hold the logitech mic around 1-2 inches from my mouth without moving position or myself to 'reasonably' hear my voice.

      USB mics are nice for what you need it for - pretty much any USB mic will sound a lot better than a cheap Logitech mic. But you will likely still need a windscreen or pop filter on it to keep the popping sounds to a minimum.

      Also, what does Powerpoint have to do with what kind of mic you use?
      Indeed, check the creative twist this guy used on the at2020:


      I'm in love with both options simplicity, most of it its RadioShack and a pantyhose. In regards to Powerpoint, according to an Amazon review Powerpoint 07 doesn't recognize the at2020 and appeared to have some sort of limitation/annoyance. Will check more options, but at2020 is at a fine price at Amazon.

      ------
      See what TheInternetAudioGuy.com offer.
      Big site, think I saw him in SFO back in 07 summit. Thanks for the link.

      I think its pretty much a done deal. Appreciate all your feedback guys
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  • Profile picture of the author malcasid
    Blue just announced the Blue Yeti due out December. I am purchasing this myself. I was originally going to get the Blue Snowball, but thank God they announced this before I did.

    http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_yeti
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