Selecting A Microphone for Web Videos and Webinars

Today’s show is on your different option for microphones when doing a video for the Internet.  I’ll share my usb desktop microphones, my wireless headset and lapel mic, all which are great options!

Join us today at 4:30pm Pacific at http://askadria.com/live

The Demand For Internet video

photo credit: Sneaker Peet

We humans have a history of sitting around fires, chatting.  This means we like to see other humans and hear them too.  Remember in the old days of the internet where people would pass around tiny video clips via email?  These links would make the rounds at the office, “Did you see the video yet?  It’s hilarious!” and so on.

YouTube was founded in 2005 and made it easy for anyone to publish a video to the internet.  It removed all the complicated portions and had a big ole upload button.

The power of video has come the Internet.  With 92% of Americans having internet access in their homes, the ability to watch video, and the demand for it keeps going up.

The Hardware

Hands Free microphones are great so you can do your web show and not get distracted by cords.  I often get up during my show to grab stuff for the audience and it would be a hassle to “unhook” first.

Logitech USB Desktop Microphone
$19.99 at Amazon.com
Review: The actual Plantronics microphone I used in 2009 is no longer in production but this is a similar model made my Logitech with over 200 reviews.  What I liked about my Plantronics usb microphone is that it worked well, was simple to setup and didn’t require additional power.  It worked great to do my daily live video show, screencasts, for Skype and audio podcasts.

Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Condenser USB Microphone
$100 at Amazon.com
Review: I love this microphone!  I picked it up over the winter because I wanted deeper sound and the ability to do audio on my macbook.  After going to Blogworld and spending some time at the booth where they had some audio equipment, I knew I needed to step up my game.  This condenser mic comes with it’s own stand but you could put it in a desk mount swing arm (I may do this) as well.  I’m also considering getting a windscreen for it.

Plantronics .Audio 995 Wireless Stereo Headset
$60 at Amazon.com
Review: I love, love, love this headset!  I picked this up last year so I could talk on my Skype calls but walk around the house.  It streams all audio so you can also listen to your movies or music too.  Very convienent, nice quality feel to the ear pieces and people say I sound clear.  Works good until about 30 feet.  Battery life is about 5 hours which is plenty of talk time for me!

Audio Technica ATR-288W VHF Wireless Microphone
$125 at Amazon.com
Review: I bought this system so I could record my speaking gigs.  It allows me to roam on a stage while recording audio to my camcorder.  It comes with a lavilier mic ( lapel mic) and has worked great!