Help me choose a microphone

[fatt-dad]

I think I should be able to insert a microphone into my computer and make sound files - I just don't have a microphone. Can somebody recommend a mike that maybe I can use later if I get a minidisk player (I'm also interested in the other thread on recorders).

Thanks in advance.

f-d

[mandroid]

Sony makes a #single point stereo condenser (battery powered) for the purpose. actually #they offer several..
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[Coy Wylie]

For recording directly into the computer get a mic with a built-in on/off switch so you won't have to worry about feedback issues when you turn up your speakers.

I use a small stero mic in my MD that I got on ebay for about $20. It works great for field recordings.

[fatt-dad]

Oh yeah, where's the microphone store? Are these things at Radio Shack, Best Buy, Circuit City, Sam Ash, Music Center or is the best selection at some mail order place?

f-d

[Jim Gallaher]

I recommend this Sony mic:

http://www.minidisco.com/ecm-ms907.html

I've had great results using it to capture practice sessions with my minidisc.

[fatt-dad]

Well folks, I went with the Sony ECM-MS907 Stereo Microphone and expect it in 3 days!! Now I have to see about using it on my computer and maybe getting a portable device to go with it.

f-d

[mandopete]

Are you planning on using this mic with the computer or a minidisc (or both)? #I'd be very interested in finding out about your results. #I love the minidisc and use my Sharp 722 all the time. #I use a T-shaped binaural mic, but I have been interested in getting something a little better.

http://www.minidisco.com/sp-spsm1.html

[John Flynn]

The ECM-MS907 is very good, very clear and accurate and good to use for an MD. I upgraded from an inexpensive non-powered Sony stereo mike and the positive difference was significant. My only caveats are: 1) If you forget to turn it off, the battery may be drained the next time you want to use it. This is a "duh" but it is one thing I didn't have to think about before. 2) The 907 is very sensitive and it does not do much "cancelling." It picks up everything, including dogs barking next door that you weren't even aware of when you did the recording!

[fatt-dad]

I plan on using my new mike to record into my desktop computer. At some point in the future, I'd also like to be able to record tunes played at jams and then learn to work them up at home. Right now, I just haven't decided whether to just use a cassette (i.e., cheap) or to go digital.

f-d

[mandopete]

Okay, one other simple minded question - are you just plugging into the computer's mic jack and what program are you using to record?

[fatt-dad]

Uh, my plan is to just plug it into the computer's mike jack. That said, I think that I have some recording software (hopefully). What about the media player? Can't you record with that? What about Winamp? I know I've some something about this in the past, I just can't recall what it was - either way, I figured that I needed to start with a microphone. . . .

fatt taking-suggestions dad

[John Flynn]

I did a free download of a program called Audacity, based on some reviews on this site. I haven't had a chance to really play with a lot, just enough to know it works, but seems to have a lot of functionality.

[Windflite]

I second the endorsement for Audacity. Free, easy and loads of functionality. Great way to 'get your feet wet'!

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif