Podcast recording, what microphone and software ?

[jamesbutnobond]

What budget microphone would you suggest for the podcast (home environment) and the software to monitor/record?

I would need to connect two microphones to pc, is it even possible to use 2x USB connection for 2 microphones? And is it the best to use USB or audio-in port?

So far I have found that these microphones are 'okay' for the budget price.

1. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tonor-Professional-Condenser-Microphone-Computer/dp/B01142EPO4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1517699285&sr=8-5&keywords=podcast+microphone

2. https://www.amazon.co.uk/microphone-Fifine-Condenser-Recordings-Black/dp/B01D4I2UM0/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1517699285&sr=8-8&keywords=podcast+microphone
3. https://www.amazon.co.uk/microphone-Fifine-Condenser-Recordings-Black/dp/B01D4I2UM0/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1517699285&sr=8-8&keywords=podcast+microphone
4. https://www.amazon.co.uk/PC-Condenser-Microphone-Profession-Windscreen/dp/B074W3ZVGG/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1517996223&sr=8-9&keywords=Condenser+Microphone

5. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Microphone-Seacue-Omnidirectional-Condenser-Interviews/dp/B071171DBP/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

and also software: -audacity

what are your thoughts about above and perhaps you can suggest something within budget up to £20 (around 25$)

[James Perrett]

If you have two USB microphones you are going to have problems keeping them synchronised together - and you will also be limited to software that can handle multiple USB interfaces (not sure if Audacity can).

A much better solution is to use a separate audio interface with 2 mic inputs and plug conventional analogue microphones into it but this will end up being out of your budget unless you can pick up something used like the M-Audio Mobile Pre and a couple of cheap mics. You might find a small all-in-one recorder like the Zoom H1 would offer better value for money but that's still out of your current price range.

[John Willett]

I agree with James.

Two USB microphones won't work as yo won't be able to clock them together.

Ideally, as James said, you need an interface (eg: Focusrite Scarlett series) and two normal microphones.

You can get these at quite a low cost - but still above ypor almost zero budget.

If that is all you can afford - use only a single mic. - that's all you can do.

[The Elf]

TBH, with that budget I'd suggest just using your phone. You may get results that are 'good enough', depending on your expectations.

[John Willett]

TBH, with that budget I'd suggest just using your phone. You may get results that are 'good enough', depending on your expectations.

And the phone has probably got a better mic. than a £20 USB mic.

[Albatross]

Quite an interesting challenge though, two mics into a PC for a pony... hmmm

The two USB mic thing smells of trouble to me.

When you say a PC, do you have a Mic in? Say as one might find on a laptop? If its an older PC it might have a soundcard with only line ins. Bu if you have Mic-in then these are often stereo and on this Acer laptop plug-in-power of a few volts (enough to power a little condenser mic) is provided on both tip and ring. I believe on soundblaster cards its only provided on the ring.

So if i were trying to do this on this here laptop;

Option 1. would be to get a couple of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/183045862435?c ... 509&crdt=0

(and i chose these because they use a mono jack plug

and one of these

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/350852253456?c ... 043&crdt=0

Then stick each of the tie clip mics into the two sockets, plug into the mic-in on the laptop and use Audacity.

Its not going to be amazing, but it won't be bad and its cheap.

Option 2. Would be to get out soldering iron and toy box of bits and bobs and make a two channel mic pre and then scour eBay for a couple of second hand dynamic mics.

But thats a bit more complicated... very doable though and likely better quality.

Do you have anything, connectors, mics, cables? Anything?

Its like being Spock, stuck on a planet and trying to get the communicator to work