[BNM] A mic for recording interviews

[Barry Bloye]

On 28/09/06, Andy Budd wrote:
> We bought a great USB mic from the music shop in the North Laine.
> Can't remember the make/model, but it was the only USB one they had
> and was billed as being ideal for podcasts.

Quite probably one of these:
http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810&brandID=2

There are a few other models coming on to the market, including the
'Snowball' by Blue, and I think Audio-Technica have one out. The only
trouble with mics like these is that the input level can only be
adjusted in software, so you can end up with a lower signal-noise
ratio than with traditional mics (i.e. proportionally more hiss),
especially if the source is quiet.

This kind of mic also has a cardioid (literally 'heart-shaped') pickup
pattern, so is more suited to picking up sound from directly in front
of it. If you have 5 people around a table, you'll find that those off
to the side of the mic are quieter, or don't sound as clear as those
nearer the middle. Make sure you experiment with mic placement before
you start recording!

I agree with Tom's advice -- a PZM would be a good choice, as these
are well-suited to picking up sound in a room rather than more direct
sources. I'm not sure how easy these are to get hold of though.

HTH!
Baz