For recording some videos that will be posted on YouTube and used for PR.

I'd like one that can plug into my mac when I'm running iMovie for voice overs.

Any top recommendations here? I'm looking value, not lowest cost here I think.

TIA!

when you say video on you tube, i imagined that the mic would be used for voice-overs rather than as the audio acquisition tool for the production.

production mics bring up a totally different set of questions and choices.

if you are doing voice-overs then blue has made some well-reviewed, usb mics.

their current fav model is the yeti:
[www.bhphotovideo.com]

i am also a fan of an australian company named rode.

i have several of their mic for my media production.

good quality at a good value.

this is their usb mic:
[www.bhphotovideo.com]

and lastly is audio technica.

they are a well established audio mic company. i also have several of their production mic.

this is their usb version, also well-reviewed:
[www.bhphotovideo.com]

i would guess any of the three will suit you fine.

the next thought might be where you do the actually voice-over recording which bring up issues of sound reverberation and sound proofing.

also, you might want to budget for a "pop" filter to put in front of the mic.

some think it not necessary but in most cases they pay for themselves.

lastly, what audio edit software do you intend to work with?

i hope i have not confused your initial query.

be well.

rob



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/14/2015 01:58PM by robfilms.

"For recording some videos"

Does this mean it needs to connect to a camera?

Does this hypothetical camera have a specific audio-in connection?

Does your Mac have an audio-in port?

Call these people:

[www.sweetwater.com]

I've got a Blue Snowball that we use for online meetings and recording voice-overs for work-related product demo videos.

[eshop.macsales.com]

Jeff

yeah, we need to know whether this is just a VO/narration type of usage, or whether it's capturing audio "on set" or on camera.

Thanks everyone.

The voiceover need is real and top priority.

I will be editing on a mid2012 MBPR machine.

I am currently using iMovie, but I have GarageBand and all related Mac software tools. I can get more if there is a compelling need.

EDIT: I am traveling and want to order the mic today so I can have it when I get back in town - no later than Mon. So Amazon Prime shipping would be ideal.

Need number 2: recording sound as it happens. That's a bigger and far more complex question for sure! But if you have suggestions for a novice on something to get that would be better than using the mic on this iphone, I'd be game to try one.

Thanks so much for the excellent comments so far ! They make a lot of sense.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/14/2015 03:30PM by sekker.

Quote
kj4btkljv
I've got a Blue Snowball that we use for online meetings and recording voice-overs for work-related product demo videos.

[eshop.macsales.com]

Jeff

I have that one as well, I got it a few years ago on an almost RYF sale, and it has done a good job.

you should probably set some sort of budget so we know how to direct you....I'm not gonna recommend a $500 USB interface and a $700 mic if you only are looking to spend $300. Also, you may want to think about whether you might want to add additional mics to your setup at some point in the future. I'd hate to see you pick up a usb mic for a couple hundred bucks, only to then get a 4 channel mixer or interface and not be able to use the usb mic in that same setup.

Quote
Sam3

Quote
kj4btkljv
I've got a Blue Snowball that we use for online meetings and recording voice-overs for work-related product demo videos.

[eshop.macsales.com]

Jeff

I have that one as well, I got it a few years ago on an almost RYF sale, and it has done a good job.

I bought one a few weeks ago when I went to take advantage of the apple blowout at Radio Schlock-- $24 or so on closeout (slightly different model maybe.)
Don't like it at all, but I think I missed the boat on returning it (and I just feel too sorry for that store to do so anyways.)

Quote
Black

Quote
Sam3

Quote
kj4btkljv
I've got a Blue Snowball that we use for online meetings and recording voice-overs for work-related product demo videos.

[eshop.macsales.com]

Jeff

I have that one as well, I got it a few years ago on an almost RYF sale, and it has done a good job.

I bought one a few weeks ago when I went to take advantage of the apple blowout at Radio Schlock-- $24 or so on closeout (slightly different model maybe.)
Don't like it at all, but I think I missed the boat on returning it (and I just feel too sorry for that store to do so anyways.)

What don't you like about it? I was about to place an order when I saw your post...

Monoprice has a nice Usb condenser microphone for $99.
They have a standard Condenser mike that needs 48v phantom power that has gotten very good reviews

I'm not fond of my Blue Snowball either. I record narrations into my Mac and send as MP3 files to clients. However, when place on my desk at arm's length, my voice sounds distant and hollow. Sounds good when held close to my mouth (10" or so), but it's heavy and I don't feel like that's how it's designed to be used. I've tried various settings, but can't seem to change that about the mic.

the blue snowball and the blue yeti are two very different mics.

search online and i'm sure you can find sound samples of any mic you are interested in.

also may i suggest the b&h website as a place to look at reviews.

whether you purchase there or not is up to you but the reviewers are often a wee bit more professional and occasionally more articulate as to their opinions.

ymmv

be well.

rob

Quote

the blue snowball and the blue yeti are two very different mics.

Agreed, snowball is not great. I have 2 recommendations, the Apogee mic and the Shure PG 27 or 42 -USB. The room/environment you record in has a tremendous influence also.

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“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in."

Thanks, everyone!

I admit, I do not know what '48v phantom power' is exactly, so I may skip that particular suggestion.

After two positive votes posted here (and over 4.5 stars on Amazon from over 400 reviews), I did order one of the blue snowball to arrive tomorrow via Amazon; I'll give it a try. If I cannot get a clean audio signal, I will find a brick and mortar store to buy a higher-end model in person Sat when I pick my son up from college in Minneapolis. Thanks for giving me such excellent, rich and prompt advice!

You should be able to get a decent recording with the Snowball. It's obviously not the best, but really the room you are recording in can have more influence on the final product than anything.

I would recommend a Blue Icicle along with a Shure PG 58.
The Snowball sounds tinny from a distance, gets overwhelmed when too close, and mine has a burnt electronics smell.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2015 10:00PM by Black.

An FYI for anyone who might look this up. If you are interested in an XLR to USB connection, definitely consider the x2u

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“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in."