Anyone got any suggestions for a decent mic I could use for voice chat in games and stuff, that isn't a headset? I already have a really good pair of headphones that I use, so I don't want a headset+mic combo, just some kind of mic by itself would be awesomesauce. Last one I got was a lapel mic from headphones.com.au but last time I checked they don't sell them anymore.

maybe this thing?

logitech usb desktop microphone

I got a $10 desktop mic from tandy electronics like 7-8 years ago (whenever Valve first introduced voice chat into CS) and it is still the same one I use now.

MSY and Umart have desktop mics on the cheap. If it is just for games chat these will do.

Also not a fan of USB headphones or microphones. Soundcards ftw.

last edited by ctd at 16:39:01 29/Oct/09

my webcam is my mic

I've got a $30 USB one from umart, works perfectly and requires no drivers (under winXP anyway)

I bought it because I could never get my onboard mic working

http://www.umart.com.au/pro/products_listnew.phtml?id=10&id2=&&bid=2&sid=21794

Anything that is a 'powered' microphone rather than just plugging into your soundcard will usually be higher quality. The USB ones are generally good.

the other good thing about a usb one is you can plug it straight into your keyboard or monitor if ya monitor has usb port

Don't go too cheap. I went a $5 mic from DSE and it cuts off low frequencies. Makes me sound like a 12 year-old in TF2/CSS, but hey .. make it easier for me to fit in, right?

These are pretty cool, clips on to your headphone cord or collar if you don't want to use headphones, sound quality is great.

edit: appears u-mart also sell them, same price $10

last edited by shrapse at 17:14:40 29/Oct/09

This is AU$3.19 delivered to your door.

i had one of those zalman click mics it was good but it died in less then 6 months... im still using the headphones though

Think I'm gonna go see if I can find one of those usb ones tomorrow, something powered would prolly be good cos it seems my soundcard has pretty s***ty amplication for mics. My old mic wasn't powered, and I had to crank the volume right up to max and turn on the boost just to make it useable, and even then it was a bit soft.

Well, you are a softly spoken young man... except when you're yelling over a band and nerding out.

Sorry to dig this old stuff up.

I've found some vids on YouTube where audio was recorded using that Logitech USB Desktop Mic and it sounds good.

Does anyone know how directional this mic is and whether two can be plugged in at once.

I want to sit at a table, two people with a mic each plugged into a lappy and record with Audacity. Does anyone know if this is possible?

Otherwise I will go for normal mics and run them through a personal mixer, which I can do already - I'm just trying to reduce the equipment required.

Depends on what you are recording? Vocals? Acoustic instruments?

I would be looking at getting something a little more sophisticated if you can $$

Well I have mics and a mixer, but I want to do this particular recording on the move. It's basically an interview/chatting.

I think it should be possible to plug two USB mics - then add the 'Stereo Mixer' device in Windoze and set that as the recording device in Audacity.

Just not 100% sure on plugging in two USB mics. Should be alright one would think.

I've only done recording with music production sorry Pinky.

No worries, cheers for the input. I think for $60 I'll just man the f*** up and try it ;-)

As long as they are directional and not omnidirectional - give it a go

I'm tempted to suggest Senneheiser or Behringer, but guess they're out of your price range.

pick one :)

Anything that is a 'powered' microphone rather than just plugging into your soundcard will usually be higher quality. The USB ones are generally good.

That's totally retarded. A sound card will power a mic just fine and give a much better connection and much better control.