| Once upon a time, not so long ago, making quality | | | | member is. Adding original music to podcasts is a great |
| recordings with your computer was complicated. To | | | | idea, so having that option is good. |
| hook up a professional studio mic so you could get get | | | | STRENGTHS OF USB MICROPHONES |
| decent sound, you would need to use a mixer and | | | | * power is supplied by the USB port of your computer |
| maybe an external pre-amp. LOTS of meddling and | | | | - no external power source is needed |
| components to get things to work. | | | | * easy to set up - after installation all you need is |
| Now, thanks to the next generation of microphones, | | | | recording software like Garage Band or the excellent |
| USB microphones, all you have to do is plug and play! | | | | and FREE open source program Audacity. |
| While the best USB microphone won't be quite as | | | | * very good sound quality compared to standard |
| good as what a professional studio mic can produce, it | | | | computer mics and headsets |
| will come closer than you might think. It will also cost a | | | | * can be used on both PCs and Macs |
| lot less money, making it a worthwhile addition to your | | | | * can record instruments and vocals (Reminder: some |
| personal and professional computer tool kit. | | | | models are better suited to music recording than |
| The best USB microphone on the market is versatile - | | | | others - read reviews carefully) |
| you can create everything from blog podcasts to a | | | | WEAKNESSES OF USB MICROPHONES |
| mix of vocals and instruments. The latter is a great | | | | * can't be connected to analog mixing boards |
| option for amateur musicians because standard | | | | * sound quality isn't as good as what a pro studio mic |
| computer microphones do not product high quality | | | | can offer |
| sound and professional studio microphones are costly. | | | | * cable length is limited |
| The popularity of USB microphones is growing, and as | | | | Despite the current weaknesses of USB microphones |
| computer technology improves, it's very likely that USB | | | | compared to professional studio mics, they are an |
| mics will equal or surpass professional studio mics. | | | | excellent choice for anyone who wants to produce |
| The best USB will be versatile. Some USB models are | | | | solid sound with their computer without spending a lot |
| really suited to vocals only, but if you really want to get | | | | of money or fussing with complicated setups and |
| the most for your money, why not go for it all? If you | | | | pricey external components. |
| aren't a musician, perhaps your friend of family | | | | |