Unsolved
This post is more than 5 years old
3 Posts
0
9204
lecture recording
I am trying to do something very simple (or so it seemed to me before doing some research) with my laptop - record college lectures.
I have an Inspiron 8600 and knowing that the built-in mic is not up to the job, I set out to find an alternative. Since I will be using the mic in a relatively small room (50 people max) and will record both single person lectures and discussions I looked for an omnidirectional mic. The only possible option I came up with (considering I don't want to spend more than $50) is the MM-TMM-1 Tiny Mono Microphone by MicrophoneMadness - http://www.microphonemadness.com/products/mmtinmonmico.htm
Here are some specs:
Frequency Response: 20-20,000Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 58dB, 1kHz at 1 Pa
Open Circuit Sensitivity: - 42dB(5.6mv) re 1v at 1 Pa
Dynamic range: 90dB, 1kHz
Maximum Input Sound Level: 105dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% ( 120 db when used with one of our battery modules )
Flat Frequency Response
Comes with Premium Windscreen.
Requires a bias voltage of 1.5 to 10 volts D.C.(also known as plug-in-power) or one of our battery modules.
Includes our LIFE-TIME warranty at no extra charge!
Check out our Battery / Filter Module Section (mono) or (stereo)
Supplies the microphone(s) with optimum power (9 volts D.C.), increases dynamic range and overall performance!!
However I would like to know if this mic will work with my Inspiron 8600 (because of the bias voltage needed)?
I am also interested in alternatives. One of my friends who is a professional sound engineer recommended AKG C1000S. It is a unidirectional condenser mic and I was impressed with the qulity of the record even from about 10-15 feet away. However this mic has three disadvantages:
1. price - about $200
2. it's too big - I want to keep a low profile (not because I don't want the lecturer to know I am recording him)
3. it wouldn't pick up voices from around the room very well (during discussions for example)
I'd appreciate it if someone could give me an idea of what mic to use.
Thanks in advance!
I have an Inspiron 8600 and knowing that the built-in mic is not up to the job, I set out to find an alternative. Since I will be using the mic in a relatively small room (50 people max) and will record both single person lectures and discussions I looked for an omnidirectional mic. The only possible option I came up with (considering I don't want to spend more than $50) is the MM-TMM-1 Tiny Mono Microphone by MicrophoneMadness - http://www.microphonemadness.com/products/mmtinmonmico.htm
Here are some specs:
Frequency Response: 20-20,000Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio: 58dB, 1kHz at 1 Pa
Open Circuit Sensitivity: - 42dB(5.6mv) re 1v at 1 Pa
Dynamic range: 90dB, 1kHz
Maximum Input Sound Level: 105dB SPL, 1kHz at 1% ( 120 db when used with one of our battery modules )
Flat Frequency Response
Comes with Premium Windscreen.
Requires a bias voltage of 1.5 to 10 volts D.C.(also known as plug-in-power) or one of our battery modules.
Includes our LIFE-TIME warranty at no extra charge!
Check out our Battery / Filter Module Section (mono) or (stereo)
Supplies the microphone(s) with optimum power (9 volts D.C.), increases dynamic range and overall performance!!
However I would like to know if this mic will work with my Inspiron 8600 (because of the bias voltage needed)?
I am also interested in alternatives. One of my friends who is a professional sound engineer recommended AKG C1000S. It is a unidirectional condenser mic and I was impressed with the qulity of the record even from about 10-15 feet away. However this mic has three disadvantages:
1. price - about $200
2. it's too big - I want to keep a low profile (not because I don't want the lecturer to know I am recording him)
3. it wouldn't pick up voices from around the room very well (during discussions for example)
I'd appreciate it if someone could give me an idea of what mic to use.
Thanks in advance!
Jim Coates
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
13.6K Posts
0
July 10th, 2004 01:00
bigbulgarian,
That Tiny Mono sounds like a mono version of a mini disc recorder mic. If you get it be sure to get the battery if the 8600 does not supply voltage, which it probably doesn't.
I performed a test of a md mic with my 1100 and got these results. These mics are routinely used to record concerts from the audience. No problem picking up the whole room.
I used a mini disc mic and plugged it into a battery pack, then into the computer's mic jack. It worked great with 'mic boost' in the control panel either on or off. It clearly picked up every sound in the room, including a tic tic tic from a ceiling fan 15' away. When I took off the monitoring headphones I had to strain to hear that fan noise. I doubt if my fancier equipment could pick up the whole room as well.
The hardware came from The Sound Professionals, Inc, in '01. The mic is a little T shaped stereo mic SPSM-1, for $39 then, and the battery pack is the Delux Slimline Battery Module SP-SPSB-1, also $39 then. Here's where you can get this stuff:
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category.cgi?category=130&template=mics.
About the hardware: minidisc mics require a voltage to work. When plugged into the recorder, the mic gets 2 or 3 volts from the mic jack, which is sufficient. The battery pack is a box about the size of a cigarette package which holds a 9 volt battery. The mic may be plugged into the pack whose higher voltage allows the mic to perform better, and allows it to be used with all recording equipment, not just a mini disc recorder. It is not a preamp, but the powered mic has plenty of output. I don't remember if the T mic is omni directional or not, but I have gotten great results placing it in the center of a circle of acoustic musicians. The dual mics point in opposite directions and pick up a wide field. In any case, Soundprofessionals has omnidirectionals available.
Since the laptop mic jack is mono, you would be better off with a mono omni mic than a stereo. Good luck, Jim
bigbulgarian
3 Posts
0
July 10th, 2004 22:00
I found several DIY schematics on the web, but I am not sure which type I need... "phantom", "T" or any of the others? Do you have any clue?
Jim Coates
4 Operator
4 Operator
•
13.6K Posts
0
July 12th, 2004 01:00
big,
Sorry, don't know. Phantom normally refers to the 48volts supplied to condenser mics thru an xlr cable, from a mic preamp.
I don't suppose it matters which type as long as the mic gets no more than 9 volts. I think the place I bought from still sells for 39.
Jim
4fluke
354 Posts
0
July 21st, 2004 16:00
I use an Olympus ME7 for recording student teachers. The mic can pick up everything said at the front, even if I'm at the back corner of a large classroom. Used with a wav editor like Goldwave to clean noise from the recording, I've got nothing but good things to say about the mic. It plugs into the laptop with the aid of an adapter. You can find one at http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/ts/exchange-glance/Y03Y4175844Y7144286/058-8861918-0252607 . Cost is between $40 and $60 US.
Message Edited by 4fluke on 07-21-2004 06:05 PM
mikers85
243 Posts
0
July 30th, 2004 19:00