What is a vodcast?: Difference between revisions

This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker's mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.

Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1384443137&sr=1-4&keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1384443583&sr=1-5&keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.

These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).<ref>http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html</ref> This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.

Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1384443863&sr=1-1&keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.<ref>http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/</ref> And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1384443826&sr=1-24&keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.<ref>http://bluemic.com/snowball/</ref> Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.