Best microphone/soundcard for CONFERENCE (audio only) recording?

> > > Best microphone/soundcard for CONFERENCE (audio only) recording?

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Member Since: Jun 03, 2006

Hello, all.

I've done some searches and have yet to find exactly what I'm looking for. Here's my situation. I have a Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop (1.6Ghz, 512MB RAM) and I'm a court reporter. I recently started heading toward real-time reporting (where people can see it as it comes up), and I also started using a function in my reporting software which allows me to record directly to my laptop at the deposition. Anyway, I've been using just the 1/8" mic jack along w/ my Sony flat mic (martelelectronics.com/Mer...=MDH/PROD/M/116 ) and am looking to upgrade to get better sound.

So what are my best options for getting the best audio recording for voice-only, conference-type settings?

My leanings are this mic:

martelelectronics.com/Mer...e=MDH/PROD/M/91

and this soundcard:

soundblaster.com/products...p;product=10769

I'd love any input on either product or suggestions on the best way to get the best recording I can (keeping in mind that I'm having to record in wave file and my sampe rate is, I think, 45k) for my depositions. I'm not sure the soundcard would help any, but I could get 5.1 sound out of it to watch movies while my HTPC is down :)

Thanks for any help.

Glass

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 03, 2006 05:02 pm

Well, the mic is highly rated and it does offer some extreme noise refiction as well. So that is a good thing for your needs. I had a quick look around and didnt find anything in that price range that had the specs of that mic. So I would say you have made a good choice there.

AS for the Soundblaster PCMCIA card, that is going to give you a little better quaality over the onboard sound chip, so if you have the money to spend that is a good option without breaking the bank. There are others out there, but they are much more expensive, and for stirctly voice recording, I dont think they will give you a huge advantage. So again that is probably a very good choice for your needs.

And seeing as it will get used for other purposes you really cant go wrong there.

Member
Since: Jun 03, 2006

Jun 04, 2006 01:02 am

Sweet. Thanks so much for doing some research Noize2u, since you obviously know more about mics and were able to compare specs. I wouldn't know what specs were good/bad, so I really do appreciate it.

You're right about the soundcard....that puppy was getting purchased regardless...especially since it looks like I can snag one from eBay for around $50.

I really do appreciate the encouragement. I felt pretty comfortable w/ those two choices, but I wanted to try to find some feedback first....I'll take your reply as plenty enough affirmation.

Muchos gracias!

Glass

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 04, 2006 03:43 pm

No problem, thats what we are here for.

And welcome to HRC by the way.

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002

Jun 04, 2006 04:18 pm

I did summarized transcription in the military and speed and criminal-proof will probably be the top priority...the boundry microphone will likly be easier to work with...otherwise defence attournys might run off with clip ons :)

I never used realtime transcriptions.. and managed to talk my way out verbatium. But, I'm fairly sure the software doesn't need extremely high quality audio as long as the signal is strong enough for it to register. One of those mics on each desk (judge/board, prosocution, defense, and witness stand) rinning into a little mixer into your computer should work pretty well.

Member
Since: Jun 03, 2006

Jun 04, 2006 10:59 pm

Hey, Noize...where would you go to see how mics are rated? I couldn't find specs on the one I'm looking at (not that I'd know what they meant, but I could do some research). I'm not looking to upgrade just yet, but in the next month or two, anyway, and I dig researching these kinds of things. Thanks.

And, deadcow, yeah, no clip-ons. I just want something to put in front of me and pick up what I can hear pretty much. If it can filter out some AC noise or other extraneous things, great, but I just want a good boundary mic. I'm not exactly transcribing...I use those funky short-hand machines, so the audio is just for when we go back and edit the transcript. Thanks for chiming in, btw.

Glass

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 05, 2006 05:51 pm

The mic he is looking into has a 40 and some foot range. There are a couple more out there similar to that one, but I dont believe they are as clear sounding. The one I use years ago was from Sony and it didnt have the rejection that this one appears to have.

For looking into mic ratings I sometimes try Harmony Central or the mic manufacturer's website itself. Most specs are pretty true, some are slightly exagerated, but still give you a good idea of what it can do.

Hold 'Em Czar
Member
Since: Dec 30, 2004

Jun 05, 2006 06:08 pm

KING HIPPO!

sorry, i am of no help to this subject, but i had to.

Member
Since: Jun 03, 2006

Jun 05, 2006 06:34 pm

Uppercut!


:)


Thanks, Noize.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Jun 05, 2006 09:51 pm

Nice WYD. :-)

And your welcome Joe.

> > > Best microphone/soundcard for CONFERENCE (audio only) recording?

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