Vocal & Room mic recommendations?

[Pat2070]

Hello KVR

I intend to purchase Dragan Naturallyspeaking speech recognition software to be able to command my computer by voice.

Most operators would opt for a headset, but I do not wish to take this route due to comfort considerations.

My goal is to be able to walk around my room dictating to the computer, allowing my to do other tasks while still using the computer.

I'm looking for recommendations for XLR microphones that would suit this purpose well. Essentially, the mic needs to track low volume speech accurately regardless of my location in the room.

I understand that there are different types of microphones, although I've never used anything other than an SM58. What kind of polar pattern could be recommended here (cardoid, hypercardoid or omni directional mic)?

My budget is around £150.

Thanks!

Patrick

[Shy]

You need an omni polar pattern for this as it's the least directional and provides clear sound quality from more or less all directions. Lots of cheap condenser mics can fit this job. I say get a Behringer B-1, it will pick up everything very clearly (too clearly, maybe ), most importantly your voice. Of course it's important that you place it in a good location and you need a preamp which can provide phantom power and has enough gain. Not much gain is needed for it compared to some other condenser mics.

[buscemi]

Might be cheaper to invest in a low-cost conferencing mic/speaker made for computers. Many times they sit atop your monitor or in that general area and are meant to be able to pick up the voices of people in a room.

[Pat2070]

Thanks for the input guys.

I'll be using the mic for recording music at some point too, so I'd rather stick to music orientated mics.

I have an E-MU 1616 with phantom power, so that shouldn't be an issue.

You mention that an omni directional mic is going to be best here. The B1 has a cardoid polar response. Are all condenser mics onidirectional?

[Hink]

Thanks for the input guys.

[Shy]

Oh sorry, I meant B-2, not 1. Not all are omnidirectional, but some have a selectable polar pattern.

[Chuck E. Jesus]

i'd go with a wireless lapel mic:

[Pat2070]

Thanks everybody.

I'm going to do some further reading into the types of mics mentioned here.

Patrick