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The Best Sounding Mics for Screencasting

Betsey Weber and Matt Pierce of TechSmith (the makers of Camtasia) have done an excellent short comparison of several microphones for screencasting, including a lapel mic, freestanding USB mics, a headset, and even a webcam.

Matt reads the same short passage from Alice in Wonderland with each microphone. The entire screencast lasts less than two minutes, so it is very easy to keep the previous microphones’ sound in mind as the test progresses.

For anyone who has tried out different microphones, it will come as no surprise that the Samson C03U Multi-pattern Condenser Mic (direct to computer via USB) and the Audio Technica AT2020USB Condenser USB Microphone were the clear winners.

I wish they’d also been able to test the pricier, but universally praised, Rode Microphones Podcaster USB Microphone. But you can’t have everything, every time, and this short test is truly helpful.

Once you accept that sound is at least as important as visuals in your screen casts, these side by side, hearing is believing comparisons will narrow your mic choices right down. Cheap headsets that plug into your computer’s sound card just don’t get the job done.

If you are upgrading your microphone, don’t forget the desk (or floor) stand and pop filter. Together, they will only add another $30.00 or so to your purchase. If your budget permits, you might want to get a shockmount as well.

Similar Posts:

• A Bad Microphone Means A Bad Video – Getting Started in Video Part 3
• USB Microphones
• Finding the Right Microphone for Interviews

Tags: microphones, techsmith