Webcams for capturing audio
Microphones: Just like other movies, a screencast usually consists of two parts: audio and video. On this page, I discuss options for capturing the audio components. The audio is produced with hardware which will be discussed on this page. The software is used to collect the video. That will be discussed on another page on this site. Costs on USB microphones run the gamut from under $5.00 to $100.00. I have purchased a used USB microphone for under $5.00. I am planning on upgrading to a mid-level quality USB microphone soon. I have listened to screencast audio with higher fidelity equipment and the audio quality is better. I have my eye on the Blue Yeti USB Microphone. Because of its high quality noise cancelling features, the Yeti is very-well reviewed and a favorite of educational technologist and muscians alike. I like both its technical features and its extra-stable base. One of my colleagues recently allowed me to use their Yeti, and I was very pleased with the ease of use, the sound quality, and the look and feel of the unit. It is a little more money than I was planning on spending, but I am so impressed with it, I will likely make the purchase soon.
Desktop microphones: Some desktop microphones have tripods or large bases to stabilize them as you speak into them. The Yeti and other microphones depicted in the screenshot of google search returns are all desktop microphones. Personally, I prefer a desktop microphone to other types for producing screencasts. Although, screencasters have a variety of diferent types of microphones to choose from.
Headset microphones: These types of microphones are commonly available. Many are very high quality. Many educators already have microphones of this type for gaming applications. Personally, I don’t like these types of microphones. I don’t like how close the audio collector is to my mouth. When I enunciate a “P” or an “S” the audio peaks and distorts. Perhaps that audio production is unique to my microphone. But I haven’t been pleased with the audio for a single screencast that I have made with this type of microphone. Hence, my preference for desktop microphones.
Periphrial Microphones: These types of microphones connect to your computer through a USB cable or a 3.5 mm audio jack and/or input port. The audio on these types of micorphones also varies greatly. Anything more than $40.00 will probably have good audio input resulting in high-enough quality recording for the purposes of screencasting.
Integrated Webcam Microphones: Any webcam can be used as a microphone as well. The integrated microphone onboard your webcam or integrated into your laptop will provide the lowest quality audio
capture option. The quality of these units varies widely. The nicer the computer or after-market webcam, the better the audio quality. This should be your audio capture option of last resort. Note: the microphones listed here are listed in descending order of overall quality.
Desktop microphones: Some desktop microphones have tripods or large bases to stabilize them as you speak into them. The Yeti and other microphones depicted in the screenshot of google search returns are all desktop microphones. Personally, I prefer a desktop microphone to other types for producing screencasts. Although, screencasters have a variety of diferent types of microphones to choose from.
Headset microphones: These types of microphones are commonly available. Many are very high quality. Many educators already have microphones of this type for gaming applications. Personally, I don’t like these types of microphones. I don’t like how close the audio collector is to my mouth. When I enunciate a “P” or an “S” the audio peaks and distorts. Perhaps that audio production is unique to my microphone. But I haven’t been pleased with the audio for a single screencast that I have made with this type of microphone. Hence, my preference for desktop microphones.
Periphrial Microphones: These types of microphones connect to your computer through a USB cable or a 3.5 mm audio jack and/or input port. The audio on these types of micorphones also varies greatly. Anything more than $40.00 will probably have good audio input resulting in high-enough quality recording for the purposes of screencasting.
Integrated Webcam Microphones: Any webcam can be used as a microphone as well. The integrated microphone onboard your webcam or integrated into your laptop will provide the lowest quality audio
capture option. The quality of these units varies widely. The nicer the computer or after-market webcam, the better the audio quality. This should be your audio capture option of last resort. Note: the microphones listed here are listed in descending order of overall quality.