Advice wanted

[oxoniensis]

I want need a microphone for my computer. Peoples, what should I get? What are your experiences, good and bad. I don't have the slightest clue about them, or even how they connect, though I suppose it'll have to compete with my camera, printer and ipod for my one remaining free usb port

Comments

[katkim]

I've never really noticed a persons accent. For me, I think clarity and a natural reading style are more important.

[oxoniensis]

Good reading is most important, I think, when it comes to reading fiction. But I must admit that I've tried listening to a couple of recorded stories made by Americans, and the accents totally threw me, to the extent that I wasn't really listening to the words, just the accent.

[aurora_bee]

Get a cheep one. They break very easily, especially when you have a long cabel like me ;)

[oxoniensis]

I'm usually fairly good at not breaking things, but I'll bear that in mind! Thanks for the tip!

[destina]

I think many Americans tend to love accents. *g* So I don't think it'd be an issue, hearing SPN or SV read in an English accent. Although, if you tried to read Brokeback Mountain, that might be odd. But since we have five gazillion different regional accents here in the states anyway, maybe not so much. Read on!

[oxoniensis]

I think many Americans tend to love accents. *g*

Whenever I'm in the US and open my mouth I either get "OMG, I love your accent" or a blank look and a request to repeat myself! I was so shocked the first time I visited New York and couldn't make myself understood in a shop! *g*

Although, if you tried to read Brokeback Mountain, that might be odd.

*laughs* Definitely wouldn't try that!

[vegetariansushi]

For whatever it is worth, I am in New York now, and frequently have to repeat myself over and over again to get people to understand me. And I'm American! The general population just have a very hard time with different accents and dialects here, it seems.

(Incidentally, I am reading all the comments not because I am stalking you, but because I am after buying a mic myself, and decided that this was more efficient than doing my own post.)

[oxoniensis]

British people sometimes have trouble understanding each other too. *g*

And you are SO stalking me. Be truthful.

So, have you picked a mic yet?

[schluffmuff]

I have a Logitech that connects by USB, and it's worked very well. I used to have a freebie one that came with my ABS computer that connected elsewhere. I have no idea what the technical term is, but it's similar to an audio jack, just a different color and for microphones. Anyway, that one broke after a few months due to the wires coming out of the cord. I have had no problems with the Logitech.. it's definitely sturdier than my old one.

[oxoniensis]

Ah, that's the second recommendation for Logitech. I've looked some of that make on Amazon that connect via usb, and found a couple that look good. Thanks for the suggestion.

[isiscolo]

I found that straight SGA fic read in an English accent was too off-putting, but the humorous "William Shakespeare's In My Cat" worked perfectly. I'm not sure why.

I suppose if you wanted to trade, you could record one of my HP stories for me and I'd record one of your SGA stories for you!

[oxoniensis]

I think we just view comedy sufficiently differently that issues that would mar a serious story wouldn't affect us in the same way with something comic.

I like your trade idea! I'm still not sure that I'll even do it, but once I get myself set up, I'll have to have a go at reading something and see how it goes. And if it works well enough, I shall get back to you.

[isiscolo]

All my audiofic is available here if you want to listen. I have a fairly standard American accent.

[oxoniensis]

I'll have to take a listen sometime soon. And send you a sample of me reading, if you'd like - I won't be offended if you decide you'd rather not have me read anything of yours!