How do I block out internal noises from my computer while using Skype?
March 10, 2010 8:04 AM   Subscribe

How can I use Skype on my Macbook, while I'm typing so that it doesn't pick up my keystrokes and internal Macbook Fan?

I'm trying to live record some meetings that I go to so that other people that can't attend can hear what is going on. I'm using Skype, because that is the only way that most of those people can connect with me. Because I'm using a laptop (MacBook) and am taking notes at the same time, the computer picks up not only the voices from the meeting, but my keystrokes on my computer as well as the internal fan, making it difficult to hear the speakers at the meetings.

Unfortunately the Macintosh does not have a microphone input, so that I can't use an external mic. The only inputs are USB and line in (which would need a powered source). USB headsets with mics don't work well because they are meant for the speaker to be close to the mic.

Are there any alternatives for me to use?
posted by hdh to Computers & Internet (9 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
There are plenty of USB audio interfaces which have microphone inputs to plug in an external microphone, and there are even some USB mics, and many of them sound pretty good. You can go to Guitar Center to find these, although they may have some options for you at places like Best Buy (some of the USB mics are marketed towards podcasters)
posted by markblasco at 8:10 AM on March 10, 2010


Are the voices you're trying to record in the same room as you (and on skype)? This is not clear from your question. If so, you can use a USB conference mic (not headset) set in the middle of the room.
posted by nitsuj at 8:11 AM on March 10, 2010


The Samson Go Mic gets quite good reviews, even though I've never tested it myself.
posted by PontifexPrimus at 8:29 AM on March 10, 2010


USB headsets with mics don't work well because they are meant for the speaker to be close to the mic.

I dont believe this is true. USB sound devices dont expect anything. They're simple sound devices. In fact, unless you are using noise cancellation, you dont want to mic close to speaker. Buy a decent USB headset, every serious skype user I know does this and they seem to work just fine. I personally use a mouse with a microphone in it when traveling and it works almost as well as a headset.
posted by damn dirty ape at 8:37 AM on March 10, 2010


You identified the problem that needs solving; you need to use an external mic.

You could add a mic input with the Griffin iMic. There are certainly more expensive and premium line/mic input devices, but I have found the iMic to be generally pretty great and a great price for the performance. It does limit you to mics with 1/8th inch inputs or a tangle of wires (still limiting you to non-powered mics generally).

You could use the mic input you already have; I "think" all Macbook's with only one 1/8th in. minijack can use iPhone headsets. A cable that would take split that single jack into two 1/8 in. mini-jacks should certainly exist. All I'm finding at the moment online is this one which I am not specifically recommending as I don't know if it would actually work.

You could add a USB based Mic; the Blue Snowflake is pretty darn sensitive. I have not tried it in a meeting room to intentionally pick up everyone's voice so your mileage may vary.

Me, I would get a USB to XLR mic adapter (such as the Blue Icicle) and a basic good microphone (such as the Shure SM58.
posted by fief at 8:39 AM on March 10, 2010


In addition to an external (USB) mic, to address the typing noises specifically, have you considered a separate gel-type keyboard?
posted by PMdixon at 9:31 AM on March 10, 2010


I'm not sure what you mean by "the Macintosh does not have a microphone input". It certainly does...if you have one of the newer Macbooks with the single audio plug, in Sound settings you can choose to have it as an input. It works without any change with any headphone/mic set that uses the 3 ring audio plug (like the iPhone headphones).

You can also use it with any Line In, just by telling settings to do so.

I often use a Blue Snowball for just such occasions, via USB.
posted by griffey at 9:36 AM on March 10, 2010


I use a seventy buck USB headset I got from RadioShack (or whatever it's called now.) The quality isn't inherently better than the built in mic, but the placement cuts down on the external noise a lot.

I suspect your MacBook is like mine, and has a single audio out port. This headset works by channeling the microphone through the USB port and the speaker through the audio out (there's a splitter on the cord.) You'll have to fiddle in the Sounds system preference to get the right input/output combo.

(Don't have the 'set with me at present, MeMail me if you want details.)
posted by ChurchHatesTucker at 5:23 PM on March 10, 2010


Response by poster: You've all given good answers. I can't choose best one, since there is no way without purchasing all of the different possibilities I can test them out. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll let you all know if I choose one and how it works.
posted by hdh at 6:11 PM on March 14, 2010


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