Simple Gaming Mic

June 28, 2010 1:26 PM

Suggestions for a small, light mic for gaming? I'm not looking for a headset (I like the sound out of my speakers). Ideally I'd want something that clips easily to a shirt or has a small head / neck band.

Full headsets stop me from hearing stuff in the rest of the house.

Currently I have a little $10 mic which I have used a coat hanger and electrical tape to rig up so it settles near my chin (I put the wire over my neck.)

This is fine, but my hack job is coming apart. I wouldn't mind spending a few dollars to get a decent mic that doesn't involve do-it-yourself effort.

I've searched around a bit, but nothing is jumping out at me. I thought others here may have been in the same boat and have specific suggestions.

posted by ChrisManley to Computers & Internet (4 answers total)

I have an older version of the Labtec LVA-7330. Mine is falling apart and this looks like it might be a good replacement.
posted by aGee at 1:39 PM on June 28, 2010

If you get a standard headphones + mic headset that has two 3.5mm stereo jacks (as opposed to a single USB cable), you can simply leave the headphone jack unplugged. And with most sets, especially behind-the-neck style, you won't even have to wear the headphones on your ears, just stick it around your neck and reposition the mic to compensate.
posted by utsutsu at 2:33 PM on June 28, 2010

@utsutsu - I find most headsets are a bit heavy to just wear if you're not taking advantage of the headphones. But, maybe I'm not looking at the right headsets.

@aGee - That looks promising! Certainly the idea I was looking for.
posted by ChrisManley at 3:42 PM on June 28, 2010

I bought a lavalier mic similar to this one at Radio Shack that works great for this -- comes with a clip so it would work with your shirt, too.

I also picked up this mic for my laptop and it's been a great thing to have. Distance isn't a problem.
posted by circular at 6:06 PM on June 28, 2010