Need a good headset

September 7, 2011 8:11 AM

I need recommendations for a good headset with mic for recording. The mic can't shake when I move my head, and the headphones need to be insulated enough so the mic doesn't pick up what's coming through the headphones.

This will be used on a Windows Vista PC. USB is best, but I do have a USB dongle adapter for mini-jacks if need be.

I've purchased 3 different headsets on Amazon and none are meeting my needs. Some have these rubbery microphones and when I turn my head the microphone wags like a dog's tail making a terrible racquet when recording.

Others have poorly insulated earphones and the mic pics up every word that comes through the headphones (though faintly)

I use this for podcasting and while all the sets I've bought in the $25-$75 range have good enough sound for recording through the mic, these other problems are really problematic. I'm the type who moves my head while I talk and sitting stock still is killing me on the waggy-microphone ones.

Anyone have a good recommendation? Bonus points if it's under $100.

posted by arniec to computers & internet (9 answers total)

One other thing...something with a pop filter is best to avoid popping my Ps or too much Harsh S sounds.
posted by arniec at 8:13 AM on September 7, 2011

I use the Apple headphones with built-in mic, usually used for hands-free calling. I find it works well for recording video and I don't get any extra noise.
posted by dripdripdrop at 8:56 AM on September 7, 2011

Have you tried a desktop microphone of some sort? That might solve a couple of your problems. As its further away from your headphones and doesn't move when you move your head. Of course if you like to move around a lot while recording it won't work. I've had good luck with a simple Logitech USB desktop one.

It doesn't have a pop filter but you can avoid a lot of that with technique by speaking over the top of a microphone not into it also with a desktop the mic can be a foot or so away from you and that will help with that problem too.
posted by wwax at 9:05 AM on September 7, 2011

Expounding on what wwax wrote above about using an desk microphone, a piece of pantyhose cut about 2-3 inches above the toe placed snugly over the microphone is a pretty good pop filter without spending $10-20.
posted by kuanes at 9:53 AM on September 7, 2011

Might be worth checking out here and see what the recommendations are.
posted by Scottie_Bob at 10:21 AM on September 7, 2011

The desk doesn't work as it is something that needs to be portable, often being used away from the desk (hotel rooms and the like).

Scottie, I checked and saw a few, but man, all very very pricey
posted by arniec at 10:43 AM on September 7, 2011

Check out some gaming headsets? I have Plantronics GameCom headphones and they seem like they'd fit the bill for you. Well-insulated earphones and a solid swivel-down mic.
posted by gnutron at 12:16 PM on September 7, 2011

I know you said desktop won't work, but the Zoom H2 is very portable, small, and gets good sound quality. It's a recorder (although you can use it as a mic) for which the bulk of its body is the (3-mode, very good) microphone. It also comes with a pop filter, and a tiny stand that can screw into the bottom for extra stability (although it stands up fine without this, I think). It fits into the palm of your hand. It's probably ~$200, but you'll probably get much better sound quality than you're used to.
posted by amtho at 5:40 PM on September 7, 2011

No bonus points for me, but have you checked out something from The Boom? This MeFite seemed to like it. Or there's aviation and offroad headsets.

As for a pop filter, there are microphone socks you could add on. Or position the boom to the right/left of the corner of your mouth instead of right in front.
posted by buzzv at 6:36 PM on September 7, 2011