Question What type of microphone do I need? This is confusing.

[hondoman]

Right then, I make videos for my mates, family and the odd student for my business. I also do live streaming with some as well. I sit in my shop on a stool and have been using a Logitech PC camera with built in microphone. I've been doing this for a few years and it has worked well enough. The feedback I've received is that whilst the video quality is good the sound is rubbish. Mind, I can be understood, it's just not good quality.

I've attempted to understand the myriad of systems that microphone makers offer, but I can't seem to get a proper understanding.

I've seen these Rode mics that YouTubers wear when vlogging, but I don't know what else is needed other than what I see them wear clipped to a jacket or shirt.

I've also attempted to watch the odd video to understand what I need, but this doesn't seem to go.

I want to continue using the USB cabled Logitech camera, but would like to have a small microphone clipped to my shirt. I suppose Bluetooth will suffice.

I do not care for these boom type USB microphones, unless that is the only alternative.

Can any one of you well versed folk offer some advice on where I can get properly sorted on what I am after. Perhaps you have a microphone brand and model in mind that suits my needs.

Cheers!

 

[Ralston18]

Likely you will simply need to pay more for quality audio equipment.

The end audio will only be as good as the lowest level of fidelity along the audio path.

And that path can established in any number of ways with multiple options and configurations.

FYI:

https://www.cablechick.com.au/blog/understanding-trrs-and-audio-jacks/

Even if audio is "working" mismatches affect quality.

Starting with the quality and connectivity (TS, TRS, TRRS) of a small microphone clipped to your shirt.

Will defer to the Forum's audiophile members with respect to any given brand of microphone or other relevant audio components.

 

[hondoman]

Likely you will simply need to pay more for quality audio equipment.

FYI:

https://www.cablechick.com.au/blog/understanding-trrs-and-audio-jacks/

Even if audio is "working" mismatches affect quality.

Starting with the quality and connectivity (TS, TRS, TRRS) of a small microphone clipped to your shirt.

So, you are of the opinion that cabled (3.5mm) would be the best option? I have considered that. Straight to the 3.5mm audio jack in the PC?

 

[Ralston18]

Provided that I understand your question correctly the answer is yes.

Each added cable, connection, adapter, splitter, etc., just provides more chances for distortion and other audio issues.

The more direct, the better. "Better" being somewhat subjective when it comes to audio.

However, the physical connectivity and standards must be (per the CableChick link) consistant.

And you must pay attention to the specific jack(s) being used on the PC - the color coding being one starting point. Likely to be multiple ports on any given desktop computer: I/O, audio card, front panel. Laptops much less so.

Matching pinouts between plugs and sockets being foremost.

You still need a quality microphone for faithful audio requirements.

 

[dwd999]

It might help if you could tell us the specific model of your Logitech camera and what software you are using to record these videos. That might help us understand if the camera's audio can be overridden by plugging a mic into the PC and if your recording software will allow the sound input to be separate from the camera video and mic input. Since you already have the software perhaps you could check now if there's a setting that allows audio from a source other than the camera.

You might also tell us a little about your shop and why people think the sound is bad. Is it simply because your room is echoey and/or outside sounds get into the mic?