Setup for recording computer narration?

[tdotson]

Hello, everyone. I'm looking for some opinions on a good setup for my situation. I prepare computer training at work using simulation software (Camtasia) and I narrate over the on-screen action as I step through the software. I've been using an inexpensive Logitech USB headset mic, but the sound quality is not good (the volume is too low and it's flat-sounding.)

I'm trying to decide if I can do better without spending lots of money. The PC is a Compaq 1 Ghz with 268 mb running WinXP Pro. I went with USB because, being a work PC, these have minimal sound support (Soundmax integrated support.) Since I'd be buying the setup with my own money so I can use it for personal projects as well, I'd like to not install an internal PC card.

Ideally I'd like to be able to have high-quality narration with some control over how I sound, even though with Camtasia it's fairly low-fi. It would be nice to be able to mix in audio from a recorded track on occasion (the files would be on the same PC.) I'm getting recommendations for a US122 USB adapter, a preamp, onboard software, etc. and I'm lost. If you have any microphone recommendations, I'd love to hear those too (again, voice narration only, headset probably the most convenient but not essential.) I was hoping to spend no more than a couple of hundred dollars total, but maybe that's not realistic. Thanks for any suggestions.

Tim

 

[manning1]

your getting poor sound quality not only because of the logitech mic but because of the on board sound chip. these tend to be poor.
you could certainly try a usb solution (on the basis you can return it if it doesnt work). i'm a puter engr with a recording set up and frankly i dont touch usb. it might work for you, but a lot of folks have had problems with usb sound solutions.
my best advise for a clean mic recording would be an electrovoice used dynamic mic in vgood condition into an maudio audio buddy mic preamp,
and a good pci sound card (internal i'm afraid.).for example a audiophile by maudio. but make sure you can return it if it doesnt work in your particular PC. compaqs sometimes have "quirks" ive found.
also before buying the audiophile just try the mic and pre combo i suggested with the audiobuddy pre feeding the line input NOT MIC INPUT of the sound max.
ive a feeling youll notice an improvement and might not need the audiophile.
RULE - never use mic inputs on on board sound cards. they are terrible.
you shouldl get a nice clean recording this way.

for recording software just use google and search for audacity.
its free !! it also has a noise reduction feature in it so haveing recorded you can clean up anysmall sound card noise (eg soundmax) in the track.

also i should say as a puter engineer your compaq has too low memory. running xp the recommended memory is 512 ram.
peace.