Simple and basic voice recording

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cornichon

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I'm afraid this is a very basic question: what do I need to be able to record my voice without much noise on a laptop?

I'm a professor of English, and I record exercises and materials for my students. I've also now been asked to record a few audiotours and the automated announcements at an airport -- all spoken word, no singing. I'm working on a laptop, and have no serious equipment as yet. Everything I record comes out with a horrible background hum.

I have no need to record multiple tracks, and the audio quality doesn't have to be stellar. I just want a simple setup for making voice recordings without noise. I understand that a good microphone is key, but I suspect that the noise I'm hearing now isn't coming from the microphone. Do I need a preamp? A USB soundcard? All the information I can find is about serious music recording, way beyond the level I need.

Ideally I'd like to spend no more than about $200, including the microphone. I live in a developing country, and it's a lot easier if I don't have to get things brought over from the USA. I think I can get a variety of stage mics, maybe some recording mics, and standard computer equipment. The only name-brand USB sound card I've seen is the Creative X-Fi, but I might find more if I look harder. Of course, if this is no good then I can resort to having a friend bring something over.
 
Is the laptop plugged in or on battery power when you are recording/playing back? Also, are you currently using the onboard mic or plugging a microphone into the 1/8" jack?

I've seen plenty of laptops out there that will introduce a pretty nasty hum when on AC power and using the onboard sound card.

Many times, this is alleviated just by introducing another interface... There are many solutions out there for portable sound card/interfaces... Both USB and Firewire... I use a Presonus Inspire (Firewire) for a small, portable unit... Works well for me, but needs it's own power source as well... Not good for 'roaming recording'.

I'm wondering if your needs would be suited more with a standalone recorder such as one of these: Product: DR-07 | TASCAM

Record what you need and then connect it to your computer later for editing...
 
Thanks a lot. I started using regular headphones, plugged into the 1/8" jack, but when that sounded bad I tried a USB headset, made by HP. Doesn't seem to have made things any better. I'll try on battery power, but I need a new battery first!

I guess I'm looking for something that's a solid step up from the cheap mics that you can get at any computer store, but not horrifically complex or expensive. As far as mobility goes, it's not a major issue to me; I use a laptop rather than a desktop so I can take it to other places, but I'll be recording in my home or office.

Standalone recorders look nice, but I don't think that would work for me as I often have to record maybe 20 short, 5-second phrases. I need to be able to record, play back and listen, and then discard the file and rerecord if it didn't come out perfect. I also use speech recognition on my computer, and it would be an advantage to be able to use a higher quality mic setup with that.

Thanks a lot for your answers!
 
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