Options for classroom microphones

In this week's COV workshop we have discussed different microphone options. In our current COV "digital backpacks," we include the Platronics Audio 650 USB Multimedia Stereo Headset. This is a pretty durable headset and microphone. Sometimes, however, you may want a different mic for whole-class recording.

A cheap microphone can be obtained at Target or Wal-Mart for around $10. The problem with these mics, generally, is that their cables are flimsy and after some use they start to have static because of the bendable wires/cables.

I have two more expensive mics that I really like and use a lot with students in classes I teach. You may want to apply for a minigrant or use a website like Donors Choose to get parents to support your purchase of one of these mic solutions.

For $100 at Best Buy, I purchased the M-Audio Producer USB microphone. The one I purchased came with Adobe Session software, which is $50 when purchased separately and is a "GarageBand-like" music making program which runs on Windows. The Producer USB mic can be purchased separately, but I've only seen it for sale with Session software at Best Buy. I love this mic, and it comes with its own small stand. A standard USB cable connects it to your computer, just like you use for a desktop USB printer.

The second microphone setup I have is more expensive but more flexible. This lets me use a standard XLR microphone, like the ones you probably have in your school gym or auditorium, as a computer microphone. I have a M-Audio MobilePre USB, which costs about $175 and lets me plug in more than one microphone. I have a Shure PG-58 vocal microphone, which cost about $50, and a longer (10") XLR microphone cable. The MobilePre USB plugs into your computer with a standard USB cable like the Producer USB (just like a printer cable).

Both of these mic setups work great on both Windows computers and Macintosh computers.

Some bundles are available which include both microphones, stands, and a MobilePre. BestBuy also sells for about $100 a single input USB audio interface called Fast Track USB. Both the Fast Track and the MobilePre can be used to plug into a guitar as well as a XLR mic.

Does anyone else have recommendations for classroom microphones?