Microphones

[Karen Perlman]

I saw on a website for court reports something called a "stealth microphone" has anyone used it?  opinion on whether it's good or not?

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Never heard of it.  I'm always interested in the latest and greatest microphones, though.  How much does it cost?  Is it USB or through the microphone hub??

[Karen Perlman]

I'm not sure whether it's USB or through a microphone hub, but I did find it on the website of Depobook Court Reporting Products.  it cost $59 and it doesn't give much more detail, like the range of the microphone.  that's why I was wondering. I'm always looking for a "better" mic.

 

[Mary Ann Payonk]

Wasn't StenoCast supposed to come out with this wonderful new small wireless mic that could help reporters hear in hard-to-hear places, like jury selection and long conference room tables - I mean, really long - or an audience full of speakers?  Just wondered about that too.

M.A.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I never heard about that, but that would be wonderful.  My mic is great when it's close to the speakers but not great when people are talking far away.   We need something like that.  Where did you hear about that, Mary Ann?

[Mary Ann Payonk]

Here's the link to AUDIO2ME, Kelli:

http://www.stenocast.com/audio2me.php

I heard about it at a convention or conference I attended - I believe it was midyear in Baltimore last year - when vendors had breakout sessions, and Michael Appleman gave his talk about StenoCast Wireless and also this project he was working on.  I've since then learned that they've put AUDIO2ME on hold because they are still developing it - tweaking it, I guess.  Even though it's on their website, I haven't heard of anyone actually using it, so no buzz to report.  If it works as it says, it would be just g-r-e-a-t, because if you can't hear it, you can't write it.  As it is, I carry a small mixer and 3 boundary mics with me in my bag.  They don't take up much space, but I can tell you there are times when my videographer can only offer me crappy sound - or none at all.  I just set up my own mixer and add my mics on the table.  As an aside to the thread, I think videographers should come prepared to provide the reporter with a clear hook-in to their audio - not to record, just to listen.  Again, can't hear, can't write.  It cuts down on clarification interruptions, and it's also most appreciated!

M.A.

[Kelley Nader]

I have a microphone that I purchased through Stenograph, and it's awesome.  You can also adjust your laptop settings to have the output to headphones and the input of the magnified microphone go to the headphones.  It really helps on hard jobs with concentration and noise cancellation.   The one downfall , this microphone uses a battery.

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

I agree about the videographers giving an audio feed.  I love that.  Sometimes it's not the best.  In that case, I've used the audio from the mic from my Diamante and that helps too.  At least it's something when you get a crappy vid.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

This discussion has been helpful to me.  Instead of buying a USB mic for Audiosinc, I am going to buy a mixer and two grabbers.  Are all mixers the same quality?  There are some cheaper than Martels.  Another mic I found is a USB for $50, and picks up to about 50 feet (if my memory is right).

http://www.planetheadset.com/Court-reporter-recording-microphone.php

 

Has anyone bought a grabber mic and regretted the quality?  The ones from Martel are $60 (picks up at 30 feet.)  The cheap ones for $25.00 just said "anywhere in the room."  Definitely too general an answer.  I really would like to know if anyone has bought a cheap grabber mic  (not USB, one for a mixer) and regretted it.

 

 

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Just got back from the Monterey DRA convention and everyone is talking about the Sound Professional's $240 microphone that's supposed to be amazing.  I'm investing tomorrow.

[Mary Jo Cochran]

I went to Sound Professionals and I went to Planet Headset.  It looks like the same products.  Planet Headset seems to have a better price for the same product ($200 v. $249).

[Kelli Combs (admin)]

Oh, thanks, Mary Jo.  I'll check it out. Nothing wrong with a better price I don't think.