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Conference Microphone

Started by fonzie, October 03, 2010, 03:32:31 PM

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fonzie

I started using voxcommando just a day ago but I can already see the possibilities.  I eventually want to have it control my living room HTPC which is running XBMC.  I wanted to do this without using a handheld mic or a bulky headset.  I ran into this setup and thought I'd share it here.  It is a mic designed for conference calls and according to the reviews it is very sensitive, which would be a good thing if you want it to be at a distance.


MXL AC-404 Black USB Connector USB-Powered Microphone

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836709005&cm_re=conference_microphone-_-36-709-005-_-Product


I'm currently using the microphone from Xbox 360's rockband and it is working quite well from about 4-5 feet.  I do have to raise my voice a little though.  I imagine the mic above would work great in a living room scenario.  Once I get all of the quirks worked out in voxcommando, I may take the leap and purchase it.

Edit:  I did a little more reading and stumbled upon this article that talks a bit about microphones and voice recognition:

http://www.iautomate.com/pages/Whole-House-Microphones.html

What do you guys think about that PZM-11 mic?  Would it be feasible to somehow connect that to a PC?

jitterjames

there are so many mics to choose from, unfortunately  it is really  hard to know until you try them.

It would  be feasible to connect the pzm-11 to a computer, but a bit expensive unless you are ready have a mixer that delivers phantom power.

thanks for the link.  Interesting read.

fonzie

I found this phantom powered adapter for $42.40 US.  Seems simple enough to connect it through USB.

http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Icicle-Converter-Preamp/dp/B001EW5YQS

jitterjames

good find!  That looks like something that would really come in handy if it works well.  The price doesn't seem too bad either.

It's a shame that you can't buy this type of the stuff at the local "box store" so we could try stuff out and return it if we don't like it...

fonzie

Totally agree. I hate having to deal with shipping and handling costs on returns.

jitterjames

that's one good thing about the ps3eye.  In Canada you can get this at FutureShop, in the US probably at BestBuy, and I assume most other places have it.