We are in the same boat as everyone it seems. I have been focusing on this=
problem a bit more recently as we continue to add more and more multi-medi=
a to our program. I have used these headsets and about ten others. They s=
eem to be the best without spending a hundred bucks per headset. Proactive=
ly taping the USB connector is a good thing.
Some things to keep in mind:
1. The USB mic and headphone (and in fact any USB audio device) actually =
have their sound card built-in to the device. This is why you have to manu=
ally switch to a different device. It is in fact a separate sound card devi=
ce with software drivers etc. It makes no sense to me that you cannot defa=
ult to the device if it is always plugged in. Perhaps you can default, but=
in an operation where laptops get put away this is not enough anyways.
2. Macs do come with a microphone input (technically a line in). However=
, this input is not powered and requires a preamp. I have found one for $2=
9.00 and am actually investigating the building of one for $5. These ampli=
fy the input power so you can record using standard headphones with a mic c=
able or any audio microphone. Most preamps cost over a hundred bucks by th=
emselves and some hundreds of dollars. They cost a lot due to the technolo=
gy that filters the power interference.
3. Apple uses the USB microphones because they are the easiest. What App=
le does not seem to understand is the frustration that accumulates with tea=
chers and students and a USB device.
My next steps will be to investigate Greg's idea of a script firing, via a =
service that is always running I suppose, to assign the USB device. Any sc=
ript guys out there have a fancy to chase this down and become a hero??
Cheers,
Matt
On 2/22/10 7:44 AM, "Allison Garrett" <agarrett@donohoschool.com> wrote:
Most definitely. I have been to a couple of Apple-sponsored workshops on p=
odcasts, and they always use the USB headphones/ mics.
Allison Garrett
Lower School Technology Coordinator
Intermediate History
Donoho School
2501 Henry Road
Anniston, AL 36207
(256) 236-4459
-----Original Message-----
From: A forum for independent school educators on behalf of Carl Campion
Sent: Mon 2/22/2010 9:26 AM
To: ISED-L@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: headphones/mic for podcasting
thanks for the quick responses. So the USB are better than the models
with a mini jack for the mic and another for the audio out ?
On Feb 22, 2010, at 9:34 AM, Carl Campion wrote:
> I need to purchase combo headphones/mic units for students creating
> podcasts via Garageband. Any recommendations ?
>
> thanks
>
> Carl Campion
> Archmere Academy
>
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*****************************
Matt Pearson
Director of Technology, Security and Safety
Marin Country Day School
5221 Paradise Drive
Corte Madera, CA 94925
Phone: 415-927-5950
Fax: 415-945-5150
Email: mpearson@mcds.org
"Do or do not, there is no try."
--Yoda, The Empire Strikes Back
"The person who says it cannot be done should
not interrupt the person who is doing it."
--Chinese Proverb
*****************************
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