Microphones

Microphones vary hugely in price and quality. Most importantly, make sure your microphone will connect to, and work with, your recording machine.

Pictured to the right are three microphones, the Sony ECM-MS 907 at £60-£100, the Vivanco tie microphone at £30, and the Sony ECM-T6 tie microphone at £15-£20. There are many other suitable microphones on the market and it is generally true that you get what you pay for - examples of tie mics from the Audio Technica range include the Audio Technica ATR35S at around £30, the Audio Technica PRO70 at around £80, and the Audio Technica AT803BS1 at around £125.

If you are using a hand held microphone there is a danger of 'cable rattle' - the microphone cable flapping against the microphone can cause noise to appear on the recording. This can be avoided by holding a few winds of the cable in the hand which holds the microphone. One word about hand held microphones for long interviews - your arm may get very tired!

Where to buy microphones

If you are thinking of buying a microphone you may wish to visit the following companies. They should should not be considered to be approved or recommended by the East Midlands Oral History Archive.

Home>>Training>>Equipment

Sony digital desk mic
Sony ECM-MS digital desk mic

Vivanco tie microphone.

Sony tie microphone


Last updated: 30/05/08 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.