A friend of mine needs a mic for doing voiceover work. It will plug directly into the computer (1/8", no mixer) and preferably cost under $100. Yes, I know you can't get the greatest mic for that, but she doesn't have more money, so there ya go. What can she get for $100?

A friend of mine needs a mic for doing voiceover work. It will plug directly into the computer (1/8", no mixer) and preferably cost under $100. Yes, I know you can't get the greatest mic for that, but she doesn't have more money, so there ya go. What can she get for $100?

Have a look at the m-audi nova: http://www.maudio.co.uk/products/en_gb/Nova-main.html

Unfortunately that mic requires phantom power, which she won't have plugging it into a PC. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

So I'm guessing you're leaning towards a dynamic microphone?
Maybe a Shure 58 with a xlr to 1/8" cable?

AKG D230 with XLR-to-1/8th adapter.
(Do a search here on D230.)

Don't forget that most computer cards have a stereo mini mic input and it is not stereo but mono and a voltage out( low power 5v)If you use an adapter it must be made specifically for this situation.
See here http://www.shure.com/support/technotes/app-soundcard.html

I haven't tried this, but a direct to USB condenser mic fits the bill.

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=1810&brandID=2

Less than USD80 on Amazon.

The AKG D230 is showing up at a lot more than $100. The Shure SM58 is spot on at $100 and is what I am looking at currently, unless someone has a better suggestion at the same price. The USB mic looks decent, but she is not computer savvy and I don't want her having to deal with drivers. Plug 'n play is the way. I also need to find her free/cheap software for recording her voiceovers. I was thinking CoolEdit96, but something easier for her to use would be better.

Thanks for the tips.

-Mike

If her sound card has the ability to manage the 58, I'd recommend that, too, since it's cheap, sounds pretty good, and is always very resalable.
For an application, you might want to look at Sony Sound Forge Studio. Very easy, has built in tutorials that are very easy to understand, and even helps if it "senses"that you're having trouble.
About 60.00 most computer stores.

>> If her sound card has the ability to manage the 58

What does that mean?

>> If her sound card has the ability to manage the 58

What does that mean?

The 58 is a dynamic mic, which means it likely won't need a preamp, but not knowing that specific sound card, it may or may not need an external preamp. If it does, you'll want either an external pre, or you'll want a different sound card. It'll be immediately apparent once you plug the mic in. Keep the cable short, since it's fairly assured that the mic input on the sound card isn't balanced and you'll be using an XLR to 3.5mm adapter.