Post by Will R (admin) on Jan 16, 2014 18:09:22 GMT
USB microphones can have a place in cross-cultural research. Here are some thoughts to think before going that direction.
Up until recently, digital microphone bit-depth maxed out at 16 bits. This is below academic/archival best practice (http://x-cult-media.boards.net/thread/7/bit-depth-recommendation-24-minimum).
In the past few years, however, manufacturers have started making 24-bit USB microphones, often w/ USB3 connectivity (which is to be preferred over USB2) . They are out there, and one of them is bound to be good.
I'll make a further comment that, because a digital microphone packs the capsule-element, pre-amps, and digitizer in a single package, it is hard to find a model that is acceptable in all three capacities. If you are getting your element, pre-amp, and digitizer in separate units, you can choose the the collection more faithfully to the details you desire. An all-in-one unit can be desirable, however, especially when training non-technically inclined partners in the field: just plug and play (er, record). I have colleagues out there that are looking for a good one. I've not heard of their progress lately.
Up until recently, digital microphone bit-depth maxed out at 16 bits. This is below academic/archival best practice (http://x-cult-media.boards.net/thread/7/bit-depth-recommendation-24-minimum).
In the past few years, however, manufacturers have started making 24-bit USB microphones, often w/ USB3 connectivity (which is to be preferred over USB2) . They are out there, and one of them is bound to be good.
I'll make a further comment that, because a digital microphone packs the capsule-element, pre-amps, and digitizer in a single package, it is hard to find a model that is acceptable in all three capacities. If you are getting your element, pre-amp, and digitizer in separate units, you can choose the the collection more faithfully to the details you desire. An all-in-one unit can be desirable, however, especially when training non-technically inclined partners in the field: just plug and play (er, record). I have colleagues out there that are looking for a good one. I've not heard of their progress lately.