Help, Need New Mic/Headset for IM Podcast

[Grifter]

What's up guys? I'm in dire need of a good Mic/headset for the next IM podcast and was wondering what you all recommend. I would prefer a good headset with a high quality mic but if that doesn't exist a traditional mic would be OK.

I don't have a monitor at the moment and have my PC hooked up to my TV so I won't be sitting at a desk to do the podcast so any traditional mic I use I would have to hold the entire time hence the headset preference.

I'd like to keep the cost around the $60 mark or (preferably) below but if quality demands I pay more then I may be able to scrounge up some extra change. I also prefer a USB connection with as long a cable as possible.

[squirrelTactics]

I have the Ear Force headphones that are supposed to be used with the Xbox 360, but I just use them as my PC gaming headphones. I've been very satisfied with the sound quality, the bass in particular is really nice. I'm pretty sure the voice quality is solid, but I really only have used it for ventrilo.

The price is right around the range you're looking for if I remember correctly, and the cords are around 20 ft or so (because they're supposed to come from your television).

[LiquidRain]

I'd recommend the Sennheiser PC series. When I used one a few years ago, it was far and away the best affordable mic.

If you want a REAL setup you'll need the Senn HD 280 Pro's with a built in mic. Those are the ones you see on real podcast setups at 1up/etc. However, they don't come in USB flavour and are expensive, so yeah. That'd break your budget badly.

e: http://www.sennheiserusa.com/newsite/productdetail.asp?transid=502772

[Mike Kelehan]

Somewhat on topic, is there any good way to record a podcast on one computer using two USB mics? I can't figure out how to make that work.

[LiquidRain]

The only way I can think of is to have 2 Audacity instances open where they monitor while recording, and then record the mixed output on your soundcard using a 3rd Audacity.

[Mike Kelehan]

The only way I can think of is to have 2 Audacity instances open where they monitor while recording, and then record the mixed output on your soundcard using a 3rd Audacity.

I'll give that a shot, thanks.

[Ravenlock]

I use a Logitech ClearChat Pro (http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/webcam_communications/internet_headsets_phones/devices/3622&cl=US,EN) on the IM Podcast and to record my voice for other things (and also for teamchat in online games, obviously), and the sound quality has been pretty consistently good - no pops, no dropping my voice, no static. You were on with me, so you know how it sounded. ;)

It's USB and required no calibration on my part, I just plug it in, wear it and talk. Easy to recommend if $50 isn't outside your price range (or if you can get it cheaper - I got mine for around $30 from Circuit City before they went under).

EDIT: Fully reading your post, I see that $50 is < $60 so that part is probably fine. And it has an 8' USB cable, so that part ought to work out for you also.