10 Tips for Better Sounding Vocal Recordings for Beginners (FAQ Series)

[@TheWorlds1stTBar]

Why oh why can't all tutorials be as clear and concise as this. So much was made clear. Most tutorials seem to forget what it was like to be a beginner. Thank you so much Podcastage.

[@Liowen]

Tip 12: Don't use a mechanical keyboard. No matter what you do the clack of the keyboard is going to be heard. Tip 13: Avoid chocolate or dairy products you will sound phlegmy. (Learn this when I use to sing) Tip 14: Buy a SHOCK MOUNT if one will fit your mic (My main complaint about the SM7B honestly) Tip 15: ......Wash your hands. No real reason but it is always a good idea.

[@HenryToliver]

Tip 12a: Clip your nails. Even with a quiet keyboard, if you type nail-first, it CAN be heard!

[@Dubsys]

Mechanical keyboards aren't inherently noisy, anything with a non clicky switch is as silent as your typing.

[@minebrain03]

If you have a mechanical keyboard and are looking to buy a microphone, dynamic microphones will generally reject off-angle sounds better than cardioid microphones which can help remove the keyboard noise. If your mic is picking up noise from the keyboard you can use a gate plugin to make sure that the keyboard by itself cannot come through. You will still have keyboard noise coming through if you type while speaking but if you are anything like me, typing and talking about different things is very difficult so there is a very low chance of it happening. I will never give up chocolate.

[@HardmanAudio]

why are you typing while you are recording vocals anyway?

[@minebrain03]

@@HardmanAudio it might be a recording of me playing a game with my friends where I talk to them while typing for example

[@siangmingalexlau8220]

The audio in this video says it all: well balanced, smooth, and simply a pleasure to listen to!

[@austincox1709]

he is also using a very very expensive microphone lol

[@wm1573]

@@austincox1709with correct settings correct post processing correct mic technique correct room treatment correct gain management….microphone doesn’t magically make the sound great

[@ItsClutchLmao]

@@wm1573ehhhh, with his main one yeah

[@AuralayKristine]

bless this video because I spent the last 3 hours trying to figure out why the mic wasn't sounding any different and finally realize my computer was still using the stupid built-in microphone for this zoom recording omfg

[@FireLordJD]

Had my first day of online zoom classes today... I'm sending this to all my professors lol thanks Bandrew 👍

[@Podcastage]

Perfect. That's exactly who it was made for. I want to make sure that the people who are in a situation no one wants to be in, that everyone can have the best experience possible.

[@SamsungSamsung-kq5bu]

@@Podcastage porn

[@daviddavidsonn3578]

@@SamsungSamsung-kq5bu lol

[@theentirestateofalaska.4983]

How is it going now?

[@jimpurcell]

Aaaaaaagh! I have known 90% of the things you said for decades!!! YET, as I was watching your latest tips I realized that my have angled my boom arm to pickup my noisy fans and not reject my keyboard clicks. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I really appreciate your podcast in general, and this episode in particular!!!!!

[@kroketkitu]

to be honest, he is the most legit guy when it comes to explain such things on youtube. I learnt so much from him

[@amigo_overland]

You he is really good

[@artjohnson01]

I wondered what you were doing with that Blue Yeti. Then when you came to the tip, everything became clear. Probably the most important tip of the video! Pay Attention folks!!

[@MichaelW.1980]

Very true. I gave that advice to another streamer the other day and his sound was improved so much just by that, that I literally saved him the cost of getting a new mic, which he was actually thinking about before.

[@rambo2190]

@@MichaelW.1980 what tip. im having problems with my at2020

[@HistoricUlster]

This could explain why there are always so many abominable for sale

[@artjohnson01]

@@rambo2190 Won't help you. Tip #9. MANY, MANY people buy the Blue Yeti and try to talk into the top of the device. Problem is that there is no mic in the top. It is a front address microphone.

[@NoorSkullz]

KZbin should have a "get started" section that allows creators to have their videos pinned for new beginners because this is better than most quick start guides.

[@jsasa5668]

I edit podcasts for several clients and I can't tell you how many times I have gone over this with them. Excellent video.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much for the kind words. Hopefully this video can lighten your work load a bit.

[@curtisjudd]

Pure gold!

[@Podcastage]

Thanks so much Curtis. That really means a lot. =)

[@RajVeer87156]

@@Podcastage hello pal, I am a teacher in Mauritius, I would like to make educational videos and record videos/powerpoints for pupils for free, I won't feature in these videos, just my voice, which microphone/headset on a budget can you suggest please?

[@laurabrown6447]

In Modern Living Room Everyone Using "SoundProof Curtains" That Stops Outside Noise by 80% (25 Db) Tested. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/

[@denizparry]

@@RajVeer87156 Try using a Blue snowball mic or a Phillips SBC MD110. You might have to tweak the settings a little but that's all. They're both budget microphones that are good. Another choice is the Blue Yeti. Edit:Spelling Errors

[@RajVeer87156]

@@denizparry thanks pal

[@rars0n]

I love how you used all those mics in one video. Great demonstrations of each point you brought up as well!

[@silver_]

Great tips man, the yeti specific one is probably one of my personal pet peeves whenever I see someone do it, I instinctively pause the video and take a deep breath to hold back my internal cringing. A last little tip from my experience is if you can't afford sound treatment go for a dynamic microphone they are generally better at capturing less of the room you're in. Condensers generally do have a nicer sound but if you're starting out and you are left between a super cheap condenser and a super cheap dynamic, the dynamic is generally gonna be the better option for sound control.

[@johnhricko8212]

Every person just starting any kind of recording project should watch this!! SUPER practical ! And just like anything you want to do well.... Plan ahead!...PRACTICE, question your approach, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, Then LISTEN back, evaluate. ...repeat....

[@TheBoyComeHome]

The 45 degree angle helped substantially with my Samson Go Mic on a small boom arm (another improvement I got recently), plosives are now taken care of without needing a pop filter in my VoIP use for work (which is great as I was struggling to find a small one to go with such a small mic). Thank you sir!

[@thetreasonseason]

This deserves a Noble Prize award

[@somecallmetim2580]

Quite comprehensive. Thanks for remembering that everyone has to start somewhere and a lot of "new to this" folks are coming online during this time!

[@SKIMER]

Cardioid polar pattern looks like a heart THAT'S WHY IT'S CALLED CARDIOID XD

[@hugovinicius2068]

That's an ass for me. Lol

[@Podcastage]

We all see what we want to see.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@hugovinicius2068 Me to the other guy cannot take a joke. Everybody likes a nice ass.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmS0fZhrg8iDfas

[@DeanPeters]

Dude, it was some humor, instructive humor ... you point the butt of the pattern at the noise source making your recording life a post processing nightmare. See how easy it is for the target audience of this video to remember that? Moon the noise source! Personally, I think it's quite an ingenious mnemonic. Eeesh.

[@mrredoficial]

I feel like I just went through a 2 years audio course in 11 minutes. Thanks brother

[@gbwalther3198]

The 45 degree angle tip when recording to avoid plosives without a pop-filter will be invaluable with an audio documentary project I'm working on now. Thanks for the real life demos with your guidelines.

[@_JohnnySav]

How to I turn off the trains passing my windows lmao

[@skakdosmer]

I don’t know how much it helps, but you might try using a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern close to your mouth and turn your face towards the noise. Also engage the low-cut filter if either your microphone or your recording equipment has such a thing. (It might have a different name, like high-pass or bass roll-off).

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

hire thomas

[@OGM_OriginalGameMusic]

face the mics away from the noise, put a thick blanket around you and the mic, get a decent dynamic mic, no compression, fast noise gate!!

[@johnnyfrisco5354]

Buy a train timetable for your area...

[@restrictedmangoz3630]

Perhaps consider a low pass filter of 40/80hz

[@ashash679]

I deeply appreciate all the input and knowledge you share with us. As a Podcaster and KZbinr I can tell you, your help is invaluable. Keep up your great work. :)

[@Saroph]

i feel so stupid but the polar tip actually made me realize why my voice varied so much. Thanks a ton!

[@przybylskipawel]

WOW! That is comprehensive! It is so easy to forget how little we knew before we found out all we know...

[@MaSTARMedia]

Can do a top 10 tips for intermediate or advanced next time?

[@Podcastage]

I think once you get to intermediate and advanced it’s less about simple tips, and more complex ideas. I do still plan on doing an EQ, Compression, Noise Gate videos as stand alones. I think post processing in general would be intermediate / advanced. So I’ll definitely be doing these in the future.

[@christianburgos2736]

@@Podcastage please please please

[@5ecretcode]

@@Podcastage would love to learn that or like you bring a few people in to discuss it since I always see curtis judd and others in your comments you seem to have few sound titans who would be down with that

[@LoanwordEggcorn]

90% of the benefit will come from the basics in this video.

[@nightchef57]

You have the best-sounding closet I’ve ever heard. I started telling the people I work with not to record VO in their closets because I was getting tracks that were muddy and comb-filtery. It seemed like the clothes were absorbing plenty of high end, but the low-to-low-mid reflections were running wild and clouding things up. So I’ve been telling people to find the least reverberant full-sized room available and just get closer to the mic if need be. But if all closets sounded as clear as the one in this video, I’d change my advice.

[@00solman]

You have identified an issue and have offered solutions! How it's should be done. No ifs, ands, or butt!

[@kevinstuart5105]

It's nice that you do so many thoughtful little things for your viewers, like the segmented video bar, links to pertinent information, etc. Then on top of all of that, you actually know what you're talking about too! Bravo good sir, bravo.

[@ViniVendramel]

You are like a God when it comes to mic positioning and/or choosing! Appreciate your helpful videos bro! Greetings from Brazil

[@dt8295]

A buddy of mine and I are starting a channel soon and it's all going to be spoken word. This is the first time I've ever done any kind of recording for my voice so these tips are super helpful. Thanks so much.

[@ParengCastor]

You are the best sound teacher 🎤

[@Guitarmickey23]

Some might say this is all very basic but, I had to learn all these things from experience over the last 50+ years. Thumbs up!

[@Themaremonstrum]

Excellent video, excellent communication skills! Excellent video quality! For those who haven't done it, you need to use headphones to get the most of this video. You could hear all the differences in sound. Thanks so much!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much, but you just brought up a tip that I can't believe I did not include. Tip 12: Use headphones while in a call.

[@theressaortega1148]

I actually appreciate your video! I have been singing all my life. No one has ever encouraged or support me. I have an amazing voice. I have set up a studio. And it’s an challenge trying to learn .

[@wolfblade25]

I so desperately needed this video. I just bought a mic for the first time in my life for work (Samson g-track pro, because I also play instruments). Thank you so much and keep up the amazing work!

[@chellewill8119]

Oh my goodness!!! I'm one of the people! I'm talking into the wrong side of the microphone. lol Thank you so much!!! That's exactly what I needed to know. Sounds so much better.

[@nofinishhline]

Great video!! I got my blue yeti for a podcast 3 days ago and thought id be able to just plug it in and go. Definitely not that easy. Was practicing and messing around with mic positioning and settings and everything for the last 2 days and feel like im definitely getting more confident. These are some great tips and can honestly say, it seems like it would be easy to work a mic as you’re just talking into it but theres so much more to it!! Thank you for the vid :)

[@douglasparks8430]

Yes, I just hope you didn't follow his lead by talking into the end of your side-address Yeti.

[@impossiblefunky]

The blue yeti sounded better than the mic you're using at the end. Thanks for making this video. Very good advice.

[@And-c7n]

Tip Zero - have a microphone box ready to throw with vengeance across the room if it goes wrong. It won't improve the recording or fix the issue but you will feel better!

[@kgt9925]

I agree, Pure gold! Magnificent. Thank you so much.

[@rosecc]

Blankets ! Such an overlooked sound treatment material, literally any blanket pinned to the wall will help reverb it doesnt even have to be a "sound blanket"

[@pv321]

Great tutorial - I started researching USB mics, but honestly, I've learned that the mic is only half of the task, and your tips cover the rest. Big thanks. Here's the stars KZbin doesn't have ***** (5, count 'em!)

[@essentialcraftsman]

This is really great content and exceptionally well produced thank you sir

[@Mike0193Azul]

Thanks so much for this 💚

[@garricksantos]

Normal person: "Looks like a heart." Podcastage: "Looks like a butt." This been mentioned many times, but I totally expected him to say heart like a normal person haha

[@AlwaysBolttheBird]

Nah it’s a fat ass haha

[@Andrew_Whiteford]

select Kardashioid or Cardioid pattern...

[@myke.p]

AMAZING TIPS! You never disappoint me, man. Thanks a lot. I've always blamed my room for reverb but now I have some ideas what to do to get rid of that nasty reverb.

[@Mathieu_Matheow_Benoit]

I discovered you recently through your mics reviews and i must say, you produce the most complete and in depth mic reviews out there 👍 Most other "reviewers" are basically just reading specs sheets Im a complete newbie into audio and i would love to see an "audio 101" series from you. Like for exemple what exactly is a frequency response, what is sampling, bit depth etc That would be awesome :D

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Bandrew is soundman.

[@lorrayasky]

One of the best walk-throughs on KZbin with Microphone. Great Job!

[@AffinityforMTG]

5:30 I have the jankiest sound treatment imaginable. I hang blankets around my computer... I didn't want them there all the time, so I actually put small ceiling hooks in my ceiling which aren't very noticeable, and then when I want to record it takes just a few seconds to throw the blankets on the hooks. It's worth a try if you can't afford real audio treatment - or if you're recording in the middle of your living room like I am.

[@medec10667]

It's not bad if it works. Honestly, I've seen "hang blankets on your walls" a number of times over the years; the ceiling hooks are smart. If you don't have a few spare blankets and are just recording voiceovers, you can always just pull a comforter over your head when recording.

[@AnandaGarden]

Speaking as your target audio beginner guy, this was superb. Important tips, all. Thank you.

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much for those kind words. It’s always rewarding knowing that a video helped out a bit. I appreciate ya.

[@Rey7430]

and i thought i was the only one who scrapes the grill of the mic.. XD amazing as always..you're the best audio guide on youtube by far.. love from india..

[@TheUltimateBlooper]

I do light tapping instead of scraping. The tap will never be picked up by anything else, but always shows up as a low/med frequency spike on the correct mic.

[@BrendaEM]

I had a cheap tip. An new, small cotton black anklet sock can be used as a microphone dust cover/cozy. It likely will cut plosives a bit, as well help a mic stay clean and fresh during the trilled-lip vocal exercises. Who knows--placing a sock over a mic might even keep a mic from rolling off the edge of table. BTW, you have a great microphone channel. Thanks for all the videos!

[@Kittysuit]

if you want to reduce your voice bouncing around the room: wear a blanket (or even your covers) over you and your microphone. a big coat works too, as long as it fits over you and your mic (make sure it doesnt touch the mic)

[@TheONE-kq3mm]

ThanK you !!!!

[@MrMrGarlick]

One of the best tutorials I've ever watched on KZbin. Clear, helpful and direct, thank you.

[@TheCanadianPepper]

With how things are today with Covid-19, I decided to invest in a basic interface and mic (nothing fancy, just a scarlet and a sm78) to get into some streaming. I've gone through most of your videos regarding gear reviews and wanted to express my thanks for doing great work!

[@jb-naz]

Do they still sell a shurw sm78? I'm surprised

[@PostColorGear]

I wasn't sure how much I was going to learn because of how long I've been using microphones, but that scratching that mic tip was AMAZING! Thanks for the vid!

[@BKProPhoto]

The smell of burnt stickers👏 😂

[@davidcook6064]

You beat me to it :) Maybe it's a ritual??

[@BKProPhoto]

@@davidcook6064 It's a sheer hatred of them! Haha.

[@Podcastage]

I had one video where I lit a sticker on fire. I am speaking from experience where I actually had to leave the room and run an air purifier for an hour to try and clear the stink out.

[@readingsbycara]

In all seriousness, great vid, and exceptional audio! ♥️

[@fernandomeneghetti]

Just started going through this because of the quarantine and what you said was in 11 min was better than a whole 6 hours of other videos I've seen before. Wish I had started here. Thanks

[@PoppyTales]

Great job as always. The only “tip” I might add is make sure you have the correct mic (ie USB vs XLR)

[@undisclosed4006]

GREAT DICTION and articulation - you didn’t mention the importance of these, but your demo certainly demonstrated it without it seeming overly apparent. When speech patterns are slovenly, a broadcaster lacks authority and conviction, whereas you excel in both, as well as in an extremely well organised and painstaking production. I am monitored several Vids here on the topic of using sound equipment and most commentators have failed to realise that it really is about the visual demonstration of what they wish to convey, not just a matter of talking and hoping the information will transfer magically to their audience.

[@kege]

Hi Bandrew, just wanted to say that I absolutely love your content and am happy for you with all the success that you have had from all the grinding and hard work! I've been a long time lurker but you have now won my sub (and maybe a channel member in the near future?)! I found some minor typos on your website and thought I'd bring it to your attention here, since I can't find a way to DM you. On your "My Favorite XLR Microphones" page, some of your Sweetwater links read as "Sweetater" instead - might wanna fix that. All the best and looking forward to 200k subs, and eventually, your first million!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much Ken! I'm going to have to update a lot of links in the near future so I'll make sure to correct that info as well. Appreciate ya.

[@RocknRollkat]

"Get the best audio BEFORE you record...." This is the most important piece of the equation and the most IGNORED. The better your signal 'going in', the less you will have to do in the mix. You will need fewer plugins, less outboard gear, and get a better sound to boot. Imagine that ! Remember, a properly recorded song pretty much mixes itself. The classical musicians didn't need mixing consoles, hell, they didn't even have electricity ! Good enough for Richard Wagner, good enough for you. Excellent presentation, thank you ! Bill P.

[@HanselOchoaMontero]

Hey Bandrew, I’ve been using Voicemeeter Banana for a couple of months during my online meetings to give my audio some compression and EQ. However, I always trouble to know what are the most appropriate settings for the EQ. So, it would be nice a video where you explain how a nice set eq for the voice should sound.

[@silver_]

Voice EQ settings are entirely dependent on your microphone and your own voice, it's really more about how you yourself want your voice to sound, feel like your voice lacks bass? Boost the low frequencies, feel like your voice is a little bit harsh on the ears? Bring down the high end a bit, these are just some examples but generally in spoken word your voice is the only factor so unlike with music where it's about trying to give everything it's place in the mix you really do have free reign on the entire spectrum, hope this helps.

[@minebrain03]

Honestly, I just use a gate, an EQ with only a high-pass filter on it and a compressor that mostly acts as a limiter. This takes out low-frequency background rumble and it gives me more flexibility in post. I also have an EQ profile that I don't use very often which makes it sound more broadcast-y but as long as you have a decent microphone nobody at the other end of a live situation is going to mind. What does your setup look like? I have my voicemeeter potato plugged into cantabile which houses my plugins. Edit: The EQ is applied before the gate, my bad.

[@Heyitdave]

I love how your giving the example real time while explaining it and also using various mics for a visual on which one sounds like which

[@Mexgadget]

I for sure need to improve my mic technique, thanks for the tips, hopefully you’ll make more videos on the subject. Thanks!

[@nomadblack1776]

This guy is creative, efficient and incredibly insightful at the same time while staying entertaining. Subbed!

[@midtown3221]

When I get my mic, I think I'll try covering my head with my shirt or draping a blanket over myself.

[@moniquelynwone8228]

Thanks!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you so much Monique, I really appreciate that! Hope the recording goes well.

[@SIMPLIFIEDFILMING]

wow thank you so much. I'm going to be doing some live streaming on my channel soon. And I've done okay in the past but this will really help. Keep up the good work bro

[@noratown]

You are an astonishingly good teacher. THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO

[@nerdaccount]

Also, maybe this is simple, but having headphone so you can hear what's happening is something I didn't know when I first started.

[@tistits]

My God I wish all my teachers were this calm and straightforward when teaching

[@elijahbe02]

Please bring pizza Pronto.

[@JusttheWatch]

This was awesome. Thanks! Now I'm heading straight over to the video about how to set my gain, because I'm doing it wrong. A lot.

[@Chee.Y4ng]

"Vibe" "Reverb" "Actually a good name, but not the best"

[@taylor.douthit]

Jam-packed with goodies. Thanks for the tips!

[@ehsanr21]

I Have Sound Blaster R3 😋 Audio Recording Starter Kit for KZbin Review This Kit Please I Need Your Advice For Be Better Use Of This Kit 😃

[@mason_tong]

ehsanr21 what type of mic is it? USB or XLR? Condenser or Dynamic?

[@LadyManacos]

Loved this short sweet and to the point refresher I needed after being on a three year hiatus from this stuff. Thank you for the help!

[@johnfdm123]

Thanks for the video. Nicely broken down into simple, easy-to-digest, easy-to-understand pieces.

[@davelongenecker649]

Blue Yeti - GREAT tip at 7:13 and really well demonstrated!

[@JoshTheHod]

this guy does not miss i love all these videos it really helps me keep them coming!

[@dharmakelleherauthor]

LMAO (at myself). I have spent the past month or so narrating the audio version of one of my thrillers and had been speaking into the end of the mic. And not exactly thrilled with the quality of the recording. Figured I just didn't have a nice resonant voice like so many pro narrators do. Then yesterday, I was watching your video comparing my mic (Audio Technica AT2020) to other mics. I noticed you were talking into the side of the mic rather than the end. * lightbulb moment* I went into my blanket fort (aka my closet recording area) and repositioned my mic so that I was speaking into the side and OMG! My voice sounds so much richer and warmer. * facepalm* I went into this with a beginner's mind, knowing I'd make some silly mistakes. And this is clearly one of them. Thanks for this video!

[@Podcastage]

@@dharmakelleherauthor Glad you were able to identify the issue and resolve it. Hope the recording goes smoothly from here on out. Happy recording Dharma.

[@silkroad1201]

After only 8 years in the sound production industry, I've learned a lot about getting a great sound. If there's anything I learned the most, it's that you need 2 things to sound good: a little bit of talent and A LOT of money 😘

[@Javerni]

I’ve been watching your videos to find out what I should go for, for my audio setup. Then, you popped up with all these videos that help setup the gear correctly and everything, and I feel like you’ve been a tremendous help, so thank you!

[@tamerismail8375]

Not only your video is clear and easy to understand but also full of information that really helps, thank you Bandrew

[@crowlsyong]

Seriously so good. U are among the best youtubers out there in terms of organization, quality, directness, meaningfulness, and overall quality.

[@musicgearnetwork]

Just gotta give you props & kudos for the thumbnail. I love it for obvious reasons. The Blue Yeti placement and I know you did that on purpose lol!

[@randyprice4672]

Great job laying the information out. I’m sure it takes a long time to gather all the info and put it together in a sensible way… thank you

[@davegross7014]

THANKS. the amount of videos I’ve mixed with people improperly using a Yeti is astounding.

[@HowardBaileyMusic]

Good mic tips. I've been working in studios for longer than I will admit and I still watch and learn from basic to intermediate tutorial videos.

[@kaiderhaiii]

honestly your content gave me so much insight on Audio Setups and everything surrounding it. Always great content, keep it up!

[@tonylbenson]

I have watched many of your videos and the helpfulness and quality are superb.

[@YHRS]

This should be required viewing for anybody getting into using a microphone. Great job! I'll be linking to this video any chance I get for the foreseeable future 😊

[@CTRmotherheckrs]

Dude.. Thank you so much for a lot of the things you've done here, A) Had an extremely awesome video that is EXCEPTIONALLY helpful! B) Not just telling us what to do, but explaining things! C) Dividing up the video for reference points

[@DukeFavre]

LOVE THE GUIDE, Always consider: DYNAMIC or CONDENSER, XLR or USB. To buy some Gadgets: ARM, Boomstick, Shockmount, Audio interface (first) then maybe a Mixer.

[@billyboybliss]

Great stuff. I have been teaching over 40 years and happy to learn new skills.

[@ssyyddnneeyy55350]

as a music industry student, I approve all of these tips! also the way that you edited/demonstrated each of these is so good I laughed waayy too much

[@JSBroadcast]

#11 by far the most important. Make sure you do as many different tests as possible, with your camera, mic position, different IQ settings, etc. Takes very little effort and can make a massive difference.

[@stuntmasta305]

This is one of the few videos I actually gave a thumbs up. Very informative and well scripted.

[@SealeFamilyMinistries]

The other thing I might mention is the mic you have, can find in a store that is still open, or get in time from Amazon, may not be "the greatest and best mic ever" but it is the best mic for you right now. Almost any "real" microphone, even the cheap side address condenser mics from China are better than most (not atrociously expensive) headsets, and certainly better than the one in your webcam or laptop. A side note: the mention of the closet brought back memories. One of the books I read on audio 20 or so years ago mentioned that very idea. Was fun to be reminded of it. It sounds like a hilarious or crazy idea, but it works.