Mr. Wizard and the Microphone

Many years ago when I was a teenager I discovered the wonderful world of electronics. I couldn’t believe that you could talk into a microphone and your words became “recorded” on some new invention called magnetic tape.

I still marvel at that invention called a tape recorder.

Soon I figured out how to tape the Beatles singing on TV by connecting alligator clips to the speaker terminals in the back of the TV. My mother was convinced that I’d blow up the TV or give me the shock of a lifetime tinkering around. I usually did my experimenting when mom wasn’t home which included putting an antenna on the roof. Now that was really spooky getting back down!

Even more amazing was the world of “Ham Radios.” Taking into another type of microphone could send your voice anywhere in the world to another ham operator who would then talk back to you.

Computers made their advent while I was in graduate school. Another marvel that used “punch cards” and lived in a climate controlled room while the rest of us were sweltering in hot classrooms trying to conserve energy. I didn’t get my hands on a computer for at least another 10 years.

OK - so why am I telling you my abbreviated life history of electronics? I want to emphasize that it’s still OK to tinker and experiment when we are older. Sometimes to save money. Other times you have to experiment because you can’t buy what you need.

I’m writing this little “how to” article for three reasons:
1. I can’t justify spending $100 on a new microphone (mic).
2. I really like the quality of the little mic that came with my GE headphones and I haven’t been able to find anything with the outstanding quality of this cheap little mic.
3. I want a lapel mic. I don’t mind wearing the headphone and mic but that gets a little hot after a few hours of recording and I can’t hear anything else when I’m recording except when I mumble or talk to myself - and that can get on your nerves telling yourself to shut up.

(See my article on selecting a microphone for reference).

First Step - Get a “Heavy Duty Extension Cable.”

The thin little cable that comes with the headphones may not be shielded enough and therefore picks up static and other interference. I also wanted the extra cable that the 8 feet cable provides.

I purchased this stereo cable from Radio Shack for $8.52 with tax.

Description. “8-Ft. (2.3m) * Shielded 24 Gauge.”

Second Step - Get a Tie Clip

You need a clip to hold the mic to your shirt or pocket. The tie clip off my old Radio Shack Lapel mic worked perfectly. However, it took about 100 hours to find it since i didn’t think to look behind the TV until I was very frustrated after having looked everywhere else known to man.

I did find some other stuff back there I had lost so I guess it was a good experience.
I’ll bet you are thinking about now, “I don’t have one of those little tie clips you dummy. How will this help me?”

Don’t give up. I’ve got you covered.

When I was at Radio Shack I was lucky enough to be talking with an employee that really knew her stuff. She told me that she could order replacement tie clips for the mics that they sell. WOW! That’s great. Now you won’t have to use a paper-clip unless you are very frugal.

One minor problem. I don’t think you can order this on line. You may need to go to your local Radio Shack or try e-mailing support.

Here’s the part/order number.
#10666410 Clip, Tie
Cost $4.10

Third Step - Attach Tie Clip to Bottom of Mic

Fourth Step - Plug the Mic into the Extension Cable.

Next you will need to plug the mic extension cable into your computer’s sound card - mic receptacle or line in.

Caution. Remember to turn off your computer to avoid giving it a static shock that could ruin your sound card and that’s bad if the card is on your motherboard.

Consult Chapter Three, Using Sound in the Family History Guidebook for instructions about inserting the mic into the sound card.

Fifth Step. Use a Paper Clasp.

The extension cable has a tendency to move around (because of it’s weight) causing the mic to pivot from side to side. Using a paper clasp around the cable and attached to your shirt will prevent the cable and mic from moving.

Here it is all assembled.

It works really great!

I think the shielded cable extension really cuts down on the static and noise and it doesn’t make noise if you move it while recording.

Yes it took some time and it was an added expense but I feel it was worth it because now I have an adjustable lapel mic that I can still use with my headphones and little stand that came with the mic.

One other nice thing about this setup is that you can just unplug the mic from the extension cable when you are not using it so the mic is not on all the time. You can then put the mic away in a more secure place that is better than in back of the TV with the tie clasp and other important stuff.