The quality of the sound recorded in Audacity is directly proportional to the quality of the Audacity microphones that you are using. When you compress your final sound file as an MP3 file, there will be some degradation in sound quality, so the better the sound file is before compression, the better the final file will sound. The best advice is to use the best quality microphone you can afford. We've produced adequate sound using an inexpensive USB headset microphone from Logitech.
Choosing Audacity Microphones
There are several types of microphones that work well with Audacity depending on your purpose, what you are recording, and the equipment you are using.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are durable general purpose microphones. They have few moving parts and are good for travel or taking on the road. They generate their own current and need no external power source.
Cardioid Condenser Microphones
Cardioid Condenser microphones (capacitor mic) produces an audio signal when sound waves hit the diaphragm causing two plates to vibrate and create an electric current. Condenser mics need an external power source called phantom power that is usually supplied by a mixer or an external power source. Condenser mics are very sensitive and responsive and will create a much stronger audio signal than dynamic mics. They are an ideal choice for studio work, but they are not as durable as the dynamic mics.
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