Logitech USB Desktop Microphone Reviews

• Great for the technically challenged!

  
  By A1P4F6HIXU6WYE on 2004-10-19
  My daughter is an aspiring pop singer. Neither of us has alot of tech ability. We wanted something simple to use so we could record her singing on the computer. After viewing several options we decided to purchase the Logitech.
  
  The mic arrived assembled in its package. All we had to do was figure out how to plug it in the computers USB port. Next we followed the booklets instructions to go to sound recorder in programs and click the record button. Easy enough since it clearly described where to find this in the instruction booklet. She sang a snippet and the book says if you press play and hear your voice it works (yes the book actually says this).
  Well we clicked play and heard her voice - crystal clear. Very simple!
  
  The microphone looks odd in the picture, but its actually very sleek. Its shaped like a noodle and about 9 inches tall. Its very slim. Because it pivots forwards and backwards on the base its easy to adjust. The base has a button to turn it on and off. My daughter is used to a traditional mic but she enjoyed this one.
  
  Great little mic for the money!
  
  

• Oh my... this thing works beautifully!

  
  By A28S3AJ6Z2BDJX on 2005-10-15
  First, I had some doubts about reviews below for the performance of this mic.
  I got this thing today, and my... let me apologize to reviewers below. This thing works beautifully!
  I put this mic about a feet away from my mouth(bit more than a feet... right next to where I use mouse with my right hand), and spoked a few words in normal voice level(maybe a bit lower) while my air conditioner was making some noise. When I played the recording back, the voice was captured loud and clean. This mic is outstanding with reasonable price tag!
  
  

• "Volumes" of praise

  
  By A2ALMW6CSEEFBE on 2006-01-27
  Thanks to the reviews posted here, I bought this microphone. It's awesome and I highly recommend it to other Amazon electronics consumers - especially at this price.
  
  In addition to the sleek look-and-feel, feather-light design, on-off illuminated button (so you can keep it plugged in but not active or use as mute button while recording - see Customer Images), its best feature is the 8-foot long cord which allows amazing flexibility and range despite being anchored via the USB port to your computer. For me, that one simple design component speaks "volumes" about the overall design quality of this product.
  
  This microphone is recommended for voice - not music - recording. But I found the music playback perfectly acceptable, especially as a background track.
  
  The installation is as easy as plugging it into your USB port. Software is freely available via download.com and then by searching for EXPStudio Audio Editor Free 3.93, which features multiple track capabilities (background music with voice-over). Using your computer, the software and this microphone, you definitely can create your own in-house recording studio.
  
  
  

• Great mic for voice chatting (Win/Linux), but *disable* your old mic first

  
  By A606YFOT9NTTH on 2005-01-23
  After plugging this usb microphone into my win2k system. I found the volume of
  the voice recorded is very small, with much background noise. And I can not
  record clearly unless I speak very close to the microphone. I was very
  disappointed at first, thinking I'm buying the wrong thing.
  
  Later I noticed there are two different microphone controls in the volume
  setting dialog. One is the mic of my sound card, and another one is this USB
  device. I tried to disable the onboard mic and set the volume of the USB one to
  maximum, then I started recording... Much to my surprise, this time the voice
  quality was superior!! I phoned a friend in China for ten minutes using skype,
  and the conversation is very clear even I placed the mic far from my mouth!
  Then I recorded a song of mine with cooledit 2.0. Again I get superior voice
  recording quality! There is almost no background noise so I think I will not
  use the noise reduction feature of cooledit any more! The USB cable is also
  long enough to place the mic far from computer when singing. Be sure to DISABLE
  onboard mic when using this USB microphone.
  
  UPDATED:Nov. 19, 2005
  I've been using this microphone for ten months. It has helped me save lots of oversea calling fees.
  
  If you want to use this mic as your primary input device under Linux, simply put the following lines in your ~/.asoundrc
  pcm.asymed {
  type asym
  playback.pcm "hw:0,0"
  capture.pcm "hw:1,0"
  }
  
  Then you can recard some voice using arecord:
  arecord voice.wav
  
  Overall this is a great product well worth the price.
  
  

• Stellar Performance at a Budget Price

  
  By A25V5NXGP9K3ZW on 2006-04-20
  I'm a bit perplexed at another review that stated the microphone does not work with Windows XP (Service Pack 2); in fact, it almost prevented me from purchasing. Nevertheless, I took a chance, and I'm glad I did. All I had to do was plug the jack in, and I was off and running.
  
  Sound quality is best at about 6 inches away, although tone is muted a bit. I was very impressed, however, at the complete absence of background noise - despite the fact that my washer and dryer were both running, and my wife and kids were talking and watching television only a few feet away. For my weekly podcast, this is the perfect choice.
  
  Interweb research shows the next best microphone to be in the $60-$80 price range so the $20 price makes the Logitech USB Desktop Microphone a no-brainer.
  
  As for that Service Pack 2 issue, it's possible that the difficulty was the result of another problem (such as a conflict), or it's possible an update has rendered the problem obsolete. In any case, mine worked right out of the box. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Not a good fit for Google Talk or Skype
  By AS5IQUU64Y31I on 2005-11-24
  I purchased this product for use with Google Talk based on one of the reviews. But it turned out not to be a good fit. The mic is not a full-duplex speakerphone despite its super clarity. So using it was a pain in the neck for real-time VoIP communication.
  
  I ended up using the MiniVox 100, a full-duplex USB speaker phone, which works great with Google Talk and Skype. I highly recommend for its full-duplex, hand-free communications. Priced at $39.99, it is available from Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007W2E64/102-9056435-9949712?v=glance&n=172282&n=507846&s=electronics&v=glance
  
  
  
• Vista? Fuggeddabouddit.
  By A17CM4O8AHBDMB on 2008-01-20
  Got Vista? Don't get this one. NOWHERE in the info provided by Amazon is this mentioned. Way to go.
  
  
• A decent microphone for a decent price
  By A30RF8CPNZHVAZ on 2005-12-02
  If you're looking for a good microphone for Internet telephony, gaming or recording podcasts, this is it! This microphone is USB so you don't need a sound card to run it. Windows XP automatically recognizes the microphone, so you don't need to install any drivers. The sound quality is quite good for this price range. I would recommend going into the Sounds and Audio Devices control panel and turning up the input volume on the microphone to get a proper level. Otherwise it runs well out of the box without further adjustment. Highly recommended!
  
  
• Best Microphone of Three I Bought Today
  By A3T9E1R8R55Q72 on 2005-09-22
  I need a microphone to make a high quality audio recording on my PC. All of my headset mics and the ones built into webcams sounded terrible. So I went to CompUSA and bought three microphones--this was the only USB microphone, the least expensive, and the sound is incredible. Like a recording studio--and much better than the other microphones. Buy this mic, but buy it from Amazon so you don't overpay like I did.
  
  
• Does the job.
  By AAOHXIG6EPJJ on 2006-01-31
  I picked this up for use with Skype (VoIP/Internet phone software), and it's been doing the job. I also tried using it with Garageband on a Mac, and it had a surprisingly good lo-fi sound. It's been worth the money so far.
  
  
• Crackling Problems
  By AO5M693PWSZ4D on 2006-04-03
  This was a great microphone but after about three months, I started experiencing crackling noise in my recording. I suspect it's due to the microphone's wiring.
  
  
• Great pickup...
  By A14F2ID7T5UWK3 on 2005-10-13
  This microphone has worked well since the day I got it. Right out of the box, all I had to do was select it in my preferences as the audio-in source, and i was talking away to my friends and controlling my computer from just under 3 feet away with a box fan in my nearby window. I have mac osx10.4, and I recommend this product...
  ~Curl
  
  
• Fantastic sound quality
  By A1MUU8JUB2LRD8 on 2006-01-19
  Logitech does it again. I wanted to be able to record my voice for podcasts and Flash animations, and the sound quality I've gotten out of this mic is perfect. I'm extremely surprised at how good it sounds.
  
  As for music, I pulled out my guitar, and I think the sound quality there is good, too, though I'm the farthest thing from a sound engineer. (You can hear my short test recording at randytayler döt cöm slash guitartest döt mp3.)
  
  
• Superb value, good sound quality, just bought two more.
  By A1A306IAZ3TM1 on 2007-03-11
  This microphone is a great value for the money. It records/captures loud and clear. Very good pick up of sound. I've used a lot of different mics for various things. This is a very good value for a PC based microphone. It works excellently with Dragon Naturally Speaking.
  
  
• Voice recognition
  By A16IM1MD8PFBS7 on 2005-08-11
  This microphone is being used with Dragon Naturally Speaking Medical Version. It has excellent voice recognition qualities. I needed to get the microphone off my head and get away from the wire. It has a pause button that lets Dragon continue working while you talk or think.
  
  
• Easy-To-Use, Easy-To-Install, Excellent Quality!
  By AMLI9RCUZY18R on 2005-10-10
  I purchased this product because of the tremendous reviews I had heard about it. Once I received it in the mail, all I had to do was plug it into a USB port of my computer, and voila! It's installed!
  
  This mic is definitely gamer quality, which is the main reason I got it. I like using TeamSpeak a lot, and I've always had compliments on how great and clear my voice was coming through on the other end. It is also EXCELLENT to use with Instant Messaging and Chat programs, and works seamlessly with Windows. Again, I stress the sheer perfect quality that this mic will deliver. It is WELL worth the price.
  
  Purchase this product now! You WON'T be disappointed!
  
  
• Good mic, but Internet radio DJs be aware
  By A27TES2C5AQHR9 on 2007-05-15
  This is a very good quality mic for the price. I'm an Internet DJ, using Winamp and Shoutcast, and my listeners reported vast improvements in my voice quality when I switched to this mic vs. the cheap headset job I used to have. I've heard my own shows when they were replayed and the audio quality of my voice rivals that of fellow DJs who use studio-quality mics.
  
  Be aware of one thing, though: USB mics don't allow you to do "voice-overs" where you're talking with music playing in the background. You're either talking or playing music. This means you have a less professional sound on the air. If your intended use is DJing you're better off getting a mic that plugs right into your sound card.
  
  
• Very nice and a super value
  By A1TJT6GXDGNN8Q on 2006-07-12
  Plug it in and it works. No distortion - very good clarity.
  
  
• This *DOES* work in Vista
  By AL9P33RH59LQQ on 2007-12-19
  Very good microphone - probably the best one I've used and I have been through 4 or 5.
  
  I am about to purchase another one for another computer in another room.
  
  I can confirm this mic works perfectly, out of the box with no extra drivers/software required, with Windows Vista.
  
  
• Works Great With Vista Home Premium
  By ADCRUIT7WA41N on 2008-07-29
  I almost didn't buy this product because there were reviews that said it wouldn't work with Windows Vista. Wrong! It works just fine. I did have to go to the control panel (new view not classic), click hardware and sound, and then the recording tab. The logitech had become the default, but under configure I found the volume was on its lowest setting. Once the volume setting was adjusted it worked great. The item does what it says it can do.
  
  
  
  
• Finally The Microphone I've Been Looking For!!!!!
  By A37555HP2BB2VN on 2005-09-21
  I love my View Pic Logitech 980186-0403 Silver USB Connector Desktop Microphone. Because I don't have to worry about drivers to download, and that it has easy plug-and-play, and that's what you get from the Logitech USB Desktop Microphone. You also get true digital quality and a noise-canceling technology to filter out unwanted background noise and deliver better voice recognition, better voice command, better voice recording, and more. Sleek, compact, and attractive, the itself is black, but on the pictures it looked like a very dark grey, and the base itself sliver. Nice...but I wished it would of been a all black color! Its also not built cheaply either, it is perfect for any desktop. This has got to be the best microphone I've ever owned. I'm thinging about getting my mom and younger brother one too! Note: You have be like a half foot away from the microphone, or you'll get distorted speech. For very cheap people this microphone isn't for you, because it cost almost 20 bucks! But I'm telling you it's worth it! Their is a 3.5mm version for 9.99 with 4.99 sh, links are below.
  [...]
  
  Pros:
  Advanced digital USB provides superior clarity, The simplicity of a single plug-and-play connection, Noise-canceling microphone filters out unwanted background noise, Power switch illuminates when microphone is active, Microphone pivots on weighted, stable base to hold preferred position, 8 ft shielded cord with USB connector, offers convenience and flexibility around your desktop, Mute switch on base for easy control, Weighted base for stability.
  
  Cons:
  Not really a con, but just a piece of advice, you have to be a half foot away from the microphone, or get distorted speech.
  
  
• ONLY FOR VOICE!
  By A1AJ1Z2AVV5U3T on 2005-12-06
  I wish it would have said, " Not recommended for recording Music. Also will not work with or patchable to Mike input to your HIGH-end Sound card.
  
  
• USB Microphone
  By AS1H4LTQD9VP on 2006-03-21
  This is an excellent microphone, as it cancels quite well and has an easy on/off button right in the front. It's quite stylish as well. The only big 'problem' with this device is that it creates another sound device, since it is USB, and thus is hard to use in some programs or unable to work. Beyond that, the microphone is very nice.
  
  
• More or less good, not that good...
  By ABYRY7UYLXWB7 on 2006-09-08
  I bought this microphone two days ago and I began using it right away , while it is a good microphone for voice I dont recommend it to record music. Most of the frecuency range is ok for voice...hey dont expect miracles here, you will get a good level to use for voice recognition , but when you use the sound recorder the volume is sadly low.
  
  I have to admit this one is one of the best mics you can find in this price range , it is far better than those cheap and crappy gooseneck mics the ones you have actually to shout and place them inside your mouth!!!,
  but I think with technological era we are living in , there must be better mics in this cost/benefit range.....
  
  
• Bad Quality For Singing Not Recomended If You Will Use It For Singing
  By AWORF5G1RC7WW on 2007-12-26
  this not good for recording voice you go 1 feet or further it barely picks up voice get 6 inches or closer picks up alot of pops and hisses not recomended if you are a singer or using it for podcasting i recomend the Samson CO1U
  
  
• great with skype
  By A1K1OUW3YARY94 on 2006-08-24
  I bought this microphone and I have no problems using it. It was easy, plug and play. The sound quality is great and it works wonderful with skype. I would always buy it again or recommend to others.
  
  
• Great sound quality and ease of use
  By AOKTG97JVZRPM on 2007-08-15
  After struggling with a similar product that plugged into the microphone jack on my computer and getting horrible results I gave this a try. The sound quality was excellent, and it was plug-and-play. I attribute the improvement in sound quality to the microphone, not the different method of connection: better dynamics, noise rejection, and overall clearer more natural sound.
  
  
• High Quality Microphone
  By A15YI6OCZBVZ2N on 2005-09-02
  So far I am very happy with this USB microphone. The sound quality produced is excellent. I don't have a lot of free desk space, but with the reception on this mic I am able to put it off to the side (and out of the way) and it still picks my voice without any problems at all.
  
  I use the mic to use with Ventrillo while playing online games. My frind and I got one at the same time, both of us are very happy with it.
  
  
• Logitech Mic
  By A2AMW6CYP0DRPK on 2005-09-21
  This mic is wonderful to use with Skype. The sound is good and I like the on-off switch.
  
  
• Cheap and Awesome Microphone for Voice Actors/Singers!
  By A37W3UP2YI8MLJ on 2006-02-26
  I am a part time voice actor and I have to say that this is one of the greatest and cheapest microphones ever. My voice is very clear. It is also easy to set up. You literally just plug it in. However, your computer needs to have a USB port (It has this pitchfork shaped icon that has a square on one prong, a triangle on another, and a circle on the third.) Just so you should know, I have a Compaq laptop and I read somewhere that most new computers have USB ports. A word of warning, however. I live in a dorm, and when I voice act and someone walks pass my room and speaks very loudly, I can faintly hear their voice. Other than that, this is a FANTASTIC buy and a must have for aspiring voice actors and singers.
  
  

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