If you like hearing my voice on a real microphone...

[mrsmica]

Hello, drabblefans! I've started a small fundraiser for, well, myself, so I can get a microphone. Details at the link, and rambling copied below

http://mrsmica.chipin.com/zoom-h1-recor ... ccessories" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

While you're here, let me tell you a little bit about why I could use an H1 Recorder, and why I'm asking you to help me towards its purchase.

I have been a podcaster since 2006* but until recently I've mostly participated in discussion podcasts where the microphone quality doesn't matter as much. I've also been a die-hard fan of podcasted fiction, and now that I've had a taste of reading pieces and voicing lines, it's time to turn that fandom into participation. The headphones I've been using for my discussion podcasts just won't cut it for the podcasts I've been getting requests from. I would like to do them the honor and respect of recording on a quality microphone, or else I'll have to turn these offers down.

Yet, I'm not asking for a super-expensive microphone. I know there are ones out there that can do things I can't even imagine, but I don't need those things right now, and some of them I'll never need. The Zoom H1 recorder is the one I've found in my research and the one I keep having recommended to me.

Why am I not digging in to purchase it on my own? My husband and I are at a point in our lives where we have to seriously question any purchase that doesn't directly go towards food, clothing, or shelter. Any contribution you can make here will help ease that leap for us and pave the way for me to possibly earn a little money on the side doing voicework.

And for family and friends who haven't thought of a Christmas present yet - bingo! This is what I want for Christmas, because I already have my two front teeth.

-----------

*Artist Alley, Dear Editor, and Pendragon Variety, as well as appearances on the Drabblecast and the Dribblecast

[tbaker2500]

Looking forward to hearing more of you on the dribblecast!

[normsherman]

Woohoo! Worthy cause me thinks!

[ROU Killing Time]

How much that puppy cost? I need to upgrade too real bad and I'm in that same food/clothes /housing situation too.

[dreamrock]

The H1 is about 100 USD, not counting shipping or any discounts you might get (or the fact that you have to buy memory cards for it). It's a handheld with a slot for SD (might be only micro SD?) and the microphones built in are supposed to be the same ones that are built in to my lovely lovely H4n. If I was made of money and not looking for a job, I'd buy an H1 just for doing interviews and field recording. It's a nice little piece of equipment.

The reason I suggest it to podcasters as opposed to a USB microphone is that it's easier to get it away from the noise of your computer, and also you can record at high quality without dragging your computer with you. I'm pretty sure demand has outstripped supply at the moment though so it's a little difficult to find. Unless that's changed since last I looked. Anyway ... everyone please chip in to buy MrsMica an H1.

[mrsmica]

Thank you guys for your support. Dreamrock has been very kind letting me come to record with his equipment, which is how I know how great these mics are. There also seems to be a standard accessory pkg and between those two things and shipping, I'm expecting to pay upwards of $150. I've seen some deals around $120 that come and go that I'm going to try to snag. The accessory pkg includes a stand that was very convenient when I borrowed dreamrock's h4n.

I've sent two recordings to the dribblecast recently but they're not up yet

[zcarter80]

My name is Zebulun Carter and i support this message. . . i mean cause. How do i get you some cash ma lady? also heres a cheap deal on the product and you may alos be able to find it on ubid.com a bit cheaper. http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H1-Portable- ... B003QKBVYK" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mrsmica]

Thanks! I'm going to get the accesories package too, but I still might be able to get it all for about $130 if I can catch one of the deals. I was going to shop around and let everyone know if I snag one on sale.

[zcarter80]

sounds good, do you have a paypal or do we just tape some quarters to a bowling ball and roll it to you.

[mrsmica]

the quarters method sounds a little chancey, lol

On the page I linked there is a button that says "click here" where it shows the graph. That should take you to paypal. If that does not work for you, my paypal email is
mr.mulington.the.3rd@gmail.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[zcarter80]

Sweet. Now I know and knowing is half the battle!

[mrsmica]

Thank you again for everyone's help!

Today I was able to update the chipin to the exact amount of the purchase ($123 if it's not showing up yet). It's cyber monday, and since everyone was so helpful, I'd already collected enough to go ahead and snag it! The chipin is still up if any one wants to contribute to the difference, but in any case, the H1 should be arriving in a week! I look forward to recording for you guys with it!