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Line 1: − <small>[[Working From Home Resources|back to hub]]</small>+ − You can get surprisingly far with even a basic mic, as long as you use it properly. A proper one will always help, though. On this page you'll find recommendations for microphones in every price range.+ − When looking at a mic, make sure you take a careful look at its connectivity - if it has USB you'll be good to just plug it into your laptop, if it has only XLR you'll need an external audio interface as well. Most of the mics on this page will be USB unless otherwise indicated.+ − == Where To Buy == − A good place to start will be Amazon, bearing in mind that they are prioritising essentials and so delivery times may be ''quite long indeed''.+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − If you're in the UK take a look at Gear4Music, if in continental Europe look on Thomann (they also ship to the UK, however it can get a bit costly).+ − Do not underestimate eBay, provided you are willing to shop around and investigate the quality of the gear you're purchasing, you can get very good deals with much shorter shipping times compared to normal shopfronts with the current climate.+ + − A good source for reviews on microphones is [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvOU-zTlankT-JjN3ZzvuKA Podcastage], if you fancy shopping around.+ + + + − + + − You'd be surprised how good an earphone (e.g. EarPod) mic can sound, if you use it properly. We'll put some guidance on our [[Working From Home Resources/Microphone Technique|mic technique]] page on how to make it sound better, the tl;dr is to put it close, but not too close, to your mouth.+ + − At a pinch you could use your laptop's built-in mic, but we wouldn't recommend it. With a laptop mic you have far less control over positioning, so if at all possible use an external one, even on your earbuds.+ + − If you have a gaming headset, or indeed any headset with a mic, lying around, that can work quite well as well. Similar guidelines apply: position it 3-5cm from your mouth, while angling it to avoid air going directly into the mic, because that'll cause popping, which sounds awful.+ − + − − − At this price range you can't go wrong with the '''Samson Go'''. It's a small condenser mic that plugs in via USB and can sit on top of your laptop (it's really that small!), or on your desk. Don't put it too close to your mouth though, because it is quite sensitive. − − − − At this price range we'd recommend the Go's bigger brother, the '''Samson Meteor'''. It also plugs in via USB, but has a bigger sensor, so it'll sound much nicer. Just like the Go, put it a bit further away from your mouth. − − You'll see a lot of YouTubers and streamers using Blue Snowballs, and while they're ''fine'', if you can stretch the budget for a Meteor it'll sound much nicer for radio, so the Snowball is an option but not recommended. − − − − == £100 == − − At this range a good option is the '''Blue Yeti Nano''', or if you can stretch the budget, the full-size '''Yeti'''. There's also the Yeti Studio, but the only real benefit of that is that it has an XLR port, which you probably won't need unless you already have XLR hardware (if you have to ask, you don't). − − == Beyond == − − At this range, the options widen quite considerably. − − If you want to stick with USB, look into the '''Audio-Technica AT2020 USBi''' (make sure you get the "USBi" version, as the basic AT2020 doesn't have a USB plug!) - it's quite pricy, but plugs directly into your laptop via USB, so no need for any extra hardware. − − You could also get a '''Rode NT1-A''' or a '''Shure SM58''', but these are ''XLR mics'' and will need an interface to be used, so will drive up the price quite a bit. If you want to get one of these, we'd recommend the NT1-A if all you'll be using it for is vocals, or the SM58 if you want a more flexible piece of kit. If you get the NT1-A "vocal recording pack", it'll come with a shock mount (to further reduce handling noise), which is useful. Remember though, you'll also need a stand and an interface, so don't go buying just a mic as it'll be a bit useless. − − == Accessories == − − Here are some things that you may find useful in your radio production adventures. − − === Stand === − − Most of the mics listed above have a built-in stand, but some may not. We always advise having a stand, or at least putting the mic down on something, rather than holding it in your hand, as many cheaper mics aren't great at rejecting handling noise. − − There's no real recommendations here - type "mic stand" on your favourite shopping site, set a price filter, and go from there. − − === Pop Shield / Muff === − − You've seen them - a thin piece of fabric in front of the mic. They're there to stop plosives, the sounds that you can hear when you're speaking too close to a mic (for an idea of what a plosive sounds like, say the word "plosive" loudly), from destroying your sound quality. − − While with adequate mic positioning you won't need one, it never hurts to have one. Again, look on whatever shopping website you prefer - make sure, however, to check how the pop shield attaches to your stand, to avoid buying something useless. − − If you're not in the mood for splashing the cash, get creative! A piece of fabric (tights work well) on a wire loop won't sound much worse than the professional ones, and it'll give you something to do during the quarantine. − − === Audio Interfaces === − − An audio interface is like a really basic mixer that plugs directly into your computer. Almost all the mics listed above are USB, so you don't need an interface, but if you're looking into more advanced gear, or eventually recording multiple mics at once, these may be useful. − − One that the Engineering and Computing Teams use a lot at URY is the '''Behringer U-Phoria UMC22''' - we use them for a lot of events and OBs where we don't have the space or time to set up a full mixer. − − If you want to get fancier and need more inputs, good options are the '''Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2''' or the '''Focusrite Scarlett 2i2''', although these do have a price tag to match the fanciness. − − As already stated, '''''you probably don't need an audio interface'''''. The options are here in case you're interested, but for most simple use cases, a mic and a pair of headphones will do you just fine. − − If you do buy one, make sure to check if your combo of mic and interface comes with an XLR cable - some do but many don't, so you might need to buy one separately - don't get caught out!
2020 changes, approved at Station Meeting 2020-04-21
I, the undersigned, agree to abide by University Radio York's (URY's) station rules and regulations as set out below, and the Ofcom Programming Code (accessible at www.ofcom.org.uk). I have fully read and understood these rules and regulations, and I understand that if I break any of the rules or regulations stated by Ofcom or its successor, I will be solely liable for any resulting fines or actions that may be levied against URY.
I also understand that should I break any of URY’s rules or regulations, I am liable to be subject to disciplinary action as decided by URY’s Programme Controller. I will also abide by the YUSU Media Charter (available from the Student Centre). I have never been convicted of any criminal offence related to radio broadcasting.
In the event that I cease to be a member or honorary member of URY, this contract will expire four months following the membership's expiry (or earlier at the discretion of the Programme Controller).
=== URY Rules And Regulations ===
# You must have passed a URY training session, be a URY Member, and have permission to broadcast from the Programme Controller in order to be allowed to operate broadcast equipment.
# If you operate broadcast equipment, you are responsible for its correct usage and for upholding URY’s stated rules and regulations at all times.
#
## You are responsible for the content of all broadcasts in which you operate the broadcast equipment, including all technical and audible contributions that you, co-presenters or guests make.
## An individual may appear as a guest presenter on air twice in an academic year without being a URY member. After those two appearances the individual must pay membership, register on MyRadio and become studio trained before they may appear on another URY show.
# You must do all shows that you have signed-up for, unless the Programme Controller states otherwise.
# If you are going to be late for your show, you must contact the Programme Controller as soon as possible. If you believe that you will be unable to do your show, you must cancel on MyRadio. If there are less than 48 hours until your show, you must inform the Programme Controller at the earliest opportunity.
# If you have to cancel your show suddenly due to unforeseen circumstances, you should contact the Programme Controller as soon as possible.
# Anyone who runs broadcast equipment on-air must sign in using SIS (Studio Information System). This person must also log in any guests present on the broadcast.
# You must broadcast the station name and frequency at least once an hour during your show (e.g. play the News-in Jingle) unless the Programme Controller states otherwise.
# You must broadcast the news every hour. In the event that there is a technical fault, you must inform the Programme Controller as soon as possible.
#
## You must play all copyrighted music content on your show through URY Playout Software (i.e. you may not use digital music players, including MP3 players, laptops and mobile phones, streaming services such as Spotify or YouTube, or any physical media such as compact discs), except with special permission from the Programme Controller.
## All copyrighted music content that is not played through URY Playout Software (subject to the previous clause) must be logged manually, as instructed by the Programme Controller. URY Playout Software will do this automatically.
# You must follow our PPL music licence laws at all times. The laws are outlined as follows:
## During any 3 hour period:
### You must play no more than 3 tracks from any album (and no more than 2 consecutively).
### You must play no more than 4 tracks from any particular artist or compilation (and no more than 3 consecutively).
### You must only play a track once in any 1-hour period.
### You must not use tracks as beds at any time.
## For a single hour show, you can ensure you do not infringe on PPL laws by abiding by these guidelines:
### Play no more than 1 track from any album by a single artist.
### Play no more than 2 tracks from any particular artist or compilation (and no more than 2 consecutively).
### A Track may only be played once in any 1-hour period.
### You must not use tracks as beds at any time
# You must show impartiality on all political, sectarian, or otherwise contentious issues. If you intend to or predict that you might broadcast potentially controversial output, consult the Programme Controller.
#
## You must not swear on-air, nor express racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise offensive opinions in any broadcast. Use of gratuitous swearing is particularly unacceptable.
## If you, or any other participant in a broadcast, swear inadvertently, you must immediately issue an on-air apology.
## Songs that contain swearing or other potentially offensive language may only be played on shows between the hours of 9pm and 5am. A standard or otherwise pre-agreed disclaimer is to be played at the beginning of each hour of the show. It is unacceptable for presenters and their guests to swear at any time.
# You must not claim that we can be heard off campus on 1350AM.
# You must not broadcast under the influence of drugs or alcohol, nor allow anyone on the show to do so.
# You must leave the studio clean and tidy. You may not remove any URY property without following the relevant constitutional protocols. You may not remove or copy any URY music. Such activities are illegal and will be dealt with accordingly.
# If you are the last person to leave the station building, you must pull down all blinds (where applicable), close all windows, ensure the studios are switched off, and ensure the front door closes fully. Station key cards must be returned to the porter. Should there be any problem with station key cards or any aspect of URY security, please contact the Programme Controller. In an emergency, contact Security Services on (01904) 32 3333.
# You must abide by the Ofcom Programming Code at all times.
=== Disciplinary Actions ===
==== Warnings ====
There are 2 kinds of warnings that the Programme Controller can issue on any occasion, should they see fit. Inappropriate behaviour, misuse of URY property, breach of URY rules and breach of Ofcom rules are the most sensitive occasions in which warnings will be considered.
;Informal Warning
:Any member of URY may be issued with an informal warning in the event that they commit an offence that the Programme Controller considers noteworthy, relatively minor, inappropriate or unacceptable. If you receive an informal warning and repeat the infraction warned against, you will receive a formal warning.
;Formal Warning
:Any member of URY may be issued with a formal warning at the discretion of the Programme Controller. The person in question need not have received any informal warnings nor committed previous offences. In the event that they breach URY rules, Ofcom rules or behaves otherwise inappropriately, the Programme Controller may decide to contact the member in question and/or issue a formal warning. If you receive a formal warning and repeat the infraction warned against, your show can be suspended or taken permanently off-air.
== Budget Zero ==
==== Suspension ====
The Programme Controller can suspend a presenter on any occasion for as long as they see fit.
==== Expulsion ====
The Programme Controller can decide to cancel a show or ban a presenter from doing a show on any occasion. Presenters may be banned from using URY facilities and equipment, or from URY as a whole.
==== Appeals Procedure ====
If your show is suspended it will be retained virtually on the system for one week, though you will be unable to present this show. Any appeals against the decision can be made to the Station Management within this time. If no appeal is made, the show will be removed permanently from the schedule. If an appeal is made, the presenter will be invited to meet with the Station Manager, Assistant Station Manager, Programme Controller and Training Coordinator to make their case. All decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
=== Updates to the Contract ===
The URY Committee reserves the right to update this contract at any time following the procedures laid out in the [[Constitution]] and will notify members when this will take place.
== <£40 ==
== <£75 ==
The Shure PGA58 comes in below this range, but you'll also need an audio interface for it, and a stand as well, since it doesn't come with one and suffers from bad handling noise, so when you add it all up it'll end up costing something around this. You could start building up a pro audio setup - having an interface will mean that you can use more advanced mics later down the line - but if all you'll be doing is radio, you'll be better served spending it all on one mic.