Finding a GOOD Studio Mic to use with Final cut Express

Hi,
I need to get a good quality...not expensive mic to record narrations for my videos. I've been reading abut the Marshall Electronics MXL Desktop recording mics and kits are a good quality desktop recording mic that would work with my mac to do record GOOD quality narrations for my videos. Anyone have any thoughts on this mic or any other mics I could use to record quality narrations for my videos using a mic that is no more than about $200.
Thanks
Matt

Matthew, there are lots of good mics out there and you don't have to spend a fortune to get them. If you prefer buying new, you could hardly go wrong with a Shure SM58, industry workhorse, for under $100. Check out eBay, too - I recently got some mint condition Audio Technica Pro 4L's for under $20.
I would suggest that for sound quality, go with a good balanced mic rather than a cheap unbalanced one. The telltale is the connector - balanced mics use XLR connectors. Keep in mind, however that if you use balanced mics you will need an adapter or mixer to go from the XLR connector to the 1/8" connector you will need to plug into your Mac. Use a balanced cable from the mic to your Mac, then the adapter where you plug into your Mac. You can get an adapter for less than $10 at B&H or Sam Ash. Mixers, of course, cost more but they also give you much more control.
And if you plan to record in front of your Mac, choose a cardioid or unidirectional mic, not omnidirectional. That will go a long way toward reducing noise pickup from your Mac (which I assume would be behind your mic).

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Finding a GOOD Studio Mic to use with Final cut Express

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