Using a quality microphone, like the Samson Go Mic Compact USB Microphone – Plug n’ Play pictured here can help. The Samson Go Mic performs well in group settings.

“I was helping with a workshop where the presenter was overseas teaching a group of attendees all sharing the same webcam. Microphones on webcams are more suited for one or two people sitting closely, so that didn’t work well in a larger group setting. I didn’t want to disrupt the workshop, but during a break of a few minutes, tried plugging in the Samson Go Mic. I was surprised that Windows 7 and Skype immediately recognized the microphone. Skype asked if the new device should be used as the primary microphone. In one click to confirm, the microphone was working. The speakers needed to be plugged into the device as well since it functions like a headset that combines speakers and microphone in one USB connection. Overall, I was really impressed with the ease of installation and performance.” Greg Johnson

Here are additional suggestions for optimizing audio with Skype for situations where a person is remotely presenting to a group:

• Mute the microphone being used by the group listening to the presenter. In this way, the presenter’s computer won’t amplify remote sounds — causing feedback. This only works if there is no group participation or questions for the presenter.
• When a remote presenter is speaking to a group, it’s best for the presenter to use a headset (microphone and headphone) or at least wear headphones (and use the internal microphone on their computer). If this is not done, there will likely be excessive feedback and noise.
• Microphone. Events where a group is involved, it’s best to use a microphone like the Samson Go Mic Compact USB Microphone – Plug n’ Playpictured above. using a USB extension cable makes it possible to get the microphone as far away from the speakers as possible.
• Webcam. The webcam can be connected to the Skype computer using a USB extension cable. This allows the camera to be placed far enough away from the group to include everyone in the video. A longer cable is also useful if passing the camera around.
• Speakers. Depending on the size of the room and the group participating, most smaller events and venues will be well served by the Philips SPA7210 Multimedia Speakers shown below. It’s important to have the speakers as far away from the microphone as possible. This can be done using an audio extension cable.

Summary. The audio below is an interview with Greg Johnson about the Small House Movement.

The recorded-live-interview with ABC Radio News Canberra Australia was on Saturday 10 September 2011 (Sunday 11 September 2011 in Australia) as a part of the Sustainable House Day event.

Visit Sustainable House Day website for more information.

Click here to play, or use the player below.

Summary. Sometimes audio files can get corrupted. This can be for any variety of reasons. If deleted files are recovered, and those files have been overwritten, then corruption exists to the file format.

Most audio players will stop playing an MP3 audio file if any corruption is encountered. As a result, it’s no longer possible to listen to the audio files.

Pictured above is the waveform of a corrupted audio file as viewed in Audacity. Click here, or on the image above, to view this full size.

The solid vertical bars indicate that there is unrecognizable data. Attempting to play these portions of the audio will only result in a loud squealing noise.

Using Audacity, it’s possible to identify, select, and delete these segments of a recording. Once the corrupted portions are gone, the file should be playable in a regular music player program such as iTunes.

Summary. Sometimes the least expensive item in a product category can be the best one available. Such is the case with the JVC Flats Headphones model HA-S150-BX.

Cost. These headphones are typically $15 to $20 depending on where you get them.

Purchase. If you’re unable to find these locally, we have them available in our Amazon store.

Features. These JVC Flats headphones offer many benefits.

• low profile design and swivel-flat ear pieces make these easy to pack and less likely to be crushed in baggage
• light weight
• wide frequency response needs less volume to produce the full spectrum of audio
• low cost
• adjustable to fit most people
• long cord
• works with iPod, iPhone, iPad, and technology requiring a small plug diameter such as the original iPhone

Specifications. Below are the specifications for the JVC Flats headphones.

• Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 23,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 105dB / 1mW
• Nominal Impedance: 32 ohms
• Cord Length: 1.2m (3.93 ft)
• Mass: 68 g (2.40 oz) not including cord weight

Limitations. Below are some limitations of these headphones.

• headphone plug is a straight plug rather than a right angle plug making it more likely to get bent or damaged
• earphones are not independent over-the-ear design, so they won’t easily fit in a pocket and can’t be easily worn with a bicycle helmet or hat
• spring of headband is relatively strong, so the pressure of the earphones on the ears may produce some discomfort

Testimonial. Below is a testimonial from technology consultant Gregory Johnson.

“In almost 40 years of listening to music and audio, I’ve not found a better combination of quality and value in a pair of headphones other than some over-the-ear designed headphones with similar features at about the same price. I’ve had $300 headphones before, and I’ve learned that regardless of their durability, headphones can eventually break or wear out. So, keeping the initial cost down without compromising quality is important. Because these headphones offer a full spectrum of audio reproduction, it’s not necessary to turn of the volume to hear all of the subtleties of your favorite music. This means these headphones are better for your ears. Most headphones are generically rated as 20-20,000 Hz frequency response. What such ratings fail to mention is the level of volume at those frequencies. With these JVC headphones, it seems like there is a fairly equal and accurate distortion free presentation of low through high frequency sounds. The rating of 12 Hz to 23,000 Hz seems accurate. For anyone looking to buy headphones, I’d recommend these or a pair with similar specifications.” – Gregory Johnson

Summary. Audacity is a free audio recording, editing, and production software program that allows for saving audio files in various formats including MP3.

Export to MP3. Follow the instructions below to save in MP3 format.

1. The Audacity software should be installed and the separate Lame MP3 encoding files should be placed in a folder called lame inside of the folder where the Audacity program is located.
2. The first time an export to MP3 is attempted, the Audacity software will ask you to locate the lame library file. Simply navigate to the lame folder and click on the file. On Windows this will be in the Program Files > Audacity folder. For Apple, this will be in Applications > Audacity.
3. Because the Audacity software is not currently a multi-user program, even if one user on the computer has exported to MP3, others will still need to go through the instructions described in step #2 above.