The best way to record live audio (for those of us without huge budgets) on a computer is via USB. It’s a much "cleaner" sound compared to using the "Mic" or "Line in" on your sound card. Bear in mind when referring to USB on computers you don’t have to worry about data transfer, so even if a device is only 1.1 compliant it’s still a superior sound.

The Blue Snowball is a USB microphone and I can say from personal experience that it’s an excellent product – especially for the cost-conscious. It connects up via USB (obviously) and has excellent performance. The unit can be mounted via a short stand (for the desk), long traditional stand or swingarm.

In addition to great audio quality this is also a multi-pattern microphone. You can configure it easily to be omnidirectional (receive sound from all directions) or "shotgun" style where you have to be directly in front of it to "hear" you.

If this sounds like something you would be interested in, I suggest purchasing from a traditional instrument retailer such as Sam Ash or Guitar Center. Why? Because they usually have them in stock and both companies have better-than-average return policies.

You can learn more about the Snowball at www.BlueMic.com.