RFI: Microphones and multitools

[curgoth]

I've been webcasting my RPG sessions so that our player from Ottawa, dagibbs, can play remotely. I've had two nice microphones crap out after 30 min of use, so I'm giving up on the "go to best buy/futureshop and pick something up" model. Does anyone have any suggestions for computer microphones that are good enough to pick up a small living room of people?

Additionally, I have decided that I really need to get a good multitool. Any recommendations from the LazyWeb? A minimum requirement is that it has a good, sharp blade in it. Something that can be used as a bottle opener is also key. Screwdrivers, pliers, etc. are all bonus.

Comments

[dymaxion.livejournal.com]

I'm very happy with my Polycom USB mic. There may be better options out now (it's been a bit), and I don't think there's a lot of non-windows support, but I like it. Also, my spyderwrench is awesome, although it doesn't have a dedicated bottle opener. The channel lock pliers work great, though.

[javenallese.livejournal.com]

When my friends and I (in Michigan) were playing with someone remote (in Minnesota) we gave up on computer mics and went with a phone call and speaker phones. It worked great, but then there was the added cost of the phone call.

I should add that this was about 6 or 7 years ago.

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

I don't know mics... but after previous experiences... keep the receipt?

Also... maybe try a sound store, rather than a computer shop? Somewhere where a musician might grab a mic? I dunno. Might be way too expensive, though.

[curgoth]

I have been considering buying a USB audio interface/mixing board anyway...

[tocityguy.livejournal.com]

Actually, Rockband mics (and games with similar setups) seem to work fairly well and can probably be had for a reasonable price. They use a USB connector.

[laura-sm.livejournal.com]

mutitools: Gerber or Leatherman are the two that pretty much every theatre technician I know has on or the other. (I have a Gerber) Any decent multitool has a good blade, pliers, and a screwdriver, at the minimum. Also, make sure that any one you get locks the various tools when open (both Gerber & Leatherman do). Most have wire-cutters, and I've always found the can-opener & bottle opener useful as well.

On a Gerber you can snap open the pliers one-handed. The knife and tools are accessed from the inside of the handle. Leatherman you can flip out your knife one-handed, the tools are accessed from the outside. (although I think both brands have come out with lots of new models, so that may be different on some models)

linky: http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/products/tools
http://www.leatherman.com/

I've got a Leatherman...

[lastmx.livejournal.com]

...Blast model IIRC. Only thing I don't like about it is that the tiny bit for the micro screwdriver got lost. Other than that I'm quite happy with it and used it to perform minor surgery on myself just last night (excavating a splinter).