By Andrew Liszewski

Just because your laptop comes with a built-in microphone doesn’t mean you have to use it to record your weekly podcast. Investing a little money in an external microphone can go a long way towarrds making your production sound a lot more professional. A few days ago I came across the LSM, or Little Studio Mic, from Studio Projects, which in my opinion is a great investment if you’re just starting out in the world of audio production but have dreams of eventually making it big.

For amateurs the microphone has a mini-USB port which makes it dead easy to connect and use with your favorite recording software on your PC, or even applications like Skype. And while the pivoting bracket can be attached to a standard mic stand, it can also be angled and used to prop the mic up on a desk by itself. It even comes in a small assortment of colors to express your ‘personality.’

But for the pros, the LSM also features a mini-XLR connection allowing the microphone to be connected to professional audio gear like mixers or preamps, and the uni-directional 34mm condenser microphone is suspended in its own internal shock mount. All 4 color options (white, red, black and pink) are available for around $180, and given what this mic is capable of, that’s quite a deal.

[ Studio Projects LSM aka Little Square Mic ]