If you think it's time to spring for a studio microphone, then you'll be glad to know that there are numerous places to find them. Your local music store probably has several different models you can audition. Major mail-order companies (such as B&H, Sweetwater Sound, Full Compass, Musician's Friend, Manny's and others) stock an impressive array of mikes. A quick Internet search will help you locate any of these retailers on line.

Sound is a big part of any video and the microphone you use plays a big part in the quality of the sound you capture. To record great sound for almost any application, a large-diaphragm studio condenser mike is the most versatile tool money can buy. So if you're ready to make the investment, a good mike will serve you…