Good Mic

Does anyone here have a good computer mic that does not recquire an amplifier? If so, what is the company that makes it and its model number?

Not sure I could answer this as most GOOD miles need a phantom power supply and/or some sort of pre-amping to raise the level to an average computer soundcard input (plus may be an adapter for the 3.5mm jack of most computers.

But firstly, what do you want to record through it?

The AKG C1000S is a decent batterie powered mic. But as most mic inputs of soundcards are really low quality it may not be important whether the mic you plug into it is any good.

Marcel

Vocals. No live instruments.

get a Shure SM-58.

They are industry standard for live performance, especially for vocals. Whether speech or singing, you see these mics everywhere.

The SM-57 is the instrument version which is good as part of a drum-kit set up or for pointing at instruments or amplifiers.

Both are dynamic so require no preamps or power supplies.

Vocals. No live instruments.

Individual or choral? What styles? What range of voice? What are you using for a pre-amp? Assuming individual, I wouldn't recommend a SM58 for any number of reasons. the 58 is a great overall mic for vocalists in live situations, especially pop and rock musicians. Its cardiod polar pattern and shock mount characteristics make it a great hand held mic and it can take a beating. But generally speaking it is not a good mic for a voice in the studio, especially a delicate one. It is a bit warm in the mid range and sloppy in the 8k range. Regardless, it's a waste of money to plug a good mic directly into a computer unless you have a good pre-amp.

Well, the SM58 is affordable for a start, and most studios will have a few 57s for micing up amplifiers and saxophones and stuff.

For home recording to a PC, there are most likely going to be quality bottlenecks from: external sound (if you're in a noisy area), PC sound (unless you have an expensive silent rig or record far from the actual workstation), and the actual hardware you're recording onto.

So don't get too hung up about having a really great microphone because it won't make your front room suddenly sound like a studio!