podcast mic recommendations?

[imported_latitudes]

I'm spec'ing out video podcasting hardware for a client - he uses a new-ish powerbook, is not super-tech-savy, and wants to do video podcasting for educational purpouses. We'd like the production to be easy to see/hear, but it doesn't need to be studio-quality either.

He will be doing mostly in-person interviews in office/closed door (but not *studio*) environments. We're pretty much settled on using the iSight camera - my main question now is audio.

Question 1:
If both persons are within 5 feet of the camera, will iSight's mic be enough to pick up both parties clearly? if not...

I'm looking at the MobilePre USB & two MXL 990's.

Question 2:
If the interview involves more than two people, can the MXL 990 be placed between two people on a table and pick up both reasonably well?

Question 3:
Will the shock-mount shown here sit happily on a table? we want to avoid mic mounts.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Live/Sound/Microphones/Wireless?sku=273156

Question 4:
Will people have to speak right into the mic or is 1-1.5 feet distance okay (ie. can it function on the table)


Thanks for your help!

[imported_Alex]

I'm not a mic expert, but here are some things I've picked up along the way.

1 - distance from speaker to mic is extremely important as the level falls off at twice the rate of the distance. So if you increase the distance by 2 times the level will drop by 4 times.

2. - optimum distance from speaker to mic for a cardioid mic like the mxl is about 12 inches.

I think the mobilepre usb supports two inputs and two outputs. If that's the case you could change the levels on the two mics individually - this would help when you have three people, but the two sharing the mic will need to be sitting within the path of the mic.

I use a small desktop stand which I like - it cost about $12. It might come in handy as a way to close down some of the distances to the speakers.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002M3OVI/102-0940102-7251302?v=glance&n=172282

I would also check with Paul Figgiani at the Point Podcast (http://www.pfiggianimsc.com/blog/). Paul is pretty helpful and knows his stuff.

Best