What type of microphone for webinars?

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prohnc Author

Level 1

22 points

What type of microphone for webinars?

Hello,

I've been experimenting with different audio equipment for the best audio experience in my webinars:

- iMac's built-in microphone = no way, picks up sound from the built-in speakers and makes an echo

- headset = great audio quality, but the feeling of the headset is distracting to my presenters

This has led me to looking for a stand alone USB microphone. I tried one but don't think I bought the right 'type' as it ended up picking up audio all around it (i.e. the computer speakers) and again making echoes.

My dream microphone would have an extremely narrow 'pickup range' so that it would ignore audio from my computer speakers, able to be one foot from the speaker and still pickup their audio cleanly, and be less than $50 :).

I'm not familiar with the technical terminology of microphones. Any suggestions on what characteristics / specifications I should be looking for?

Thanks!

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Aug 27, 2014 12:09 PM

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Answer 1

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Aug 27, 2014 12:20 PM in response to prohnc

Microphones come in 3 common patterns

Omnidirectional, probably what you have right now, picks up sound from all directions, the cheapest type.

Cardiod, picks up sound in front of the mic, reduced sensitivity in directions other than straightforward.

Figure 8, picks up sound in front of and behind the microphone, less so from the sides.

You need a Cardiod pattern, and a tight one at that (hyper-cardiod) needless to say this is the most expensive choice.

Go take a look atBlue Microphones, $50 may buy you a good microphone stand, it will not buy you a good microphone.

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Answer 2

prohnc Author

Level 1

22 points

Aug 27, 2014 12:49 PM in response to Csound1

Awesome explanation, thank you! The Snowball looks reasonably priced for our budget.

Would I be able to use it right out of the box, or do I need to get additional accessories? Is it good at not ignoring sound from behind? (i.e. the iMac speakers)

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Answer 3

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Aug 27, 2014 1:06 PM in response to prohnc

You'll need a POP filter to remove 'plosives' from your voice (because the best results from this mic will be realised at a distance of 4 to 8") It comes with a decent stand (I assume you are buying the USB version) and that is all you will need.

Practice speaking at a slightly elevated level around 6" from the Mic, leaning in closer to the Mic will make the sound fuller, use that to to your advantage. Point the back of the mic at the noises you don't want it to pickup.

🙂

Have fun.

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Answer 4

Csound1

Level 9

60,063 points

Aug 27, 2014 1:33 PM in response to prohnc

Being close to the iMac will almost certainy cause some leakage, so stay as far away as you can and ensure that you are the closest sound source to the Mic, and don't be scared to move it around until you find the sweet spot 🙂

Post back and let us know how it goes.

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