There are a few important pieces of equipment you need to teach online, but one of those items you cannot simply ignore is the audio. You are probably reading this because you want to know which microphone delivers the best audio for teaching online. Basically, the right microphone ensures that you and your students can hear each other without distractions.
A good choice for a vocal mic typically carries a frequency response range of around 80 Hz to 15 kHz. However, for delivering instruction via the internet, a frequency response of at least 20 Hz to 20 kHz could perfectly record the details of your voice. Between loudness and clarity, choose the clarity.
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>>>Looking for a reliable microphone? Look! We reviewed the 23 best microphones for 2022.
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If you are an online teacher, ask the following:
- Where are you going to conduct your lessons? Indoors or open space area?
- Are you going to be moving around a lot while teaching?
- Are you going to record or stream your lesson, or are you doing a podcast?
If you’ve ever tried to listen to a live stream, YouTube video, or online meeting with poor audio, it makes the experience poor as well. This is the main factor you don’t want and must absolutely avoid if you teach online.
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How to find the best microphone for online teaching?
Audio-quality
Again, go for a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. One with a noise-canceling option can reduce unwanted background noise giving more floor to capture the details of your voice.
Ease of Use
Nothing is as convenient to use as a microphone that you can use right away. A plug-and-play option is today’s most popular feature in a mic. Just plug it into your device and begin teaching.
Portability
Microphones exist in a variety of sizes. For online teachers, we believe that a compact, portable microphone is a great option.
Price
How much a device you are willing to spend is up to you. After all, there are microphone models that provide good audio at a high cost. A near-professional recording yet at an affordable price is the best microphone any teacher can own.
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Which Microphone Delivers the Best Audio for Teaching Online?
Frequently, the most disregarded component of online instruction is sound. When students get confused, it’s either because the audio went static or they didn’t hear what you said.
Computer built-in microphones may work but their fixed position can employ a thin sound and low volume of your voice. If you’re looking to enhance this experience, you may want to know the best types of microphones with the highest quality audio:
1) CONDENSER/CAPACITOR MICROPHONES
In order to reproduce speed with a good transient response, condensers can better capture a wider frequency range. Additionally having a stronger output and a light diaphragm assembly, they are effective at picking up higher frequencies and more delicate sounds. For greater sound effects, condensers are typically favored in voice studios.
Due to their sensitivity attribute, floor condensers perfectly capture ambiances, wide dynamic range, and low noise. They are an excellent option for any online teaching environment due to their compact size.
2) HEADSETS WITH MICROPHONE
The most common microphone is found in classic headsets which can provide a comfortable listening option that improves noise cancellation. It creates a valuable tool that enables you to concentrate more on the other person’s voice. With this method, you can be confident that your voice will always be loud and clear.
Headsets are generally designed with a combined monophonic or dual stereophonic earpiece with a boom microphone.
Other than it makes it easy for the user to talk and listen at the same time, the headset type stays in the same position, no matter how much you move your head. This means the quality and volume of your voice stay constant.
3) LAVALIER MICROPHONE
A lavalier microphone or the lapel mic (also known as a lav, lav mic, body mic, neck mic, clip mic, collar mic, or personal mic) is a good choice for good-sounding audio for the manner it is being used.
The lapel allows you to speak directly to a camera or when recording without the need to position your mouth next to a mic. You can clip a lapel microphone to your shirt if you like and have the freedom of movement while speaking.
Lavalier Microphones are omnidirectional so they can pick up sound from any direction regardless of where the mic is pointed. The proximity or closeness of a lavalier mic to the speaker is another benefit. Placing it very close to the mouth maximizes the signal-to-noise ratio allowing you broadcast quality sound.
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Microphone Techniques for Lecture Capture
Once you’ve decided on a suitable mic, master the common but essential microphone techniques that can help your students capture better audio.
- Face and speak directly towards the microphone. Speaking away from the mic will cause your voice to sound far and low.
- Keep your mouth at a closer distance to the microphone. This is the key to picking a better sound pickup.
- Make it possible not to bump or drop the mic, produce scratching, or any sound while the mic is on. The amplified noise can be harsh when sent through to the other side of the device.
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Watch this video: A Lesson In Microphone Sensitivity and Self Noise
Some of the Best Microphone Models Today
The Blue Snowball iCE
This microphone is a top favorite and one of the best-selling microphones today. It has high-quality audio with low to no feedback. You’ll love the easy plug-and-play feature on both Mac and Windows OS. Users also like the tripod included so also a super space saver on your desk.
This microphone comes in a custom condenser capsule form – just what you need for voice recording, podcasting, and even vlogging. Noise cancellation-wise, it is equipped with the Cardioid Pickup Pattern system that can block unwanted background noise and focus only on your voice.
Samson Meteor
Similarly, Samson Meteor Mic gained the trust of professional users for its studio-quality audio. Plus, it comes with a detachable tripod and foldable leg stand which is extremely portable.
The Samson Meteor boasts a cardioid pick-up pattern feature designed to focus more on the sound directly in front of the mic and less on the background noise. This is particularly beneficial for an online teacher whose office space may not be as quiet as it should be.
Fifine K669B
The FIFINE USB Microphone is another plug-and-play version. You can simply fit the mic right on your desktop with its adjustable mount and compact size. It also has a cardioid polar-pattern condenser mic that works great for online activities such as streaming and voice-over recording.
One Tip!
Choose the 2.4GHz frequency for a wireless mic. This is the all-around and comprehensive frequency band choice used today for wireless systems. Routers are able to live from about 2,400 to 2,483.5 Mhz. If you’re not sure, ask your service provider about it.
In case you’re looking for the best wireless headphones for online teaching, click here.
