Microphones for Zoom: A Guide for Clear Audio
In the age of remote work, having high-quality audio is no longer a luxury but a necessity. When using platforms like Zoom, the microphone you choose can greatly influence the clarity of your communication. This article will introduce you to different types of microphones for Zoom, compare popular choices, and provide a basic guide on setting them up for optimal audio on your Zoom calls.
Impatient? Just buy this…
Rode Videomic NTG, boom arm, and SmallRig Microphone Shock Mount.
The Importance of High-Quality Audio for Remote Work
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of microphones for Zoom, let’s first understand why high-quality audio matters. Clear and crisp audio minimizes misunderstandings, reduces listener fatigue, and promotes more productive meetings. It also enhances the professional image you project.
Your Laptop’s Default Microphone May Fall Short
While it’s convenient to rely on your laptop’s built-in microphone for Zoom calls, it often isn’t the best choice for achieving clear and professional-sounding audio. This is mainly due to two factors: the quality of the microphone itself and its placement.
Microphone Quality
Laptop microphones are typically designed to be compact and cost-effective, which often leads to a compromise on audio quality. They generally have a lower dynamic range and can struggle to capture sound accurately. As a result, your voice might come across as muffled, distant, or tinny. Furthermore, laptop microphones usually lack the sophisticated noise-canceling technology found in standalone microphones, meaning they can pick up a lot of background noise – from keyboard clatter to the hum of your air conditioning.
Placing Your Microphone for Zoom
The positioning of your laptop’s microphone is usually not ideal for capturing the best sound, either. Often located near the keyboard or embedded in the laptop casing, it can lead to unwanted noises being amplified. On Zoom calls, this could mean that your typing or even the laptop’s fan becomes a loud distraction. In contrast, standalone microphones for Zoom allow you to control the placement, proximity, and angle of the microphone, so it captures your voice optimally and minimizes other sounds.
Upgrading to a dedicated microphone is an effective way to overcome these limitations. With a range of options available to suit various needs and budgets, investing in a good-quality microphone can significantly enhance your audio experience on Zoom, leading to more effective and professional communication.
Different Types of Microphones for Zoom
Understanding the types of microphones available on the market can help you make an informed decision on the best fit for your Zoom calls. Let’s delve deeper into the characteristics of different kinds of microphones.
Microphone Connection Types
There are basically two ways to connect microphones to your computer today: USB or XLR interface.
USB Microphones are a popular choice for beginners due to their ease of use. Just plug them into your computer’s USB port and you’re good to go. They offer good sound quality, are reasonably priced, and don’t require any additional hardware. Historically, their audio quality, while good for most home office situations, was not at the same professional level you’d find in some other types of microphones. That has changed a lot in the past few years, and there are now some excellent USB microphones available.
XLR Microphones are commonly used in professional broadcasting and music production, known for their superior sound quality. They require an audio interface or mixer to connect to your computer, which can offer additional control over the audio. However, this means a higher overall cost and more complex setup, which might not be necessary for standard Zoom calls.
When choosing between USB and XLR, USB microphones provide a balance of quality, cost, and ease of use that suits most users. Unless you are engaging in professional-grade audio activities (like broadcasting or music production), a USB microphone would likely be the best and most practical choice for your Zoom meetings.
Microphone Technology
There are quite a few different technologies for taking sound and turning it into electrical signal. Let’s dive in.
Condenser Microphones are powered mics that are very sensitive and accurate in capturing sound. They can pick up subtle nuances in your voice, making them a favorite for studio recording. However, their sensitivity also means they pick up a lot of background noise, which may not be ideal for a home office environment unless it’s well-soundproofed.
Dynamic Microphones don’t require external power. They are durable, reliable, and excellent at isolating the speaker’s voice from background noise, thanks to their less sensitive nature. They’re a fantastic option for home offices where you can’t always control the ambient noise.
Ribbon Microphones: Known for their delicate, high-fidelity sound, ribbon mics are often used in professional recording studios. They’re great for capturing the subtleties of music but are often too fragile and expensive for common home office use.
In addition to dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones, there are a few other microphone technologies to be aware of:
Electret Microphones: These are a type of condenser microphone but differ in the way they are powered. Electret microphones have a permanently charged material which eliminates the need for an external power source or battery that traditional condenser microphones require. They’re often found in smaller devices like phones, laptops, and headsets due to their small size and good sound quality.
Carbon Button Microphones: These are one of the oldest types of microphones and were commonly used in telephone transmitters. They work by modulating a direct current and, hence, are also known as carbon transmitter microphones. They do not provide high-quality audio and are not commonly used today.
Fiber Optic Microphones: These microphones convert acoustic waves into electrical signals by sensing changes in light intensity, instead of sensing changes in capacitance or electrical resistance. They are useful in situations where conventional microphones fail, such as in high-voltage, explosive, or underwater environments.
Piezoelectric Microphones: Also known as crystal microphones, they use a piezoelectric crystal to convert vibrations into an electrical signals. They have high output but limited frequency response and are generally only used in specific applications such as contact mics or mics for harmonicas.
Each of these microphone types serves a specific purpose, and the ideal choice would depend on the use case, environment, and specific audio needs. When considering the needs of a home office for Zoom calls, dynamic microphones often come out on top due to their ability to isolate voice and minimize background noise. Condenser microphones, while excellent for controlled studio environments, may capture too much background noise in a typical home setting.
Microphone Form Factor
There are many types of microphone form factors, each designed to serve specific purposes.
Lavalier Microphones are small clip-on microphones often used for presentations, interviews, or video recording. They provide hands-free operation and consistent distance from the speaker’s mouth, which ensures a consistent level of audio. However, their audio quality may not match that of dedicated desk-bound microphones.
Headset Microphones: Similar in some ways to lavalier microphones, headset mics are worn on the head, with the microphone element positioned near the speaker’s mouth. This allows for consistent audio quality, even if the speaker moves around. They’re commonly used in stage performances and fitness instruction.
Boundary Microphones: Also known as PZM (Pressure Zone Microphones), they are placed on a flat surface such as a wall or table and capture sound reflections from that surface. They’re commonly used in conferences, theatre performances, and other applications where discrete or wide-area pickup is needed.
Shotgun Microphones: These are highly directional mics, capturing sound from a narrow area directly in front of them. They’re often used in film and television production to record audio from a distance.
Broadcast Microphones: These are often large diaphragm dynamic microphones designed for radio and podcast use. They’re known for their warm sound and ability to reject unwanted noise, making them ideal for speech.
Gooseneck Microphones: These are flexible, adjustable microphones often used in podiums or conference rooms. They are designed to pick up speech from a short distance.
Desktop Microphones: These are designed to sit on a desk, typically used for voice-over IP (VOIP) calls, gaming, or basic recording needs. These could be either dynamic or condenser microphones.
When selecting a microphone, it’s essential to consider the use case. Microphone form factors impact how you interact with your home office during Zoom calls.
Desktop microphones can clutter your desk and appear prominently on video. They’re best for static setups where you don’t need to move around.
Lavalier microphones and headset microphones provide consistent audio as they move with you. However, they tether you to your computer (unless you choose a wireless model), which may limit mobility and can be distracting on video.
Shotgun microphones offer high-quality sound and stay out of frame, but they need precise placement and are usually overkill for standard Zoom calls.
Boom-arm-mounted microphones allow you to swing the mic out of frame when not in use, but their visual presence during calls can be distracting.
Your choice depends on your needs for mobility, appearance on video, and desired sound quality.
Comparing Popular Microphones for Zoom
Selecting a microphone depends on your specific needs and budget. There are countless good options available, here are a few:
USB Options
Rode Videomic NTG (it’s not popular for Zoom, but it should be)
Shure MV7 (a cheaper alternative to the very popular Shure SM7b)
BEACN Mic (an excellent USB option)
XLR Options
Shure SM7b (very popular among podcasters, but requires a strong pre-amp) or
Shure SM58 (This is what I use with my Focusrite Scarlet Solo, but it’s not what I’d buy now.)
Setting Up and Using Your Microphone for Zoom
Setting up your microphone correctly plays a significant role in ensuring optimal audio quality for your Zoom calls. Beyond just connecting your microphone to your computer, you need to consider factors such as mounting options, placement, and the use of shock mounts and pop filters.
Mounting Options: How you mount your microphone can affect its stability and your ability to properly position it. Desk stands are common and handy for portable use. Boom arms, which attach to your desk and allow you to easily adjust the mic’s position, are another popular choice. Some high-end microphones may come with their mounting solutions, while others will require a separate purchase. Consider your workspace and needs when choosing the right mount.
Mic Placement: Place your microphone close to your mouth – usually 6 to 12 inches away. This proximity helps capture your voice clearly while reducing the amount of room noise it picks up. However, if you’re on a video conference, you might want to position your mic just out of frame, or at least ensure it doesn’t block your face. Experiment with placement to find a balance that works for both your audio and visual presentation.
Shock Mounts: A shock mount is a device that holds the microphone while isolating it from vibrations on the desk or boom arm. These vibrations can translate into low-frequency noise in your audio. If you frequently move your mic around while on a call or if your desk is prone to vibrations (from typing, for instance), a shock mount can be a beneficial addition.
Pop Filters: When we speak, certain sounds (known as plosives, like ‘p’ and ‘b’) can create a burst of air that the microphone picks up as a loud thud. A pop filter placed between you and the microphone can help to disperse this air, resulting in cleaner audio.
Check your audio settings within Zoom to ensure your new microphone is selected and configured correctly. Lastly, don’t forget to do a test recording and listen back to it. This step will give you an idea of how others hear you and enable you to fine-tune your setup for the best possible audio quality.
Setting up your microphone may require a bit of effort, but the payoff regarding audio clarity and professionalism in your Zoom calls is well worth it.
My Recommendations
If I were buying a new microphone for Zoom today, I’d buy a Rode Videomic NTG, connect it to my computer by USB-C, and mount it just above my head on an inexpensive boom arm with a SmallRig Microphone Shock Mount. It has excellent sound, a no-fuss connection, and is easy to take with me if I have to join a call on the road.
Choosing the right microphones for Zoom can enhance your remote work experience significantly. By considering your needs, understanding different types of microphones, and learning how to set them up correctly, you can achieve crystal-clear audio for all your Zoom calls. And remember, good communication is key to effective remote work! Once you’ve got your audio sorted out, it’s time to fix your lighting. Go here to find out how.