For distant teams, video conferencing has become standard practice. Video conferences keep everyone on the same page, whether it's a hybrid team working out of the office and WFH or several remote employees connecting from their homes. To enhance the conference experience and ensure pristine audio and video, users require top-tier peripherals and hardware. That is why it is crucial to invest in video conference microphone. In this article, we will tell you:
- What types of mic can be used for video conferences?
- Which is the best one for you?
- How to make yourself sound better?
- FAQs related to video conference audio issues.
What is the best type of microphone to use in video conferences?
Although most PCs come with a built-in microphone, these often have a simple configuration that is not suitable for routine usage. PC mics are excellent for occasional audio calls. For significant meetings, such as a video conference with several partners and clients, it is still preferable to rely on an external microphone for zoom video conference. There are several options for you to choose from.
Shotgun models are larger mics that are ideal for a focused area, so they may require extra equipment such as boom arms and stands, depending on what you use them for. You’ll sometimes see these mics used with action cameras. Shotgun mics are good for zoom if you intend to be distanced some way from the microphone. Shotgun mics let you speak clearly from a distance, so they can record audio for multi-person conference calls.
Lavalier mics, on the other hand, are designed to capture surprisingly clear sound from a small size not meant to be easily seen, which is why they’re often referred to as lapel mics. You can find wired and wireless microphone for video conference on the market.
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Table: Which is the best video conference microphone at SYNCO?
As a microphone manufacturer, SYNCO has launched several models of microphone for video conference. The list below is about the specs and features of the key products from shotgun and wireless lavalier types. Check it and decide the best one for your needs.
|
Product |
D30 |
P1 |
G2(A1) |
|
Type |
Shotgun |
Wireless lavalier |
Wireless lavalier |
|
Connector |
TRS/TRRS |
P1T: Type-C; P1L: Lightning |
TRS/TRRS |
|
Key Features |
|
|
|
|
Accessories included |
|
|
|
|
Dimensions |
Φ21.5×214.5mm |
TX: 49x19x19mm; RX: 49x30x9mm; Case: 70x43x37mm |
TX: 52x42x17mm; RX: 52x42x17mm |
|
Weight |
85g |
TX: 10g; RX: 5g; Case: 58g |
TX: 39g; RX: 39g |
SYNCO is always on the way to provide microphones that can help users improve audio quality and get user-friendly recording experience. Besides the aforementioned products, there are also many other products that can work well in video conferences. If you are intended to sell such kind of microphones to customers in your region, click here to become a dealer.
How to make your microphone for video conference sound better?
Besides using video conference microphone, there are more tips that can help you get better audio in video meetings.
Use a headset or earphone. This not only stops you from bothering your office neighbors, but it also produces higher-quality audio recordings. You'll be able to hear the person or individuals on the other end of the video conference well if you use headphones, which will help the conversation move along.
Mute the mic when not speaking. By doing this, you can prevent echoes from degrading the sound of your speech. The majority of conferencing applications will offer an easily accessible mute button that can be used to rapidly switch on and off the audio.
Take a mic test to test the quality of your microphone and adjust the level appropriately. You can access the level control either in the audio settings on your computer or in the conferencing app settings in order to change the volume of your microphone. Before joining a call, it's a good idea to check your volume to make sure it isn't too loud or low. Sitting around 2/3 of the way across the level meter is a decent place to be.
Do not overload your phone, laptop, or computer, or it will force the audio to process quickly, resulting in delays and other problems.
Try to work in a quiet environment so that you can avoid noise disturbances like feedback and static.
FAQs
Q: What pattern of microphone pickup should I use for video conference calls?
A: Cardioid or omnidirectional pick-up patterns are the two most used for video conference microphones.
An omnidirectional microphone is perceptive to sounds in all directions equally. The microphone can pick up sounds coming from any direction, so think of it as the audio version of a 360-degree camera. Omnidirectional microphones are therefore helpful if a small group of people are gathered around a laptop or conference screen.
A directional microphone for video conference has a narrower field of hearing. It is most sensitive to sounds coming from the front, less sensitive to sounds coming from the sides, and practically deaf to sounds coming from behind. If you simply want to record your own sound and want to reduce background noise to your sides and in front of you, a cardioid microphone would be appropriate.
Q: How to stop my plosives popping?
A: You might have noticed that audio occasionally sounds terrible, as though wind blasts have been added and overpower the sound. Although other consonants can occasionally cause the effect, it often only occurs on words beginning with letters like P and B.
When we utter these consonants, we suddenly exhale, and the swift air forcibly hits the capsule of video conference microphone. The mechanism is unable to respond to them in the same manner as regular sound waves. As a result, the speech is difficult to hear due to a popping or explosion sound.
Despite the fact that practically all mics can "pop," there are a few things you can do to prevent it.
- Stay a bit further from the mic.
- Soften the consonants so as to minimize the rush of air.
- Use a pop shield or windshield if necessary.
Q: Why can I hear interference coming from my microphone for video conference call?
A: This is caused by your mobile devices. Your phone continues to produce interference-causing electrical impulses even while you are not using it. You will hear it when your smartphone is close to the mic.
The microphone capsule and electronics may function as a miniature receiver, allowing the interference from the phone to be heard over the speakers or earphones. It will sound buzzing or like a very fast kind of morse code.
Keep your phone away from the mic and the wire, and the interference will be avoided.
Q: How do I appear professional when hosting a video meeting?
A: Learn how to use your video conference camera microphone. Starting a video conference without knowing what you're doing can make you look dumb at best and completely inept at worst. This is especially true if you're hosting the meeting.
Fumbling with settings and controls can be laughed off the first time, but if you do it often, it will damage people's trust in you and their perception of your professionalism. After all, why would a coworker or client trust you to adequately prepare for their next project if you don't invest the time to learn fundamental IT skills?
So, before you go live on Zoom or your chosen conferencing software, conduct a test run to ensure you understand how to adjust your audio settings, mute yourself, and so on. This will help you maintain your credibility.