The best microphones for online classes and webinars
If you're looking for high-quality audio to accompany your online course and webinars, get our top-rated list of most effective microphones to use for your online training.
Building your course content is an enormous task.
It's even better to record it.
It is essential to have audio recording equipment in order to pump out well-crafted online classes that have high-quality audio, and you know this. The same is true for live webinars and tutorials. The right microphone could determine the success or failure of your info products.
The same can be done similar things to the bank account balance.
In order to save you the time searching through Amazon reviews or scouring the internet to find the top microphones, we've already done all the research for you.
This week, we'll guide you through the different kinds of microphones, the top models and brands on the market, and when you should use these types of microphones.
It's ideal for online teachers or teacher or.
Before diving into the different models however, we'll go over some basic microphone basics to give you a better understanding of what to look for.
After you've got your dream microphone, it's time to build! Make draft courses no cost and then upgrade them when you are ready.
The basics of the best microphone setup for online courses and webinars
The majority of our suggestions includes a cabled microphone setup.
Why? The market as well aslisteners like the quality of sound of cabled microphones.
Wireless microphones can boast an estimated price in the range of $172 million , a far cry from the $455 million retail sales value of the cabled microphones.
Another way we categorize the best microphones is by two cable types -- XLR mics and USB mics.
This is a brief visual distinction between them :
The XLR Pro:
The advantage of an XLR cable is that it's the industry standard, which means the majority of audio recording equipment is designed for XLR microphones. You have more choices as well as sound control (think professionals as well as podcasters).
Con:
With XLRs, you need to plug it into an audio interface to convert the analog to something digital -- a.k.a. it can be played on either your Mac and PC. Although, an adapter for XLR and USB adapter is an option if you're not looking to gain an XLR-based phantom or the ultimate in sound control.
USB pro:
The benefit of using a USB microphone is that it can be connected directly into your computer or laptop. That means you don't need extra audio equipment.
USB con:
While it offers a convenient connectivity to the computer's USB port, it doesn't get as precise control over the sound quality.
Since most online courses and webinars involve plugging into computers at one moment, the vast majority of our options are USB microphones.
Lastly, we break up our first category of XLR mics into dynamic microphones and condenser microphones .
Dynamic microphones make use of passive listening, and are designed to drown out background sound.
If you work in a space that has ambient noise, and you need clear and quality audio, dynamic microphones might be a good choice. They are also great for professional musicians and pro-podcaster audio quality.
Condenser mics On the other hand, use active listening and capture sounds with lots of detail and accuracy. They are ideal for studio settings that aren't surrounded by much ambient or background sounds.
It's as simple as that:
When recommending our mic configuration for your online class or webcast, in general, you should be able to produce good quality audio by using the following categories of microphones:
Wired
USB
Condenser
That being said, we are determined to provide every online business owner a reliable alternative (including professionals-level audio recorders musicians and filmmakers, as well as podcasters and so on) We therefore expand a bit beyond those options.
Okay. Now, let's find the best microphone setup that is right that is suitable for your needs.
XLR microphones, both condenser and dynamic.
Editor's Note: All prices are current at the when they were written. If you discover they're different, they're lower, but if not you'll have many options to pick from in this list.
Zoom DZM-1 dynamic microphone
The Zoom DZM-1's Dynamic Microphone comes with an inbuilt shock mount that means it is able to isolate sound from any bumps or other noises that are not needed.
Stand mounts make it easy to place on a stand for your microphone, however, it's an additional accessory that you'll have to buy separately, if you don't already own one. You don't, however, have to buy an external shock-mount, since this microphone comes with an internal shock mount.
It also delivers the perfect, broadcast quality sound from its large-diaphragm dynamic layout.
Price: $59.99
Connectivity Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency from 50Hz to 20kHz
Ideal microphone for online teachers who are looking to record loud, powerful sounds using a reasonably priced microphone. Ideal for live online teaching or recording high-quality audio of vocals and instruments.
Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic microphone
To get a better alternative, consider Shure's new SM7B cardioid dynamic microphone. It's an excellent professional-grade microphone that's designed to be used by musicians, vocalists and other creatives who are serious about their recording audio quality.
The smooth, broad-band frequency response allows to provide a clean and natural reproduction of music and speech.
Shure's model SM7B features an internal "air suspension" shock-isolation system that reduces mechanical noise transmission (like the sound of your computer).
It also has an integrated pop filter, which means you do not need additional accessories in order to control the sound. Also, having XLR connectivity offers more choices and flexibility to tailor the sound just what you require.
Price: $399
Connectivity Connectivity to Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response from 50Hz to 20kHz
The best microphone to use for: Serious audio recording, professional musicians or online educators that want professional-grade crystal clear sound and have the cash surplus for it.
A side note A note about the XLR + USB model of this is Shure's MV7 USB-based dynamic microphone that retails for $249.
AKG P120 condenser microphone
The AKG P120 is a powerful vocal condenser microphone, which is great for recording general purpose voices and for presenting.
If you're in search of microphones that are able to provide a wide range of purpose for online courses and webinars -- from recording musical instruments to presenting voice-over slide decks, this can provide high-quality audio.
Price: $79
Connectivity: Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency 20Hz to 20kHz
Best microphone for online teachers looking to make use of an affordable XLR condenser mic setup for live and recorded tutorials using high-quality audio via a computer.
If you're seeking additional items for your XLR mics, like this accessories bundle comprising an XLR shock mount for your mic and a pop filter, you could buy the kit at the price of a reasonable amount.
This set retails for $14.99, for example, and fits a 46mm-53mm microphone diameter.
If your microphone doesn't include built-in features, you can find similar shock mount and pop filter packages that are compatible with the microphone you have (just ensure you verify whether they are compatible).
In terms of microphone accessories and the XLR microphones, you'll have to figure out how to provide your audio material in digital format within your webinar or online course, which means audio editing software for audio recordings, as well as an XLR adapter to USB adapter to live demonstrations.
To stay clear of the complicated technical setup completely, USB mics are ideal for recording professional audio, especially recording quality is not the top priority for you.
USB condenser microphones
Blue Yeti condenser microphone
Blue Yeti condenser microphone is an excellent microphone which plugs straight into a USB port. It is considered to be one of the best microphones due to its a variety of patterns and modes.
Its tri-capsule technology, which is proprietary to the company, allows you to select from four pattern modes: cardioid, steroid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional modes.
Apart from the pattern option in addition to pattern selection, aside from pattern selection, the Yeti mic also comes with headphones with studio controls, including level control and instant mutes as well as microphone gain.
Price: $129.99
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Multipattern
Response to frequency: 20Hz-20kHz
Most suitable microphone for online teaching material which showcases high-quality audio material and is easy to plug directly into the computer from an office or studio. For audio courses, for instance, can really benefit from the microphone.
Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser microphone
Another plug-and-play USB microphone that is plug-and-play USB Blue Snowball iCE condenser microphone. It comes with an attached flexible stand, which is very simple to move about and set up at any desk.
The size is compact and portable, and the connection is an easy USB output that you can plug directly into your computer.
Blue Snowball iCE Blue Snowball iCE gives you high-quality audio for live online classes, with platforms such as Skype, Zoom, or YouTube Live. Podcasters have been known to utilize this format, and that means it's also a great option for prerecording your webinars and courses online.
Price: $49
Connectivity: Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response time between 40Hz and 18kHz
Best microphone for: Online teachers looking for a mobile desktop choice that is priced competitively and convenient to use in and outside your office or studio. You won't get the highestquality ever however, you'll be within the "good" square.
SUDOTACK USB condenser microphone kit
The SUDOTACK's USB streaming PC microphone is a solid condenser mic that delivers top-quality audio via USB connectivity.
The product is a kit, so if you're in search of a high microphone that's high-quality and comes in one bundle, this may be the best option.
The SUDOTACK USB mic kit includes a microphone stand, table clamp with foam cap for anti-wind, USB A-to-B cable, as well as a pop filter.
Price: $52.99
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency: 30Hz to 16kHz
A great microphone to use for creators with a new start. If you're in search of an excellent microphone set which provides top-quality audio at a reasonable prices This is a complete kit that will give you just that.
In the opposite side on the other hand, it is possible that you may not want to deal with all audio recording equipment. A good headset that has a quality mic may be enough for you.
Logitech USB headset H390
It is the Logitech USB headset H390 is a hands-free headset with a noise-canceling microphone attached. It is possible to plug the headset directly into your laptop or computer your laptop's USB port.
If you're teaching live classes simply plug in the headphones into your computer and then begin to present. While you're not teaching, or talking to students, you could shift the left-sided microphone boom to the side, and then put it out of the way.
Price: $24.99
Connectivity: Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional
Response to frequency between 100Hz and 10kHz
Ideal microphone suitable for Teachers who teach online and require a minimal audio setup. Ideal for non-techie creators who need high quality audio for simple tutorials online or for presenting voice-over slide decks.
As we're discussing the subject of portability and technology-free ease There's also a desktop version of the headset configuration, but without the head gear.
JOUNIVO USB portable desktop condenser microphone
JUNIVO USB Desktop microphone is an extremely portable USB microphone that is able to be carried to your desktop location.
Its slim and tall gooseneck design makes it lightweight and easy to maneuver and adjust. Also, there's a mute button and a light indicator on the small stand which informs you of the working status.
With this desktop mic being the lowest-priced microphone on our list, it's worth a try in case you're a frequent traveler or someone who likes to change teaching and working environment often.
It is important to note that there's not a limit on volume, nor is there a frequency response doesn't appear on the product's page (which is logical given the price).
Price: $14.99
Connectivity: Wired USB
Polar pattern Omnidirectional
Best microphone for beginners online instructors on-the-go who want a portable, very compact USB microphone that easily packs together with laptop equipment. Perfect for online live teaching instead of recording audio with high quality but it's adequate to record basic voiceovers.
There are options available for this also.
Setup of a non-desktop mic
Rode SmartLaV+ condenser microphone with lavalier
Rode's SmartLav+ is an excellent portable hands-free mic option for teachers online who have to frequently move about when teaching.
A fitness trainer can attach to the lapel and plug in the jack directly into a recording device for a portable or mobile device.
For those who is teaching using whiteboards or other props, or who instructs using a talk head (a.k.a. face-to-face with the camera), this is an ideal option, and works nicely in conjunction with a portable audio recorder.
Price: $79
Connectivity The TRRS jack is wired.
Polar pattern The pattern is Omnidirectional
Ideal microphone for Teachers who require a lot of movement during teaching or who teach and record in the field as well as want the convenience of a hands-free mic that connects to their smartphone or other recording device. Also ideal for face-to-camera video recording.
Then plug your headset or lavalier mic to something more sophisticated than your smartphone to get better sound quality and control of volume, such as an external audio recorder.
Zoom H2n recorder
The lavalier plugs into the handheld Zoom H2n recorder and run for up to 20 hours on only two batteries from standard AA.
In terms of the capacity of sound files, the Zoom record up to 24 bit/96kHz WAV files as well as up to 320kbps for MP3 formats. The recordings of audio are recorded directly onto SD and SDHC cards that can hold up to 32GB.
If you're not keen to use the wireless lavalier it is possible to record directly into the Zoom's five built-in microphones using four recording modes: mid-side stereo, the X/Y stereo and two channels and 4-channel surround.
If you're curious, here's a visual of what those mic configurations appear to be:
For the additional pertinent information:
Price: $169.99
Best microphone for: A portable non-desktop microphone option with plenty of sound control for audio recording.
You are looking for a combination microphone and lavalier? Take a look at our latest mic system.
Rode Wireless Go wireless microphone system
The Rode Wireless Go system functions in the same way that the lavalier or external recorder can, but it is smaller.
The device includes a small wireless microphone, which comes with earbuds, a transmitter and receiver.
Clip on the wireless transmitter, and make it a compact belt-pack transmitter that can be used as a lavalier microphone. You can also use the built-in omnidirectional condenser capsule as a wireless mic itself.
The receiver is equally as compact and can even mount on cameras or GoPro.
Also included is an extra TRS Coiled cable to allow compatibility with DSLRs.
Price: $199
Connectivity: Wireless USB
Polar pattern Omnidirectional
Most suitable microphone physical active online educators and creators who travel a lot when teaching and require an easy-to-use wireless system that is portable.
Present your online class with an ideal microphone set-up and audio quality to deliver your message
Just like with any other aspect of your company, you must choose an solution that is most suitable for your goals and financial budget.
Below is the list of most effective microphones to use for webinars, online courses, and other classes:
XLR mics (dynamic as well as condenser)
Use Zoom's DZM-1 dynamic mic if you want high-quality isolating audio. Its cost is $59.99.
Use the Shure SM7B dynamic microphone for a premium cardioid-type pickup that is suitable for professionals. The price is $399.
Use AKG's P120 condenser mic for general use and high-quality audio. The price is $79.
USB mics (condenser)
Use this Blue Yeti condenser mic for the best USB microphone with multiple patterns; price is $129.99.
Use to use the Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser mic for a high-quality portable desktop mic; price is $49.
Utilize SUDOTACK's USB condenser kit to get a starter kit with accessories. The price is $52.99.
Utilize the Logitech H390 USB headset for minimal audio gear and simple live training; cost is $24.99.
Use JOUNIVO's USB portable microphone for an ultra-compact desktop microphone for simple live tutorials; the cost is $14.99.
Non-desktop mics
Utilize Rode's SmartLaV+ condenser mic to plug into your smartphone or another recording devices; cost is $79.
Utilize this Zoom H2n recorder to create high-quality audio recordings that give greater control over sound than your smartphone The price is $169.
Utilize Rode's Wireless Go mic system for an ultra-compact wireless transmitter and receiver kit that records good quality audio; price is $199.
We hope our researched, streamlined list of the best microphones for online courses and webinars shaves hours off your shopping time.