The best microphones for online classes
If you're looking for high-quality audio to accompany your online course or webinars, check out our top-rated list of most effective microphones to use for your online course.
Building your course content is an enormous task.
It's even better to record it.
Audio recording equipment is required to create polished online classes with high-quality audio. And you're aware of this. The same is true for online webinars, tutorials, and live streaming. The right microphone could determine the success or failure of your info products.
You can do the same for your bank balance.
In order to save you the time searching through Amazon reviews, and searching websites to locate the most effective microphones, we've done your research.
This week, we'll guide you through different types of microphones, the top brands and models on the market and how you should use them.
It's suitable for every online teacher or instructor.
Before diving into the some models, let's review the basics of microphones, to give you a better knowledge of what you should look for in a microphone.
After you've got your dream microphone, now is the time to build! Draft courses can be created for no cost and then upgrade them at launch time.
Some basics about the best microphone setup for online courses as well as webinars.
The majority of our suggestions includes the use of a microphone with a cable.
Why? Markets as well aslisteners like the quality of sound of the cabled microphones.
Wireless microphones can boast the price of $172 million , a far cry from the price of $455 million for the retail sales value of cabled microphones.
Another way we categorize our best microphone choices is using two different types of cable namelytwo types of cables - XLR mics and USB mics.
This is a brief visual distinction between them :
Pro XLR:
The advantage of an XLR cable is that it's the industry standard, which means most pro audio recording gear is designed for XLR microphones. It gives you a wider range of options and sound control (think professionals and podcasters).
Con:
If you are using XLRs are required connect it to an audio interface to convert the analog signal into digital - a.k.a. it can be played in your Mac or computer. However it is not a perfect fit for a PC or Mac, you can use an adapter for XLR and USB adapter can be a viable option, if you're not looking to gain phantom power or ultimate control of sound.
USB pro
One benefit of an USB microphone is you can plug directly into your laptop or laptop. That is why you don't require additional audio equipment.
USB con:
It's a great device that provides connection to your computer's USB port, you don't have as much nitty-gritty control over the sound quality.
As the vast majority of online classes and webinars involve plugging into computers at one point, most of our options include USB microphones.
Lastly, we break up our first category of XLR mics into condenser and dynamic microphones .
These microphones use passive listening and are specifically designed to block out background sound.
If you are working in a space that has ambient noise, and you need clear and high-quality audio, dynamic mics might be a good choice. They are also great for professional musicians as well as pro-podcaster quality audio.
Condenser mics , on contrary, utilize active listening to capture sounds with lots of precision and clarity. They're great for studio settings that aren't surrounded by lots of background noise or background sounds.
The simplest way to summarize:
In recommending the microphone setup for your online course or webinar, generally speaking it is best to create high-quality audio with these mic categories:
Wired
USB
Condenser
We want to give each online entrepreneur a solid choice (including professionals-level audio recorders musicians, filmmakers, podcasters, et cetera), so we expand to include more options.
But OK. We'll now look for the perfect microphone configuration to suit your needs.
XLR microphones that are condenser or dynamic
Editor's Note: All prices are current at the date of publication. In the event that them to be different, they'll be lower and if they're not it's likely that there are many options to pick from this selection.
Zoom DZM-1, a dynamic microphone
The Zoom DZM-1's Dynamic Microphone has an internal shock mount that means it will block out sound due to bumps and extraneous unwanted noise.
The stand mount makes it easy to place on a mic stand, however, it's an additional accessory that you'll have to buy separately if you don't own one. However, you don't require an external shock mount, since this microphone has an inbuilt shock mount.
The mic also produces an incredibly smooth and broadcast-quality audio from its large-diaphragm dynamic style.
Price: $59.99
Connectivity Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency from 50Hz to 20kHz
Best microphone for online teachers who want to capture loud, clear sounds, using a budget priced microphone. Perfect for live online instruction or high-quality audio recording of vocals and instruments.
Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic microphone
For a fancier choice, you can check out the Shure SM7B the cardioid-based dynamic mic. This is a premium pro-quality microphone made to be used by musicians, vocalists and other creatives who are serious about the quality of their recordings.
The wide, flat frequency response is ideal for exceptionally 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 that of your laptop).
Additionally, it comes with a built-in pop filter, which means you do not need additional accessories in order to regulate the sound. Also, having XLR connectivity gives you more flexibility and options for controlling your audio to just what you require.
Price: $399
Connectivity Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
Ideal microphone for: Serious audio recording, professional musicians or online instructors with a desire for crystal clear professional audio and the financial extra to get it.
Sidenote An aside: The XLR + USB model of this is Shure's MV7 USB-based dynamic microphone , which goes for $249.
AKG P120 condenser microphone
The AKG P120 is a high-performance vocal condenser microphone, which is great to record general-purpose voice and presenting.
If you're in search of a mic setup that can provide a wide range of web-based course or webinar needs such as recording musical instruments to giving voice-overs on slide decks, this can provide high-quality audio.
Price: $79
Connectivity Connectivity to Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency 20Hz-20kHz
Best microphone for online teachers that want to utilize a competitively priced XLR condenser microphone to present live or prerecorded tutorials using high-quality audio via a desktop.
In case you're looking for additional accessories to use with your XLR microphones, you can choose this accessories bundle comprising a mic shock mount and pop filter, you could buy the kit at an affordable price.
This set retails for $14.99, for example, and will fit a microphone with 46mm-53mm diameter.
If your mic doesn't have built-in features, you can locate similar shock mounts and pop filter accessory packages for your specific microphone (just make sure you check for compatibility).
Speaking of mic accessories, with the XLR microphones, you'll have find a way to deliver your audio content as digital files within your online course or webinar that includes audio editing software to edit audio recordings or the XLR into USB adapter to live demonstrations.
In order to avoid the additional technical setup completely, USB mics are ideal particularly if professional-audio recording status is not your highest priority.
Microphones with USB condenser
Blue Yeti condenser microphone
Blue Yeti's condenser mic is a top-tier mic which plugs straight into a USB port. It's regarded as among the best mics thanks to its many patterns.
Its tri-capsule technology, which is proprietary to the company, allows you to select from four patterns including steroid, cardioid, multidirectional and bidirectional.
In addition to pattern choice, in addition to pattern choice, Yeti microphone also has studio controls for headphone volume control, instant mute and mic gain.
Price: $129.99
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Multipattern
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
The best microphone to use for educational content on the internet which highlights audio of high quality with the convenience of plugging directly into a computer via a desk or studio setting. A course in audio could be greatly enhanced by the microphone.
Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser microphone
A different plug-and-play USB microphone that is plug-and-play USB Blue Snowball iCE condenser microphone. It has an flexible stand, which makes it very easy to move around and set up at any desk.
The dimensions are compact and easy to carry around, while the connectivity is simple USB output that you simply plug into your PC.
The Blue Snowball iCE gives you clear audio quality for live online classes, using platforms like Skype, Zoom, or YouTube Live. Podcasters have been known to utilize this model, which means that it's a good choice for prerecording your webinars and the online content of your course.
Price: $49
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency from 40Hz to 18kHz
The best microphone to use for online teachers seeking a portable desk choice that is priced competitively and easy to use inside the office and in your studio. You won't get the highestquality ever however, you'll be in the "good" square.
SUDOTACK USB condenser microphone kit
Sudotack's USB streaming podcast PC microphone is a high-quality condenser microphone which delivers high-quality audio via USB connectivity.
This one comes in a kit, so if you're in search of a high audio system that is high quality and available all in one package it could be the right choice.
The SUDOTACK USB microphone kit comes with an microphone stand, a table clamp, shock mount, anti-wind foam cap, USB A to B cable, and a pop filter.
Price: $52.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency from 30Hz to 16kHz
A great microphone suitable for creators with a new start. If you're in search of a high-quality microphone which provides top-quality audio at a reasonable prices This is a complete package that gives you exactly that.
On the other end in the range, there are times when you may be hesitant to handle all audio recording equipment. A good headset that has a microphone could be all that you need.
Logitech USB headset H390
The Logitech H390 USB headset is a wireless headset featuring a noise cancelling microphone. You can plug the headset directly into your computer or laptop's USB port.
If you're teaching live classes, just plug the headphones to your laptop and then begin to present. When you're not teaching or talking to students, you could move the left-sided mic boom to the side, and then put it out of the way.
Price: $24.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional
Response to frequency: 100Hz to 10kHz
The best microphone suitable for: Online teachers who need a simple audio set-up. It is ideal for people who do not know how to create audio and want good quality audio to use for tutorials online or for presenting audio-over slides.
While we're on the topic of portability and technology-free ease The desktop edition of the headset configuration, but not with the headphone.
JOUNIVO USB portable desktop condenser microphone
JOUNIVO USB mic for desktop use is a portable USB microphone that is able to take you anywhere to any desktop location.
The long and slim gooseneck design makes it small and easy to move and adjust. It also has a mute switch and LED indicator on the small stand that tells you the working status.
This desktop microphone being the most affordable microphone on our list and it's worth trying for those who love to travel or someone who likes to change teaching and working environment often.
There's no volume control, and the frequency response isn't highlighted on the page for its products (which makes sense given the cost).
Price: $14.99
Connectivity: Wired USB
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
The best microphone for beginners online instructors in the field who require a lightweight extremely compact USB microphone that easily packs together with laptop equipment. It's ideal for teaching live on the internet rather than recording high-quality audio however it's good to record basic voiceovers.
We have options for that as well.
Non-desktop microphone setup
Rode SmartLaV+ lavalier condenser microphone
Rode's SmartLav+ is an excellent handheld hands-free microphone for online teachers who are often on the move while instructing.
For example, a fitness instructor can clip on to the lapel and plug in directly into a recorder portable or mobile device.
Or if you're someone who instructs with a whiteboard, or any various props, or who is a teacher with a talking head (a.k.a. directly facing the camera), this is a solid option and pairs well with an external audio recorder.
Price: $79
Connectivity The TRRS jack is wired.
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
The best microphone to use for Teachers who make a lot of movements during teaching or who teach and record on the job, and want a hands-free microphone that easily plugs into their mobile or an external recording device. Also ideal for face-to-camera video recording.
Connect your headset or lavalier mic to something more sophisticated than your mobile device to get better sound quality and control of volume, such as an external audio recorder.
Zoom H2n recorder
It is easy to plug into the handheld Zoom H2n recording device , which can run for over 20 hours using only two batteries from standard AA.
For the size of audio files The Zoom records up to 24 bit/96kHz WAV files as well as up to 320kbps for MP3 files. Audio recordings are saved directly onto SD or SDHC cards up to 32GB.
If you don't want to invest in the wireless lavalier it is possible to record directly to the Zoom's built-in microphones by using four recording options that include mid-side stereo, the X/Y stereo and two channels and 4-channel surround.
In case you're interested, here's a visual of the mic configurations appear to be:
In addition to the above details:
Price: $169.99
the best microphone Portable, non-desktop mic option that offers lots of control over sound for audio recording.
You are looking for a combination microphone and lavalier? Check out our final mic system.
Rode Wireless Go wireless microphone system
Rode Wireless Go Rode Wireless Go set-up functions the same way that the lavalier or external recorder does, only more compact.
The device is equipped with a tiny wireless microphone with earbuds, the transmitter and receiver.
Clip on the wireless transmitter and use it as a super tiny belt-pack transmitter to create an lavalier microphone. You can also use the built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone to function as a wireless microphone itself.
The receiver is just as compact and can even mount on cameras or GoPro.
It also comes with the small TRS Coiled cable to allow compatibility with DSLRs.
Price: $199
Connectivity: Wireless USB
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
The best microphone for: Physically active creators and online teachers who travel a lot when teaching and require the convenience of a wireless portable system.
Your online course will be presented with the best microphone setup and quality audio for the content you are sharing.
Just like with any other aspect of your enterprise, select the one that best suits your purpose and budget.
This is a breakdown of the most effective microphones to use for online courses and webinars:
mics with XLR (dynamic and condenser)
Utilize Zoom's DZM-1 Dynamic Mic if you want high-quality isolating audio. The the price is $59.99.
Make use of the Shure SM7B dynamic microphone If you are looking for an outstanding cardioid-type pickup that is suitable for pros. Price is $399.
The P120 is a condenser microphone from AKG for general use and high-quality audio. The price is $79.
USB mics (condenser)
Utilize to use the Blue Yeti condenser mic for the best USB mic that has multipattern mode; price is $129.99.
Use this Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser mic to get a premium microphone for your desktop; cost is $49.
Utilize SUDOTACK's USB condenser kit to get a starter kit with accessories; price is $52.99.
Make use of the Logitech H390 USB headset to use a minimal amount of audio equipment and basic live tutorials; price is $24.99.
Use the JOUNIVO USB portable microphone to create an ultra-compact desktop microphone to record simple live tutorials. the cost is $14.99.
Non-desktop microphones
Use Rode's SmartLaV+ lavalier condenser mic to plug into your mobile device or other recording devices; cost is $79.
Make use of this Zoom H2n recorder to create high-quality audio recordings that give you more sound control than your mobile device Price is $169.
Use Rode's Wireless Go mic system for small wireless transmitter as well as receiver kit, which records high quality audio; price is $199.
We hope our researched, streamlined list of the top microphones to be used for online courses and webinars will cut hours off the time you spend shopping.