Top microphones for online training
If you're looking for high-quality audio for online classes and webinars, get our recommendations for the most effective microphones to use for your online training.
The process of creating your course's content can be a beast of burden.
And let's not forget recording it.
Audio recording equipment is required for delivering polished online classes with high-quality audio, and you know this. The same is true for online webinars, tutorials, and live streaming. A good microphone can be the difference between success and failure for your information products.
The same can be done the same for your bank balance.
To spare you the hassle of hunting through Amazon reviews or scouring the internet to find the top microphones, we've completed all the research for you.
In this article, we'll take through various types of microphones, including the best brands and models on the market and how you should use them.
There's an option here that's suitable for every online teacher or instructor.
Before we dig into some models, let's go over some basic microphone basics to help you gain a greater idea of what to search for.
After you've got your dream microphone, it's time to design! Make draft courses no cost and then upgrade them to the next level at launch.
A few basics on the ideal microphone for online training as well as webinars.
The majority of our recommendations include an audio setup with cable.
Why? It's because the market as well aslisteners prefer the sound quality of microphones with cable.
Wireless microphones can boast an estimated price at $172million which is a vast difference from the $455 million price of the cabled microphones.
A different way to categorize the best microphones is using two different types of cable namelytwo types of cables - XLR mics and USB microphones.
This is a brief visual difference between the two :
XLR pro:
The benefit of using the XLR cable is that it's the industry standard, which means the majority of audio recording equipment is made for XLR microphones. It gives you a wider range of options and sound control (think professional musicians and podcasters).
XLR con:
When using XLRs, you need connect it to an audio interface to convert the analog to something digital -- a.k.a. it can be played with either your Mac or PC. But you can use the XLR to 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 that you can connect directly into your computer or laptop. That implies that you do not require any additional audio equipment.
USB with:
It's a great device that provides connection to your computer's USB port, it doesn't get as precise control over the sound quality.
Since most online courses and webinars involve plugging into an internet connection at some moment, the vast majority of our options include USB microphones.
In the end, we split the first group of XLR microphones into dynamic and condenser microphones .
The dynamic microphones use passive listening and are specifically designed to block out background sound.
If you're working in an area that is surrounded by an ambient sound, and need crystal clear high-quality audio, dynamic mics could be the best choice. Again, great for pro-musician as well as pro-podcaster quality audio.
Condenser microphones On contrary, utilize active listening and pick up sounds with tons of precision and clarity. They're great for studio settings that aren't surrounded by a lot of ambient noise or background sound.
The simplest way to summarize:
In recommending the microphone configuration for your online class or webinar generally speaking it is best to provide high quality audio using these microphone category choices:
Wired
USB
Condenser
We are determined to provide every online business owner a reliable choice (including professional audio recorders, musicians and filmmakers, as well as podcasters et cetera) So we go a bit beyond those options.
Okay. Let's now find the best microphone setup that is right to suit your needs.
XLR dynamic and condenser microphones
Editor's Note: All prices remain in effect at the time of writing. If you discover the prices are different, they're less however, there should be lots of choices to choose from in this list.
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.
Stand mounts make it super easy to put on a stand for your microphone, though it's an 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, as this mic has an inbuilt shock mount.
This mic also captures an incredibly smooth and broadcast-quality audio due to its wide-diaphragm, dynamic layout.
Price: $59.99
Connectivity Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency from 50Hz to 20kHz
Best microphone for Teachers who want to capture loud, powerful sounds using a reasonably priced microphone. It is ideal for online live teaching as well as recording audio with high quality the voice and instruments.
Shure SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
For a fancier choice, you can check out Shure's new SM7B Cardioid Dynamic Microphone. It's an excellent professional-grade microphone made for musicians, singers and other creatives who care about the quality of their recordings.
The flat, wide-range frequency response allows for a natural and clean rendition of both speech and music.
Shure's SM7B has an internal "air suspension" shock isolator that blocks mechanical noise transmission (like from your computer).
The device also comes with an integrated pop filter, making it unnecessary additional accessories in order for controlling the sound. Of course, the XLR connectivity gives you more possibilities to control the sound exactly what you want.
Price: $399
Connectivity: Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency from 50Hz to 20kHz
Ideal microphone suitable for professional audio recording, pro musicians, or online teachers who want crystal clear pro-quality sound, and also have the money extra to get it.
Sidenote: The XLR + USB model of this is Shure's USB MV7 dynamic microphone that retails for $249.
AKG P120 condenser microphone
The AKG P120 is a top-quality vocal condenser microphone, which is great for general purpose voice recording and for presenting.
If you're searching for a mic setup that can provide a wide range of web-based course or webinar needs -- from recording musical instruments to giving voice-overs on slide decks -- this one can provide high-quality audio.
Price: $79
Connectivity Connectivity to Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
The best microphone for Teachers who want to use a competitively priced XLR condenser microphone for presenting live and prerecorded tutorials with high-quality audio from the desktop.
In case you're seeking additional items for your XLR mics, like this accessories bundle , which includes the mic's shock mount as well as a pop filter, you can grab a kit for a very reasonable price.
This set retails for $14.99 For instance, it fits microphones with a 46mm to 53mm size.
If the microphone you're using doesn't come with included features, it is possible to get similar shock mounts as well as pop filter accessory packages for the microphone you have (just ensure you verify the compatibility).
Concerning mics including the XLR microphones, you'll have determine how you can transmit your audio in digital format within your online course or webinar, which means audio editing software for audio recordings or an XLR into USB adapter for live tutorials.
In order to avoid the additional technology setup, USB mics are ideal -- especially if pro-audio recording quality is not your highest priority.
Condenser microphones for USB
Blue Yeti condenser microphone
Blue Yeti condenser microphone is a top-tier mic which plugs straight into the USB port. It is considered to be to be one of the top microphones due to its a variety of patterns.
Its tri-capsule technology, which is proprietary to the company, allows you to select from four patterns: cardioid, steroid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional modes.
In addition to pattern choice, aside from pattern selection, the Yeti mic also comes with studio controls for headphone level control and instant mutes and microphone gain.
Price: $129.99
Connectivity: Wired USB
Polar pattern: Multipattern
Response to frequency: 20Hz - 20kHz
The best microphone for educational content on the internet which showcases high-quality audio material and is easy to plug directly into a computer via the studio or desk. A course in audio could really benefit from the microphone.
Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser microphone
A different plug-and-play USB microphone is the Blue Snowball iCE condenser mic. It comes with an attached flexible stand, which allows it to move about and set up on a desk.
The size is compact and portable, and the connection is an easy USB output that you can connect directly to your laptop.
Blue Snowball iCE Blue Snowball iCE gives you clear audio quality for live online classes, with platforms such as Skype, Zoom, or YouTube Live. Podcasters are known to use this model, which means that it's a good choice to record your webinars as well as courses online.
Price: $49
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response time between 40Hz and 18kHz
Best microphone to use for Teachers looking for a mobile desktop alternative that's priced reasonably and easy to use inside and outside your office or studio. It won't be the most premiumquality ever, but you'll land firmly in the "good" space.
SUDOTACK USB condenser microphone kit
The SUDOTACK's USB streaming PC microphone is a solid condenser microphone which delivers high-quality audio via USB connectivity.
This one comes in a kit, so if you're searching for a top quality mic setup that comes together, this may be the way to go.
The SUDOTACK USB microphone kit comes with a microphone stand, shock mount, table clamp with foam cap for anti-wind, USB A-to-B cable, and pop filter.
Price: $52.99
Connectivity: Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency 30-Hz up to 16kHz
The best microphone to use for: Creators that are only beginning their journey. If you're searching for an excellent microphone set that provides high-quality audio for an affordable price it's a comprehensive set that provides the best of both worlds.
At the opposite end in the range, there are times when you may be hesitant to handle any audio recording equipment. A headset with a good audio quality could be enough for you.
Logitech USB headset H390
It is the Logitech H390 USB headset is a headset that can be used hands-free featuring a noise cancelling microphone. The headset can be connected directly into your computer or your laptop's USB port.
If you're conducting live classes you can plug the headsets into your laptop and then begin to present. While you're not teaching, or talking to students, you could move the left-sided mic boom, so it's tucked into the background.
Price: $24.99
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional
Response to frequency between 100Hz and 10kHz
The best microphone suitable for Teachers who teach online and require a minimal sound setup. Ideal for non-techie creators who require high-quality audio for simple online classes or to present slideshows with voiceovers.
In the spirit of portability, and the tech-free convenience, there's a desktop version of the headset configuration, but without the head gear.
JOUNIVO USB portable desktop condenser microphone
JUNIVO USB Desktop microphone is a very lightweight USB microphone that allows you to travel with you to any desktop location.
The long and slim gooseneck design makes it small and easy to maneuver and adjust. It also has a mute switch and a light indicator located on the tiny stand that tells you the working status.
This desktop microphone being the most affordable microphone on our list It's definitely worth giving it a shot if you're an avid traveler or someone who likes to change teaching and working environment frequently.
Note that there's no limit on volume, nor is there a frequency response doesn't appear on the product's page (which would be logical considering the price).
Price: $14.99
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
A great microphone beginners online instructors traveling and looking for a mobile extremely compact portable USB microphone, which can easily be packed into their laptops. It's ideal for teaching live on the internet rather than recording high-quality audio, although it's decent for very basic voice-over recording.
We have options for that, too.
Non-desktop microphone setup
Rode SmartLaV+ lavalier condenser microphone
Rode's SmartLav+ is an ideal handheld hands-free microphone for instructors who are online and frequently move about when teaching.
For example, a fitness trainer can attach to the lapel and plug in the jack straight into a recording device for a portable or mobile phone.
For those who teaches using a whiteboard or different props or someone who teaches as a talking head (a.k.a. directly facing the camera) it's a solid option and pairs perfectly with an external audio recorder.
Price: $79
Connectivity The TRRS jack is wired.
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
The best microphone for online teachers that require a lot of movement when teaching, or instruct and record on the job as well as want the convenience of a hands-free mic that plugs in to their mobile device or external recording device. It is 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 volume control, for example the external recording device.
Zoom H2n recorder
The lavalier can easily plug into the handheld Zoom H2n recording device and run for up to 20 hours on only two batteries from standard AA.
In terms of the capacity of sound files In terms of sound file capacity, the Zoom records up to 24 bit/96kHz WAV files as well as up to 320kbps for MP3 format. The recordings of audio are recorded directly to SD as well as SDHC cards up to 32GB.
If you're not looking to invest in an lavalier wireless and you want to record straight to the Zoom's built-in microphones by using four recording options including mid-side stereo and Stereo X/Y, as well as 2-channel and 4-channel surround.
If you're interested in learning more, here's a picture of what those mic configurations look like:
For the additional pertinent details:
Price: $169.99
The best microphone: A portable non-desktop mic option that offers lots of control over sound for recording audio.
Looking for a combo lavalier + mic option? Look at our final microphone system.
Rode Wireless Go wireless microphone system
Rode Wireless Go Rode Wireless Go set-up functions similar fashion to what an external recorder and lavalier does, only more compact.
It includes a small wireless microphone with earbuds and a transmitter and receiver.
Clip on the wireless transmitter and make it a tiny belt-pack transmitter to create the lavalier mic. You can also use the built-in omnidirectional condenser microphone as a wireless mic itself.
The receiver is just as small and is able to be mounted onto a camera or GoPro.
It also comes with a small TRS coiled cable for compatibility with DSLRs.
Price: $199
Connectivity: Wireless USB
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
Best microphone for: Physically active online educators and creators who travel a lot while instructing and want an easy-to-use wireless system that is portable.
Make sure you have the most effective microphone configuration and the best audio quality for the content you are sharing.
Just like with any other aspect of your business, choose the one that best suits the purpose you are trying to achieve and your budget.
Here's the breakdown of the best microphones for your webinars, online courses, and other classes:
mics with XLR (dynamic as well as condenser)
Utilize Zoom's DZM-1 Dynamic Mic if you want high-quality isolating audio; cost is $59.99.
Use this 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 to get general-purpose use, and top-quality audio; price is $79.
USB mics (condenser)
Make use of this Blue Yeti condenser mic for an elite USB mic that has multipattern mode priced at $129.99.
Make use of this 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.
Use Logitech H390 USB headset to use a minimal amount of audio gear and simple online tutorials. Price is $24.99.
Utilize JOUNIVO's USB portable mic for small desktop microphones to record simple live tutorials. the cost is $14.99.
Non-desktop mics
Utilize Rode's SmartLaV+ condenser microphone that plugs into your mobile phone or any other recording equipment; the cost is $79.
Make use of the Zoom H2n recorder for top-quality audio recording that gives greater control over sound than your mobile device The price is $169.
Make use of Rode's Wireless Go mic system for an ultra-compact wireless transmitter and receiver that can record high quality audio. The cost is $199.
We hope that our well-thought out, streamlined list of the most effective microphones to use for online classes and webinars shaves hours off your shopping time.