Best microphones for online courses and webinars
If you're in the market for top-quality audio to accompany your online course and webinars, get our recommendations for the top microphone configurations you can use in your online training.
Building your course content is one of the biggest challenges.
Let alone recording it.
You need audio-recording gear for delivering well-crafted online classes that have high-quality audio. And you're aware of this. This is also true of the live webcasts and online tutorials. A good microphone can be the difference between success and failure for your information products.
The same can be done the same for the balance in your account.
In order to save you the time of hunting through Amazon reviews or scouring the internet to find the best microphones, we've completed your research.
This week, we'll guide through various types of microphones, including the best models and brands available on the market, and when to use these types of microphones.
This option is right for any online teacher or instructor.
Before we get into specific models though, let's briefly go over some basic microphone basics so you have a better idea of what to search for.
Once you have your perfect microphone, you're ready to create! Create draft courses for no cost and then upgrade them to the next level at launch.
A few basics on the ideal microphone for online training and webinars
The majority of our recommendations include an audio setup with cable.
Why? It's because the market as well aslisteners appreciate the superior sound of microphones with cable.
Wireless microphones can boast a price of $172 million which is a vast difference from the $455 million retail sales value of microphones with cable.
A different way to categorize our best microphone choices is through two types of cables -the XLR mics and USB microphones.
This is a brief graphic distinction between them :
Pro XLR:
The advantage of the XLR cable is it's the industry standard, which means most pro audio recording gear is designed for XLR microphones. This gives you more options and control over sound (think professionals as well as podcasters).
Con:
If you are using XLRs it is necessary connect it to an audio interface that converts the analog audio to digital, a.k.a. it can be played in your Mac or computer. Although you can use the XLR to USB adapter can be a viable option, if you don't want to increase 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 it right into your computer or laptop, which implies that you do not require any additional audio equipment.
USB con:
It's a great device that provides connectivity to the computer's USB port, you don't get as precise control of the sound quality.
Since most online courses or webinars require plugging in a computer at some point, most of the options we have include USB microphones.
In the end, we split the first group of XLR mics into dynamic and condenser microphones .
These microphones employ passive listening and are specifically designed to block out background disturbances.
If you are working in an environment that's noisy, an ambient sound, and need crystal clear high-quality audio, dynamic mics could be the best choice. Also, excellent for professionals and pro-podcaster audio quality.
Condenser microphones , on contrary, utilize active listening to listen to sounds with a lot of clarity and detail. They're great for studio settings that aren't surrounded by lots of background noise or background sound.
In a nutshell:
If you are recommending our microphone setup for your online class or webcast, in general, you should be able to produce good quality audio using these microphone category choices:
Wired
USB
Condenser
However, we are determined to provide each online entrepreneur a solid choice (including professionals-level audio recorders musicians and filmmakers, as well as podcasters and so on), so we expand to include more options.
However, it's okay. Now, let's find the perfect microphone configuration to suit your needs.
XLR dynamic and condenser microphones
Editor's Note: All prices are valid at when they were written. If you discover they're different, they're lower however it's likely that there are plenty of options to choose from the list below.
Zoom DZM-1, a dynamic microphone
The Zoom DZM-1 dynamic microphone includes an internal shock mount which means that it can isolate sound from the bumps as well as other unwanted noise.
Stand mounts make it easy to place on a mic stand, though it's an accessory you'll need to purchase separately, if you don't already have one. There's no require an external shock mount as this mic has an inbuilt shock mount.
The mic also produces an incredibly smooth and broadcast-quality audio thanks to its dynamic large-diaphragm layout.
Price: $59.99
Connectivity: Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
Best microphone Teachers who want to capture loud, clear sounds, using a budget priced mic. Ideal for live online teaching or recording high-quality audio of the voice and instruments.
Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic mic
To get a better option, check out the Shure SM7B the cardioid-based dynamic mic. It's an excellent professional-grade microphone specifically designed for musicians, singers, and creators that are committed to their recording audio quality.
The flat, wide-range frequency response allows for exceptionally clean and natural recording of speech and music.
Shure's SM7B comes with the internal "air suspension" shock-isolation system that reduces mechanical sound transmission (like the sound of your computer).
The device also comes with an inbuilt pop filter which means you do not need additional accessories in order to regulate the sound. Naturally, the XLR connectivity offers more choices and flexibility to tailor your sound to be just what you require.
Price: $399
Connectivity Connectivity to Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
Best microphone for professional audio recording, professional musicians, or online teachers who want crystal clear pro-quality audio and the financial surplus for it.
Sidenote: 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 top-quality condenser microphone for vocals that is ideal for recording general purpose voices as well as presenting.
If you're in search of a mic setup that can provide a wide range of online course and webinar purposes such as recording musical instruments to giving voice-overs on slide decks, this is a top-quality microphone.
Price: $79
Connectivity: Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response 20Hz-20kHz
Best microphone Teachers who want to use an inexpensive XLR condenser microphone for presenting live and prerecorded tutorials using high-quality audio via a desktop.
By the way, if you're looking for additional accessories to use with your XLR microphones, you can choose this accessories bundle , which includes an XLR shock mount for your mic and a pop filter, you can grab a kit for an affordable price.
The set is priced at $14.99 For instance, and fits a 46mm-53mm microphone diameter.
If the microphone you're using doesn't come with integrated features, you may locate similar shock mounts and pop filter accessories for the microphone you have (just make sure you check for compatibility).
In terms of microphone accessories and the XLR mics you'll need find a way to deliver your audio content in digital format inside your webinar or online course that includes audio editing software to edit audio recordings, as well as an XLR to USB adapter for live tutorials.
To avoid the extra technical setup completely, USB mics are ideal -- especially if pro-audio recording quality is not your top concern.
USB condenser microphones
Blue Yeti condenser microphone
Blue Yeti's condenser microphone is a top-tier mic which plugs straight into the USB port. It's considered to be one of the top microphones due to its a variety of patterns and modes.
Its proprietary tri-capsule technology lets you choose from four pattern modes including steroid, cardioid, the omnidirectional and bidirectional.
In addition to pattern choice, the Yeti mic also comes with headphones with studio controls, including the volume, instant mute as well as microphone gain.
Price: $129.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Multipattern
Frequency response 20Hz to 20kHz
Best microphone for online teaching material which showcases high-quality audio material that is simple to connect directly into the computer from the studio or desk. An audio course, for instance, can greatly benefit from this type of microphone.
Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser microphone
A different plug-and-play USB microphone that is plug-and-play USB Blue Snowball iCE condenser mic. It is equipped with an stand with an adjustable height that makes it very easy to move about and set up on a desk.
The dimensions are compact as well as portable. The connectivity is simple USB output that you connect directly to your laptop.
Blue Snowball iCE Blue Snowball iCE gives you high-quality audio for live online teaching, with platforms such as Skype, Zoom, or YouTube Live. Podcasters use this format, and that means it's also a great option to record your webinars as well as the online content of your course.
Price: $49
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response time between 40Hz and 18kHz
The best microphone for online teachers looking for a mobile desktop option that's competitively priced and practical to use both inside the office and in your studio. It won't be the most premiumquality microphone however, you'll be in the "good" space.
SUDOTACK USB condenser microphone kit
The SUDOTACK's USB streaming microphone for PC is a solid condenser microphone that provides high-quality audio using USB connectivity.
It's a kit, so if you're looking for a good quality mic setup that comes in one bundle it could be the right choice.
The SUDOTACK USB microphone kit comes with microphone stands, a shock mount, table clamp and foam cap that prevents wind. USB A to B cable, as well as a pop filter.
Price: $52.99
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response: 30Hz to 16kHz
The best microphone to use for those that are only beginning their journey. If you're looking for an excellent microphone set with high-quality sound at a a competitive price it's a comprehensive kit that will give you the best of both worlds.
At the opposite end on the other hand, it is possible that you may prefer not to use the use of any recording device. A headset with a high microphone could be all that you need.
Logitech USB headset H390
It is the Logitech Bluetooth headset H390 is a wireless headset with a noise-canceling microphone attached. You can plug the headset directly into the computer or laptop's USB port.
If you're doing live lessons simply plug in the headphones into your computer and start presenting. When you're not teaching or talking to students, you could shift the left-sided microphone boom so that it's hidden out of the way.
Price: $24.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional
Response to frequency: 100Hz to 10kHz
Best microphone suitable for Online instructors 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 for basic online classes or to present audio-over slides.
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
JOUNIVO USB Desktop microphone is a mobile USB microphone that is able to be carried to your desktop setting.
Its slim and tall gooseneck design makes it super compact and simple to move around and adjust. There's also a mute button and a light indicator in the stand that tells you what's happening with the stand.
The desktop mic is the most affordable microphone we've reviewed and it's worth trying in case you're a frequent traveler or have a desire to change teaching and working settings frequently.
It is important to note that there's not a volume control and also the frequency response doesn't appear on its product page (which makes sense given the price).
Price: $14.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
A great microphone: Beginner online teachers in the field who require a lightweight extremely compact USB microphone that easily packs into their laptops. It's ideal for teaching live on the internet rather than recording high-quality audio, although it's decent to record basic voiceovers.
We have options for that also.
Non-desktop microphone setup
Rode SmartLaV+ condenser microphone with lavalier
Rode's SmartLav+ is a great hand-free microphone that can be used on the go for teachers online who have to frequently move about when teaching.
For instance, a fitness instructor can clip on the lapel, and connect directly into a recording device for a portable or mobile phone.
If you're someone who is teaching using a whiteboard or other props, or someone who instructs using a talk head (a.k.a. face-to-face with the camera) This is an excellent option that works perfectly using an audio recording device that is external.
Price: $79
Connectivity Connectivity to Wired TRRS Jack
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
Ideal microphone to use for online teachers that make a lot of movements when teaching, or instruct and record in the field as well as want a hands-free microphone that easily connects to their smartphone or other recording device. Also ideal for face-to-camera video recording.
Plug your lavalier or headset microphone into something more expensive than your mobile device to enhance audio quality and control of volume, such as an external audio recorder.
Zoom H2n recorder
The lavalier can easily plug into the portable Zoom H2n recorder that can operate for more than 20 hours with only two batteries from standard AA.
For the size of audio files, the Zoom can record as high as 24 bits/96kHz for WAV files, and up to 320kbps for MP3 format. Audio recordings are saved directly on SD and SDHC cards that can hold up to 32GB.
If you're not looking to utilize the wireless lavalier it is possible to record directly to the Zoom's built-in microphones using four recording settings: mid-side stereo, Stereo X/Y, as well as 2-channel and four-channel surround.
If you're interested, here's a visual of the mics will look like:
For the additional pertinent information:
Price: $169.99
Best microphone for: A portable non-desktop microphone that gives plenty of sound control for recording audio.
You are looking for a combination of lavalier and mic? Look at our final microphone system.
Rode Wireless Go wireless microphone system
Its Rode Wireless Go system functions in the same way that an external recorder and lavalier can, but it is smaller.
The system includes a small wireless microphone that comes with earbuds, a transmitter and receiver.
You can clip on the wireless transmitter to make it a tiny belt-pack transmitter to create the lavalier mic. Or you can use its built-in omnidirectional condenser capsule for a wireless mic.
The receiver is also compact and can even mount onto a camera or GoPro.
It also comes with the small TRS Coiled Cable to make it compatible with DSLRs.
Price: $199
Connectivity: Wireless USB
Polar pattern The pattern is Omnidirectional
The best microphone for: Physically active teachers and creators who move around a lot during teaching, and need the convenience of a wireless portable system.
Present your online class with the most effective microphone configuration and the best audio quality for your content
Just like with any other aspect of your enterprise, select the option that works best for your purpose and budget.
Below is the list of best microphones for your online courses and webinars:
mics with XLR (dynamic and condenser)
Utilize Zoom's DZM-1 Dynamic Mic to get high-quality, isolating audio. Its price is $59.99.
Make use of Shure's Shure SM7B dynamic microphone for a premium cardioid-type pickup that is suitable for pros. Price is $399.
Use AKG's P120 condenser mic for everyday use and premium audio; price is $79.
USB mics (condenser)
Utilize the Blue Yeti condenser mic for a top-tier USB mic with multipattern modes priced at $129.99.
Utilize the Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser microphone for an excellent mobile desktop microphone; the price is $49.
Make use of SUDOTACK's USB condenser kits to get a starter kit with accessories. The price is $52.99.
Use Logitech H390 USB headset to get basic audio gear and simple live training; cost is $24.99.
Utilize the JOUNIVO USB portable mic for small desktop microphones to record simple live tutorials. price is $14.99.
Mics that are not desktop-based
Utilize Rode's SmartLaV+ condenser microphone that plugs into your smartphone or another recording equipment; the cost is $79.
Make use of the Zoom H2n recorder to create high-quality audio recordings that give you more sound control than your smartphone; price is $169.
Use Rode's Wireless Go mic system for an ultra-compact wireless transmitter and receiver kit that records good quality sound; cost is $199.
Our well-researched, streamlined list of the best microphones for online courses and webinars cuts down on your shopping time.