The microphone for conferences today is a real assistant. Without it, it is impossible to organize any event, since the presence of audio equipment affects the success of the entire event. Through this simple device, everyone present will be heard. Also, you can speak and discuss various topics without getting up from your seat. Learn more about conference mic on microphonetopgear.
Features of a conference mic
As a rule, no meeting with the participation of a large number of people can not do without microphones for conferences. This device makes it possible to hear everyone correctly, without distorting the main idea. Besides, this device not only cuts off unnecessary noise but also has additional functions:
- an activation button;
- the earphone jack;
- loudspeaker;
- indicators;
- automatic shutdown system.
Choose a microphone depending on the size of the room
When selecting sound equipment, the room is particularly important. It can be a small meeting room, which can accommodate up to 6 people. The main feature of such offices is a small area, a lot of furniture, low ceilings, a small echo, a microphone is located close to the participants. For such space, the best option is an omnidirectional device installed in the center of the table to receive a signal from all participants.
For the standard sizes of conference rooms, designed for up to 20 participants, microphones with a large coverage are required, as well as the ability to connect the necessary equipment. The main problem with such rooms is their size, which causes great acoustic disturbances (air conditioning system, noise, large echoes, ventilation holes).
The difficulty is that in such offices it becomes almost impossible to control independent echo cancellation and to control each microphone. The best option is an omnidirectional microphone array in the ceiling or (depending on the number of speakers) desktop devices. Their advantage is the ability to recognize sound zones independently. The problem with huge meeting rooms is the inability to reproduce high-quality sound due to the large area. The ideal option for this type of room is a conference system that not only provides good sound but also creates complete clarity and clarity of the speaker’s speech. Additional systems can be hinged or suspended microphones.
Types by mounting method
High-quality microphone holders are no less important. The choice is quite huge. They differ in the quality of the material, construction, method of fixation, and type of purpose. Each mount has its own specific and universal purpose. The sound device can be used for one person or group, stand on a table or podium.
The most popular and practical mounts are universal. They are widely used in recording studios, press conferences, debates, speeches, videoconferences, programs, blogs, and so on. There are no difficulties in using such mountings. It is enough to install the microphone on the table. The module is firmly fixed, and there is no risk that the equipment will fall down. Also, such mounts are equipped with an anti-vibration function that can eliminate this flaw, making your voice clear.
The clothespin is another universal mount. Its convenience is a special gooseneck, which provides stability not only in any position but also on any surface. The attachment mechanism for small microphones gives participants more freedom of movement.
Model Overview
There are special requirements for conference microphones. They must not only transmit sound clearly but also remove unnecessary noise and inaccuracies. The main features of such devices are a wide frequency range, multizone, high sensitivity, capable of transmitting even whispering without distortion. Here is the list of the most popular models of microphones.
Audio-Technica ATR4697
The desktop Omni-directional device can provide full capture of sounds. The design is strong and low-profile, you can hardly see it on the table. Capacitor type, the frequency range is from 50 to 15000 Hz; sensitivity – 46 dB.
MAONO AU-100
The lavalier capacitor omnidirectional device is equipped with a signal amplifier and noise reduction function. Provides high sensitivity up to 30 dB and a dynamic 65-18000 Hz range. The model is lightweight and compact, with a secure clip that allows you to firmly attach the microphone.
USB Blue Yeti nano
The ideal omnidirectional cardioid device for video conferencing. The microphone qualitatively transfers a natural voice without distortions and removes excessive noise. The frequency range is wide – 20-20000 Hz. Modes are switched using a button.
Sennheiser SP 30+
It is a wireless portable microphone. It connects via Bluetooth, USB, or NFC for superior sound with minimal distortion and noise. The frequency range is 150 Hz – 7.5 kHz.
Shure CVG12-B/C
A condenser tabletop cardioid microphone. An excellent option for conferences, providing high speech intelligibility, perfectly suppresses extraneous sounds and noise. Several such devices installed next to each other do not affect the work of each other. The working frequency range is 70-16000 Hz, the maximum sound pressure is 120 dB.
Selection Criteria
Audio equipment plays a special role in video conferences, negotiations, meetings, and presentations since all participants must hear each other. If we talk specifically about conferences, clarity of speech is of particular importance, it should be understandable for all present. When words are distorted and “smeared”, negotiations are ineffective, and there are many inaccuracies and errors.
The choice should be based on 4 main components:
- Frequency range. It is used to define high and low-frequency limits. The necessary indicators are determined for the specific room, taking into account by whom, how, and for what the microphone will be used further.
- Directionality (determines location). The criterion is most often used when the room is large and there are many participants. According to the type of orientation, the following is distinguished: omnidirectional, bidirectional (the microphone receives sound from only 2 sides), unidirectional (sound equipment catches sound only from the front).
- Sensitivity to the perception of barely audible sounds. This value is determined in decibels and depends on the purpose of the unit. Excessive noises will be heard at high levels, and only loud tones will be heard at low levels.
- The full sound of the device. Conference microphones are equipped with the ability to automatically adjust the sound pressure level, so you can choose the best indicator for those present at the meeting.
Rich Thomas