Best microphones for online courses and webinars
If you want high-quality audio to accompany your online course and webinars, get our top-rated list of top microphone configurations you can use in your online training.
Making your course's content is a beast of burden.
And let's not forget recording it.
You need audio-recording gear for delivering professional online courses with top-quality audio. And you're aware of this. The same is true for the live webcasts and online tutorials. A good microphone can make or break your info products.
You can do exactly the same thing for the bank account balance.
To save you from hours of hunting through Amazon reviews and scouring the internet to find the best microphones, we've completed all the research for you.
Today, we'll walk you through the different kinds of microphones, including the best models and brands on the market, as well as when to use these types of microphones.
It's right for any online teacher or leader.
Before we get into specific models though, let's briefly go over some basic microphone basics so you have a better understanding of what to look for in a microphone.
Once you have your perfect microphone, it's time to build! Make draft courses no cost and then upgrade them at launch time.
The basics of the best microphone setup for online courses as well as webinars.
The majority of our suggestions include the use of a microphone with a cable.
Why? The market andlisteners like the quality of sound of cabled microphones.
Wireless microphones boast an estimated price in the range of $172 million which is a vast difference from the 455 million in price of microphones with cable.
A different way to categorize our top microphone choices using two different types of cable namelythe XLR microphones as well as USB microphones.
Here's a quick visual differences between these two :
XLR pro:
The benefit of using the XLR cable is that it's an industry standard, which means most pro audio recording gear is designed for XLR microphones. You have more choices and sound control (think pro musicians as well as podcasters).
XLR con:
If you are using XLRs it is necessary to connect them into an audio interface which converts the analog audio to digital, a.k.a. playable on your Mac or PC. But you can use you can use an adapter for XLR and USB adapter can be a viable option, if you're not seeking phantom power or ultimate audio control.
USB pro
One benefit of a USB mic is that you can connect directly into your computer or laptop. This means you don't need extra audio equipment.
USB con:
Although it provides a simple connectivity to your PC's USB port, you don't have as much nitty-gritty control over the sound quality.
Because the majority of online courses or webinars require plugging in a computer at some point, most of our options are USB microphones.
Lastly, we break up our initial category of XLR microphones into condenser and dynamic microphones .
The dynamic microphones make use of passive listening, and are specifically designed to block out background sound.
If you are working in an environment that's noisy, ambient noise, and you require crystal clear, quality audio, dynamic microphones might be a good choice. Again, great for pro-musician and professional-grade audio.
Condenser microphones On contrary, utilize active listening to capture sounds with lots of clarity and detail. They're great for studio spaces that do not have a lot of ambient noise or background noise.
It's as simple as that:
In recommending the microphone configuration for your online class or webinar, generally speaking you must be able to provide high quality audio with these mic categories:
Wired
USB
Condenser
However, we want to give each online entrepreneur with a viable option (including professionals-level audio recorders musicians and filmmakers, as well as podcasters et cetera), so we expand to include more options.
But OK. Now, let's find the right microphone setup that is suitable for your needs.
XLR microphones, both condenser and dynamic.
Editor's Note: Prices remain in effect at the date of publication. In the event that they're different, they're lower, but if not you'll have lots of choices to choose from this selection.
Zoom DZM-1, a dynamic microphone
The Zoom DZM-1's dynamic microphone has an internal shock mount, which means it will block out sound due to bumps and extraneous unwanted noise.
Stand mounts make it easy to place on a stand for your microphone, although that is an extra accessory that's required to purchase in addition if you do not have one. You don't, however, require an external shock-mount, because this model is equipped with an internal shock mount.
The mic also produces the perfect, broadcast quality sound due to its wide-diaphragm, dynamic style.
Price: $59.99
Connectivity: Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency From 50Hz up to 20kHz
Ideal microphone online teachers who need to capture loud and powerful sounds using a reasonably priced mic. Perfect for live online instruction as well as recording audio with high quality the voice and instruments.
Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic mic
To get a better option, check out Shure's new SM7B cardioid dynamic microphone. It's an excellent professional-grade microphone specifically designed for musicians, singers and other creatives who are serious about their recording audio quality.
The wide, flat frequency response is ideal for exceptionally clean and natural recording of speech and music.
Shure's SM7B has an internal "air suspension" shock isolator that blocks mechanical sound transmission (like that of your laptop).
Additionally, it comes with an inbuilt pop filter making it unnecessary additional accessories in order to control the sound. Also, having XLR connectivity offers more flexibility and options for controlling your sound to be precisely what you need it to be.
Price: $399
Connectivity Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency from 50Hz to 20kHz
Ideal microphone to use for serious audio recording, pro musicians or online educators that want professional-grade crystal clear sound, and also have the money extra to get it.
Note An aside: The XLR + USB version 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 looking for an audio setup that could serve a range of general web-based course or webinar needs -- from recording musical instruments, to broadcasting voice-over slides decks, this will give you high-quality audio.
Price: $79
Connectivity: Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency: 20Hz to 20kHz
Ideal microphone for online teachers looking to make use of a competitively priced XLR condenser microphone for live and recorded lessons with top-quality audio on a desktop.
If you're in search of additional equipment for your XLR microphones, you can choose this accessories bundle that includes the mic's shock mount as well as a pop filter, you can grab a kit for a very reasonable price.
This particular set goes for $14.99, for example, it fits microphones with a 46mm to 53mm size.
If your mic doesn't have integrated features, you may find similar shock mount and pop filter packages that are compatible with the specific microphone (just ensure you verify the compatibility).
Speaking of mic accessories, with the XLR mics, you'll need to figure out how to provide your audio material in digital format within the online course or webinar that includes audio editing software to edit audio recordings or the XLR adapter to USB adapter to live demonstrations.
To avoid the extra tech setup altogether, 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 an excellent microphone that plugs directly into a USB port. It's considered one of the best microphones thanks to its many patterns.
Its proprietary tri-capsule technology allows you to select from four different pattern options: cardioid, steroid, the omnidirectional and bidirectional.
In addition to pattern choice in addition to pattern selection, the Yeti mic also comes with studio controls for headphone the volume, instant mute, as well as microphone gain.
Price: $129.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Multipattern
Response to frequency 20Hz to 20kHz
Most suitable microphone for online teaching material which showcases high-quality audio material and is easy to plug directly into the computer from a desk or studio setting. A course in audio could greatly benefit from this microphone.
Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser microphone
Another USB plug-and play microphone to use is the Blue Snowball iCE condenser mic. It comes with an attached flexible stand, which makes it very easy to move around and set up on any desk.
The size is compact and portable, and the connection is an easy USB output you can plug directly into your computer.
Blue Snowball iCE Blue Snowball iCE gives you crystal clear audio quality when it comes to live online classes, with platforms such as Skype, Zoom, or YouTube Live. Podcasters are known to use this method, so that it's a good choice for prerecording your webinars and courses online.
Price: $49
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response time from 40Hz to 18kHz
the best microphone to use to use for Teachers looking for a mobile desktop choice that is priced competitively and easy to use inside as well as outside of your office or studio. There's no guarantee that you'll get the highestquality ever however you'll end up within the "good" space.
SUDOTACK USB condenser microphone kit
Sudotack's USB streaming microphone for PC is a solid condenser mic that delivers top-quality audio through USB connectivity.
The product is as a set, so if you're searching for a top microphone that's high-quality and comes in one bundle then this could be the best option.
The SUDOTACK USB microphone kit comes with microphone stands, a shock mount, table clamp with foam cap for anti-wind, USB A to B cable, and pop filter.
Price: $52.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency 30-Hz up to 16kHz
The best microphone suitable for those that are only beginning their journey. If you're looking for a high-quality microphone which provides top-quality audio at a reasonable prices, this is a full kit that will give you exactly that.
In the opposite side on the other hand, it is possible that you may be hesitant to handle any audio recording equipment. A good headset that has a audio quality could be all that you need.
Logitech USB headset H390
The Logitech USB headset H390 is a headset that can be used hands-free equipped with a microphone that cancels out noise. The headset can be connected directly into your laptop or computer laptop's USB port.
If you're conducting live classes simply plug in the headphones into your computer and begin presenting. When you're not teaching or talking to students, you could relocate the left-facing microphone boom, so it's tucked into the background.
Price: $24.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional
Response to frequency: 100Hz to 10kHz
The best microphone suitable for Online instructors who require a minimal audio setup. Ideal for non-techie creators who need high quality audio for simple tutorials online or for presenting audio-over slides.
While we're on the topic of portability, and the tech-free convenience, there's a desktop version of the headset set-up, however without the head gear.
JOUNIVO USB portable desktop condenser microphone
JOUNIVO USB desktop microphone is an extremely mobile USB mic that can easily be carried to your desk setting.
The long and slim gooseneck makes it compact and simple to maneuver and adjust. It also has a mute switch as well as a LED indicator on the small stand which informs you of the working status.
The desktop mic is the lowest-priced microphone on our list, it's worth a try if you're an avid traveler or have a desire to change teaching and working environments often.
There's no volume control and also the frequency response isn't highlighted on the page for its products (which is logical given the price).
Price: $14.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
The best microphone for beginner online teachers on-the-go who want a portable ultra-compact portable USB microphone, which can easily be packed into their laptops. Ideal for live online teaching as opposed to recording professional audio but it's adequate for very basic voice-over recording.
We've got options to help you with that as well.
Non-desktop microphone setup
Rode SmartLaV+ lavalier condenser microphone
Rode's SmartLav+ is an ideal hand-free microphone that can be used on the go for online teachers who move around a lot while instructing.
For instance, a fitness instructor can clip on the lapel, and connect the jack straight into a recording device for a portable or mobile device.
If you're someone who instructs using a whiteboard or other props, or who instructs using a talk head (a.k.a. direct in front of the camera), this is a solid option and pairs nicely in conjunction with a portable audio recorder.
Price: $79
Connectivity The TRRS jack is wired.
Polar pattern Omnidirectional
Ideal microphone suitable for Teachers who require a lot of movement while teaching, or teach and record on the job or in the field, and need a hands-free microphone that easily plugs into their mobile or other recording device. It is also ideal for face-to camera video recording.
Connect your headset or lavalier microphone into something more expensive than your phone to get better sound quality and volume control, like the external recording device.
Zoom H2n recorder
It is easy to plug directly into the compact Zoom H2n digital recorder and run for more than 20 hours with just two AA batteries.
As for sound file capacity In terms of sound file capacity, the Zoom records up to 24-bit/96kHz in WAV files and up to 320kbps in MP3 format. The audio recordings are stored directly onto SD or SDHC cards that can hold up to 32GB.
If you're not looking to utilize an lavalier wireless and you want to record straight using the Zoom's five built-in microphones using four recording options that include mid-side stereo, Stereo X/Y, as well as 2-channel as well as 4-channel surround.
If you're curious in learning more, here's a picture of what those microphone configurations will look like:
In addition to the above specifics:
Price: $169.99
the best microphone An all-in-one portable desktop microphone option with lots of control over sound for recording audio.
Are you looking for a of lavalier and mic? Look at our final microphone system.
Rode Wireless Go wireless microphone system
Rode Wireless Go Rode Wireless Go system functions in similar fashion to what an external recorder and lavalier performs, however it's smaller.
The device comes with a compact wireless microphone, which comes with earbuds and an audio transmitter as well as a receiver.
It is possible to clip the wireless transmitter and utilize it as a compact belt-pack transmitter that can be used as a lavalier microphone. Or you can use its integrated omnidirectional condenser capsule to function for a wireless mic.
The receiver is equally as compact and can even mount on a camera or GoPro.
The camera also has a small TRS Coiled Cable to make it compatible with DSLRs.
Price: $199
Connectivity: Wireless USB
Polar pattern Omnidirectional
Best microphone for physical active online educators and creators who are often moving around while instructing and want an easy-to-use wireless system that is portable.
Your online course will be presented with an ideal microphone set-up and the best audio quality for the content you are sharing.
As with everything in your company, you must choose an option that works best for the purpose you are trying to achieve and your budget.
This is a breakdown of the best microphones for your webinars, online courses, and other classes:
XLR mics (dynamic as well as condenser)
Use Zoom's DZM-1 dynamic mic for high-quality isolation audio. Its price is $59.99.
Make use of this Shure SM7B dynamic mic if you want a top-notch cardioid pickup for serious audio pros; price is $399.
The P120 is a condenser microphone from AKG to get general-purpose use, and top-quality audio. The price is $79.
USB mics (condenser)
Make use of the Blue Yeti condenser mic for a top-tier USB mic that has multipattern mode priced at $129.99.
Use the Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser mic for a high-quality mobile desktop microphone; the 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 to get basic audio gear, as well as simple online tutorials. Price is $24.99.
Make use of JOUNIVO's USB portable mic for small desktop microphones for simple live tutorials; price is $14.99.
Non-desktop microphones
Make use of Rode's SmartLaV+ condenser mic to plug into your mobile device or other recording device; price is $79.
Use this Zoom H2n recorder for high-quality audio recordings that give you more sound control than your smartphone; price is $169.
Utilize Rode's Wireless Go mic system for small wireless transmitter as well as receiver kit, which records high quality audio. The cost is $199.
We hope that our well-thought out and streamlined list of most effective microphones to use for online classes and webinars shaves hours off your time shopping.