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Connecting with your audience is a must when you are hosting a webinar. However, if the audience members can’t hear you clearly, that is going to be a real problem. Using your laptop’s mic for general tasks is fine, but it won’t give you clear quality you’ll want for your webinars.
Investing in one of the best webinar microphones is the solution. In the following guide, we will take a look at why you need a microphone and what options you may want to consider.
Why do you need a microphone for a webinar?
While most laptops, smartphones, and tablet devices have a built-in microphone, it’s well worth investing in an external microphone for your webinar. Let’s take a look at a couple of the reasons that you should go the extra mile and get yourself a high-quality microphone:
Improve the audio quality
As a webinar host, your top priority should be ensuring your audience understands you, this means your audio is important.
When you use your device's built-in microphone, you may find that your audio is muffled or low-quality. Your internal microphone is more likely to pick up background noise than your external counterpart. There is also no pop-filter here, which can lower the quality of your audio.
Choosing an external microphone — as we will explore in this guide — means that you can control the level of audio you record. You don’t have to spend plenty of money to seriously upgrade your audio quality and it will make a major difference to your audience as a whole.
Appear more professional
When you are presenting to a large group, you want to make it clear that you are a professional. Having the right hardware and equipment can help you along the way here. The audience will see that you have invested in the right gear and take your role as a host seriously.
Believe it or not, your audience is likely to notice these minor details. Everything from the way that you dress to how you present will have an impact on them. Make sure that you have the correct setup before launching your first webinar.
How to choose a webinar mic: 7 Factors to consider
Now that you understand why it’s important to invest in an external microphone for your webinar, let’s talk about how to choose the right one. There are many factors that you should consider when buying this type of hardware. Here are some to keep in mind.
Polar pattern
Polar pattern simply means what direction the microphone picks up sound from. The three most common types of polar patterns are:
- Cardioid — picks up noise from the front of the mic (not the back)
- Omni-directional — picks up noise equally from all directions
- Figure-of-eight or bi-directional — picks up noise equally from the front and back
Consider the polar pattern based on your usage in order to choose a microphone that aligns with your webinar format. For instance, cardioid is suitable for solo presenters. On the other hand, omnidirectional works well for group discussions, and bidirectional for interviews. That is because omnidirectional picks up sound equally from all directions, while bidirectional focuses on the front and the back of the microphone. If you are sitting opposite your interviewee, you can use this to your advantage and pick up clear sounds from both sides.
Connectivity
How will you connect your microphone to your device? That is the first question that you need to tackle here. The truth is that there’s a range of options you may want to use.
USB microphones offer plug-and-play convenience, while XLR microphones provide more professional flexibility. This is because they work with a wide range of devices and offer a better setup. Check what type of input your computer or device has first. Consider your setup and whether you need the simplicity of USB or the versatility of XLR connections. Of course, there are microphones out there that come with multiple options here.
Microphone type
Next up, think about the type of external microphone you need. The two that you should consider here are condenser microphones and dynamic microphones.
Condenser microphones are sensitive and capture a broader range of frequencies, making them ideal for studio settings. Dynamic microphones are more rugged and better at isolating background noise, suitable for diverse environments. Choose based on your recording environment and preferences.
Frequency response
You should look for a microphone with a frequency response that suits speech. A range of 20Hz to 20kHz is standard for capturing the human voice effectively. Ensure the microphone's frequency response aligns with the intended use, minimizing unwanted distortions or missing frequencies.
Budget
Determine your budget and find a microphone that best balances quality and affordability. There are excellent options available at various price points, so it's crucial to invest in a microphone that meets your needs without overspending. In the rest of this guide, we will take a look at some of the best webinar microphones you can get depending on your personal budget.
Portability
Are you always on the move? If so, you may need a compact and lightweight microphone. Look into this before you buy your external microphone. In addition, some models come with features like magnetic mounts or foldable designs, making them convenient for professionals who are frequently on the move.
Additional features
Of course, it's also vital to consider extra features that enhance user experience, such as mute buttons, gain control, and real-time monitoring capabilities. These features allow you to control your audio input and ensure a smooth webinar experience.
8 Best webinar microphones for superior audio quality
Looking for the best webinar microphones? Now that you understand what you are searching for, let’s take a look at some options, no matter what your personal budget is.
Best budget-friendly webinar microphones
If you don’t want to spend a load on a webinar microphone, don’t worry. We’ve selected two budget-friendly options that you can invest in if you’re just starting out.
1. Fifine K669B USB Microphone
- Price: $29.99
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Connectivity: USB
- Type: Condenser
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
The Fifine K669B offers impressive audio quality at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures clear sound capture while minimizing background noise.
Key Features
- Plug-and-play USB connectivity for easy setup
- Compatible with Windows, Mac & PS4/5
- All-metal body and tripod
Best For: It is ideal for individuals or small businesses looking for a cost-effective yet reliable solution for webinar audio.
2. Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB
- Price: $79.00
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Connectivity: USB and XLR
- Type: Dynamic
- Frequency Response: 50Hz - 15kHz
The Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB delivers broadcast-quality audio with its dynamic design and dual USB/XLR connectivity. This external microphone is compatible with both Windows and Mac while providing high-end audio. It's a versatile choice for studio recordings and webinars.
Key Features
- In-built headphone jack for real-time monitoring
- Low-mass diaphragm provides excellent transient response
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Best For: Perfect for webinar hosts seeking studio-quality sound reproduction with the flexibility of USB and XLR connections.
Best mid-budget webinar microphones
Should you have more money to spend on your webinar microphone, there are many options that you may want to consider. Let’s take a look at some of the best webinar microphones here:
3. HyperX QuadCast USB Microphone
Price: $139.99 ($99.99 sale price)
- Polar Pattern: Selectable patterns: Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Bidirectional
- Connectivity: USB
- Type: Condenser
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
The HyperX QuadCast is a versatile microphone with excellent audio quality and a built-in shock mount and pop filter. It's a go-to choice for those who use multiple devices for webinars. This external microphone not only looks cool but also boasts extra features, such as gain control adjustment, selectable polar patterns, and a pop filter.
Key Features
- Tap-to-mute sensor with an LED indicator
- Four selectable polar patterns for various recording scenarios
- Shock mount and pop filter for professional sound
- Gain control adjustment
- Includes a mount adapter
Best For: It is suited for individuals who frequently switch between devices, offering a seamless experience for webinars on different platforms.
4. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
- Price: $130.49 (bundle price)
- Polar Pattern: Multi-pattern (cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, stereo)
- Connectivity: USB
- Type: Condenser
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
The Blue Yeti stands out with its versatile polar patterns, allowing users to adapt to various recording scenarios. Once again, this boasts plug-and-play USB connectivity and a premium build, making it a top choice for many content creators.
Key Features
- Four selectable polar patterns for flexible use
- Tri-capsule array for professional-grade audio
- Mostly made out of metal
Best For: It is suited for professionals, podcasters, and webinar hosts who require adaptability and high-quality audio.
5. Rode NT-USB Mini
- Price: $99.00
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Connectivity: USB
- Type: Condenser
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
The Rode NT-USB Mini combines portability with studio-quality audio. Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while the cardioid pattern ensures focused sound capture. If you want to create studio-quality sound at home, you should use this microphone.
Key Features
- Magnetic desk stand to minimize vibrations
- Zero-latency headphone monitoring capability
- Headphone output jack for easy use
Best For: It is ideal for on-the-go professionals and travelers seeking a compact yet powerful microphone for webinars.
6. Samson Go Mic Connect
- Price: $99.99
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Connectivity: USB
- Type: Condenser
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 18kHz
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Don’t have much space to space? The tiny Samson Go Mic Connect's unique design allows it to be easily mounted on a webcam, ensuring optimal audio capture without additional space on your desk. The mic comes with DSP (digital signal processor) technology features that help with noise cancellation. It also fits in your pocket, making it a go-to for people on the move.
Key Features
- Magnetic clip that mounts directly to your computer
- DSP technology features for noise cancellation
- Small design, fits in your pocket
Best For: It is ideal for webinar presenters who want a microphone that seamlessly attaches to their webcam for a clutter-free setup.
Best high-end webinar microphones
Let’s say that you have more cash to splash? If you can afford to invest in some of the best webinar microphones, we have you covered. Here are two more to consider:
7. Shure MV7 Microphone
- Price: $249.00
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Connectivity: USB and XLR
- Type: Dynamic
- Frequency Response: 50Hz - 16kHz
The Shure MV7 offers the convenience of both USB and XLR connectivity, providing flexibility for various setups. Its dynamic design reduces ambient noise, making it an ideal choice for webinars in varied environments. You can also perfect the setup of this microphone by using the dedicated ShurePlus™ MOTIV app.
Key Features
- Voice Isolation Technology that minimizes background noise
- Touch panel for quick adjustments
- Dedicated ShurePlus™ MOTIV app
- Auto Level Mode to produce crisp recordings
Best For: Perfect for those needing a wireless option with USB and XLR connectivity for webinars in different settings.
8. Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone
- Price: $999.90
- Polar Pattern: Super-cardioid
- Connectivity: XLR
- Type: Condenser
- Frequency Response: 40Hz - 20kHz
For those seeking top-tier audio quality, the Sennheiser MKH 416 is a premium choice with a shotgun design for focused sound capture. Its super-cardioid pattern excels in isolating the speaker's voice. The compact design and high-level recording makes this one a winner.
Key Features
- Shotgun design that minimizes off-axis noise
- Supercardioid/lobe pattern
- Short interference tube
- Lightweight, portable option
Best For: Perfect for professional webinars, live broadcasts, and individuals focusing on the highest audio standards.
What other webinar tools do you need?
Now that you’re well-versed in the best webinar microphones, let’s talk about what else you might need to get started. Here’s a quick overview of the tools you should get:
Webinar equipment
- Laptop or smart device: You will need to have some type of smart device to record your webinar. That may be a laptop, Macbook, tablet, or even a smartphone.
- Headphones: Some hosts find that it’s useful to wear headphones when they are presenting their webinars. This approach means that you get less feedback when you are recording your audio content.
- Lighting: If you want to make sure that you look your best while you are recording your webinar, you might want to invest in lighting. You can get an external light ring, for example.
- Webcam. Making sure that you clearly record yourself during the webinar can add a human element to it. For that reason, it’s worth investing in a quality webcam.
Webinar software
Besides equipment, you’ll need reliable software.
Creating a professional-level webinar doesn’t get much easier than using Riverside. The affordable platform allows you to set up a virtual studio to record your webinar content in high-quality. With our local recording, record webinars in up to 4K video and 48kHz audio resolution without worrying about your internet connection.
You can invite audience members to watch your webinar live by sending an easy-access link. You can also invite them to call in live and participate!
Should you want to create a recording of your webinar, the text-based video editor makes perfecting the recording a breeze. Any text you remove in your webinar’s AI transcriptions will remove the corresponding video and audio in your actual recording. You can also use the color-coded timeline to merge and split your tracks. End off by customizing your content with captions, a logo, or a background. Do everything in one simple place!
Key features for Riverside
- Screen sharing: Effortless screen-sharing feature for when you’re presenting
- Presentation recorder: Share your slides and capture them in top-quality
- Teleprompter feature: Plan your content and follow the script in real-time as you present
- AI-generated transcription: Transcripts available in 100+ languages so you can easily turn your webinar into a blog
- High -resolution: Record in 4K video and 48kHz audio resolution without worrying about internet connection
- Producer Mode: Give a member of your team control behind-the-scenes
- Audio enhancement: Background noise removal and level normalization for crystal clear sound
- Video editor: AI-powered video editor to seamlessly trim and style your recordings
- Easy invites: Invite up to 8 guests and 1000 audience members to join on any device
- Live audience calls: Your audience can call-in live so you can engage in real-time
- Multi-streaming: Stream directly on Riverside or stream to multiple platforms including YouTube, Linked In and any custom RTMP
- Async recording: Guests can record for pre-recorded webinars when it best suits them
- Shared workspace: Collaborate with your colleagues effortlessly using our Team plan
Bonus: 5 dos and don’ts when recordings with a webinar microphone
Ready to get started and record your webinar? Here are some simple dos and don’ts that you should adhere to:
Do choose the best microphone. In this guide, we have covered the best webinar microphones. Take a look at each and consider your budget. Ensure you invest in the top-quality external microphone you can afford.
Don’t forget to test your microphone. When you have invested in your webinar microphone, make sure you test it first. You don’t want to run into any complications during your live webinar.
Do use the various settings. Many of the webinar microphones here come complete with various settings — or even apps. Make use of these features and see which provides you with the best level of audio quality.
Don’t forget to deal with background noise. While using one of the best webinar microphones will lower background noise, you also have to do some work here. Make sure you record in a quiet environment and soundproof the space, if you can.
Do use high-quality software. When you have got the hardware right, the next step is choosing the right software. Riverside can do everything — from planning to recording and editing — in one place. Use its range of features to create pro-level webinars.
FAQs on Best Webinar Microphones
What is the best microphone for online courses?
There are various options out there, but the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB is recommended as the best microphone for online courses due to its studio-quality sound reproduction. Its dynamic design ensures clear and professional audio, making it an ideal choice for instructors who prioritize high-quality audio capture.
What is the best microphone for online meetings?
You can choose from a wide range of choices. However, the Blue Yeti USB Microphone is touted as the best choice for online meetings, offering a versatile solution with its multi-pattern functionality. The plug-and-play USB connectivity ensures ease of use, and its premium build quality guarantees clear and professional audio for virtual meetings.
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