Choosing quality conference microphones is not а straightforward decision. Different conference rooms require different microphone solutions. Picking the right microphone depends on the room space and seating arrangement.
We will define the main microphone types, their features, and use cases. Anyone considering a microphone purchase can benefit from this guide.
Table of Contents
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING A MICROPHONE
CHOOSE ACCORDING TO THE ROOM STYLE AND FURNISHING
The conference room audio system is highly dependent on the furniture and room space. So it should be planned together with the rest of the room equipment and not after that.
For a huddle room, expensive sound equipment is not necessary. Wireless setup or individual gooseneck mics can still be used, but a simpler setup would work just fine. Since everyone is gathered around one table, a single boundary or ceiling mic will suffice.
A single microphone on a large conference table would make the participants at the far end sound like a distant echo. Each participant should have an individual gooseneck microphone on such occasions. A special unit with volume and mute controls can be placed in front of the chairman of the meeting. This main control unit can recognize speakers or cut off attendees whose time has expired.
For banquet-style or lecture rooms, on-stage microphones are necessary. Lapel, boundary, or ceiling mics are used to pick up the sounds in a particular area of the room.
CONFERENCE MICROPHONE SPECIFICS
Beyond the room layout, every company has some specific audio requirements.
Some setups allow users to mute their mics. Others can have one mic, and muting would mean cutting out everyone.
Wireless and ceiling microphones give the participants the freedom to move around. Such microphones are recommended when furniture rearrangement is necessary for the conference meeting.
The ceiling microphones for larger rooms capture sound reflections. We highly recommend installing wall panels to improve the acoustics.
Cable microphones are cheaper than wireless mics with the same sound quality. They are not an aesthetic solution, as there are too many cables to comply with.
Table-mounted microphones might require drilling holes in the table for proper installation.
CONFERENCING MICROPHONE TYPES
Picking the right microphone is the key to receiving high-quality sound.
High-quality sound during meetings will increase intelligibility and will make them more relaxed.
You can choose between the different types of microphones described in more detail below.
INDIVIDUAL MICROPHONES:
Individual microphones are the easiest way to get better signals and great audio quality. Their main advantage is they are placed as close to the source of the sound as possible. The closer the microphone, the better the signal. The further the microphone, the more noise it will pick up.
Individual microphones are also suitable for adding useful features to sound equipment, like voting or translation services.
Microphones used individually can be grouped into three types: the gooseneck, the handheld, and the wearable microphone.
GOOSENECK MICROPHONES
The gooseneck microphone catches only the speaker’s voice and blocks out the background noise. To catch a clear signal, the speaker needs to remain close to the microphone.
WE RECOMMEND:
SHURE MX418D/C
PROS:
- catches even the quiet and very sensitive sounds due to the wide frequency range
- can choose between a cardioid and a super-cardioid capsule
- a desktop base with a programmable mute button is included; it can be purchased without a desktop base
- the gooseneck has two flexible sections
- XLR connectivity
CONS:
- pricey
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
- condenser microphone with two flexible sections
- replaceable super-cardioid and cardioid capsule
- the microphone length is 18 inches (or the shorter version – 12 inches)
- a desktop base with a programmable mute button and 10-inches long cable is included
- XLR connectivity
- Commshield technology protects against RF interference from wireless devices
- impedance rated at 150 ohms (180 ohms actual)
- frequency response 50 Hz – 17 kHz
- phantom power 11 to 52 Vdc, 2.0 mA
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE:
SAMSON CM20P
PROS:
- cardioid polar pattern catches only the speaker’s voice
- designed with top and bottom flexible sections
- solid-built quality
- included flange mount
- windscreen
- XLR connector
- excellent price for the quality
CONS:
- the desktop base is separately sold
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
- cardioid condenser microphone with two flexible sections
- microphone neck available in 12” and 18” inches length
- XLR connector
- compatible with desk base Shure CVD-B
- Commshield® technology guards against RF interference
- GH resistance to intense nearby radio signals
- low impedance 180 ohms
- frequency response 60 Hz – 16 kHz
Every participant in the meeting usually needs a personal microphone, so the microphones (and their cables) may take up considerable space on the table. There are wireless options as well. Still, wireless microphones have a limited time of use and need recharging, or batteries change.
Check our in-depth comparison of gooseneck microphones
These microphones are suitable for meetings where each speaker’s voice needs to be heard in full detail.
Gooseneck mics are also used for public events like press conferences where the speakers are talking in a sitting position in front of an audience, and hearing his speech precisely is essential.
HANDHELD AND WEARABLE MICROPHONES
The handheld and wearable microphones are suitable for presentations with a limited number of participants in front of a large audience. They usually catch clear signals as they are located close to the source of the sound and use a directional microphone pattern.
The handheld mic is not the right choice for video conferencing. In conference meetings, attendees often need to use their hands to write something or use a laptop.
The lapel microphone lets the speaker use both of his hands. This allows him to behave more naturally. The placement of the lapel microphone has to be carefully chosen. If it is too close to the source, the sound can be distorted. If it is placed too far, the sound level might be too low.
Moving with a lapel mic can cause some audio issues. The speaker turning his head left or right will lead to a slight variation in the output level. Garments can also rub the microphone producing unpleasant static.
The ear-worn microphone lacks the above problems. The speaker’s hands remain free. Turning around is no longer an issue as the microphone remains at the same distance, following the source.
SHARED MICROPHONES:
Shared mics suit meetings where part or all delegates share a microphone.
Shared microphones catch sound from multiple sources. This limits the control of sound per person.
At the same time, these microphones have the advantage of taking up smaller space. More space remains available for laptops or other types of equipment. They are easier to install and usually, cheaper than equipping the room with a gooseneck microphone per attendee.
Higher noise levels are the main drawback of these microphones. A larger distance between the mic and the sound source causes it. A combination of several microphones for one room is used to overcome these obstacles.
BOUNDARY MICROPHONES
Boundary mics can be directional(cardioid) or omnidirectional. They can be installed on a presentation stage’s table or floor. Some mics are embedded into the table, concealing the cabling.
Directional (cardioid) mics catch sounds from sources directly in front of them. Their advantage lies in reducing background noises from other directions. These microphones are usually shared between two people.
Omnidirectional mics pick up sound in the 360-degree radius direction. So they can capture the entire conversation in a smaller room.
WE RECOMMEND:
SHURE MX391
PROS:
- easy to install and move
- very good intelligibility
- can choose among different cartridges:
cardioid, super-cardioid, omnidirectional - low profile design, unobtrusive appearance
- increased endurance to noise over long cable runs
- XLR connectivity
CONS:
- uses cable – XLR
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
- low impedance 150 ohms
- frequency response – 50 – 17000 Hz
- XLR output connector
- replaceable cartridges: omnidirectional R183B, super-cardioid R184B
cardioid – R185B
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE:
MXL AC-404
PROS:
- easy to use – plug-and-play
- can be used anywhere – quickly turns any room into a conference room
- allows multiple people talking – 180-degree coverage; 25-foot pickup radius
- compact and small design
- USB connected – can be both a pro and a con
CONS:
- not suitable for large conference rooms
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
- compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0
- 25-foot pickup range, 3 capsule boundary design with 180-degree coverage,
- has built-in 3.5mm audio jack – can connect a speaker or headphones directly to the laptop
- frequency response 40-16000Hz
- powered only through the USB, no power cable needed
Conference rooms usually need a smaller number of boundary mics compared to other types of microphone setups.
Check our in-depth boundary microphones guide
Boundary mics require relatively low interaction between the speaker and the microphone. They can be set once and do not require further support. Meetings can be started immediately.
The attendees’ freedom of movement comes at the cost of lower sound quality. The sound and background noise level change if the speaker is too close or too far from the microphone. Obstacles between the speaker and the mic can also lead to a reduction of signal or undesirable noises.
SPEAKERPHONES
The speakerphone is essentially a phone with an integrated omnidirectional microphone. Speakerphones are suitable for voice-over IP meetings. Their main advantage is their portability and adaptability to different room spaces so everyone can be properly heard. Speakerphones usually have phone functions limited to receiving and ending calls. They are usually connected via Bluetooth or USB to another device.
WE RECOMMEND:
JABRA SPEAK 710
PROS:
- the excellent sound quality of the microphone and the speaker
- for conference meetings, up to 6 people in the room
- a second Jabra speakerphone can be connected for meetings with more participants
- omnidirectional pick-up pattern
- up to 15 hours of wireless talk time
- compact and stylish design
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity
CONS:
- can be pricey
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
- omnidirectional microphone
- Bluetooth 4.2 and USB 2.0 connectivity
- wireless range up to 100ft / 30m
- microphone frequency range – 150 Hz to 7 kHz
- talk time – up to 15 hours, charging time – 3 hours
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE:
JABRA SPEAK 510
PROS:
- the best quality in this price range
- for conference meetings, up to 4 people in the room
- omnidirectional pick-up pattern
- up to 15 hours of wireless talk time using Bluetooth, regardless of the location
- compact and stylish design
- Bluetooth and USB connectivity
CONS:
- uses cables
- not suitable for large conference rooms
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
- omnidirectional microphone
- connectivity: USB 2.0 and Bluetooth 3.0 (up to 8 paired devices)
- wireless Bluetooth range 100ft / 30m
- microphone frequency range – 150Hz to 6.5kHz
- talk time up to 15 hours, charging time approximately 2 hours
- echo cancellation with 360 degree/1 meter coverage
Speakerphones with a single microphone are suitable for small meetings of up to 4-5 participants.
Conference phones are another option for telephone conference meetings. They possess standard phone functionalities and a lot of additional options, which can make them an expensive choice.
CEILING MICROPHONES
Ceiling microphones are omnidirectional or cardioid and capture all sounds in the room. They are mounted fixed on the ceiling or hanging to reduce the distance between the speaker and the microphone. For medium and large conference rooms, two or more microphones are necessary.
The cardioid microphones can be pointed in a particular direction to reduce the noise coming from the rest of the room space. While omnidirectional ceiling microphones catch the sound in all directions.
The cardioid pattern is also quite suitable for hanging microphones pointed directly downward. In this case, they catch sounds below them, usually within a 120-degree range.
WHICH CEILING MICROPHONES DO WE RECOMMEND
WE RECOMMEND:
SHURE MX202
PROS:
- excellent sound reproduction, high sensitivity, and wide frequency range
- can choose among different pickup cartridges to provide an optimal polar pattern
- the microphone has a gooseneck that can be pointed in a particular direction
- compact, unobtrusive design
CONS:
- for large rooms or stages, at least two microphones are necessary
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
- can be cardioid, super-cardioid, or omnidirectional microphone
- frequency response – 50 to 17 000 Hz
- impedance 150 ohms
- attached 101mm(4inches) gooseneck
CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE:
AUDIO TECHNICA PRO 45
PROS:
- excellent price-quality ratio
- very good sound reproduction, wide frequency response
- steel hanger positions the microphone over the preferred part of the room or stage
- the microphone includes a 7.6 m (25′) permanently attached cable with an XLRM connector
- compact, unobtrusive design
CONS:
- for large rooms or stages, at least two microphones are necessary
MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
- fixed-charge back plate, permanently polarized microphone
- cardioid 120-degree polar pattern
- microphone frequency range – 70-16 000 Hz
- impedance 100 ohms
- includes a 7.6 m (25′) permanently attached miniature
cable with an XLR connector
Check our dedicated guide to the best ceiling microphones for conference rooms.
Ceiling microphones are a preferred choice when the good look of the room is a priority.
Ceiling microphones are quite easy to use as the talker does not interact directly with the microphone. They are suitable when the speaker moves around the room or uses a monitor to make his presentation. These microphones are an obligatory tool for meetings that require plans, maps or any documents to be spread on the table.
They are also appropriate for stage presentations when the audience does not take part in the performance. In such cases, cardioid microphones are pointed at the stage so that noise coming from the rest of the room cannot be heard.
These mics usually catch the voice of at least two participants. So sometimes they are preferred as a low-budget solution, instead of buying equipment of twice or three times more gooseneck mics. Keep in mind ceiling microphones at a lower price might not have the desired sound quality, as ceiling microphones usually catch ambient sounds like whispering and sound reflections in the room.
The ceiling array microphones use innovative technologies to handle this drawback. The beamforming array microphones of Sennheiser, Shure, and ClearOne, have quite good audio quality, though at a higher price.
Another way to make the sound quality better is to improve the acoustics in the room. This is achieved by mounting soundproof panels on the walls, usually decorated in an artistic style. Any carpets or textiles that dampen sounds are suitable in such situations.
A ceiling microphone is not recommended if the conference room has high ceilings, glass walls, or wooden floors.
ADDITIONAL CONFERENCING MICROPHONE FEATURES:
USB CONNECTIVITY AND SIZE OF THE MICROPHONE
Mics and devices with USB connectivity can be directly plugged into a computer. They are particularly useful for companies with a BYOD approach.
The size of the microphone is also an important feature in case the mic needs to be portable.
WIRELESS VS WIRED MICROPHONES
The wireless microphone uses radio-frequency waves to transmit sound signals.
Pros:
- easy to move
- can be positioned well
- suitable when frequently rearranging the furniture
Cons:
- have to be charged
- no more than 20 mics in one room
- mics’ frequencies can interfere
The wired microphone relies on a cable to transmit the sound signal.
Pros:
- do not need charging
- the signal is reliably sent out to the receiver
- cheaper solution
Cons:
- harder to move with it
- can’t always be positioned perfectly
- cables are aesthetically inappropriate
WIRELESS MICROPHONES
The word that best describes wireless microphones is flexibility.
They are quite suitable for rooms where rearrangement of furniture is often necessary. The speaker is not limited to sitting at the table. Attendees can make their presentations without complying with extra cables around them.
Sound quality is not an issue with them, as the lack of cable lets them be fixed closer to the speaker.
The two main concerns when picking a wireless microphone are battery life and charging time. The batteries should last longer than your meetings and charging should not take longer than the time between two conference calls.
Keeping the microphones charged is an obligation that someone needs to attend to. Some models have the option to be plugged into a wall socket, which is quite useful for several consecutive meetings.
WIRED MICROPHONES
Wired microphones lack all the disadvantages of the wireless microphone. They don’t have to be charged to work. There is no interference between the different microphones.
Cabling is their main disadvantage, and aesthetics is their downfall.
They are a reliable and cheaper solution than wireless microphones with the same sound quality.
WHAT IS MICROPHONE DIRECTIONALITY?
Microphone directionality is a feature of every microphone. Directionality determines the microphone’s general pick-up pattern of capturing the surrounding sounds. There are two main types of mics according to their directionality – directional and omnidirectional.
Microphone directionality is an important indicator of how well the sound signal is “isolated” from ambient noises. Choosing a microphone with the right directionality depends on the room space and furniture arrangement.
DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES
Directional microphones capture sound from their front side.
The cardioid microphone is a directional microphone version largely used in close-up sound capturing (for instance, gooseneck and handheld mics).
Directional mics capture the sound in a particular area. Such mics usually cover an area of one or two seats in front of them. This greatly reduces the undesired background noises from other directions. Fine-tuning is not an issue due to the restricted covered area. Speech sounds can be raised, and the volume of unintended noises can be easily reduced.
OMNIDIRECTIONAL MICS
Omnidirectional mics capture all sounds in their proximity. They pick up sound in full 360 degrees around them. That is why the omnidirectional microphone can catch two to three times more seats than one directional microphone.
The smaller number of mics means a reduced cost of their total price.
But as the number of microphones gets reduced, the distance between the speaker and the mic increases, and this leads to a higher volume of ambient noises. It becomes harder for programmers to distinguish between the real signal and undesired noises. When the volume of the speaker is increased, the volume of surrounding noises also gets higher.
The sound system is an obligatory component of every conference meeting. Choosing a quality microphone is probably the most valuable part of conference equipment. It will undoubtedly contribute to having smooth and more successful meetings.