The best microphones for online classes and webinars
If you're in the market for top-quality audio for online classes or webinars, check out our top-rated list of most effective microphones to use for your online course.
The process of creating your course's content can be one of the biggest challenges.
And let's not forget recording it.
Audio recording equipment is required for delivering polished online classes with high-quality audio. And you're aware of this. The same is true for live webinars and tutorials. A good microphone can be the difference between success and failure for your information products.
It can also do exactly the same thing for the bank account balance.
In order to save you the time of scouring Amazon reviews, and searching the internet to find the most effective microphones, we've completed your research.
Today, we'll walk you through different types of microphones, the top models and brands on the market and how to use them.
This option is right for any online teacher or leader.
Before diving into the models though, let's briefly review the basics of microphones, to give you a better knowledge of what you should look for in a microphone.
When you've found your ideal microphone, it's time to build! Create draft courses for absolutely free and you can upgrade later at launch time.
The basics of the best microphone setup for online courses and webinars
All but one of our suggestions includes an audio setup with cable.
Why? Markets as well aslisteners like the quality of sound of the cabled microphones.
Wireless microphones boast the retail sales value in the range of $172 million that's a huge difference from the price of $455 million for the retail sales value of microphones with cable.
Another method we use to classify the best microphones is through two types of cables -two types of cables - XLR microphones and USB microphones.
Here's a quick graphic distinction between them :
Pro XLR:
The benefits of an XLR cable is that it's an industry standard. This means that all audio recording equipment for professional use has been designed to work with XLR microphones. This gives you more options and control over sound (think professionals and podcasters).
XLR con:
With XLRs are required to plug it into an audio interface to convert the analog audio to digital, a.k.a. playable with your Mac or PC. However you can use the XLR to USB adapter can be a viable option, if you're not looking to gain phantom power or ultimate sound control.
USB pro:
The advantage of using the USB mic is that it can be connected directly into your computer or laptop. That means you don't need extra audio equipment.
USB with:
While it offers a convenient connection to your computer's USB port, you won't get as precise control over the sound quality.
Since most online courses and webinars require connecting to an internet connection at some point, most of our choices are USB microphones.
Finally, we separate our first category of XLR microphones into condenser and dynamic microphones .
The dynamic microphones make use of passive listening, and are designed to drown out background noise.
If you work in an area that is surrounded by background noise and require crystal clear, high-quality sound, dynamic microphones might be a good choice. They are also great for professional musicians and pro-podcaster audio quality.
Condenser mics are, on contrary, utilize active listening and pick up sounds with tons of precision and clarity. They are ideal for studio settings that aren't surrounded by lots of background noise or background noise.
In a nutshell:
If you are recommending our microphone setup for your online course or webinar, generally speaking, you should be able to create high-quality audio using these categories of microphones:
Wired
USB
Condenser
However, we would like to offer every online entrepreneur a solid option (including professionals-level audio recorders musicians, filmmakers, podcasters, and so on), so we expand a bit beyond those options.
However, it's okay. Let's now find the perfect microphone configuration for you.
XLR dynamic and condenser microphones
Editor's Note: All prices are current at the time of writing. Hopefully, if you find them to be different, they'll be lower, but if not, there should be plenty of options to choose from the list below.
Zoom DZM-1 dynamic microphone
The Zoom DZM-1's dynamic microphone includes an internal shock mount that means it is able to isolate sound from bumps and extraneous unwanted noise.
Stand mounts make it easy to place on a mic stand, although that is an extra accessory that's required to purchase separately if you don't own one. You don't, however, have to buy an external shock-mount, as this mic is equipped with an internal shock mount.
It also delivers a smooth, broadcast-quality sound thanks to its dynamic large-diaphragm design.
Price: $59.99
Connectivity Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response: 50Hz to 20kHz
Ideal microphone for: Online teachers that are looking to record loud, strong sounds with a competitively priced mic. It is ideal for online live teaching as well as recording audio with high quality the voice and instruments.
Shure SM7B cardioid dynamic microphone
If you're looking for a more expensive alternative, consider Shure's SM7B the cardioid-based dynamic mic. This is a premium pro-quality microphone made to be used by musicians, vocalists and other creatives who are serious about their audio recording quality.
The smooth, broad-band frequency response allows to provide a clean and natural rendition of both speech and music.
Shure's SM7B has an internal "air suspension" shock isolation that eliminates mechanical noise transmission (like from your computer).
Additionally, it comes with a built-in pop filter, which means you do not need additional accessories in order to regulate the audio. Of course, the XLR connection gives you greater possibilities to control your sound to be just what you require.
Price: $399
Connectivity Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency: 50Hz to 20kHz
Best microphone to use for: Serious audio recording, pro musicians, or online teachers that want professional-grade crystal clear sound, and also have the money extra to get it.
Sidenote An aside: The XLR + USB model of this is Shure's USB MV7 dynamic microphone priced at $249.
AKG P120 condenser microphone
The AKG P120 is a high-performance vocal condenser microphone, which is great to record general-purpose voice and for presenting.
If you're in search of microphones that are able to provide a wide range of online course and webinar purposes -- from recording musical instruments, to broadcasting voice-over slides decks, this model can provide high-quality audio.
Price: $79
Connectivity Connectivity to Wired XLR
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
The best microphone online teachers who want to use an affordable XLR condenser microphone for live and recorded tutorials with high-quality audio from a desktop.
If you're looking for additional accessories for your XLR microphones, such as this accessories bundle that includes the mic's shock mount as well as a pop filter, you could grab a kit for the price of a reasonable amount.
The set is priced at $14.99 as an example and will fit a microphone with 46mm-53mm size.
If your microphone doesn't include built-in features, you can get similar shock mounts as well as pop filter accessory packages for the microphone you have (just make sure you check for compatibility).
In terms of microphone accessories and the XLR mics, you'll need determine how you can deliver your audio content as digital files within your online course or webinar that includes audio editing software that can edit audio recordings, or an XLR into USB adapter for live tutorials.
In order to avoid the additional tech setup altogether, USB mics are ideal particularly if professional-audio recording quality is not your highest priority.
Condenser microphones for USB
Blue Yeti condenser microphone
Blue Yeti condenser microphone is a top-tier mic which plugs straight into the USB port. It's considered among the best mics thanks to its many patterns.
Its tri-capsule technology, which is proprietary to the company, allows you to choose between four pattern modes that include cardioid and steroid multidirectional and bidirectional.
Aside from pattern selection and pattern settings, the Yeti mic also comes with control for the studio's volume control, instant mute, and mic gain.
Price: $129.99
Connectivity: Wired USB
Polar pattern: Multipattern
Response to frequency: 20Hz to 20kHz
Most suitable microphone for online teaching material which highlights audio of high quality that is simple to connect directly into the computer from the studio or desk. A course in audio, for instance, can be greatly enhanced by this microphone.
Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser microphone
A different plug-and-play USB microphone to use is the Blue Snowball ICE condenser mic. It comes with an attached flexible stand, which is very simple to move around and set up on a desk.
The dimensions are compact as well as portable. The connection is an easy USB output that you can plug directly into your computer.
Its Blue Snowball iCE gives you clear audio quality for live online classes, using platforms like Skype, Zoom, or YouTube Live. Podcasters use this model, which means this is a fantastic option for prerecording your webinars and online course content.
Price: $49
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Response to frequency between 40Hz and 18kHz
Best microphone to use for Teachers who want a portable desktop option that's competitively priced and easy to use inside the office and in your studio. It won't be the bestquality in the world, but you'll land firmly within the "good" category.
SUDOTACK USB condenser microphone kit
The SUDOTACK's USB streaming microphone for PC is a high-quality condenser mic that delivers top-quality audio using USB connectivity.
It's a kit, so if you're in search of a high microphone that's high-quality and comes in one bundle it could be the right choice.
The SUDOTACK USB microphone kit comes with microphone stands, a table clamp, shock mount and foam cap that prevents wind. USB A to B cable, as well as a pop filter.
Price: $52.99
Connectivity Connectivity via Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional cardioid pickup pattern
Frequency response from 30Hz to 16kHz
A great microphone for: Creators who are just starting out. If you're looking for a high-quality microphone that provides high-quality audio for a competitive price it's a comprehensive kit that will give you just that.
On the other end on the other hand, it is possible that you may not want to deal with all audio recording equipment. A headset with a high microphone could suffice.
Logitech USB headset H390
The Logitech H390 USB headset is a headset that can be used hands-free featuring a noise cancelling microphone. You can plug the headset directly into your computer or laptop's USB port.
If you're conducting live classes you can plug the headsets into your laptop and start presenting. If you're not teaching or conversing, you can shift the left-sided microphone boom, so it's tucked out of the way.
Price: $24.99
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern: Unidirectional
Response to frequency: 100Hz to 10kHz
Best microphone for Teachers who teach online and want minimal audio set-up. It is ideal for people who do not know how to create audio and want good quality audio to use for online tutorials or presenting voice-over slide decks.
In the spirit of portability and tech-free simplicity There's also a desktop version of the headset set-up, however with no head gear.
JOUNIVO USB portable desktop condenser microphone
JUNIVO USB desktop microphone is an extremely lightweight USB microphone that allows you to travel with you to any desk setting.
Its slim and tall gooseneck makes it small and easy to move around and adjust. Also, there's a mute button and LED indicator on the small stand that tells you the status of your device.
With this desktop mic being the cheapest microphone we've reviewed It's definitely worth giving it a shot in case you're a frequent traveler or have a desire changing teaching or working settings frequently.
There's no volume control, and the frequency response isn't highlighted on the page for its products (which makes sense given the cost).
Price: $14.99
Connectivity Wired USB
Polar pattern Omnidirectional
The best microphone for beginners online instructors in the field who require a lightweight, very compact portable USB microphone, which can easily be packed up with their laptop gear. Ideal for live online teaching rather than recording high-quality audio but it's adequate to record basic voiceovers.
We have options for that, too.
Setup of a non-desktop mic
Rode SmartLaV+ lavalier condenser mic
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 while instructing.
For instance, a fitness instructor can clip on the lapel, and connect the jack directly into a portable recording device or mobile phone.
Or if you're someone who is teaching with a whiteboard, or any different props or who teaches as a talking head (a.k.a. directly facing the camera), this is an excellent option that works perfectly with an external audio recorder.
Price: $79
Connectivity The TRRS jack is wired.
Polar pattern Omnidirectional
Best microphone for: Online teachers who use a lot of movement during teaching or who teach and record in the field as well as want the convenience of a hands-free mic that plugs into their mobile or an external recording device. Also ideal for face-to-camera video recording.
Then plug your headset or lavalier mic into something fancier than your phone for better audio and volume control, like an external audio recorder.
Zoom H2n recorder
The lavalier can easily plug into the portable Zoom H2n digital recorder and run for up to 20 hours on only two batteries from standard AA.
As for sound file capacity The Zoom can record as high as 24 bit/96kHz WAV files as well as up to 320kbps in MP3 format. Audio recordings are saved directly on SD or SDHC cards that can hold up to 32GB.
If you're not keen to use a wireless lavalier and you want to record straight using the Zoom's five built-in microphones with four recording settings including mid-side stereo and Stereo X/Y, as well as 2-channel as well as 4-channel surround.
If you're curious, here's a visual of the mic configurations will look like:
In addition to the above specifics:
Price: $169.99
Best microphone for Portable, non-desktop microphone that gives plenty of sound control for audio recording.
Looking for a combo of lavalier and mic? Take a look at our latest mic system.
Rode Wireless Go wireless microphone system
The Rode Wireless Go setup works in the same way that a lavalier and external recorder does, only more compact.
It includes a small wireless microphone with earbuds as well as the transmitter and receiver.
It is possible to clip the wireless transmitter to use it as a super small belt-pack transmitter for a lavalier microphone. You can also use the built-in omnidirectional condenser capsule as a wireless mic itself.
The receiver is also compact and can even mount on a camera or GoPro.
The camera also has a small TRS Coiled cable to allow compatibility with DSLRs.
Price: $199
Connectivity: Wireless USB
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
Most suitable microphone physically active online educators and creators who travel a lot when teaching and require an easy-to-use wireless system that is portable.
Make sure you have the best microphone setup and audio quality to deliver your message
Like with anything in your company, you must choose an solution that is most suitable for your goals and financial budget.
Below is the list of best microphones for your webinars, online courses, and other classes:
Mics XLR (dynamic and condenser)
Utilize Zoom's DZM-1 Dynamic Mic for high-quality isolation audio. Its price is $59.99.
Make use of the Shure SM7B dynamic mic if you want a top-notch cardioid-type pickup that is suitable for professionals. The price is $399.
The P120 is a condenser microphone from AKG for general use and high-quality audio; price is $79.
USB mics (condenser)
Utilize to use the Blue Yeti condenser mic for the best USB microphone with multiple patterns priced at $129.99.
Make use of this Blue Snowball iCE USB condenser microphone for an excellent portable desktop mic; price is $49.
Utilize SUDOTACK's USB condenser kit to start with a basic kit that includes accessories; price is $52.99.
Use Logitech H390 USB headset for minimal audio gear, as well as simple live tutorials; price is $24.99.
Utilize JOUNIVO's USB portable mic for an ultra-compact desktop microphone for simple live tutorials; the cost is $14.99.
Non-desktop microphones
Make use of Rode's SmartLaV+ condenser microphone to connect your mobile phone or any other recording device; price is $79.
Use Zoom H2n Zoom H2n recorder for top-quality audio recording, which gives greater control over sound than your phone Price is $169.
Use Rode's Wireless Go mic system for a compact wireless transmitter and receiver kit that records good quality audio; price is $199.
Our well-researched, streamlined list of the top microphones to be used for online courses and webinars will cut hours off the time you spend shopping.