To choose the right microphones for a conference room, it’s essential to understand the available options. Traditionally, there are five popular types. Let’s take a closer look at each:
1. Ceiling Microphones:
As the name suggests, these are mounted on the ceiling and are omnidirectional. They typically come with noise-cancellation features, ensuring that they won’t pick up unwanted noise despite their broad coverage.
2. Lavalier Mics:
These clip onto clothing and allow the speaker to move freely, making them ideal for dynamic presentations.
3. Boundary Microphones:
These omnidirectional mics function similarly to ceiling mics but are usually placed on the table, offering a practical alternative.
4. Gooseneck Mics:
Similar to boundary microphones but with the added option of being cardioid. Their “gooseneck” design allows them to be positioned closer to the sound source, resulting in superior sound quality, even if they aren’t the most visually appealing option.
5. Integrated Mics:
Instead of standalone microphones, these come as part of an AV system (like video bars) with built-in mics. These systems typically feature high-quality, multifunctional microphones that can detect the direction of the sound source and help the camera focus on the specific speaker, making them perfect for video conferencing.
These are the five most popular types of microphones for conference rooms. Next time, we’ll dive into the best mics for podcasts and vocalists.