Need help choosing a computer microphone that is right for you? Here is some
information about computer microphones that may help. Some tips: If you want a computer microphone for use by one person at a time (as opposed to
multiple talkers and listeners at your PC), then the gaming, handset, headset, or hybrid configurations will work best due to the separation and isolation between the ear-piece and the microphone.
For speech recognition software, the gaming, headset and some wireless headsets usually work best by eliminating background noise. Similarly, for PC Gaming or Internet Telephony (voice-over-Internet, pc-to-pc calling) the gaming, headset and wireless headsets provide the added convenience of providing hands-free operation. These are usually your best bet when using voice recording applications like the netYAK Voice Client or VoIP software such as Skype, Google Talk and Yahoo Messenger. For conference calling, try the speakerphone option. In general, consider choosing a microphone with noise canceling technology.
Wireless mono or stereo headset & unidirectional microphone or omnidirectional speakerphone. Some models are Bluetooth™ enabled.
No wires & use "hands free." Typically very good audio quality for speech usually with noise cancelling features. Some models work with both computers & cell phones.
Be careful to check compatibility with computer and/or cell phone.
Unidirectional
microphone and speaker packaged like a telephone handset.
Comfortable
and familiar feel of a telephone handset. Typically very good audio quality for speech and gives the most "natural"
feel to Voice-over-IP (VoIP) calls.
Like a
telephone handset it is difficult to use "hands free." Can’t
be used to "conference," but may be easily passed to
another speaker.
Unidirectional
microphone in hand set of a standard telephone instrument or
omnidirectional speakerphone. Uses either an internal PC card
or an external
adapter connected between the phone and the PC soundcard.
Comfortable and
familiar feel of a telephone handset. Typically very good audio
quality for speech and gives the most "natural" feel to
voice-over-IP calls. Supports conferencing if phone used is a
speakerphone. Cordless phones can be used.
Must be a
"plain old telephone," not a digital handset. External
units require an external power supply. Internal units require a
PC slot.
Refers
to the direction from which the microphone will receive sound.Unidirectional microphones pick up sound from one
direction.
Noise canceling
Refers
to the technology used in some microphones to eliminate background noise and feedback.
Echo canceling
Refers to the
technology used to eliminate feedback, or echo, between the
microphone and speakers.
If you wish to learn more about microphone technology you may find some of
the sources listed above useful.
You may also wish to visit DPA Microphones (www.dpamicrophones.com)
and click the “Microphone University” button for more information than
you probably want to know.
netYAK.com does not warrant any particular microphone manufacturer or microphone
type. The opinions expressed in the
"Pros" and "Cons" columns are general in nature and
may be overcome by a particular technology or feature. The microphone sources
listed here are a representative sample and not a comprehensive list.Your results may vary depending upon your system and soundcard.Some microphones work better with some soundcards and not at all
with others.Some soundcards may require powered microphones.Refer to your soundcard documentation for compatibility
requirements.Copyrights and
Trademarks are the property of their respective Companies.
netYAK.com, inc. is not responsible for the content of Internet links.
