The world of online teaching is one that is growing by leaps and bounds.
Anyone with the internet can be an educator in this day and age. And for good reason!
Teaching online offers many advantages, not the least of which are increased flexibility, more hours in a day, and larger incomes.
But there’s a pretty big hurdle to get past: Getting your voice heard over all those other people on the web who are also trying to get their voice heard.
That’s where microphones come into play. There are different types of microphones for online teaching, and they can be used for a wide variety of applications.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best microphone for online teaching.
What is the best microphone for online teaching?
The best microphone for online teaching is a USB microphone. This type of microphone is the most affordable and they’re the easiest to set up.
You need a computer or laptop that has a USB port, an audio interface, and software that will allow you to record your voice.
A USB mic is also the best option for people who travel often because it’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport from place to place.
Most USB microphones for voice overs from popular brands like Blue, Audio-Technica, and Shure meet all of these criteria very well.
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Microphone for Online Teaching
If you want to be heard clearly by your listeners, then you need to have a good-quality microphone.
The best type of microphone for online teaching is the headset microphone, which sits on your head and picks up your voice directly.
If you want to make sure that people can hear you very clearly, especially if they’re in different rooms or even in different countries, then this is the way to go.
Durability
A good microphone for classroom teaching should be durable so that it won’t break easily when handled by students.
Sound Quality
A good microphone for online teaching should produce high quality sound so that the speaker’s voice can be heard clearly by participants.
Price
A microphone for online teaching should cost less than $100 to avoid an unnecessary budget bust.
Wireless Connectivity
A mic with a wire that does not get tangled and allows the user to move around freely is preferred over one with a cord that restricts movement, especially if participants in different areas need to speak at the same time.
WiFi
A mic with WiFi connectivity has an option to share the recording session with others and enables participants to hear the recording at another location via their laptops, smartphones, or tablets.
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Related Guides:
- Best Microphones For Macbook Pro
- Microphones For Online Webinars
- Wireless Headsets With Microphone For Laptop Use
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7 Best Microphones For Online Teaching
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Blue Yeti USB
- Tri-capsule array - 3 condenser capsules can record almost any situation.
- Multiple pattern selection - cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional & stereo.
- Gain control, mute button, and zero-latency headphone output.
- Perfect for vocals, musical instruments, podcasting, voiceovers, interviews, field recordings, conference calls. Signal to Noise: 100dB
- Compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8 (including 8.1), Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (Home and Professional), and Mac OS X (10.4.11 or higher),...
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Blue Yeti is a popular USB microphone that is loved by many YouTubers for its versatility and high-quality sound. It’s a condenser mic, so it needs to be powered, but you can connect it to pretty much any device that has an audio port and plays audio out of the microphone jacks.
In addition, in a classroom setting, it will work fine with little connectivity issues, but you will need to advise students to connect it to the computers in class.
It plugs into the computer via USB and connects directly into a standard microphone jack on the computer.
This is convenient because there is no need for an additional recording device or software so you can just plugin and start teaching.
It also comes with a stand so it is easy to place near the screen as well as a pop filter and a foam cover for the microphone.
2. Shure SM58
- EXEPTIONAL VOCAL PERFORMANCE - The SM58-LC delivers high-quality vocal reproduction, thanks to its tailored frequency response and brightened midrange...
- INDUSTRY STANDARD - The first choice for performers around the globe, the SM58 Dynamic Vocal Microphone is ready to bring any performance to life....
- CLARITY & CARE - The uniform cardioid polar pattern reproduces every note as it was intended, delivering warm, crisp sound time after time.
- LEAVE BACKGROUND NOISE BEHIND - The SM58 has a spherical mesh grille and built-in pop filter to keep any unwanted noise out of the mix.
- DROP THE MIC - The durable construction and break-resistant stand adapter makes the SM58 the perfect companion on the road, going strong through the...
Last update on 2024-04-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The SM58 is also a condenser microphone that requires power. It has a great frequency response range and has the ability to produce clear recordings.
It can perform in all kinds of environments and is made specifically for vocals, so it’s perfect for teachers. The SM58 has an on-off switch on the mic itself, which makes it easy to adjust while you teach, without needing any software or other equipment.
The only downside of this microphone is that it can be picky about what type of sound input device you plug it into – some computers will just have too much noise or static for it to work usefully. This won’t be an issue in most cases though because many laptops and tablets these days are compatible with it.
Some people have also commented that it’s a bit bulky and difficult to place, so you might need to make sure this fits in with your decor before purchasing.
3. Rode NT-USB
- High quality studio microphone with the convenience of USB connectivity
- Pop shield, Tripod desk stand, ring mount, storage pouch and 6m (20’) USB cable included
- 3.5 millimeter stereo headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Rode NT-USB is a microphone with a capsule that twists up and down for various different purposes. In a classroom setting it’s fantastic for those who need to record lectures and podcasts, or for those who might want to use different recording styles.
The capsule can be rotated either way up depending on what you want to do such as recording speech, singing, singing-speech (a little like the fake voice in Dragonball Z) or just general talking.
Because it’s so versatile, there are tons of different ways to utilize the capsule and that means you get a microphone that does more than one thing well.
For online teaching, it’s a great option for podcast recording and also as a mic for vocal lessons.
The capsule has a lot of great reviews from teachers who teach in a classroom setting, so this would be an excellent choice.
There are some cons to consider though such as it not being good for taking notes, and it’s not very loud (you might need to stop the recording if you’re in an environment with other noises), so you might want to check on that, just in case.
4. Fifine
- [Convenient Setup] Plug and play recording USB microphone for PC, with 5.9-Foot USB cable included for computer PC laptop, is connected directly to...
- [Durable Metal Design] Solid sturdy metal construction design, the computer microphone for Zoom meetings with stable tripod stand is convenient when...
- [Volume Knob] Gaming USB mic for PS4 with additional volume knob itself has a louder or quieter output adjustment and is more sensitive. Your voice...
- [Widely Use] USB-powered design, the condenser microphone for recording no need the 48v Phantom power supply, works well with Cortana, Discord, voice...
- [Clear Output Voice] Cardioid gaming microphone for PC captures your voice properly, producing clear smooth and crisp sound without static noise....
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Fifine condenser microphone is ideal for recording voice and music. It provides great value for the price, without sacrificing quality. You can record podcasts, voice notes, or home videos.
This mic is suitable for laptops, computers, iPhones, and iPad. It is plug and plays as there is no need to install any driver or software.
It has a sensitive diaphragm that can record sounds between 20-20KHz for a high-quality audio recording.
The cardioid pattern makes it easy to eliminate background noise while teaching online or in a classroom setting.
5. AKG Pro Audio P220
- Audio Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Package Dimensions: 24.6 H x 13.2 L x 23.0 W (centimetres)
- Package Weight: 1.859 kilograms
- Country of Origin : United States
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The AKG Pro Audio P220 is a great option for teaching online. It has a number of features that are perfect for the class environment.
The sound design on this mic is really good, and it’s also excellent at eliminating background noise like computers or laptops while you record your podcast or voice notes. It’s easy to use and set up because it plugs directly into your computer with an XLR connection. There’s no need to download any drivers or set up any software – just plugin and get started!
It doesn’t come with a stand, which some people might say is the biggest disadvantage of this microphone, but you can buy one separately if you want to position the device closer to your laptop screen during your online lessons.
If you’re looking for a mic that is easy to use in the classroom and has great sound quality, this is an excellent option.
6. Samson Meteor Mic USB Condenser Microphone
- Professional USB microphone with 1" Studio-quality Capsule.
- Fold-back legs provide optimal mic positioning and folds up for easy transport.
- Cardioid pickup pattern captures the Audio in front of the microphone, minimizing ambient sound from entering the recording.
- Smooth, flat frequency response of 20hz–20khz captures the detail of your voice or instrument.
- 1/8" Stereo headphone output with level control for zero-latency monitoring.
Last update on 2024-04-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Meteor Mic USB Condenser Microphone is a very durable microphone that has some fantastic features.
It has a built-in headphone amplifier, which means you can have confidence that you’re going to get audio with the correct level every time.
It also comes with a handy elastic shock mount that will keep the microphone safe and secure.
The sound quality is amazing on this microphone and it’s really easy to use, which makes it suitable for a lot of different uses.
7. MAONO
- 【Professional Sound Chipset 192kHz/24Bit】: This Condenser Microphone has been designed with professional sound chipset, which let the USB...
- 【Plug And Play 】: The microphone has USB 2.0 data port which is easy to connect with your computer and Linux operation system, and no need extra...
- 【16mm Electret Condenser Transducer & Magnet Ring】: With the 16mm electret condenser transducer, the USB microphone can give you a strong bass...
- 【Sturdy Boom Arm Set】: With a pop filter and a foam windscreen, the condenser mic records your voice and the sound is crystal clear, the shock...
- 【Compatible With MOST OS】: For all Laptop, PC and Mobile phones. But if you want connect with phone, you need an OTG adapter (not included)....
Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This USB microphone also has a unique human voice noise filter. This makes it perfect to use in the classroom because it eliminates any unwanted background noise that might interfere with the audio quality during an online lesson. It can also be used for recording quality videos or podcasts with its omnidirectional pattern or cardioid pattern microphones.
The MAONO USB microphone has a number of other features that make it ideal for teaching online such as being able to record audio at CD-quality (16 bit/44 kHz) or MP3-quality (48kHz).
The mic also comes equipped with adjustable volume output and a built-in headphone output.
FAQs
What is the best microphone for online teaching?
There are a number of microphones that can work well for online teaching. Some of the best ones include the Blue Snowball, AKG Pro Audio C214, and Samson G Track.
What is the best headset for online teaching?
There are a lot of different headsets that will work well for online teaching. Some of the best ones include the Logitech ClearChat Wireless Headset H390, Plantronics Game Commander H710A, and Turtle Beach Headsets.
What equipment do I need for online teaching?
The equipment that you will need for online teaching is a computer with a high-speed internet connection, microphone, and headset or webcam.
FAQ:
Q: Do you need a stand-alone mic for online teaching?
A: Part of being a competent online teacher is having the capacity to be heard clearly by students. While a standard headset with a microphone may work in some circumstances, having a stand-alone microphone for online teaching can better clarity and understanding between students and teachers.
Q: What is the best microphone for teachers?
A: The Rhode NT USB is a small and surprisingly heavy microphone that produces high quality audio. It’s plug and play, comes with it’s own little stand and overall has premium build quality and a minimalistic design. This microphone is a good choice for teachers because it can be positioned in a way to not be viewable on camera due to it’s small size.
Q: What is the best microphone for online recording and streaming?
A: Blue Snowball iCE Mic for Recording and Streaming Blue Snowball iCE Mic has long been regarded as a top choice among podcasters and game streamers for its high-quality audio, minimal feedback, and clarity. For the price point, it is easily one of the best microphones for online teaching as well.
Q: How do I use an external microphone for online classes?
A: We want something simple that just works out of the box. You plug it into your laptop or computer, your device recognizes it and all you have to do is select it as the audio option when in your online class. Some external microphones designed for laptops and professional voice recording are big.