Microphone Recommendations for Online Teaching

wombat81 on 30/03/2020 - 22:13
Last edited 31/03/2020 - 01:21

Evening all. I'm a secondary teacher and I'll be doing live lessons via Zoom and/or Google Hangouts next term. I'll also be recording explicit teaching examples while at a whiteboard, for example. I'm after some recommendations for a USB or 3.5mm dedicated microphone to use for this purpose. I'd prefer something that sits on a desk rather than a lapel mic. I think a wired lapel mic will be too restrictive, but I'm open to the idea of a lapel mic if it will still work suitably while sitting on a desk a couple of metres from where I'm talking. Budget is up to $100. It'll be used with a Windows laptop. I'd also like it to be portable as I'll be expected to work from school until there is a wider lockdown. If it works with mobile devices too, that's a bonus.

I like the form factor and design of the Samson Go Mic (https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/samson-go-mic-usb-microph…) and am leaning that way at the moment. But it seems like quite old tech, eg mini USB. Other options are the Stadium Vegas (https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/stadium-vegas-usb-microph…) but it seems quite dated too and not as portable as the Samson.

I assume something like this wouldn't work with a laptop? https://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/rode-videomicro

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Edit: I'd love to hear some opinions on the Stadium Vegas since it seems to be pretty good value at jb hifi at the moment.

Computing

Comments

  • dcep on 30/03/2020 - 22:54
    +2

    blue yeti

  • p1 ama on 30/03/2020 - 23:03
    +1

    Basically with microphones, you have three types:

    1) USB - usually pretty easy to use, can go up to mid-range mics these days because live-streaming is becoming popular
    2) 3.5mm jack - usually for video cameras, it'll work if you plug it into a computer mic-in, but it usually won't have the required mounting hardware
    3) XLR - usually the higher end and also the cheapest (if you know where to look), you'll need an audio interface though, so the upfront cost is a bit higher.

    I'd suggest just going with a USB mic, some good ones around your budget might be a Blue Snowball Ice, if you can afford a bit more, then a Blue Yeti or Audio-Technica AT2020 USB. I'd suggest getting one right now before stock dries up (like we saw with webcams).

    • wombat81 on 31/03/2020 - 00:10

      Thanks very much.

  • pjetson on 30/03/2020 - 23:43

    Is your state education department of no help with recommendations for equipment and software?

    • wombat81 on 31/03/2020 - 00:10

      I'm not employed by state education. Online teaching is new to my employer, so no, there's no one that would have experience to recommend something.

      If I was to contact state ed about this I have no idea where to start or who to talk to. So I'd be wasting my time.

      Software is no issue. I have many software options.

  • bjdchwr on 31/03/2020 - 01:17

    Not fall under your budget and size but I have been using Rode NT-USB for years.
    The audio quality is fantastic with nice capture of low frequency or bass.

    I have been using NT-USB with Camtasia.

    • wombat81 on 31/03/2020 - 01:22

      Thanks man. Yeah it does seems good but I'm not going to spend that much.

  • 87percent on 01/04/2020 - 22:07

    There was a free microphone post last week maybe? What happened to it? Can’t seem to find it, and can’t remember anything about it besides it being free

    • wombat81 on 02/04/2020 - 15:30

      Yep. I missed it by about 10 minutes and it was well and truly ozbargained by then, sadly. A little frustrating since i bet the vast majority of those microphones will sit in peoples drawers and never get used. But that's how it is.

  • jpl on 03/04/2020 - 20:14
    +1

    If you are going to be a couple meters away, I think the normal desktop mic might not do the job well.

    For freedom of movement between your computer and whiteboard, a wireless system will be more suitable

    Option 1

    Wireless head worn singer type + optional lapel add on
    plus clip on transmitter
    plus receiver sitting on your desk next to your computer or mobile device/ipad

    Expensive
    https://www.jbhifi.com.au/products/samson-go-mic-mobile-lape…
    Get JB Hifi to match Officewors $297

    Cheap
    https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Lavalier-Microphone-Handheld…

    Option 2

    For a couple of meters with freedom of movement, a conference mic can be a good option. They expensive to buy new but the used one will be dirt cheap. Try look used polycom or cisco.

    I am currently doing live teaching with Polycom Voxbox conference mic and is very clear within 2 meters, swapping between whiteboard and computer.

    Hope these give you a few more options to choose from.

    • wombat81 on 04/04/2020 - 11:36

      Thanks very much. That's good info. I ended up getting a desktop mic since one of the things I'll be doing a lot of is screen recorded digital tech lessons/tutorials. I've done a few with it already and it does a good job.

      But I'll have a look at the other options for whiteboard lessons.

      Thanks

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