Best Microphone for Video Conferencing
Virtual collaboration has become a go-to solution for every individual or organisation cutting across numerous sectors or industries. For any virtual collaboration to be effective, audio communication is vital as it can determine the quality of engagement and productivity.
Whether you're working with remote teams or attending a client meeting, the quality of your microphone is directly related to the audio communication quality of the meeting. An underwhelming microphone can leave your voice muffled, distorted, or inaudible, frustrating your listeners and causing unnecessary distractions.
Today, thousands of microphones are available in the market, and selecting the best one for your video conferencing session can be challenging, especially when you have various options.
This comprehensive guide will explore the best microphones for video conferencing. From budget-friendly options to premium picks, we have carefully curated a list of microphones that can take your virtual meetings to the next level.
Why Does the Right Microphone Matter for Your Video Conferencing?
Having a good video conferencing camera is an integral part of achieving a perfect virtual collaboration. However, investing in the right microphone is also important, as it can either make or break audio transmission and recording. Below are extensive reasons for having the right mic in your conference meeting room.
Clear Communication: Your microphone is responsible for transmitting your voice. With a poor microphone, your words might be distorted or lost in static, leading to misunderstandings and delays. However, it is the opposite experience when using the right microphone.
Professionalism: A high-quality microphone can help you sound professional, which is vital for making a positive impression, especially during business meetings.
Comfort: A microphone that minimises background noise and feedback makes conversations more comfortable for everyone, improving the overall meeting experience.
With these points in mind, let’s look at the best microphones for video conferencing.
1. ClearOne BMA 360 Conferencing Beamforming Microphone Array (24" Ceiling Tile)
Why It’s Great:
The ClearOne BMA 360 Conferencing Beamforming Microphone is a cutting-edge ceiling tile beamforming mic array designed for professional conferencing. It features Voice Lift technology, ensuring clear audio across multiple speaker zones, while Camera Tracking and FiBeam technology deliver superior, full-fidelity sound. The microphone's advanced Deep Sidelobe Beamforming (DsBeam) rejects noise and reverb, providing exceptional clarity even in challenging environments. It also incorporates 6G Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) to eliminate background noise and prevent echo, enhancing communication during meetings.
Key Features:
- Provides full 360-degree impeccable coverage
- Offers 6G Acoustic Echo Cancellation (AEC) and FiBeam technology
- Supports cloud collaboration software
- Features Voice Lift that drives multiple mix-minus speaker zones
- Supports camera tracking technology
- Built-in robust power amplifiers of 4 x 15 Watt or 2 x 30 Watt
- Ensures single workflow configuration using CONSOLE AI software
- Supports three different ceiling grid types: 24 in, 600 mm, and 625 mm
- Offers VESA-mount hole pattern that supports pole mounting
Best For:
Professionals with a medium conference room setup seek a microphone system combining unrivalled audio performance and deployment ease.
2. Biamp Parlé TCM-XA Ceiling Microphone
Why It’s Great:
The Parlé TCM-XA from Biamp is a versatile, low-profile ceiling microphone designed to fit into the conference room ceiling and optimise audio quality. It functions as a standalone audio solution for regular conferences and a PoE+ amplifier in Tesira systems. The microphone features Beamtracking technology, which includes up to four 90-degree zones to intelligently capture and mix multi-directional voices, offering 360-degree coverage for clear communication in meetings with multiple speakers.
With its unobtrusive design, the Parlé TCM-XA ensures voices are captured regardless of attendees' positions while maintaining a sleek appearance that blends into the meeting room.
Key Features:
- Strikes a low-profile, circular construction that measures 5.9 inches in diameter
- Inconspicuous installation directly to the meeting room ceiling
- Beam-tracking technology intelligently tracks and mixes conversations
- Engineered with four 90-degree zones for full 360-degree room coverage
- The network box includes DSP for Beamtracking and a PoE+ amplifier
- Two-channel burst mode to handle peak signals following ANSI/CTA-2006-B
Best For:
Professionals seeking top-tier audio quality with professional-level performance, especially for the conference room that wants to get rid of multiple table microphones that could cause a cluttered desk.
3. Yealink VCM38 Ceiling Microphone Array
Why It’s Great:
Yealink Ceiling Microphone Array VCM38 is crafted to improve the audio conversation in professional meetings. Smooth, undisruptible audio is achieved through built-in high-quality echo cancellation and noise-proof technology. A single VCM38 unit can cover 40 square meters, enough to cover medium-sized meeting rooms. Yealink Ceiling Microphone Array VCM38 has 8 built-in microphones for 360-degree voice pick-up and can be integrated into a centralised audio manager to achieve audio pick-up in bigger conference rooms. It supports a beamforming technology that automatically locates and optimises voice pick-up for the person speaking.
Key Features:
- Easy deployment with just one cable instead of complex operations
- 8 Built-in microphones for 360-degree voice pick-up.
- Perfect for broad coverage of oversized meeting rooms
- High-quality echo cancellation and noise-proof technology
- Beamforming technology automatically locates and optimises voice pick-up for speaking
- Available for PoE
Best For:
Quality-conscious users who want to experience an impressive collaboration that leaves every participant satisfied.
4. Shure MXA910 - Ceiling Array Microphone
Why It’s Great:
The Shure Microflex Advance Ceiling Array (MXA910) is a premium networked microphone designed to enhance Audio-Visual conferencing in applications like huddle rooms, boardrooms, and multi-purpose meeting areas. Its innovative Autofocus technology captures voices from overhead, adjusting the position of each lobe in real-time for optimal sound pickup, even from participants speaking softly. Its ceiling suspension design eliminates the need for multiple mics cluttering the conference table, providing a cleaner and more efficient solution.
Key Features:
- Offers versatile mounting options for ceilings, pole mounts, and more
- Steerable coverage for accurate pickup for up to 8 independent lobes
- Patent-pending Autofocus technology continually fine-tunes the position of each lobe in real-time
- IntelliMix DSP provides automatic mixing, AEC, noise reduction, automatic gain control, delay, compressor, and channel equalisation
- Shure Designer system configuration software allows for microphone and pattern control
- Compatible with Shure SystemOn audio asset management software
- Shure SystemOn audio asset management software helps in remote monitoring and real-time alerts about critical issues
- Each audio channel for each lobe and an auto-mix channel are delivered over a single network cable
- Dante digital audio coexists safely on the same network as IT and controls data
Best For:
Teams or companies that need an intelligent audio pick-up system.
5. Yamaha RM-W Wireless Microphone System
Why It’s Great:
The Yamaha RM-WOM is a wireless omnidirectional tabletop microphone from the ADECIA series of Dante-networked wireless conferencing components. It is designed to enhance virtual collaboration with effortless audio communication. This premium microphone combines a modern, discreet design with advanced audio technology, providing superior performance. Its omnidirectional pick-up pattern captures voices from all angles around the table, making it ideal for small- to medium-sized groups while eliminating radio frequency interference.
Key Features:
- Built-in omnidirectional voice pick-up covers up to a 360-degree radius around the mic.
- Four mute buttons integrated with red and green LED status indicators
- Engineered with the latest DECT wireless technology for improved security and wireless pairing
- On-site management via Web UI setup wizard
- The built-in long-lasting battery allows for continuous talk time of up to 20 hours
- Easy configuration with Dante using the RM-WAP wireless access point and the RM-CR audio processor
- Adaptive echo-canceller, auto-gain control, noise reduction, and dereverberation processing, ensure smooth audio communication
- Offers easy integration with ADECIA Dante-Networked System
Best For:
Users looking for a tabletop microphone that can be used in both professional and casual settings.
6. Cisco Microphone Array
Why It’s Great:
The Cisco Microphone Array is built to represent a compact and versatile design that packs an intelligent audio improvement that improves virtual conversations. This microphone can be integrated into boardrooms and large conference rooms. It delivers an impressive, natural audio pick-up experience for remote participants by detecting the direction of speakers, ensuring clear communication from all angles. This high-end directional microphone array provides spatial, crystal-clear audio pickup, specifically for the Cisco Webex Room Panorama immersive video collaboration system. With its IP-based AV configuration, this mic enhances flexibility, enabling it to broadcast multiple streams of high-fidelity audio.
Key Features:
- High-end directional microphone array with crystal-clear, spatial audio pickup
- Intelligent technology detects which side of the table the speaker is on for an immersive experience
- User-friendly with a capacitive mute button, and a magnetic attachment to the table adaptor
- Offers a streamlined cabling system, and optional cable outlets
- Reliable and stylishly integrates into your meeting space
- Allows for a seamless and flexible mounting experience
Best For:
Perfect for modern meeting rooms that require a low-profile, professional, and sleek microphone.
7. Shure MXA310 Table Array Microphone
Why It’s Great:
The Shure MXA310 Table Array Microphone is a powerful networked array microphone designed to capture high-quality audio while allowing for flexibility in various A/V Conferencing scenarios, including multi-purpose venues, boardrooms, and huddle rooms. Equipped with Shure’s Steerable Coverage technology, this mic array can deploy up to four simultaneous coverage zones around a table, ensuring optimal audio captivation. Its advanced "toroid" ring-shaped pattern effectively rejects unwanted overhead noise, such as HVAC or projector fans, delivering crystal-clear conference sound.
Key Features:
- Offers up to four simultaneous polar patterns for crystal-clear conferencing
- Toroid polar pattern delivers 360° coverage while reducing noises caused by HVAC systems or video projectors
- Programmable button delivers easy control
Best For:
Perfect for audio-visual solutions in multi-purpose venues, boardrooms, and huddle rooms.
8. AKG CBL301 Triple Element Low-Profile Boundary Layer Microphone
Why It’s Great:
The AKG CBL301 Triple Element Low-Profile Boundary Layer Microphone is designed for conference rooms and meeting spaces, offering a triple-element cardioid microphone for clear audio capture. It features adjustable coverage from 270 degrees to 360 degrees, providing flexibility for various room setups. The microphone is easily installed on surfaces via a screw terminal for a quick, hassle-free setup.
The CBL301 includes RGB LED ring illumination that alerts the mute status and allows for simple muting and unmuting. Powered by 24 to 48V phantom power, it is engineered to prevent RF interference from mobile phones and laptops, ensuring uninterrupted communication.
Key Features:
- Ideal for conference rooms and meeting spaces
- Features a triple-element cardioid microphone
- Provides user-configurable from 270° to 360°
- Delivers mute switch by simply touching the mic
- Features RGB LED ring indicators
- RF Interference Suppression
9. Audio-Technica ATND1061 Beamforming Ceiling Array Microphone
Why It’s Great:
The ATND1061 beamforming microphone array is the perfect solution for all sizes of conference rooms, boardrooms, and meeting spaces. Equipped with VISCA over IP, it allows seamless control of PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras and other video equipment, which can be synchronised with microphone audio over a network. It features Voice-Life technology that ensures everyone in a large meeting space can hear clearly, while its powerful onboard DSP includes features like auto-mix, acoustic echo cancellation, noise reduction, automatic gain control, and a 4-band EQ for optimal sound quality.
With the included Digital Microphone Manager software, users can customise settings for single or multiple ATND1061 microphones. The microphone supports six individual output channels and up to 32 user-defined pickup zones, offering flexibility for various room sizes and meeting formats.
Key Features:
- Ideal solution for conference rooms, boardrooms, and meeting spaces
- Features VISCA over IP to control PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras and other video equipment
- Equipped with voice lift technology and features powerful onboard DSP
- Comes with user-friendly Digital Microphone Manager software for easy configuration
- Supports six individual output channels with up to 32 users
- Provides two output channels with coverage and priority zones
- Proprietary voice activity detection (VAD) technology
- Operates with a PoE network
Best For:
People who need a sleek, space-saving mic with professional-grade audio coverage.
10. Jabra Speak 750
Why It’s Great:
The Jabra Speak 750 is designed for professional use in larger spaces or group meetings, it provides excellent audio for everyone in the room. It is a great option for those who need a portable speakerphone that delivers clear audio and a natural meeting experience. Furthermore, its full duplex audio, omnidirectional microphone, and multiple connectivity options make it a versatile tool for various conferencing needs.
Key Features:
- Captures audio from all directions, making it ideal for group meetings and conference rooms
- Compatible with both Bluetooth-enabled devices and USB for versatile connection options, supporting a wide range of devices
- Ensures seamless integration with popular video conferencing platforms for a smoother meeting experience
- Allows for natural, uninterrupted two-way conversations during calls, providing a more professional audio experience
- Compact and lightweight, easily portable for remote or hybrid work scenarios
- Built-in technology to reduce background noise and echo, ensuring clear communication even in noisy environments
- Can connect to two devices simultaneously, such as a computer and a mobile phone, for easy switching between devices
- Visual status indicators for call activity and volume, helping users manage their meetings more effectively
- High-quality speakers and microphones ensure clear, crisp audio during video conferences
- Provides long-lasting use for extended meetings or multiple sessions without needing a recharge.
Best for:
Any room size and scenario such as conference rooms, lecture halls, and classrooms.
Conclusion
For video conferencing, choosing the right microphone is the next action after getting the right meeting environment. The right microphone preserves and emits crystal-clear sound, ensuring every voice in the meeting room is captured and delivered in a pristine sound for the other party to hear clearly.
In this blog, we curated the Microphone Buying Guide which will help you make better-informed decisions when choosing the best microphone.
We hope you find a conference microphone that fits your needs as we have provided you with information on portable, premium, budget-friendly, and built-for-group microphones.
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