Choosing a microphone for your computer

In the modern world, a microphone for a computer is one of the most important components of peripherals. It is used for video calling on social networks, chatting in online games, recording vocals (both professional and amateur). Today, online stores offer users the widest range of recording electronics. This article will tell you about the types of microphones for a computer, popular models and the nuances of choice.

All microphones are conventionally divided into two groups: dynamic and condenser. Dynamic models represent a small speaker. Such a device has much in common with ordinary speakers, only in this case it does not reproduce sound, but, on the contrary, converts it into an electrical signal. The main component of the product is an aluminum tape.

In condenser microphones small capacitors are responsible for processing sound into an electrical signal. Expensive models sound much better than dynamic competitors, their sensitivity is higher. Devices in the middle price category often require phantom power, otherwise the sound will be severely distorted - it will be almost impossible to record anything.

In addition to the two main types of microphones, there are also electret and lamp, but they have significant drawbacks, so they are not in demand. Electret models are characterized by reduced sensitivity, so you have to speak with your chin resting on the microphone.

Modern wired microphones are connected to a personal computer or laptop via a 3.5 mm input or USB connector. Even if you bought a product, and the connector turned out to be 3.5 mm, and 5 mm, you can always purchase the required adapter for a couple of dollars. Both have their advantages. For example, models with a line-in are universal, they can be connected to any other equipment besides a computer.

USB microphones usually have a sound card. You can plug in headphones and listen to the sound directly from the microphone. Hearing your own voice is especially useful when recording podcasts or music.

The modern market also offers a wide range of wireless microphones. They are connected using a transmitter. There will be no lag, as is the case with a wireless mouse, however, the batteries run out quickly.

Many recording devices on the market are omnidirectional. You can speak into such microphones from any side, the sound will be recorded equally loudly. This solution can be useful for musicians, when one is playing the guitar, the other is singing, and the microphone is placed between them. But for games or streaming, this will not be the best solution.

The way the microphone is mounted depends on its intended use. Lavalier microphones are the most primitive and are attached to clothing with a clothespin. Microphones for games and streams are placed on the table on legs, they can also be fixed on the bracket. It is customary to hold vocal models in hands, but all of them can be installed in a standard rack, no other mounts are provided here.

On the box of any good microphone there is always a huge number of numbers and other incomprehensible designations. However, experts do not recommend paying attention only to these indicators. The fact is that Microphones designed for networking and those designed for recording vocals will always sound different, even if they have the same specifications. Therefore, if you are an ordinary user purchasing a product for home use, and not for professional purposes, then a detailed study of the amplitude-frequency characteristics does not make any sense.

Below we will consider the companies whose recording devices are in great demand in Russia.

• Acme... The headquarters of the company is located in Lithuania. The manufacturer offers users not only microphones for computers and phones, but also additional accessories for them. All products strictly comply with the ISO 9001: 2008 quality standard.
• Sven. This recording device manufacturer also produces other computer peripherals. The assortment includes both amateur and professional microphones. The company is famous all over the world for its gaming headphones.
• Trust. The country of origin is the Netherlands. The company began creating PC peripherals back in 1983, and its products are still in great demand all over the world.
• Esperanza. The company was founded in 1997 and specializes in the production of musical equipment. Its products often occupy leading positions at many international exhibitions, they comply with European quality standards and are distinguished by an acceptable price.

Below will be considered the top of the most popular microphones in Russia.

This computer microphone is in high demand due to its sound quality and small size. It can be seen on many YouTube bloggers. A similar solution can be used for video conferencing. The mass of the device is 64 g. Among the features, it is possible to note the function of damping extraneous noise and a wire 1.8 m long.

The manufacturer gives a 5-year warranty, and Windows easily recognizes the device without installing drivers. Users can adjust the tilt angle. Judging by customer reviews, the equipment is fully consistent with the price.

A feature of the product is that it can not only be placed on a stand, but also attached to a PC monitor. This solution is very convenient, because additional free space appears on the table. In appearance, this microphone has many similarities with the above model - matte black color, high leg, the ability to change the angle of inclination, a stable stand, but in terms of sound, this device shows itself much better, the sound is better and more voluminous.

Buyers note ease of use, cheapness, lightness, good sensitivity. The only negative aspects can be attributed to the fact that it is not recommended to place the product too close to the lips, otherwise an obvious overload will be heard in the final recording.

If we compare the product with the previous two microphones, then it differs in size and weight. The basic set includes a 1.3 m long cable for connecting to a computer. And this point confuses buyers most of all, in some cases the length of the wire is not enough. On the case there is an on / off button, the manufacturer provides the ability to adjust the angle of inclination.

The microphone is suitable for both home use and professional purposes. The sound during recording is heard clearly, loudly and clearly. On the negative side, the high cost is noted.

The Esperanza EH 130 Black is another striking representative of budget microphones that can be connected to both a desktop PC and a laptop. The connection is wired using a 3.5 mm cable 2 m long. The model comes with the longest cable among all devices in this rating. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty for all products. There is a leg with an adjustable angle of inclination, which is very convenient.

The model has a modern design. In addition to being mounted on a table, it can be attached to double-sided tape. The sensitivity is good, there is no sound overload, you won't have to speak too loudly.

The first thing that users note is the quality design. The microphone comes with a three-legged stand. It is threaded, so you can easily remove it and, if necessary, hang the product on the bracket. The manufacturer provides the ability to connect to a computer both through the line-in and through the USB port. The model is distinguished by the increased sensitivity of the capsule, there is a function to muffle background noise. This model is recognized as the best of the average price category.

If your budget is unlimited, then you can choose any of these three microphones. The first is endowed with compactness, you can easily take it with you on trips. Meteor is made in a futuristic design, boasting studio quality recording. However, it does not muffle extraneous sounds, so it can only be used in ideal recording conditions.

The C01U Pro is the most expensive and highest quality microphone in the Samson lineup. He can be seen in the videos of many popular YouTubers. The millionaire blogger Ivangai also used this model. A sound card is built into the microphone, there is a headphone jack, which allows you to hear your voice while recording.

This is the best microphone in this rating, however, it is also the most expensive. The cost in Russia fluctuates around 10,000-12,000 rubles. The user can choose one of four directions. It is positioned by the manufacturer as a gaming solution, but in fact, you can even write songs on it. Over the past few years, this microphone has become the most popular in its price range. Reviews are only positive.

Experts most often recommend buying microphones with a dual connection interface - through a line-out and a USB port. If the device has an increased sensitivity of the capsule, then the presence of the noise canceling function is an important criterion. If the budget is limited, then buy a dynamic model, if you are ready to allocate a large amount for the purchase of a microphone, then it is better to overpay and choose a condenser one.

1. If you need a device for communicating on Skype and in social networks, take the Acme MK200.
2. If you communicate in online games, then the sound there is subject to some distortion, so the Acme's power may not be enough. Trust GXT 212 Mico USB is suitable for these purposes.
3. Esperanza EH130 Black is usually taken for training via the Internet, for example, to communicate with an English teacher.
4. Trust Ziva All-round Microphone is often included in the minimal beginner blogger's kit.
5. The Sven MK-200 is well suited for video conferencing.
6. Samson and Blue microphones should only be used if studio quality sound is important to you. They can also be considered as gaming models.

If you don't have a recording device at hand, and you have an urgent need for a microphone, you can make it yourself. This will require speakers or regular telephone headphones. Let's talk about the structure of the microphone. If you look at the diagram of any recording device, you can see that the main part is a vibration diaphragm.

An electrical signal travels through the wires and causes the diaphragm to vibrate, making a sound. The same diaphragm is found in the headphones and in the speakers. Therefore, you can safely plug them into the microphone jack. Next, you need to configure the sound through the Windows control panel, otherwise your interlocutor will not hear anything.

1. Click on "Start" in the lower left corner of the screen. Further "Control Panel" and "Sound".
2. The next step is to find the "Recording" tab and the homemade microphone. It's easy to do: just tap the speaker with your fingernail and look at the screen. Green bars will react immediately, indicating that the device is making noise.
3. Click on it with the right mouse button and "Select by default". The volume can be adjusted using the corresponding sliders.

See below for details on microphone selection.