Microphones

This page lists equipment recommendations for microphones.  For each category, we provide an option that has been tested and found to produce good recording quality.  We also provide a number of other options that others have reported using with good results, but we have not tested all options listed.

Choosing a Microphone 

The microphone you choose will depend on your use case, but here are some general recommendations for choosing a microphone:

  • For general screencasting, we recommend a USB headset with a boom microphone
    • Place the boom slightly above your mouth to avoid plosive thumps (e.g., from P's and T's) in your recording
    • Favour USB over Bluetooth for better recording quality
  • For higher audio quality, consider a higher-end desktop microphone
    • Be careful, however: a microphone like the Blue Yeti will pick up a lot of noise from the HVAC system at the University.  Be cognizant of where you are recording.  Some people record in a closet to reduce noise!
    • In general, for recording a single speaker, choose a cardiod microphone.  (a cardioid mic is great for focusing sound from a single source, while reducing pick-up from the sides and rear.)  If you might need to use your microphone in other settings (interviews, recording lectures), choose a microphone like the Blue Yeti that allows the recording pattern to be adjusted, such as from cardiod to bidirectional
  • Where mobility is needed, use a Lavalier (lapel) microphone
    • Lavalier microphones clip on to one's lapel and cords can be routed inside one's shirt to hide them
    • Inexpensive wired Lavalier microphones are available with 10-15 foot cables.  Wireless options are also available

Headset Microphones

Lavalier Microphones

  • PowerDeWise Lavalier Microphone (TESTED)
    • Includes a 12' cable, carrying case, and a TRRS-to-TRS adapter for plugging into the line-in port of a computer or video camera
    • If your computer does not have a line-in port, you can plug into a USB sound card (TESTED)
    • Adapters are also available for iOS and Android devices.  Contact us for details
  • Fifine USB Lavalier Lapel Microphone
    • Includes a 6.5' cable
    • Plugs directly into the USB port of a computer, requiring no adapters
    • Cannot plug into video cameras or iOS/Android devices
  • Rode Wireless Go
    • Enables wireless use of a Lavalier microphone up to 70 metres
    • Transmitter can be clipped onto one's lapel and used as a Lavalier microphone
    • Alternatively, transmitter can be clipped onto a belt and an external Lavalier microphone can be plugged into it

Desktop Microphones

  • Blue Yeti (TESTED)
    • Excellent USB microphone that produces superb audio quality, but see caveats in the Choosing a Microphone section above
    • Note that the microphone should be pointed upward toward the ceiling, or downward toward the floor (when mounted).  One speaks into the side, and not the end of the microphone
    • For best results, position it as close to your mouth as possible and use a pop screen in front of it to reduce plosive thumps
    • Adjust the pattern knob to the cardiod pattern when recording yourself.  When interviewing someone, use the bidirectional pattern and sit on either side of the microphone
  • AmazonBasics Professional USB Condenser Microphone

Desktop Microphone Accessories

  • To reduce plosive thumps, use a pop screen in front of your microphone
  • To dampen/reduce ambient noise from the HVAC system, consider an isolation shield like this or this 
  • To reduce the microphone picking up keyboard typing or mouse clicks, place it on a stack of textbooks instead of directly on the desk.  For a cleaner setup, use a boom with a shock mount