Conference mic for Skype at DVinfo.net

Jerry Jesion · June 7th, 2010, 07:35 AM

This may be a bit off topic but I am interested if anyone has any experience/recommendations of a conference type mic for use with Skype. I periodically attend meetings which attempt to use Skype (audio only) and the computer mic just doesn't cut it. Anyone have any suggestions? Price point a few hundred $$.

Thanks in advance,
Jerry

Jay Massengill · June 7th, 2010, 08:28 AM

It would depend on how simple the setup needs to be and how much area (podium, conference table, training room) needs to be covered.
There's a very wide range of USB audio mics and interfaces that would be an improvement over the computer's mic. It would just be a question of picking one that would be simple enough for untrained participants to use without too much effort, in a form factor that would work for the mic placement, with the correct sensitivity to cover the subjects reasonably well.
You can search online music supply stores for USB Microphone, or for USB mic interfaces or cables that allow you to use your own regular mic (depending on power requirements).
You can also look at specialty sites like Sound Professionals to get an idea of products they have for purposes like court reporting.
Again anything is likely to be an improvement as long as the operator knows enough to select the new mic in the operating software.

Jerry Jesion · June 7th, 2010, 08:36 AM

There usually are 10 or so attendees sitting around a conference table. I would be there to set it up, at least for the first time. What I am looking for is a USB type mic.

Regards,
Jerry

Ike Tamigian · June 7th, 2010, 08:47 AM

You may want to look at the Zoom H2 Handy Recorder with its 4 built in mics and configurations(for instance front back). Works very well as a USB Audio interface for Skype. <$200

Jay Massengill · June 7th, 2010, 09:30 AM

Ike is correct, I forgot to mention that most audio recorders can also function as USB interfaces using either their built-in mics or external mics.
In the conference table application with 10 people, I would generally use an omni boundary-layer mic.
There are some USB omni boundary layer mics, but I haven't personally used one. I would be more likely to use a regular omni boundary layer mic connected to a USB audio interface since I have those already and I'm familiar with their audio quality.

June 7th, 2010, 07:35 AM	#1
Jerry Jesion Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Woodhaven Mi Posts: 105	Conference mic for Skype This may be a bit off topic but I am interested if anyone has any experience/recommendations of a conference type mic for use with Skype. I periodically attend meetings which attempt to use Skype (audio only) and the computer mic just doesn't cut it. Anyone have any suggestions? Price point a few hundred $$. Thanks in advance, Jerry

June 7th, 2010, 08:47 AM	#4
Ike Tamigian Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Montreal Canada Posts: 39	You may want to look at the Zoom H2 Handy Recorder with its 4 built in mics and configurations(for instance front back). Works very well as a USB Audio interface for Skype. <$200 __________________ Ike

June 7th, 2010, 08:28 AM	#2
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	It would depend on how simple the setup needs to be and how much area (podium, conference table, training room) needs to be covered. There's a very wide range of USB audio mics and interfaces that would be an improvement over the computer's mic. It would just be a question of picking one that would be simple enough for untrained participants to use without too much effort, in a form factor that would work for the mic placement, with the correct sensitivity to cover the subjects reasonably well. You can search online music supply stores for USB Microphone, or for USB mic interfaces or cables that allow you to use your own regular mic (depending on power requirements). You can also look at specialty sites like Sound Professionals to get an idea of products they have for purposes like court reporting. Again anything is likely to be an improvement as long as the operator knows enough to select the new mic in the operating software.

June 7th, 2010, 08:36 AM	#3
Jerry Jesion Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Woodhaven Mi Posts: 105	There usually are 10 or so attendees sitting around a conference table. I would be there to set it up, at least for the first time. What I am looking for is a USB type mic. Regards, Jerry

June 7th, 2010, 09:30 AM	#5
Jay Massengill Trustee Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Burlington Posts: 1,976	Ike is correct, I forgot to mention that most audio recorders can also function as USB interfaces using either their built-in mics or external mics. In the conference table application with 10 people, I would generally use an omni boundary-layer mic. There are some USB omni boundary layer mics, but I haven't personally used one. I would be more likely to use a regular omni boundary layer mic connected to a USB audio interface since I have those already and I'm familiar with their audio quality.