Well done! I'm glad you touched on reduction of mic quality when noise suppression of any kind is added in the mix. there's a common misconception we need to get better at explaining on our videos. We regularly get comments wondering why headset microphones with noise cancellation don't sound as good as your microphone in this video. And as you mentioned with noise cancellation of any kind, comes reduction of mic quality, but it sure beats callers hearing you in a coffee shop, kids screaming, dogs barking, co-workers talking etc..
This is an awesome guide! I’ve been recommending the MV7 more and more because it’s so easy to use and get to sound good. I also noticed that they’ve updated the included windscreen so it’s not as prone to plosives as it was originally. 👍
I did not know they upgraded the windscreen. I ended up following a recommendation I saw on RUclips and bought a Shure SM7b windscreen to put on my Shure MV7. Turns out it fits the MV7 and does a much better job at controlling plosives than the one shipped when the MV7 first came out.
You clearly you know your stuff and you have it all the way you speak and how you explain to someone who can't make a difference between a microphone and a rock says it all! Congratz, thank you! Subbed! "I shall tell my friends about this channel - in a Clint Eastwood voice"
Great job clearly describing the different uses of microphones. You covered the main types such as dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones and their specific applications, such as live performances, podcasting and studio recordings. You also highlighted the importance of microphone placement and the role it plays in capturing sound. Your explanation was easy to follow and informative, making it clear that you have a deep understanding of the subject. Keep up the good work!
I think those mics you showed are more suitable for pod casts, youtube videos, or regular day to day Teams calls where you may or may not have video showing. However what if you have to attend a job interview over Zoom or Teams? I think in that scenario you don't always want the microphone to show in the frame of the video. In the examples you showed you have to get pretty close to the microphone in order to have decent audio quality which means the mic will have to be in the frame of the video.
@@curtisjudd Was it a job as sound tech? :) I think 534A53 has a good question in that many environments, it's not necessarily a good impression to have a big mic right up as podcasters all seem to do. There can be a balance of good sound and keeping the frame clear of gear. It strikes me as ironic that the typical image now looks very much like recording sessions of the 20's & 30's early days. Thank you for all the intelligently presented info, Curtis.
@@srbh41413 I can only share my perspective as a subjective human being. I'd rather have a not-too-imposing microphone showing, just barely, at the bottom of the frame and have great sound quality rather than have no microphone visible and have mediocre to poor sound quality. It is very fatiguing to listen to mediocre to bad audio for extended periods of time. And if the microphone is neatly set with just the top of it showing at the bottom, that doesn't seem like an unreasonable cost to me. For the record, I'm not a fan of having a huge microphone dominate the frame especially when it partially obscure's the presenters face.
@@curtisjudd Thank you for the always-intelligent reply. Seems like we agree then. My comment was driven by the very common style of large arm with mic obscuring face. Your setup in the video is certainly a good compromise.
very well explained. I am looking for a mic for my MS Teams meetings and I am pretty sure I've found what I was looking for. thank you for a very useful video!
I think most people are just going to go straight for a blues Yeti just because it's so highly used on RUclips. And I will always say it's a good microphone. But what people don't realize it picks up a lot of background noise. But using a mic of any kind will definitely improve your sound quality compared to your web camera. And a lot of people don't realize the room they're in might be super echoey when they're doing a podcast or Zoom meeting
Curtis, we love these professional informative videos - thank you! Both of these mics get the best sound at around 6 inches… however, what would you recommend for someone (like me) who spends hours every day on Zoom calls but wants to move around more, swing back in the chair, dive forward to make a point and wave my arms around? What’s a step up from my built-in MacBook mic, but without the physical proximity requirements? This is probably what 90% of individual workers need, I would guess. Many thanks!
If you cannot move the mic around with you, then I'd just stick with the in-built mic on your MacBook unless you hire a boom operator to follow you around. 😉
@@curtisjudd I did think consider getting a boom operator but I don't think they'd be fast enough. Plus they'd get in the way of my grape feeding person. So many options. Thanks Curtis!
Great content as always, Curtis. Thank you for getting us back to those basics, that should never be forgotten... if one wants to get somehow serious about voice picking/recording/broadcasting.
Thanks a lot, really useful. The rode one seems to be a fit for me. A short note on where to position it on the desk would have been useful. I dont know whether it should be behind or in front of the keyboard etc
I first I was thinking that you had the best sound ever on your channel because of all the expensive sure mics and recorders . But then I realized how the voice could really sound superb ! , after visiting MarkusPix channel. I don’t know what he does but he has the best audio quality on a channel I have ever heard. Maybe it’s the mic he uses maybe the post production .
@@curtisjudd after your reply and also watching some of other MarkusPix videos I 100 agree. He basically said the same thing. He spent years putting together the mic and recorders that work better together that are best for the situation. Also he used some of the excellent microphones , he does something unique to his post-production as well . He divides the sound tracks to multiple , applying individual editing separately then puts it to one stereo track . Sounds like a lot . Yet he has it aromatic in seconds . It really is the best sound I have ever heard for RUclips . No plosives smacks jumps distortions . Just great . Watching your videos is pleasant as well . It’s an art too . Thank you for your work .
I have a question that's related but a bit off to one side... literally. My wife and I take part in regular singaround/tunearounds, for which we have used a series of different ldcs and sdcs, mostly cardioid. We both sing, often together, and both play instruments, so we have to be set a bit back from the mic. The room we're using is a medium sized attic bedroom, with a large foam bed in the middle, and (mostly) sloping ceilings. We're using various mic stands draped with blankets and duvets to try to control reverberations (I don't think we could fit any more soft stuff into the room). But I'm still not happy with the sound quality results we're getting: what the mic is picking up still seems a bit too 'room live' for comfort. To be fair, no-one is complaining about this except me, but I'd like to get it as nearly right as we can. So... Do any thoughts come to mind that I might not have thought of please? Thanks, Gavin
The problem is that you're trying to capture everything with one mic. I'd recommend getting a mixer or interface with multiple inputs and use four mics: one for each voice, and one for each instrument, all as close as possible to their respective sources. Remember what Curtis said in the beginning of the video? The further away you are from the mic, the more room sound will be picked up. The same thing applies to music. Hope this helps.
@@joeygwood Hmmm... We don't do all this at the same time, and we emcee too. I'm not sure I could cope with the mixing, though we do have the gear for what you suggest. Also singers - particularly unaccompanied ones - do like a bit of reverb as it helps their tuning. It may be that my busy brain is more of an issue than the equipment! I wonder whether a narrower pattern mic set back further from the sources might be the answer, perhaps with a gobo behind it.
@@GavinAtkin I think Joey may be on to something. A one-mic setup is certainly elegant and convenient, but I think you'll struggle to get that more isolated sound with a single mic as far back as you need it to capture both of you and your instruments.
Gavin, in addition to adding a mic or two, you can add sound deadening materials like moving blankets or carpeting (if the attic doesn't have carpets) which can help reduce reverb.
@@curtisjudd Thanks! My experience of recording certainly makes me nervous about interference between multiple mics. I'll give it a go but expect to go back to square one. I do keep thinking that there are analogies with boom micing used in film making and TV, and also with the one-mic technique used by Bluegrass folks, who seem often to get fabulous results from just one AT4033.
Thanks, Curtis, you are the best. What a great topic to cover. I love your videos. I personally use an inexpensive $40 headset from Sennheiser and it works great. Have a great day!
Your offerings here are priceless. It would be interesting to have your advice as to ‘best practices’ for the legions people who bought the Blue Yeti … and suggestions as to what you might replace it with if you deem it falls short. Thank you.
If you keep it close and talk into the right side, the Yeti is far better than most built-in microphones on laptops or webcams. I've seen some people talk into the top which isn't helping them.
Great content thank you helps a lot! Would love to know more about placing the desk, the mic (eg small diaphragm condenser boomed overhead or close to the table to, do lavs work in rooms like 10x11х8 🙏🙏
Ok, but note that they're super expensive which is why I didn't talk about them in detail here. They actually made for performing musicians to use on-stage.
Well, for online meeting I'm always using my zoom h1n in audio interface mode+lavalier microphone+headphone if just by myself. The setup is considerably better than using laptops internal mic and I think this is good enough quality for average people. However, what bothers me is that the "group meeting" session when group of people sitting in a meeting room sharing same audio setup trying to communicate with other parties. This is really, really painful because everyone wants to litsen(so speaker) and they all wanna to talk (non directional, but sensitive microphone). Any suggestion for the 2nd situation?
Some of the newer conferencing camera/mic solutions try to automatically mix by turning off microphones aimed at people not currently talking and opening the mic to the person talking can help, but if everyone talks at the same time, we have a social issue that needs to be addressed.
Thank you for another great video, Curtis. I believe I read somewhere you were going to have a course about using RX8 , but I can’t find any information currently. Is that something that will be available in the future? Thanks, Michael
Hi Michael, I have posted several videos over the last several weeks on Izotope and when I save up enough time off from work, I plan to make a full course. I changed jobs this year so still saving up for a week off.
@@curtisjudd Awesome. Thanks for the reply. I have really enjoyed and learned a ton from all of your Izotope videos. I can only imagine how much time it takes to make a full course. Thanks for the weekly videos and live streams. Michael
It depends on so many factors. In Zoom, if you turn on original sound and use a reliable, low-latency, high speed, wired internet connection, the audio quality will not be substantially degraded. If you use WiFi and don't turn on original sound and the connection is spotty, it'll degrade. So it just depends.
This is a nice video, I wish I saw this before my purchase which I am having problems with. The volume is way too low despite being at max gain knob on scarlett 2i2 and a fist away distance from sm57. On your video you could move a good distance away and still be heard but for me it barely picks me up
Great video! The main challenge I've had with mic like these are getting them close enough without getting in the way of actually using my computer. I've been looking at shotgun mics like the Sennheiser MKE-600 as it can be placed out of the way above my screen. What are your thoughts on those and any particular recommendation in the price range of the MKE600?
I love boom microphones, but I don't usually use them for calls because of the reflections off of the desk and computer screen. In my setup, at least, the sound ends up with quite a lot of reverb. The MKE600 is a fine mic, though a little on the bright side so not good if your voice has much sibilance (the sizzling sound when you pronounce "S" or "C").
It didn't have far mode when I made this video. I'll take a look now and see how it works. It'll definitely pick up more noise, the farther from the mic you are.
Hi Curtis. Thanks for the video. This is one of the first videos that start to explain using headphones with the MV7 for the purpose of Zoom calls. What I am still trying to figure out before buying either the MV7 or Bluet Yeti - both have the monitoring headphone jack - is, if I plug my headphones into the jack on the mic, will I hear both myself and the computer's audio (Windows 10) or would I have to either (a) change the computer's audio out source to be the MV7 or (b) should I just be plugging in the headphones into the laptop's headphone jack. Thanks!
You should have tried the Zoom H3VR with the firmware 3.0 that makes it an ambisonics mic with auto directional characteristics for conferences on PC/Mac and IOS!!
Just got the RODE NT-USB Mini For my iPad for language lessons for zoom but it doesn’t seem to allow sound on my iPad or allow me to connect my blue tooth headphones, i dont own a laptop just my iPad… this seems to suck.
I hope to find a Mic for MS Teams meeting, and Mute it when other people talks. Because I don't like to wear headphone during meeting when I talk because sometime I can hear myself in the headphone which distract me.
You'll probably be best served looking for a Teams Certified speaker puck then. Those devices contain the speaker and microphone in one unit and are tuned to provide noise cancellation so you don't get an echo. Teams Certified devices also feature dedicated buttons for things like mute control (when when Teams is not in the foreground) and a Teams button that does several special functions based on what kind of alert Teams just sent you. Microsoft's website has a store where you can find all of the officially Teams Certified devices. If I'm not planning to speak very much then I use a Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker, which is a Teams Certified device. If I'm responsible for presenting in the meeting, I use a Shure MV7 and Microsoft Surface Headphones.
Thanks for making the confusing world of dynamic/condenser cardioid/super cardioid mics. If you had two people sitting together (ie parents holding a Zoom with kids overseas), would a condenser mic be best?
Wonderful, Curtis. This is an excellent instructional video, and you answered all of my questions none of the other videos did. I've decided I'm going for the Rode. One question though: can it be mounted to a desk-top mic stand such as the On-Stage DS7200QRB quick-release adjustable desktop microphone stand? Thanks.
Hey mate, what's your view on the Shure MOTIV MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone? I would like to record audio for presentations and podcasts besides the usual Zoom meetings. Is this a good mic?
So my wife and I Zoom with family using an IPad. Can I use one microphone to pick up both our voices or would I need two microphones? What about two lavaliers? If I used two microphones how would I connect two mics to an IPad for Zoom either Lavalier or the other and also dynamic or condenser?
Koss kph30i is best openback with less bleed and great comfort to talk bro...iems and closed back Hp s are difficult to talk 👄if wore both sides especially..open backs are best for calls
@@curtisjudd yea ..,the podcasters do talk for longtime with closed backs on...but they will be hearing them feedback rite...in Web meetings we don't get our own feedbacks usual setup..right ... anyways will try closed back in next meeting Brother...you are my serious audio guy .,its a very good topic you took up.Great .kudos
Having a bit of a time with my situation: A Board meeting of about 8 people sitting at tables in a U shape and an audience who sit across from the board and they ask questions/make comments. I picture Lav mics hanging from the ceiling wirelessly. A couple of mics over the Board members and a couple above the audience. All the mics go into a computer along with a broad view camera. Audio doesn't need to be excellent just to be able to hear talking. This is in a clubhouse setting. How do I combine all the mics? DJI makes a pair of wireless mics but how do I combine 2 pairs of mics and then a camera? Thank you. I've watched a lot of similar videos but none that address what I think we want. Would appreciate your feedback!
Question - if I enable some effects & settings on windows using the RØDE Connect software. Will it be carried over to other devices, like my PS5 or iPad. Bcz I cannot install any software on those devices to control this mic. Please can you answer??? I am looking forward to this only on my PS5 for streaming, gaming recording. I saw that this has a NOISE GATE built in which is triggered by the software. And software is only on Windows & Mac. So what I'm thinking is, I'll connect this mic to my windows laptop, enable noise filter & then take this to my PS5/ipad. But i need to know if the setting done on windows software will work on ps5/ipad.
Good description. I use Zoom for training puppies as I walk around. any recommendation on the best remote microphone that I can wear? I stream via mac book pro or iphone/ ipad
Hi, Curtis, this video has the best tips for me, really good for beginners , I am hiED Teacher, for my remote classes I use MS Teams, Do you have a lecture for test the mic with a sample recording, I have Blue Yeti X, Another question, Do yo recommend to use the software presets in this USB Mics?, Thanks.
Thanks Luis. I haven't used the Yeti X so I haven't made a video on that in particular. But the presets in the microphone may be helpful. It is certainly worth a test. Best wishes!
Hi, question. If I am using a USB microphone during meeting and I wanna play some music on the background, can I use my USB microphone and my phone as the sound source alone? Or do I still need an an external soundcard for it?
Thank you for this tutorial Curtis. I'm wondering, would a condenser mic like the Rode still work if it is boomed above the head and just out of the camera's view?
When booming a mic, that's when a super cardioid polar pattern is usually helpful. You can make it sort of work with a cardioid mic, but usually you need the extra "reach" of a super cardioid for best results because the mic is a little farther away.
from all mic video i watched the DPA 4060 was the best.. i wonder about their headsets and their shotgun mic 4099 against the other bests like COS etc.. and if there is true cheaper alternatives that sound as good to these in the 200$ range
Great video Curtis! I bought a rode NT USB a couple of days ago but have huge problems with MS Teams, which is auto adjusting the gain to 100%. Do you know a solution for this? Will switching to mic with physical gain control help?
Curtis, I am hosting a church meeting via zoom and people listening in on the meeting in their homes cannot hear people around the meeting room via their computer or iPad. They hear the meeting leader, just not the other participants who are within about 10 feet of my laptop. I bought a small Samson Go Mic to try to enable them to hear better. First, will this help them to hear better once set up properly? Second, how do I set it up on an HP laptop using Windows 10? Thanks! Jim Nothoff
Thank you for the nice video! I would like to ask about the synchronicity between SHURE MV7 and Teams regarding the mute function. When the mute button on the MV7 device is pressed, does the microphone icon on the teams screen also switch to mute? Or will only the mv7 device itself be muted? Best regards.
Hi Curtis. Thank you so much for this video. I wonder if it is necessary to use headphones when you are using the podcasting microphone for a zoom class.
Using headphones will improve the audio quality of the call overall. But if mute when you're not talking and are careful not to talk over others, you can usually get away without headphones.
Thanks for this! Very helpful! I was wondering what you would recommend for kids speaking to grandma on Zoom. The laptop mic doesn't seem to cut it so I wanted to invest in something better. The issue is two kids (and Dad sometimes) would want to talk at the same time. Would an omni directional then be better for that? Thanks again!
I’m not familiar with any omni-directional USB microphones. But that could work. Or go with a cardioid condenser like the RODE NT USB and set it back, away from the people a bit. You’ll pick up more room and ambient sound, but it’ll probably be better than the built-in mic on most computers.
Hey, thank you for the video! Our small company works a lot with Teams meetings and in the past, we were using the Jabra Evolve 65. Now, we want something better. First, I tried a lot of mics from Shure, Rode, etc. that cost between 60 and 100 €, but all of them sounded terrible, especially without post-production. Now, I don't really know what we should get. The mic has to be very portable, not block the face, have decent sound quality, and not cost more than 120€. Do you have any suggestions? We mostly present via MS Teams in medium or small rooms.
The RODE NT USB Mini sounds good IF YOU POSITION IT within 10cm of the person's mouth. I doesn't have to block the face, but if you can position it there, it sounds quite good. That means you'll need a stand or to place the mic on something to get it closer to the presenter's mouth.
Hi, Do you think a dynamic microphone like Shure MV7 could be used in a pretty noisy environment like OpenSpace? I need to make zoom conferences in many different places and I think about a quick portable configuration that could work in different places (OpenSpace, conference room with echo,...). My idea was to use a dynamic Microphone (to reduce or eliminate background noise) connected to headset (in Openspace). I am not thinking about podcasting quality but providing good sound quality when I teach or make conferences and portable with my Macbook Pro. Thanks again for your videos...
Thanks for the video! I was interested in the distance and directional aspects. Any thoughts on this if you are working side by side with your partner? Will it pick up some of the other person's voice? Thinking about getting two microphones so that we can each eliminate others hearing each other on our respective calls.
To do that, I'd recommend you both use dynamic microphones like the Shure MV7 and place the mic within 3 to 4 inches of your mouth. Also, angle the mic away from your partner.
Here are a few: Elgato LP mic arm: ruclips.net/video/4xpDR7st5dE/видео.html RODE PSA1+ mic arm: ruclips.net/video/LJMidy60RE8/видео.html General microphone stands: ruclips.net/video/yKzBKjschB0/видео.html
@@curtisjudd Awesome, thank you!!! You mentioned placing a piece of foam under microphone desk stands to isolate any desk bumps. Any specific ones? I tried looking but there’s a plethora of options both in terms of price, thickness, density, surface type, and brand. Also some of the ones on B&H’s website don’t list any dimensions unfortunately. (Ideally looking for one with a more compact footprint that still has a good amount of thickness since my current desk space is limited)
Question from a newbie: Do you think the Rode Stereo VideoMic X would make a great choice for a mic used when creating videos while hiking down a trail or would a shotgun mic be a better choice ? ( I am concerned the Rode Stereo VideoMic X would pick up too much noise from my moving feet and maybe even heavy breathing but I also love the benefits of that mic )
@@curtisjudd Thank you for responding. No. I don't want to capture my voice at all. I want to capture all the nature sounds around me while I am walking down the trail. I would also like to stop in scenic locations and capture all the nature sounds in one location. I am just concerned that I will capture too much of my footsteps and breathing with the Stero VideoMicX. What do you think ?
@@newlifeeveryday1821 Hmm, sounds like there are two competing things here: You want to capture the ambient sound, but you DO NOT want to capture the sound of your footsteps or breathing. I don't know a practical way to remove the sound of all of your footsteps, but a binaural microphone might be worth considering.
I've been learning Mandarin during the pandemic online and I'm getting so frustrated with my earbuds mic. It doesn't pick up my voice well enough and I feel like my online teachers can't hear the nuance of my tones and pronunciation. I'll look into these two mics, if ever you have specific advice for online language classes, I'd love to hear your thoughts too if that would change anything in your current recs 🙏
One of the mics we covered here should work well. You’ll need to position the mic about 4 inches from your mouth, just off to one side and aimed at the corner of your mouth. That way your instructor can hear you well and see your mouth.
Can I ask a silly question why use a setup like a desktop microphone vs a headset with a mouthpiece/mic like a jabra headset with a mic that goes to your mouth?
Hey, Curtis where was this video when at the beginning of the Virus I could have just sent them this video instead of spending up to 30 minutes (time 30 people probably) each time explaining what to do! I still recommend just using AirPods there easy, people already know how to use them and they sound fairly good. I prefer the pro version but if I'm running the meeting then I use my primary PodCast Mic "Rode Procaster running into my SoundDevices MixPres II 6 with a cloudlifter. I know that doesn't make sense for everyone else but I have everything and the Mixpre has excellent preamps and is a great computer audio interface. and FYI for the video, I use my Sony ZV-1 much better than the webcam and Sony free software allows you to connect it via USB. I also use several small Lume Cube lights with diffusers to help make it look good...
Thanks Curtis, for the review. What do you think of Shure WH20XLR Dynamic Headset XLR Microphone? or Shure SM35-XLR Condenser headset microphone for online meetings? Do you think these are better than using Lavalier XLR mics? In my online meetings during presentation sometimes I need to move my head away from my existing Dynamic XLR Microphone and people in the meeting cannot hear me when I do that. Therefore I am looking for a Mic that moves with me, and avoid Lavalier omnidirectional mic so it does not pick up much room noise like you mentioned in the video.
Just a question for anyone willing to answer: I teach K - 5 reading online via Zoom. As a part of my instruction, I regularly articulate letter-sounds in isolation (e.g. the /f/ "Fred," etc.). So far, I've used the built-in mic on my MacBook, the mic on my Logitech camera and a Logitech H390 headset and none of these have allowed me to articulate letter-sounds clearly for my students. And I'm not having issues with all letter-sounds, but the ones that tend to be a problem are the aforementioned /f/, the /k/ as in "cat," the /h/ as in "Henry" and the /t/ as in "Tom." Does anyone have any suggestions re: microphone? Any feedback anyone could provide would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Having a quality microphone and positioning it close enough to your mouth should do the job. Perhaps consider the Sennheiser Profile if you wanted to stick with USB microphones: ruclips.net/video/LoUaYhbRZQ4/видео.html
@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis. I appreciate the reply. I actually purchased a Yeti X a few days ago and am going to download the software and test it out today. I'll let you know how it goes!
@@curtisjudd ...and just like that, I'm ready to give the update I mentioned I would give! Long story short, two thumbs up for the Yeti X microphone; it's definitely delivering the clarity I was hoping for when I articulate letter-sounds in isolation for my students (and I haven't even played around with the corresponding software yet; I just plugged in the microphone and tested it out). And one other thing worth mentioning is that switching my Zoom background noise suppression settings from Auto to Low was a HUGE game-changer. But again, the bottom line is that I'm happy with my Yeti X purchase so far and am looking forward to seeing how it enhances my instruction for my students!
Hey Curtis, was recently researching Into simple microphone setups for things like voice calls. I was wondering if you have looked into the XS Lav USB-C, and if so what are your thoughts? (Ps it's a Omni so I understand it might only work well for specific peoples conditions) I have purchased a Rode mini for someone already in the past and I wasn't so happy with the quality of it. So I'm interested to see if there is something else I haven't considered yet that might work for alot of people. Thank you so much, thank you for your great work 😁
Great guide thank you Curtis. Can I please ask you one question. We have just purchased the Rode Go2 and we want to connect it to a Behringer X-AIR XR16 but with each transmitter into separate channels - is this do-able using a short 3.5mm TRS Male to 2 XLR Male 'Y' splitter - TSR to Rode receiver and 2 XLR into 2 separate channels on XR16?
@@curtisjudd Thanks for your prompt answer Curtis, same answer would apply when connecting the Rode II to any of our cameras out in the field as they are all XLR only inputs - no 3.5mm jacks - so use splitter? I assume that would give mono on each channels and we would need to rectify in post?
Wait....I'm a beginner and I'm confused...! Why do you plug the earphones into the microphone during Zoom and not the laptop... Isn't the laptop sound what you want to cut?
Interview and film sets are acoustically treated to minimize reverb. It's also a lot easier to apply noise reduction without noticeable artifacts in editing software than it is in a live setting. Just like how Curtis said mics are not magical or "smart", the same applies to audio recorders like the Zoom F6. It won't "take care of that". Do everything you can to make your recoding environment less reverberant, then choose a mic and position that will capture the audio the clearest. If you still have unwanted noise in your signal, only then should you apply noise reduction.
I agree with Joey, film sets are usually designed and managed to capture the sound as well as picture. At a desk scene, for example, they might place a sound blanket on the desk out of picture to help manage reverb. You could potentially do that, but most work spaces don't make that easy.
Yes. You'll need an app which allows you to route audio within your computer (Audio Hijack on Mac for example) and that allows you to use plugins. I use Audio Hijack. Of course there are lots of hardware processors you can use which have EQ, compression, de-essers, noise gates, and more.
Are there any solutions out there where i pick up room noise by 1 or 2 mics behind me or picking up the notebook fan to subtract that from the main mic?
Professional, practical, comprehensive and succinct. Many thanks Curtis.
Thanks Wenjie Tang.
I'm liking the 2:1 ratio and new font.
Thanks, Robert.
Curtis talking right into the back side of a cardioid mic is still able to produce a better sounding video than 99,99% of all Zoom speakers out there.
Hahahaha!
Well done! I'm glad you touched on reduction of mic quality when noise suppression of any kind is added in the mix. there's a common misconception we need to get better at explaining on our videos. We regularly get comments wondering why headset microphones with noise cancellation don't sound as good as your microphone in this video. And as you mentioned with noise cancellation of any kind, comes reduction of mic quality, but it sure beats callers hearing you in a coffee shop, kids screaming, dogs barking, co-workers talking etc..
👍
This is an awesome guide! I’ve been recommending the MV7 more and more because it’s so easy to use and get to sound good. I also noticed that they’ve updated the included windscreen so it’s not as prone to plosives as it was originally. 👍
Well, it's half of an awesome guide the video side wasn't done...HINT HINT
@@mattwruff 😬
@@mattwruff I do the best I can with the time I have. 😀
Thanks Tom! I agree, the MV7 is a really good option.
I did not know they upgraded the windscreen. I ended up following a recommendation I saw on RUclips and bought a Shure SM7b windscreen to put on my Shure MV7. Turns out it fits the MV7 and does a much better job at controlling plosives than the one shipped when the MV7 first came out.
You clearly you know your stuff and you have it all the way you speak and how you explain to someone who can't make a difference between a microphone and a rock says it all! Congratz, thank you! Subbed! "I shall tell my friends about this channel - in a Clint Eastwood voice"
I appreciate that!
Even as a non-beginner, this was a really good refresher. Thank you!
Thanks Jonathan!
Great job clearly describing the different uses of microphones. You covered the main types such as dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones and their specific applications, such as live performances, podcasting and studio recordings. You also highlighted the importance of microphone placement and the role it plays in capturing sound. Your explanation was easy to follow and informative, making it clear that you have a deep understanding of the subject. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Nesh!
I think those mics you showed are more suitable for pod casts, youtube videos, or regular day to day Teams calls where you may or may not have video showing. However what if you have to attend a job interview over Zoom or Teams? I think in that scenario you don't always want the microphone to show in the frame of the video. In the examples you showed you have to get pretty close to the microphone in order to have decent audio quality which means the mic will have to be in the frame of the video.
I got the job when I interviewed with the mic showing in frame back in June. 👍
@@curtisjudd Was it a job as sound tech? :)
I think 534A53 has a good question in that many environments, it's not necessarily a good impression to have a big mic right up as podcasters all seem to do. There can be a balance of good sound and keeping the frame clear of gear. It strikes me as ironic that the typical image now looks very much like recording sessions of the 20's & 30's early days.
Thank you for all the intelligently presented info, Curtis.
@@srbh41413 I can only share my perspective as a subjective human being. I'd rather have a not-too-imposing microphone showing, just barely, at the bottom of the frame and have great sound quality rather than have no microphone visible and have mediocre to poor sound quality. It is very fatiguing to listen to mediocre to bad audio for extended periods of time. And if the microphone is neatly set with just the top of it showing at the bottom, that doesn't seem like an unreasonable cost to me.
For the record, I'm not a fan of having a huge microphone dominate the frame especially when it partially obscure's the presenters face.
@@curtisjudd Thank you for the always-intelligent reply. Seems like we agree then. My comment was driven by the very common style of large arm with mic obscuring face. Your setup in the video is certainly a good compromise.
@curtis: what's your opinion on boom mics (rode ntg or Audio-Technica AT875R) as an alternative for meetings to keep the mic out of frame?
very well explained. I am looking for a mic for my MS Teams meetings and I am pretty sure I've found what I was looking for. thank you for a very useful video!
Thanks and happy meeting!
Professional Guide by Mr.Judd. I'm pretty "Shure" about my choice! oh sorry I mean: sure... 😄
The topic I was hoping could be covered is. How to process the audio for a video chat. Like how to add compression or EQ type things.
We've got that in several other videos.
I had a headset mic stop working just before a important WebEx meeting and I used my zoom H1N connected via USB. That worked surprising well.
Clever!
I think most people are just going to go straight for a blues Yeti just because it's so highly used on RUclips. And I will always say it's a good microphone. But what people don't realize it picks up a lot of background noise. But using a mic of any kind will definitely improve your sound quality compared to your web camera. And a lot of people don't realize the room they're in might be super echoey when they're doing a podcast or Zoom meeting
Yep, agreed.
Curtis, we love these professional informative videos - thank you! Both of these
mics get the best sound at around 6 inches… however, what would you recommend for someone (like me) who spends hours every day on Zoom calls but wants to move around more, swing back in the chair, dive forward to make a point and wave my arms around? What’s a step up from my built-in MacBook mic, but without the physical proximity requirements? This is probably what 90% of individual workers need, I would guess. Many thanks!
If you cannot move the mic around with you, then I'd just stick with the in-built mic on your MacBook unless you hire a boom operator to follow you around. 😉
@@curtisjudd I did think consider getting a boom operator but I don't think they'd be fast enough. Plus they'd get in the way of my grape feeding person. So many options. Thanks Curtis!
@@christophernoble5119 Hahaha! Life is tough when you have to work around a grape feeding person. 😉
Great content as always, Curtis. Thank you for getting us back to those basics, that should never be forgotten... if one wants to get somehow serious about voice picking/recording/broadcasting.
Thanks Gilles.
Curtis, the 2:1 is looking mighty cinematic!
WHAT!!? THE McGuire Brannon left a comment on one of my videos! I got the 2:1 from you, of course. 🎥
Almost movie star quality.
Fantastic tips, Curtis. Definitely going to share this video.
Thanks!
Thanks a lot, really useful. The rode one seems to be a fit for me. A short note on where to position it on the desk would have been useful. I dont know whether it should be behind or in front of the keyboard etc
Close to your mouth
Thanks Curtis, your tips are just awesome!
Thanks, Leo.
Thanks for the great video, good detail in an easy to understand manner.
Thanks, Nicholas.
Curtis, thank you so much for such a great video. Very helpful. I'll see your other recommended videos.
Thanks Moises.
I first I was thinking that you had the best sound ever on your channel because of all the expensive sure mics and recorders . But then I realized how the voice could really sound superb ! , after visiting MarkusPix channel. I don’t know what he does but he has the best audio quality on a channel I have ever heard.
Maybe it’s the mic he uses maybe the post production .
It is both technique and gear which make the quality of sound. Well, and the voice as well. All are factors. It isn't JUST the microphone.
@@curtisjudd after your reply and also watching some of other MarkusPix videos I 100 agree. He basically said the same thing. He spent years putting together the mic and recorders that work better together that are best for the situation. Also he used some of the excellent microphones , he does something unique to his post-production as well . He divides the sound tracks to multiple , applying individual editing separately then puts it to one stereo track . Sounds like a lot . Yet he has it aromatic in seconds . It really is the best sound I have ever heard for RUclips . No plosives smacks jumps distortions . Just great . Watching your videos is pleasant as well . It’s an art too . Thank you for your work .
Nice guide! Appreciate the effort! Also good to see you guys reading an excerpt from A Study In Scarlet!
👍 Elementary.
I use samson g track pro as my usb . In fact I can use my sound devices mixpre6 as usb interface but never tried it. I always use headphones
👍
This was really helpful. Thanks.
Thanks!
I have a question that's related but a bit off to one side... literally. My wife and I take part in regular singaround/tunearounds, for which we have used a series of different ldcs and sdcs, mostly cardioid. We both sing, often together, and both play instruments, so we have to be set a bit back from the mic. The room we're using is a medium sized attic bedroom, with a large foam bed in the middle, and (mostly) sloping ceilings. We're using various mic stands draped with blankets and duvets to try to control reverberations (I don't think we could fit any more soft stuff into the room).
But I'm still not happy with the sound quality results we're getting: what the mic is picking up still seems a bit too 'room live' for comfort. To be fair, no-one is complaining about this except me, but I'd like to get it as nearly right as we can. So... Do any thoughts come to mind that I might not have thought of please? Thanks, Gavin
The problem is that you're trying to capture everything with one mic. I'd recommend getting a mixer or interface with multiple inputs and use four mics: one for each voice, and one for each instrument, all as close as possible to their respective sources. Remember what Curtis said in the beginning of the video? The further away you are from the mic, the more room sound will be picked up. The same thing applies to music. Hope this helps.
@@joeygwood Hmmm... We don't do all this at the same time, and we emcee too. I'm not sure I could cope with the mixing, though we do have the gear for what you suggest. Also singers - particularly unaccompanied ones - do like a bit of reverb as it helps their tuning. It may be that my busy brain is more of an issue than the equipment!
I wonder whether a narrower pattern mic set back further from the sources might be the answer, perhaps with a gobo behind it.
@@GavinAtkin I think Joey may be on to something. A one-mic setup is certainly elegant and convenient, but I think you'll struggle to get that more isolated sound with a single mic as far back as you need it to capture both of you and your instruments.
Gavin, in addition to adding a mic or two, you can add sound deadening materials like moving blankets or carpeting (if the attic doesn't have carpets) which can help reduce reverb.
@@curtisjudd Thanks! My experience of recording certainly makes me nervous about interference between multiple mics. I'll give it a go but expect to go back to square one.
I do keep thinking that there are analogies with boom micing used in film making and TV, and also with the one-mic technique used by Bluegrass folks, who seem often to get fabulous results from just one AT4033.
Thanks, Curtis, you are the best. What a great topic to cover. I love your videos. I personally use an inexpensive $40 headset from Sennheiser and it works great. Have a great day!
Thanks Michael. Headsets can be great. I had a $35 Sennheiser headset at my last job and it sounded surprisingly good.
Thanks to you, I, too, I am quite SHURE of the fact!
Hahaha!
Why didn't the U67 make your list? That's what Bandrew swears by
If you're talking about the Neumann U67, it's because it's $7,225.00USD brand new. Not a very cost effective solution for live meetings IMO.
@@joeygwood that's the joke :)
@@AdamBA380 Ha
:meme of Curtis flinging wads of cash indiscriminately all around him:
Your offerings here are priceless. It would be interesting to have your advice as to ‘best practices’ for the legions people who bought the Blue Yeti … and suggestions as to what you might replace it with if you deem it falls short. Thank you.
If you keep it close and talk into the right side, the Yeti is far better than most built-in microphones on laptops or webcams. I've seen some people talk into the top which isn't helping them.
@@curtisjudd I’ve been pleased with it, and curious as to what you would recommend as an upgrade. Thanks!
Fantastic job, as always.
Thanks Ricardo.
I use a Rode Podmic, cloud lifter, and an audient evo4. I sound very good I am told.
👍
Great content thank you helps a lot! Would love to know more about placing the desk, the mic (eg small diaphragm condenser boomed overhead or close to the table to, do lavs work in rooms like 10x11х8 🙏🙏
Great video! How can I keep the microphone out of frame but keep that high quality sound?
Acoustically treat your room
Very helpful in plain language I can understand
👍
Hey Curtis! Could you add a link in the description for the in-ear monitors you used in the video?
Ok, but note that they're super expensive which is why I didn't talk about them in detail here. They actually made for performing musicians to use on-stage.
great vid, great sound, great advice.
Thanks!
Well, for online meeting I'm always using my zoom h1n in audio interface mode+lavalier microphone+headphone if just by myself. The setup is considerably better than using laptops internal mic and I think this is good enough quality for average people. However, what bothers me is that the "group meeting" session when group of people sitting in a meeting room sharing same audio setup trying to communicate with other parties. This is really, really painful because everyone wants to litsen(so speaker) and they all wanna to talk (non directional, but sensitive microphone). Any suggestion for the 2nd situation?
Some of the newer conferencing camera/mic solutions try to automatically mix by turning off microphones aimed at people not currently talking and opening the mic to the person talking can help, but if everyone talks at the same time, we have a social issue that needs to be addressed.
@@curtisjudd It turns out to be terriblly difficult to educate people about online meeting setups, maybe we need an online meeting 101.
Thanks for sharing such great tips.👍🎙
Thanks, Shinil.
Thank you for another great video, Curtis.
I believe I read somewhere you were going to have a course about using RX8 , but I can’t find any information currently. Is that something that will be available in the future?
Thanks,
Michael
Hi Michael, I have posted several videos over the last several weeks on Izotope and when I save up enough time off from work, I plan to make a full course. I changed jobs this year so still saving up for a week off.
@@curtisjudd Really looking forward to the course!
@@curtisjudd Awesome. Thanks for the reply. I have really enjoyed and learned a ton from all of your Izotope videos. I can only imagine how much time it takes to make a full course. Thanks for the weekly videos and live streams.
Michael
Can you record how they sound through a teams meeting and Zoom? please, I hear that it changes the audio quality.
It depends on so many factors. In Zoom, if you turn on original sound and use a reliable, low-latency, high speed, wired internet connection, the audio quality will not be substantially degraded. If you use WiFi and don't turn on original sound and the connection is spotty, it'll degrade. So it just depends.
Outstanding comparison, thanks for this. :)
Thanks, Jason.
This is a nice video, I wish I saw this before my purchase which I am having problems with. The volume is way too low despite being at max gain knob on scarlett 2i2 and a fist away distance from sm57. On your video you could move a good distance away and still be heard but for me it barely picks me up
Might need a FetHead to boost the SM57's signal.
@@curtisjudd thanks for the reply, yes I'm looking into that now
Wow. What a good explanation!!!!!!!!!!🎉
Thanks.
Great video! The main challenge I've had with mic like these are getting them close enough without getting in the way of actually using my computer. I've been looking at shotgun mics like the Sennheiser MKE-600 as it can be placed out of the way above my screen. What are your thoughts on those and any particular recommendation in the price range of the MKE600?
I love boom microphones, but I don't usually use them for calls because of the reflections off of the desk and computer screen. In my setup, at least, the sound ends up with quite a lot of reverb. The MKE600 is a fine mic, though a little on the bright side so not good if your voice has much sibilance (the sizzling sound when you pronounce "S" or "C").
You are Dr Berg of tech! Nice Info
Who is Dr Berg?
@@curtisjudd Dr Eric Berg is a Doctor in profession and a youtuber who gives solution to various health problems and diet
The Shure MV7 has a "far" mode where you can apparently talk up to 18" away. It would have been nice to see you test that feature.
It didn't have far mode when I made this video. I'll take a look now and see how it works. It'll definitely pick up more noise, the farther from the mic you are.
@@curtisjudd Thanks!
Using Windows PowerToys you can implement “push to talk” for Teams or Zoom
Cool. Would be neat to see a tutorial on how to set that up.
Hi Curtis. Thanks for the video. This is one of the first videos that start to explain using headphones with the MV7 for the purpose of Zoom calls. What I am still trying to figure out before buying either the MV7 or Bluet Yeti - both have the monitoring headphone jack - is, if I plug my headphones into the jack on the mic, will I hear both myself and the computer's audio (Windows 10) or would I have to either (a) change the computer's audio out source to be the MV7 or (b) should I just be plugging in the headphones into the laptop's headphone jack. Thanks!
Excellent explanation, tky
🙏
You should have tried the Zoom H3VR with the firmware 3.0 that makes it an ambisonics mic with auto directional characteristics for conferences on PC/Mac and IOS!!
Have one I can borrow? Just kidding! That sound useful for conference rooms.
Excellent, thank you.
Thanks!
Just got the RODE NT-USB Mini For my iPad for language lessons for zoom but it doesn’t seem to allow sound on my iPad or allow me to connect my blue tooth headphones, i dont own a laptop just my iPad… this seems to suck.
I hope to find a Mic for MS Teams meeting, and Mute it when other people talks. Because I don't like to wear headphone during meeting when I talk because sometime I can hear myself in the headphone which distract me.
You'll probably be best served looking for a Teams Certified speaker puck then. Those devices contain the speaker and microphone in one unit and are tuned to provide noise cancellation so you don't get an echo. Teams Certified devices also feature dedicated buttons for things like mute control (when when Teams is not in the foreground) and a Teams button that does several special functions based on what kind of alert Teams just sent you. Microsoft's website has a store where you can find all of the officially Teams Certified devices.
If I'm not planning to speak very much then I use a Microsoft Modern USB-C Speaker, which is a Teams Certified device. If I'm responsible for presenting in the meeting, I use a Shure MV7 and Microsoft Surface Headphones.
@@CollabMoore Wow, really appreciate expert advice. Thanks! I will try these solutions.
Good idea if the convenience of no headphones is more important. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for making the confusing world of dynamic/condenser cardioid/super cardioid mics. If you had two people sitting together (ie parents holding a Zoom with kids overseas), would a condenser mic be best?
Yes, otherwise with a dynamic microphone you'd have to sit very, very close to your partner!
Wonderful, Curtis. This is an excellent instructional video, and you answered all of my questions none of the other videos did. I've decided I'm going for the Rode. One question though: can it be mounted to a desk-top mic stand such as the On-Stage DS7200QRB quick-release adjustable desktop microphone stand? Thanks.
Thanks, yes, the on-stage desk stand works 👍
Hey mate, what's your view on the Shure MOTIV MV5 Digital Condenser Microphone? I would like to record audio for presentations and podcasts besides the usual Zoom meetings. Is this a good mic?
Haven’t used it, tbh.
So my wife and I Zoom with family using an IPad. Can I use one microphone to pick up both our voices or would I need two microphones? What about two lavaliers? If I used two microphones how would I connect two mics to an IPad for Zoom either Lavalier or the other and also dynamic or condenser?
Fantastic, thank you!
😀
I hope the Latch Lake stand makes a debut in your mic stand video!
Ha! I don't think most zoom callers will be using a hunk of steel like that.
Koss kph30i is best openback with less bleed and great comfort to talk bro...iems and closed back Hp s are difficult to talk 👄if wore both sides especially..open backs are best for calls
I prefer not to use open back headphones for calls because the sound can bleed back into the microphone.
@@curtisjudd yea ..,the podcasters do talk for longtime with closed backs on...but they will be hearing them feedback rite...in Web meetings we don't get our own feedbacks usual setup..right ... anyways will try closed back in next meeting Brother...you are my serious audio guy .,its a very good topic you took up.Great .kudos
Having a bit of a time with my situation: A Board meeting of about 8 people sitting at tables in a U shape and an audience who sit across from the board and they ask questions/make comments. I picture Lav mics hanging from the ceiling wirelessly. A couple of mics over the Board members and a couple above the audience. All the mics go into a computer along with a broad view camera. Audio doesn't need to be excellent just to be able to hear talking. This is in a clubhouse setting. How do I combine all the mics? DJI makes a pair of wireless mics but how do I combine 2 pairs of mics and then a camera? Thank you. I've watched a lot of similar videos but none that address what I think we want. Would appreciate your feedback!
You need a mixer. Which mixer depends on the camera you're using and budget.
Nice video, but you pointed to nothing near the end of the video. I can't seem to find that comparison of boom, lav, and other mics.
In the upper right corner there’s a little “i” that turns into a menu, at least on desktop.
Great video, thank You. Best regards, Kai the bee filmer ;)
Thanks Kai!
Question - if I enable some effects & settings on windows using the RØDE Connect software. Will it be carried over to other devices, like my PS5 or iPad. Bcz I cannot install any software on those devices to control this mic. Please can you answer??? I am looking forward to this only on my PS5 for streaming, gaming recording. I saw that this has a NOISE GATE built in which is triggered by the software. And software is only on Windows & Mac.
So what I'm thinking is, I'll connect this mic to my windows laptop, enable noise filter & then take this to my PS5/ipad. But i need to know if the setting done on windows software will work on ps5/ipad.
Is it possible to use an H2n for virtual meetings? I play the trombone and I need to improve my audio.
Thanks!
Yes
Good description. I use Zoom for training puppies as I walk around. any recommendation on the best remote microphone that I can wear? I stream via mac book pro or iphone/ ipad
RODE Wireless GO II?
Hi, Curtis, this video has the best tips for me, really good for beginners , I am hiED Teacher, for my remote classes I use MS Teams, Do you have a lecture for test the mic with a sample recording, I have Blue Yeti X, Another question, Do yo recommend to use the software presets in this USB Mics?, Thanks.
Thanks Luis. I haven't used the Yeti X so I haven't made a video on that in particular. But the presets in the microphone may be helpful. It is certainly worth a test. Best wishes!
Hi, question. If I am using a USB microphone during meeting and I wanna play some music on the background, can I use my USB microphone and my phone as the sound source alone? Or do I still need an an external soundcard for it?
For ZOOM, I don’t know of a way to choose two sound sources at the same time. Maybe somebody else knows a way?
Thanks!
You’re welcome!
Thank you for this tutorial Curtis. I'm wondering, would a condenser mic like the Rode still work if it is boomed above the head and just out of the camera's view?
When booming a mic, that's when a super cardioid polar pattern is usually helpful. You can make it sort of work with a cardioid mic, but usually you need the extra "reach" of a super cardioid for best results because the mic is a little farther away.
@@curtisjudd Ok, I get it. Thanks for the explanation Curtis.
from all mic video i watched the DPA 4060 was the best.. i wonder about their headsets and their shotgun mic 4099
against the other bests like COS etc.. and if there is true cheaper alternatives that sound as good to these in the 200$ range
I haven't used all of them. I have a DPA 4160 and it is...ok, though I prefer the sound of the SHURE Twinplex TL-48.
Great video Curtis!
I bought a rode NT USB a couple of days ago but have huge problems with MS Teams, which is auto adjusting the gain to 100%. Do you know a solution for this? Will switching to mic with physical gain control help?
I assume you’re using Windows? I’ve not done this exact setup but RODE support should be able to help.
Yes, I'm on windows.
Found the solution with the "high fidelity music mode" in Teams. That stops all processing by Teams.
Thanks for your help!
Curtis, I am hosting a church meeting via zoom and people listening in on the meeting in their homes cannot hear people around the meeting room via their computer or iPad. They hear the meeting leader, just not the other participants who are within about 10 feet of my laptop.
I bought a small Samson Go Mic to try to enable them to hear better. First, will this help them to hear better once set up properly? Second, how do I set it up on an HP laptop using Windows 10? Thanks! Jim Nothoff
I’d try one of the USB conference microphones.
Thank you for the nice video! I would like to ask about the synchronicity between SHURE MV7 and Teams regarding the mute function. When the mute button on the MV7 device is pressed, does the microphone icon on the teams screen also switch to mute? Or will only the mv7 device itself be muted? Best regards.
Mute on the MV7 does NOT trigger ZOOM’s mute button - they operate independently.
Nice video! Although its a lot more trouble, I use Rode wireless lav's -film makers kit. walking around no problem :-)
How do you hear when you use that kit? And how do you unmute yourself when you're not near the computer?
Hi Curtis. Thank you so much for this video. I wonder if it is necessary to use headphones when you are using the podcasting microphone for a zoom class.
Using headphones will improve the audio quality of the call overall. But if mute when you're not talking and are careful not to talk over others, you can usually get away without headphones.
Thumbs up 👍 Sir Curtis!
Thanks Malik.
@@curtisjudd you are always welcome 🙏
Thanks for this! Very helpful! I was wondering what you would recommend for kids speaking to grandma on Zoom. The laptop mic doesn't seem to cut it so I wanted to invest in something better. The issue is two kids (and Dad sometimes) would want to talk at the same time. Would an omni directional then be better for that? Thanks again!
I’m not familiar with any omni-directional USB microphones. But that could work. Or go with a cardioid condenser like the RODE NT USB and set it back, away from the people a bit. You’ll pick up more room and ambient sound, but it’ll probably be better than the built-in mic on most computers.
Hey,
thank you for the video!
Our small company works a lot with Teams meetings and in the past, we were using the Jabra Evolve 65. Now, we want something better. First, I tried a lot of mics from Shure, Rode, etc. that cost between 60 and 100 €, but all of them sounded terrible, especially without post-production. Now, I don't really know what we should get. The mic has to be very portable, not block the face, have decent sound quality, and not cost more than 120€. Do you have any suggestions?
We mostly present via MS Teams in medium or small rooms.
The RODE NT USB Mini sounds good IF YOU POSITION IT within 10cm of the person's mouth. I doesn't have to block the face, but if you can position it there, it sounds quite good. That means you'll need a stand or to place the mic on something to get it closer to the presenter's mouth.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the tip. I will try it! :)
Always a practical useful video. Keep up the good work Kurtis.
Thanks Eric.
Hi, Do you think a dynamic microphone like Shure MV7 could be used in a pretty noisy environment like OpenSpace? I need to make zoom conferences in many different places and I think about a quick portable configuration that could work in different places (OpenSpace, conference room with echo,...). My idea was to use a dynamic Microphone (to reduce or eliminate background noise) connected to headset (in Openspace). I am not thinking about podcasting quality but providing good sound quality when I teach or make conferences and portable with my Macbook Pro. Thanks again for your videos...
Yes, the MV7 close to your mouth should work nicely.
Thanks for the video! I was interested in the distance and directional aspects. Any thoughts on this if you are working side by side with your partner? Will it pick up some of the other person's voice? Thinking about getting two microphones so that we can each eliminate others hearing each other on our respective calls.
To do that, I'd recommend you both use dynamic microphones like the Shure MV7 and place the mic within 3 to 4 inches of your mouth. Also, angle the mic away from your partner.
Great video! Is the future video on microphone stands still coming? I'd be very interested in that
Here are a few:
Elgato LP mic arm: ruclips.net/video/4xpDR7st5dE/видео.html
RODE PSA1+ mic arm: ruclips.net/video/LJMidy60RE8/видео.html
General microphone stands: ruclips.net/video/yKzBKjschB0/видео.html
@@curtisjudd Awesome, thank you!!! You mentioned placing a piece of foam under microphone desk stands to isolate any desk bumps. Any specific ones? I tried looking but there’s a plethora of options both in terms of price, thickness, density, surface type, and brand. Also some of the ones on B&H’s website don’t list any dimensions unfortunately.
(Ideally looking for one with a more compact footprint that still has a good amount of thickness since my current desk space is limited)
@@milkcashew I just used a cheap piece of open cell foam that was about 5cm thick. I think I purchased it from a hardware store many years ago.
Question from a newbie: Do you think the Rode Stereo VideoMic X would make a great choice for a mic used when creating videos while hiking down a trail or would a shotgun mic be a better choice ? ( I am concerned the Rode Stereo VideoMic X would pick up too much noise from my moving feet and maybe even heavy breathing but I also love the benefits of that mic )
If the goal is to capture mainly your voice, I'd go with a shotgun microphone instead of a stereo microphone.
@@curtisjudd Thank you for responding. No. I don't want to capture my voice at all. I want to capture all the nature sounds around me while I am walking down the trail. I would also like to stop in scenic locations and capture all the nature sounds in one location. I am just concerned that I will capture too much of my footsteps and breathing with the Stero VideoMicX. What do you think ?
@@newlifeeveryday1821 Hmm, sounds like there are two competing things here: You want to capture the ambient sound, but you DO NOT want to capture the sound of your footsteps or breathing. I don't know a practical way to remove the sound of all of your footsteps, but a binaural microphone might be worth considering.
I've been learning Mandarin during the pandemic online and I'm getting so frustrated with my earbuds mic. It doesn't pick up my voice well enough and I feel like my online teachers can't hear the nuance of my tones and pronunciation. I'll look into these two mics, if ever you have specific advice for online language classes, I'd love to hear your thoughts too if that would change anything in your current recs 🙏
One of the mics we covered here should work well. You’ll need to position the mic about 4 inches from your mouth, just off to one side and aimed at the corner of your mouth. That way your instructor can hear you well and see your mouth.
@@curtisjuddI really appreciate that you answer everyone's comment - I'm impressed and touched! 🙏 Thanks so much for helping me!
Can I ask a silly question why use a setup like a desktop microphone vs a headset with a mouthpiece/mic like a jabra headset with a mic that goes to your mouth?
For me, comfort. I spend most of my day on zoom calls with my day job and I prefer not to have a headset on all day.
Bought a Rode NT-USB as a marriage gift for a close friend. Thanks for the recommendation, but my pockets feel lighter.
They are lighter, but hopefully your friend is very grateful.
Hey, Curtis where was this video when at the beginning of the Virus I could have just sent them this video instead of spending up to 30 minutes (time 30 people probably) each time explaining what to do! I still recommend just using AirPods there easy, people already know how to use them and they sound fairly good. I prefer the pro version but if I'm running the meeting then I use my primary PodCast Mic "Rode Procaster running into my SoundDevices MixPres II 6 with a cloudlifter. I know that doesn't make sense for everyone else but I have everything and the Mixpre has excellent preamps and is a great computer audio interface. and FYI for the video, I use my Sony ZV-1 much better than the webcam and Sony free software allows you to connect it via USB. I also use several small Lume Cube lights with diffusers to help make it look good...
Doing the best I can Matt. Back when the pandemic started I was buried under a pile of product review commitments. I finally dug myself out.
@@curtisjudd You do know I was kidding you right?
@@mattwruff Yep, but not sure everyone else knew that so I decided to share an explanation.
Thanks Curtis, for the review. What do you think of Shure WH20XLR Dynamic Headset XLR Microphone? or Shure SM35-XLR Condenser headset microphone for online meetings? Do you think these are better than using Lavalier XLR mics? In my online meetings during presentation sometimes I need to move my head away from my existing Dynamic XLR Microphone and people in the meeting cannot hear me when I do that. Therefore I am looking for a Mic that moves with me, and avoid Lavalier omnidirectional mic so it does not pick up much room noise like you mentioned in the video.
I haven't used that particular headset mic, but yes, I'm definitely in favor of their strengths for online meetings.
@@curtisjudd Thanks again for responding, I will try it out and see if it works. I'll share this headset mic usage and test results.
@@ktube1432 Thanks and best wishes!
Just a question for anyone willing to answer: I teach K - 5 reading online via Zoom. As a part of my instruction, I regularly articulate letter-sounds in isolation (e.g. the /f/ "Fred," etc.). So far, I've used the built-in mic on my MacBook, the mic on my Logitech camera and a Logitech H390 headset and none of these have allowed me to articulate letter-sounds clearly for my students. And I'm not having issues with all letter-sounds, but the ones that tend to be a problem are the aforementioned /f/, the /k/ as in "cat," the /h/ as in "Henry" and the /t/ as in "Tom." Does anyone have any suggestions re: microphone? Any feedback anyone could provide would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Having a quality microphone and positioning it close enough to your mouth should do the job. Perhaps consider the Sennheiser Profile if you wanted to stick with USB microphones: ruclips.net/video/LoUaYhbRZQ4/видео.html
@@curtisjudd Thanks Curtis. I appreciate the reply. I actually purchased a Yeti X a few days ago and am going to download the software and test it out today. I'll let you know how it goes!
@@curtisjudd ...and just like that, I'm ready to give the update I mentioned I would give! Long story short, two thumbs up for the Yeti X microphone; it's definitely delivering the clarity I was hoping for when I articulate letter-sounds in isolation for my students (and I haven't even played around with the corresponding software yet; I just plugged in the microphone and tested it out). And one other thing worth mentioning is that switching my Zoom background noise suppression settings from Auto to Low was a HUGE game-changer. But again, the bottom line is that I'm happy with my Yeti X purchase so far and am looking forward to seeing how it enhances my instruction for my students!
@@brandonzurvalec2520 👍
Hey Curtis, was recently researching Into simple microphone setups for things like voice calls. I was wondering if you have looked into the XS Lav USB-C, and if so what are your thoughts? (Ps it's a Omni so I understand it might only work well for specific peoples conditions)
I have purchased a Rode mini for someone already in the past and I wasn't so happy with the quality of it. So I'm interested to see if there is something else I haven't considered yet that might work for alot of people.
Thank you so much, thank you for your great work 😁
Hi John, I haven't heard of the XS Law USB-C. Who makes it?
@@curtisjudd Sennheiser, If I'm not mistaken it seems like a relatively new product 🤔
@@johnwhately9481 Interesting, I'll keep my eyes peeled for what I can learn.
What about meetings in noisy environments?
Get very close to the mic and I’d recommend a dynamic mic like the SHURE MV7.
Great guide thank you Curtis. Can I please ask you one question. We have just purchased the Rode Go2 and we want to connect it to a Behringer X-AIR XR16 but with each transmitter into separate channels - is this do-able using a short 3.5mm TRS Male to 2 XLR Male 'Y' splitter - TSR to Rode receiver and 2 XLR into 2 separate channels on XR16?
Yes, definitely possible.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for your prompt answer Curtis, same answer would apply when connecting the Rode II to any of our cameras out in the field as they are all XLR only inputs - no 3.5mm jacks - so use splitter? I assume that would give mono on each channels and we would need to rectify in post?
@@ONtvChannels Yes, same. And yes, each will be mono.
Wait....I'm a beginner and I'm confused...! Why do you plug the earphones into the microphone during Zoom and not the laptop... Isn't the laptop sound what you want to cut?
You can do it either way if your calling app supports choosing separate devices for microphone and speakers (like zoom).
but lavs are used in documentaries and interviews and film making right? what about reverb ( kind of echo) then? 🤔 does Zoom F6 take care of that?
Interview and film sets are acoustically treated to minimize reverb. It's also a lot easier to apply noise reduction without noticeable artifacts in editing software than it is in a live setting. Just like how Curtis said mics are not magical or "smart", the same applies to audio recorders like the Zoom F6. It won't "take care of that". Do everything you can to make your recoding environment less reverberant, then choose a mic and position that will capture the audio the clearest. If you still have unwanted noise in your signal, only then should you apply noise reduction.
@@joeygwood 🙏
I agree with Joey, film sets are usually designed and managed to capture the sound as well as picture. At a desk scene, for example, they might place a sound blanket on the desk out of picture to help manage reverb. You could potentially do that, but most work spaces don't make that easy.
is there a way to eq and make your voice sound sweet for zoom or facetime video calls >
Yes. You'll need an app which allows you to route audio within your computer (Audio Hijack on Mac for example) and that allows you to use plugins. I use Audio Hijack. Of course there are lots of hardware processors you can use which have EQ, compression, de-essers, noise gates, and more.
I feel headache when I use my mv7 microphone, and I feel heavy energy (electricy or waves) comming out of it. had any of you felt this before?
I haven’t noticed that. Might be good to contact SHURE support. Perhaps there’s something wrong with the copy you have?
Are there any solutions out there where i pick up room noise by 1 or 2 mics behind me or picking up the notebook fan to subtract that from the main mic?
Accusonus has a noise reduction plugin which does that.
Well done, Curtis :)
...but what do I know?
Thanks Michael.