Today in this post, I am going to review the best mics for Zoom meetings.
Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Zoom is the new standard for online meetings, job interviews, and even remote classes.
We have all used it and learned about all the positive features it has.
But, there is always a problem…
Product | Image | Polar patterns | Frequency response | Product page |
Editor's best choice |  | Cardioid and Omnidirectional. | Cardioid 80Hz – 18kHZ / Omnidirectional 20Hz – 20kHZ | |
#2. Heil PR-40 Best value |  | Supercardioid | 28 Hz to 18 kHz | |
#3. Rode VideoMic Me |  | Cardioid | 100Hz – 20kHz | |
#4. Blue Yeti |  | Multipattern | 28 Hz to 18 kHz | |
 | Cardioid | 20 Hz to 20 kHz | ||
 | Unidirectional | 20Hz – 20kHz | ||
#7. Shure MV88 |  | Cardioid, Figure-8 | 20Hz - 20kHz |
Audio.
Or more specifically, the sound quality of your laptop's microphone.
Yes, it typically sucks.
The answer? Get a third party microphone for your Zoom meetings!
This will translate into high-quality audio that the other members will appreciate and understand you better.
So, in this article, we will review the Top 7 microphones for high-quality zoom meetings.
Stay tuned!
Top 7 mics for HQ Zoom meetings reviewed
Samson Go Mic
Specifications:
- Element Type: 2 x Electret condenser.
- Polar Patterns: Cardioid and Omnidirectional.
- Frequency Response: Cardioid 80Hz – 18kHZ / Omnidirectional 20Hz – 20kHZ.
- Sampling Rate: 44.1kHz / 48kHz.
- Maximum SPL: 121 dB.
- Sensitivity: -47 +/- 2 dB/Pa.
- Headphone Output: 1/8" (3.5mm)
Sound quality
The capsule included in the microphone is omnidirectional, which means it can capture noise coming from all directions.
However, it features Samson's Focus Pattern Technology, which lets the user "steer" the beam in order to capture just the sound sources coming from the front of the microphone.
This is especially useful when doing Zoom meetings in noisy environments or crowded offices.
Noise isolation
The Go Mic also features Samson's "Active Noise Reduction" algorithm that basically cleans the audio in order to optimize it for speech recognition.
So if you are trying to use this for a Zoom meeting, or any kind of scenario where you are going to be talking, this is ideal.
Portability
Very small footprint, no need for a stand or tripod.
The microphone is designed to be attached to the laptop's screen, or computer monitor, but you can also set it on the desk.
This microphone is so portable you can fit it in your laptop bag.
What do we like?
- USB-bus-powered, so you do not need external power in order to energize it. Just plug and play.
- The Noise Isolation feature makes it extremely easy for the user to get high-quality audio with zero effort.
What we don't like?
- The focused pattern makes it hard for a situation in which 2 people are trying to talk on the same microphone.
- This microphone can only be used with a computer, no mobile phone option.
Heil PR-40
Specifications:
- Frequency Range: 28 Hz to 18 kHz
- Maximum SPL: 148 dB SPL
- Off-Axis Rejection: 40 dB at 180° (1 Capsule)
- Impedance: 600 Ohms
- Sensitivity -53.9 dB at 1 kHz
- Output Connectors: (Analog) 1 x XLR 3-Pin (on Mic)
- Mounting: Mic Clip (Included)
Sound quality
The PR-40 by Heil is a microphone designed for broadcasting purposes.
Therefore, its sound quality is great for speech, interviews, and Zoom meetings.
This is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern.
The off-axis coloration from the back yields up to 40 decibels of reduction. In other words, the sound coming from the back are almost completely rejected.
However, since it is completely analog, it must be paired with some kind of sound card or interface in order to connect it to your computer.
Noise isolation
As an analog microphone, there is no digital algorithm inside that cleans the audio or applies any kind of isolation.
However, it does have an internal breath blast filter, so your "pop" noises will be rejected.
Besides that, the only isolation comes from the cardioid pattern and its off-axis coloration.
Portability
This microphone has the standard size of a broadcast microphone.
However, you will always need to carry an XLR cable and an interface, making it less portable than other plug-and-play solutions.
What do we like?
- Super-high sound quality, your Zoom meetings will sound crisper than ever.
- Build-to-last frame, this mic will last for years if handled properly.
What we don't like?
- It needs a cable and an interface in order to be used for Zoom meetings, making it less portable.
- No sound isolation features or audio cleaning algorithms like other digital alternatives.
Rode VideoMic Me
Specifications:
- Works with both iOS and Android devices.
- Output: TRRS (3.5mm)
- Active Electronics: JFET impedance converter.
- Capsule: 0.50"
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid.
- Address Type: End.
- Frequency Range: 100Hz – 20kHz.
Sound quality
The Rode VideoMic Me is a pressure gradient electret condenser microphone designed for the ultimate mobile use.
It features a 3.5mm jack output for plugging directly into a smartphone headphone output.
It even has a special bracket that adapts to several smartphones.
The frequency response goes from 100 Hz to 20.000 Hz, not as "flat" as other microphones.
This microphone is based on a cardioid polar pattern so that signals from the front and sides are captured, while the ones on the back are rejected.
Noise isolation
The cardioid pattern is capable of isolating only the signals coming from the back.
However, the signals from the sides will in fact be attenuated.
Since the frequency response starts at 100 Hz, all the possible rumble and electrical noise are already filtered, leaving only the "usable" part of the signal.
Portability
This microphone is extremely portable because it is designed to be paired with a smartphone.
You can fit it in your pocket and set it up in seconds. It is just 3 inches long! No need for any third party tripods or other hardware.
What do we like?
- Its size and smartphone-oriented design make it ideal for users trying to make mobile Zoom meetings.
- Its plug-and-play capabilities make it very easy to set and operate in seconds.
What we don't like?
- Only one polar pattern and no sound enhancement features make it not good for 2 users trying to speak on the same mic.
Blue Yeti
Specifications:
- Frequency Range 28 Hz to 18 kHz
- Maximum SPL 148 dB SPL
- Off-Axis Rejection 40 dB at 180° (1 Capsule)
- Impedance 600 Ohms
- Sensitivity -53.9 dB at 1 kHz
- Mounting Mic Clip (Included)
- Construction Material Steel
- Weight 13.5 oz / 382.73 g
Sound Quality
The Blue Yeti is a professional multi-pattern USB microphone for recording and streaming on platforms.
It has 4 different polar patterns so that you can use them in order to reject certain sources due to the off-axis coloration.
The cardioid pattern for example rejects signals coming from the back of the microphone, ideal for solo streaming on Zoom.
On the other hand, the figure 8 pattern rejects signals coming from the sides, perfect for 2-person interviews on one microphone.
Noise isolation
The only noise isolation comes from polar patterns. Cardioid and figure 8 patterns are the ones that reject the most.
Omni and stereo patterns do not reject anything, not ideal for interviews or Zoom meetings.
The microphone does not come with any kind of embedded signal processor that cleans the audio or filters certain frequencies.
Portability
Since this is a plug-and-play solution, it can be considered portable for some users.
However, it is almost 12 inches tall, so perhaps you will need a dedicated bag in order to carry it.
What do we like?
- Figure 8 polar pattern makes it perfect for a 2-person Zoom meeting on one microphone.
- The plug-and-play operation makes it extremely easy to operate straight out of the box.
What we don't like?
- The microphone is 12 inches tall, so you can't just store it in your pockets.
Samson Meteor Mic
Specifications:
- Diaphragm – 0.98" / 25 mm
- Polar Pattern – Cardioid
- High-Pass Filter – None
- Tone Adjustment – None
- On-Board Controls – Headphone Volume, Mic Mute
- Frequency Range – 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Maximum SPL – 120 dB SPL RMS
- THD – 0.01%
Sound quality
The Samson Meteor is a condenser microphone that works as plug-and-play.
Simple and effective.
It presents a single cardioid polar pattern under a condenser design.
Its frequency response is extremely flat, with a small bump on the 10k range, making your voice pristine and clear, perfect for speech and Zoom meetings.
The foldable legs let you position the microphone exactly how you want it, in order to optimize the polar pattern capturing possibilities.
Noise isolation
The cardioid polar pattern rejects mostly the sound coming from the back. However, starting at 60 degrees, sound rejection starts to happen considerably.
Besides that, there is no other noise or sound isolation feature included.
Portability
Very small microphone, making it ideal for portable setups or remote recording.
It even comes with a carry pouch so you can store it and take it with you anywhere.
What do we like?
- A small frame makes it portable, so you can do your Zoom meetings anywhere.
- Headphone output lets you monitor the audio from the Zoom meeting.
What we don't like?
- No noise isolation features or audio cleaning processing included.
- Only one polar pattern provided, making it hard for other uses rather than solo speech.
Rode VideoMic NTG
Specifications:
- Polar Pattern – Supercardioid
- Orientation – End Address
- Pad -20 dB
- High-Pass Filter – 75 Hz, 150 Hz
- On-Board Controls Gain, High-Pass Filter, HF, Pad, On/Off
- Windscreen – Foam (Included)
Sound quality
The Rode VideoMic NTG is a condenser electret pressure gradient microphone.
It is designed to be mounted on top of a camera and connected via a 3.5 mm jack.
However, it can also be connected to a device via USB.
It is capable of delivering a very flat frequency response from 20 to 20.000 Hz under a supercardioid directional polar pattern, perfect for a single speaker.
Its broadcast design makes it a very high-quality audio microphone, perfect for speech, action, music, or online meetings.
Noise isolation
The supercardioid polar pattern makes it possible to only capture signals coming from the front of the microphone, and rejecting the back and sides.
It also has a couple of HPF switches that let the user cut the rumble at 75 and 150 Hz before it is recorded, ideal for removing room noise.
Portability
This microphone is small, about 7 inches long.
It comes with a short cable to connect it.
The plug-and-play capabilities make it very easy to carry around, especially when using a camera.
What do we like?
- Supercardioid directional polar pattern is especially useful when trying to record only a single source and isolating the rest
- The USB and 3.5 mm jack connectors are great for producers using a camera or a laptop as the recording device.
What we don't like?
- It does not come with any kind of stand for desk-use.
Shure MV88
Specifications:
- Sound Field Mono, Stereo
- Stereo/Surround Configuration Mid/Side (Adjustable Stereo Width)
- Capsule Condenser
- Diaphragm 0.4" / 1.0 cm
- Polar Pattern Cardioid, Figure-8
- Gain Adjustment 0 to +36 dB
Sound quality
The Shure MV88 is a digital stereo condenser mic designed specifically to work with lightning-capable iOS devices such as iPhone, iPod, or iPad.
It can be connected using its lightning plug straight into the device, delivering high-quality audio recording as well as the possibility to connect headphones for monitoring purposes.
The mid-side condenser capsule is capable of capturing a super-flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20.000 Hz, ideal for high-quality recordings and meetings.
The microphone is capable of switching between different polar patterns such as mono cardioid, stereo mid-side, and stereo/mono bidirectional.
Having these options is ideal for users trying to capture a single person speaking, a conversation of a couple of people, or even a group of people with a single microphone!
Noise isolation
Depending on the polar pattern selected, different noise isolation can be obtained.
When working in cardioid, for example, the back of the mic is rejected. But when working in stereo, the front and back are rejected.
This microphone also features 5 built-in digital signal processors that modify the audio for speaking, singing, or instrument purposes, isolating more or less the ambiance.
Portability
This is perhaps the most portable microphone because of its small size of 2.5 inches!
It comes with a carrying case for transporting it securely.
What do we like?
- The different polar pattern options are ideal for a single person speech, a 2-person interview, or a group talk on Zoom meetings.
- The small size makes it ideal for mobile purposes.
What we don't like?
- Only compatible with lightning-capable iOS devices, no android, no PC.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a portable solution that can be operated on several different devices in order to run your Zoom meetings, the Rode VideoMic Me is a perfect choice. Its small frame and its versatility can't be compared to any other microphone of its class.
Now, let's say your goal is to find the best sound quality for speaking on your Zoom meetings, the Heil PR-40 is indeed the correct choice. Its analog broadcasting design just makes it perfect for speaking with high-quality audio captured.
Last, if you are looking for a small, easy to operate, computer-oriented microphone so you can do your Zoom meetings with great audio quality, the Samson Go Mic is the best pick. Literally, just plug it in, attach it to your screen, and use it.
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