Getting Great Sound for Video Conferencing and Instruction

Meetings and Instruction

One of the main things that can ruin a lesson or presentation is bad sound. Most webcams have audio that is plagued with echo, unclear frequencies, and terrible background noise. The more people with bad audio you add to an online presentation, the more the problem is compounded. Using external audio devices with your favorite online conferencing software is a snap, and there are several types of microphones you'll want to consider to improve your online presentation experience.

A Better Webcam Mic

Using a dedicated microphone can help you be heard better and cut out background noise. The Samson Go Mic is a simple solution that plugs into your USB port and can "take over" your computer's microphone with a better one. Your voice will be clearer, your words will be better understood, and your audience will be more engaged. The great thing about the Go Mic is that you can clip it to your laptop or use it on its own stand. This allows you to move the camera around the table if you have multiple presenters and still hear everyone, something you can't easily do with a webcam without moving the entire computer.

If you are looking for a one-piece solution, the Samson Go Mic Video combines an HD webcam with the professional audio of the Go Mic. With the same foldable design and clip as the Go Mic, it is extremely portable and delivers incredible audio and video quality.

Wired for Sound

If you're the only person presenting and want to keep your hands free, consider a wireless lavalier microphone or a headset that puts the microphone right next to your mouth. The Samson XPD2 Headset is ideal because you don't have to set up a complicated receiver - just a small USB device that plugs directly into your computer. Then you clip on the transmitter bodypack, place the microphone behind your ear, and you've got excellent (and very isolated) sound. The XPD2 ensures that your audience hears your voice and only your voice. It has a full and clear sound that helps you get your point across. If you don't need a wireless microphone, the Samson LMU1 lavalier and DEU1 headset include a USB audio adapter with a headphone output for monitoring your conversation.

Welcome to the Show

When you're looking for the highest quality audio, it's always best to look at a condenser microphone. With the Samson G-Track Pro, you can place the microphone on a table and still pick up sound as if you were right next to it. You can pick up a group of people at a table, a musician, two face-to-face interview subjects... you name it! With a dedicated mute button and audio gain control, this mic gives you the options you need to sound great. The G-Track Pro even has a second input for another audio device or instrument if you have a musical guest!

Choose Your Weapon

In your audio conferencing software, there's a place where you can select your 'audio device'. You can see here in the Zoom Preferences menu, there is an entire screen dedicated to audio. From here, look for 'audio input device' or 'microphone' and select your Samson product once you have it plugged in. That's all there is to it! Your online videoconferencing software will now use your Samson microphone instead of the computer's built-in microphone, and people will finally hear what you have to say!