The microphone built into many laptops and webcams may be adequate for narrated presentations when following BEST PRACTICES for Audio Recording. However, for higher quality sound, consider purchasing a specialty microphone. For under $100 a decent microphone can make a big difference in the sound quality, adding clarity, richness, and professionalism to your production.
First, some low-cost solutions if you don’t already have a microphone:
- Plantronics USB Multimedia Headset (mic/headphone unit)
- Logitech USB Desktop Microphone
The Six Best USB Microphones*
*Note: Published January 06, 2012; features, price, and sound quality vary significantly between microphones.
- Blue Yeti THX-Certified USB Condenser Microphone
- MXL Studio 1 USB – USB Microphone Desktop Recording Kit
- Audio-Technica AT2020
- Samson C01UCW USB Condenser Microphone
- Blue Microphones Snowball microphone
- Behringer C-1U
Comparison video:
To get a sense of the unique”voice” each microphone has, and the features that distinguish each one, see the following comparison:
