Microphone accessories for conference calls can significantly improve audio quality, reduce background noise, and ensure clearer communication, making them essential buys for anyone participating in virtual meetings. Investing in the right accessories ensures you sound professional and are heard clearly, enhancing your overall meeting experience.
Hey there! Bob Riley here from Aimguider. Are you tired of sounding muffled, dealing with echo, or having your colleagues ask you to repeat yourself during important conference calls? You’re not alone! In today’s world of remote work and virtual collaboration, crystal-clear audio isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an audio engineer to sound great. With a few smart microphone accessories, you can transform your conference call experience from frustrating to flawless. Let’s dive into the essentials that will make you heard loud and clear!
Why Upgrading Your Conference Call Audio Matters
Think about it: how many times have you struggled to understand someone on a call? Poor audio quality can lead to misunderstandings, wasted time, and even missed opportunities. When you sound good, you project professionalism and confidence. This boost in clarity can make a real difference in how seriously your contributions are taken.
For a long time, many of us relied on the built-in microphones of our laptops or basic earbuds. While these might get the job done in a pinch, they often pick up a lot of unwanted noise. This includes keyboard clicks, rustling papers, street sounds, or even the hum of your refrigerator. These distractions can make it incredibly difficult for others to focus on what you’re saying.
Investing in the right microphone accessories is like giving yourself a professional voice upgrade. It’s a simple, effective way to ensure your message gets across without a hitch. Whether you’re leading a crucial client meeting, brainstorming with your team, or just catching up with a colleague, clear audio is the foundation of productive conversation. In this guide, we’ll explore the key accessories that will help you achieve just that.
Essential Microphone Accessories for Conference Calls
Getting your audio right for conference calls is a journey, not a destination. It starts with understanding what makes a difference. We’ll break down each essential accessory, explaining what it does, why you need it, and what to look for. This way, you can make informed decisions without getting lost in technical jargon.
1. High-Quality USB Microphones
While not strictly an “accessory” in the add-on sense, a dedicated USB microphone is often the single best upgrade you can make for conference calls. They bypass your computer’s often-mediocre internal mic, offering far superior sound capture. USB mics are incredibly easy to use – just plug them in, and they’re ready to go, no complex setup required.
Types of USB Microphones:
- Condenser Microphones: These are very sensitive and capture a wide range of frequencies. They’re great for capturing nuance but can also pick up more background noise if not used in a quiet environment. Ideal for voice-overs and spoken word.
- Dynamic Microphones: Less sensitive and more robust, dynamic mics are excellent at rejecting background noise. They’re a solid choice for noisier environments or if you need a more focused sound.
- Shotgun Microphones: Highly directional, these mics are designed to pick up sound from only one direction, effectively isolating your voice and rejecting sounds from the sides and rear.
What to Look For:
- Polar Patterns: For conference calls, a cardioid pattern is usually best. It picks up sound from the front and rejects it from the sides and rear. This helps minimize background noise. Some mics offer switchable patterns, giving you more flexibility.
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Most good USB mics are truly plug-and-play, meaning you can connect them to your computer via USB and start using them immediately with services like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet.
- Build Quality: A sturdy microphone will last longer and feel more professional. Metal construction is often a good sign.
- Headphone Jack: Many USB mics include a built-in headphone jack for direct monitoring. This allows you to hear yourself and others without your computer’s audio, reducing the risk of echo and providing better control over your sound.
Reputable brands like Blue Yeti, Rode, and Audio-Technica offer excellent USB microphones that are popular among streamers, podcasters, and professionals alike. For instance, the Blue Yeti is a classic choice, offering multiple polar patterns and great sound quality for its price point.
2. Desktop Microphone Stands
Once you have a great USB microphone, you need a way to position it correctly. Simply placing it on your desk can lead to muffled sound as it might get partially covered or vibrate with desk movements. A desktop stand elevates your microphone, allowing you to find the sweet spot for clear audio capture directly in front of your mouth.
Types of Desktop Stands:
- Tripod Stands: Compact and portable, these often come with USB mics. They provide a stable base but can take up desk space.
- C-Clamp Stands (Desk Mounts): These attach securely to the edge of your desk, saving valuable surface area. They often feature adjustable arms, making it easy to position the mic perfectly.
- Boom Arms: These flexible arms can be clamped to your desk and allow for the most precise positioning. They often look very professional and keep the mic off your desk entirely.
Why They’re Essential:
- Optimal Mic Placement: Proper mic placement is crucial for clear sound. A stand allows you to position the mic consistently at the ideal distance and angle from your mouth.
- Reduced Handling Noise: If you find yourself adjusting your mic, a stand minimizes the bumps and thuds that get picked up.
- Desk Space: Especially C-clamp and boom arm stands, they free up your desk for other essentials.
When choosing a stand, ensure it has the correct thread size to mount your microphone (most common is 5/8″ thread, but adapters are often available). The stability of the stand is also important; you don’t want your mic to topple over!
3. Pop Filters and Windscreens
Even with the best microphone, certain sounds can wreak havoc on your audio quality. “Plosives” – those hard ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds – can create a distracting ‘pop’ when they hit the microphone diaphragm. Windscreens and pop filters are designed to combat this.
Pop Filters:
- These are typically circular screens made of nylon or metal mesh that are positioned a few inches in front of the microphone.
- They work by dispersing the air blast from plosive sounds before it reaches the mic capsule.
- Most clamp onto a microphone stand.
Windscreens (Foam Covers):
- These are small foam covers that fit directly over the microphone capsule.
- They offer a good reduction in plosive sounds and also help minimize popping noises from ‘s’ sounds (sibilance).
- They can also provide some protection against wind if you’re in a less-than-ideal environment, though primarily they are for plosives and general protection.
Which to Choose?
For conference calls, a foam windscreen is often sufficient and very easy to use. If you’re particularly prone to plosives or want a more professional look and maximum plosive reduction, a pop filter mounted on your stand is a great option. Some microphones come with a windscreen included.
4. Acoustic Foam Panels or Sound Blankets
Echo and reverb can turn a clear voice into an unintelligible mess. This is especially common in rooms with hard, reflective surfaces like bare walls, large windows, or tile floors. Acoustic treatments help to absorb sound and reduce these reflections.
Acoustic Foam Panels:
- These are usually wedge-shaped or egg-crate foam squares that you can stick to your walls and ceiling.
- They are designed to absorb sound waves, particularly in mid to high frequencies, reducing echo and making your voice sound clearer and more focused.
- They are an effective, albeit sometimes visually unappealing, solution for dedicated home studios or offices.
Sound Blankets (Portable Acoustic Treatments):
- These are large, heavy blankets, often made of dense material like moving blankets or specialized acoustic fabric.
- You can hang them behind you, on the walls near your workspace, or even use a portable stand to create a temporary sound booth.
- They offer a more portable and often more aesthetically pleasing (if draped strategically) solution than permanent foam panels.
Even simple solutions like hanging a thick blanket on a wall behind you or placing bookshelves filled with books can significantly improve your room’s acoustics. If you’re working in a space that you can’t permanently alter, consider portable treatments. For more information on sound absorption and acoustics, resources from organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) offer foundational insights into sound behavior.
5. Microphone Shock Mounts
A shock mount is a suspension system designed to isolate your microphone from vibrations transmitted through its stand. These vibrations can come from bumping your desk, walking heavily, or even loud bass sounds in your environment.
How They Work:
A shock mount typically consists of a sturdy frame that holds the microphone, suspended by elastic bands or suspension cords. This suspension system dampens vibrations before they reach the microphone capsule, preventing them from being picked up and transmitted as unwanted noise or rumble.
Why Use One?
- Eliminates Vibration Noise: If you’re in an environment where desk bumps or floor vibrations are common, a shock mount is invaluable.
- Improves Audio Clarity: By removing low-frequency rumble and handling noise, your voice recording becomes much cleaner and more professional.
- Essential for Sensitive Mics: More sensitive condenser microphones, which are great for detail but can be prone to picking up even the slightest vibration, benefit greatly from shock mounts.
Check that the shock mount is compatible with your specific microphone model. Many USB microphones don’t come with them, so it’s an accessory worth considering if you experience rumble or vibration issues.
6. High-Quality Headphones
While not a microphone accessory directly, good headphones are crucial for conference calls. They help prevent audio feedback and echo, allow you to monitor your own voice more clearly, and let you hear participants without sound bleeding back into your microphone.
Why Headphones are Key for Calls:
- Prevent Echo and Feedback: If you use your computer’s speakers, the sound will easily spill over into your microphone, causing echo and feedback loops for other participants – very annoying!
- Clearer Monitoring: Headphones allow you to hear participants clearly without straining, and if your microphone setup includes direct monitoring, you can hear yourself clearly too.
- Focus: Wearing headphones helps you focus on the conversation by blocking out ambient distractions.
What to Look For:
- Closed-Back Design: These help isolate the sound, preventing audio leakage back into your microphone.
- Comfort: You’ll be wearing them for extended periods, so comfort is paramount. Look for padded earcups and an adjustable headband.
- Sound Quality: While you don’t need audiophile-grade sound for calls, clear reproduction means you won’t miss important nuances in conversation.
Many comfortable and affordable headsets are available that include built-in microphones. However, if you’re using a dedicated USB microphone, you’ll want a pair of standalone headphones that offer good isolation, such as options from Sony, Sennheiser, or Audio-Technica.
Putting It All Together: Creating Your Ideal Conference Call Setup
Now that you know about the individual accessories, let’s talk about how they work together to create a professional and effective conference call environment. The goal is to create a setup where your voice is the primary focus, free from distractions and clear for everyone to hear.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Your Setup:
- Choose Your Microphone: Start with a good USB microphone that suits your needs and environment. Remember the cardioid polar pattern for focused pickup.
- Positioning is Key: Mount your microphone on a desktop stand or boom arm. Experiment with placement – generally, 4-8 inches from your mouth is a good starting point. Ensure it’s directly in front of you.
- Tame the Pops: Attach a foam windscreen or a pop filter to your microphone to handle plosive sounds.
- Quiet Your Room: If echo is an issue, consider adding acoustic foam panels or using sound blankets. Even strategically placed furniture can help.
- Isolate from Vibrations: If you have a sensitive microphone or a particularly lively desk, use a shock mount to prevent rumble.
- Wear Your Headphones: Always use headphones to prevent feedback and to hear clearly.
Sample Setups at Different Price Points
Let’s visualize how these accessories can come together. Here are a couple of example setups, keeping budget and performance in mind.
Budget-Friendly Setup (Under $150)
| Item | Description | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| USB Microphone | Entry-level condenser mic like Samson Q2U or ATR2100x-USB. Good all-around performers. | $70 – $100 |
| Desktop Microphone Stand | Basic tripod desk stand or a simple adjustable boom arm. | $15 – $30 |
| Foam Windscreen | A simple foam cover that fits your mic. | $5 – $10 |
| Headphones | Comfortable wired earbuds or on-ear headphones. | $20 – $40 |
This setup provides a significant upgrade over a laptop’s built-in mic at a very accessible price. It’s perfect for individuals who need a reliable audio solution for frequent calls.
Mid-Range Setup (Under $300)
| Item | Description | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| USB Microphone | Mid-range mic like Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB Mini, or AT2020 USB+. Excellent sound quality and features. | $100 – $150 |
| Desktop Microphone Stand | Adjustable C-clamp desk mount or a quality arm stand. | $30 – $60 |
| Pop Filter | A mesh pop filter for better plosive control. | $10 – $20 |
| Shock Mount | Compatible shock mount for your chosen microphone. | $20 – $40 |
| Headphones | Comfortable closed-back studio monitoring headphones. | $50 – $100 |
This setup offers enhanced sound quality, better noise rejection, and improved ergonomics. The addition of a shock mount and pop filter further refines the audio, making it suitable for more critical professional use.
“Pro” Setup (Considerations for Enthusiasts)
For those who spend many hours on calls or are also using their setup for content creation, you might consider:
- Higher-End USB or XLR Microphones: XLR mics offer the potential for superior audio but require an audio interface or mixer.
- Dedicated Acoustic Treatments: More comprehensive panel placement for optimal acoustics.
- High-Quality, Comfortable Headphones: For all-day wear and detailed sound.
The exact cost for this level can vary wildly, but focusing on the core accessories will always yield the biggest improvements.
Troubleshooting Common Conference Call Audio Issues
Even with the best gear, you might still encounter problems. Here are some common issues and quick fixes:
- Echo: Always use headphones. Ensure your microphone isn’t too close to your speakers (if you’re not using headphones). Check your conferencing software settings, as many have echo cancellation features.
- Muffled Sound: Your microphone might be too far away or not angled correctly. Position it closer and directly facing your mouth. Ensure no objects are blocking the microphone capsule.
- Background Noise: Make sure your microphone is set to a cardioid polar pattern if it has multiple options. Use a dynamic microphone if your environment is very noisy. Improve your room’s acoustics. Close windows and doors.
- “Pops” or “Sizzles”: Use a pop filter or windscreen. Adjust microphone placement slightly;
