[FRIAM] best microphone?

[Carl Tollander]

Generally, microphones don't do background noise processing (there are
probably some all-in-one mics that try but then you end up committed to the
associated app).   See below for thoughts on Zoom and noise.   Anyhow, be
forewarned, audio is a rabbit hole, with near it-seems-like-infinite
twiddleware.  Rewarding, if you want to go there, but I'm assuming you have
other fish to fry.

I teach Japanese drumming (Taiko) online, so I need to move (e.g. jump)
around a lot and stay in frame while I'm talking.  For others, this might
translate into leaning back in your chair away from the mic, or pacing
while composing a thought.

So, when I started all this, I got a wireless mic (Samson XPDm Headset
Digital Wireless System) plugged into a USB interface (the Scarlett brand
is pretty good for low-end work, I would avoid the PreSonus).  Check out
sweetwater.com  or bhphotovideo.com - their sales service is great, but
don't let them sell you software.

As I say, I like to move around and stay in frame while I'm talking.   So,
I also got an Obsbot Tiny camera.  *Much* better than the stock 2020
Macbook Pro laptop camera and it follows you around to keep you in frame.
obsbot.com  (no you do not need the software)  And yes, better than the
Logitech.  Plug and play.  It has its own mic built-in, but haven't messed
with it much yet.

There are *many* steps up.  They get expensive, mostly in terms of your
attention.   I can advise, but.....at the end of all this you might be
happy with a Rode podcaster mic.  If you do get hooked for music, Shure
(SM-57) and AudioTech (AT-220)  are good brands.  And then there are
various mixer boards and audio processing software...... Take care, or
audio will eat your head.

Zoom background noise processing is not awful, but best use depends quite a
bit on your rig, so you have to experiment.  Alas, there's no monitoring
function, so to experiment you have to record your session and play it back
or have a very patient friend on the other side of the conversation.  I've
also been messing with whereby.com as a Zoom alternative and sometimes the
latency is better.

At the end of all this you if you don't move around much you might be happy
with a Rode podcaster mic.

And then video mixing it a whole 'nother thing, but if you want multiple
cameras - look up "ATEM Mini".

Good luck, you'll need it.
Carl


On Fri, Nov 5, 2021 at 10:59 AM Marcus Daniels <marcus at snoutfarm.com> wrote:

> Anyone have suggestions for microphones for videoconferencing in an
> environment with background noise?   The main background noise is nearby
> fan noise, and sometimes also louder air conditioning.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
>
>
> Marcus
>
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