How to Choose the Best Conference Microphone?

Choosing the best conference microphone depends on the size of your meeting space, the number of participants, and the specific audio needs of your conference. Here’s a guide to help you select the right conference microphone:

1. Type of Microphone:

Different types of microphones are suited to various conference settings:

• Boundary Microphones: Placed flat on a table, they capture sound from all directions and are ideal for boardrooms and small meetings.

• Gooseneck Microphones: Feature an adjustable neck and are perfect for podiums or individual participants in a larger conference.

• Wireless Microphones: Provide freedom of movement and are good for dynamic presenters who move around the room.

• Handheld Microphones: Best for speaker-driven presentations or Q&A sessions where microphones are passed around.

• Lapel (Lavalier) Microphones: Small, clip-on mics that are suitable for hands-free speaking, often used for presentations or lectures.

• Conference Microphone Systems: Systems that provide individual microphones for each participant, often seen in formal meeting setups like boardrooms.

2. Room Size and Setup:

• Small Meeting Rooms: Boundary or omnidirectional microphones are often enough to capture clear audio from all participants.

• Medium to Large Rooms: Gooseneck or conference microphone systems with individual microphones for participants ensure better clarity, especially when participants are seated far apart.

• Auditoriums or Large Conferences: Wireless or handheld microphones work well for presenters and panelists. These can be combined with lapel mics or additional boundary mics to cover the audience.

3. Audio Quality:

• Directional vs. Omnidirectional:

• Directional Microphones focus on sound from a specific direction and reduce background noise, ideal for loud environments or larger spaces.

• Omnidirectional Microphones capture sound from all directions and are suitable for smaller, quieter rooms where participants are seated close together.

• Noise Cancellation: Look for microphones with built-in noise cancellation to reduce background noise and ensure clear communication.

4. Connectivity:

• Wired Microphones: Reliable and don’t require battery power, but they limit mobility.

• Wireless Microphones: Offer greater flexibility but may experience interference or require recharging.

5. Compatibility with Existing Systems:

Ensure that the microphone is compatible with your conference room AV setup or video conferencing platform. Look for devices that work with your existing sound system, video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, BlueJeans), and meeting room technology.

6. Additional Features:

• Mute Functionality: Microphones with a mute button are useful for larger meetings where participants may need to mute themselves during discussions.

• Multiple Microphone Support: For larger groups, consider systems that allow multiple microphones to be connected for seamless communication.

• Built-in Speakers: Some conference microphones come with integrated speakers, which can be useful for smaller spaces where an external speaker system may not be needed.

7. Budget:

• Entry-Level: Basic microphones are more affordable but may lack advanced features like noise cancellation or wireless connectivity.

• Mid-Range: Typically offers good audio quality, noise reduction, and wireless options, suitable for most meeting rooms.

• High-End: Premium microphones often include advanced features like superior noise reduction, better build quality, and multiple connectivity options, ideal for professional or large-scale conferences.

Recommended Device:

• Yealink CMKit-121：Yealink audio ceiling solution,It covers up to a 4m radius with high-quality full-duplex audio capture within 3m, perfect for medium to large spaces.

• CM20：AI-Powered Beamforming Ceiling Microphone,It effectively covers up to a radius of 4m nominal coverage, with a high quality radius of 3m full-duplex audio capture, ideal for medium to large spaces. 

• VCM38：Ceiling microphone array for conference room,A single VCM38 unit can cover 40 square meters

• VCM36：Wireless microphone for Video Conferencing System,6-Meter 360° Voice Pickup