How to Choose the Best Conference Microphone and Speaker?

Choosing the best conference microphone and speaker system involves understanding the needs of your meeting space, participant size, and audio quality requirements. 

Here’s a guide to help you select the most suitable options:

1. Consider the Meeting Space Size and Layout:

The size of the room will dictate the type and power of the microphone and speaker system you need.

• Small Rooms: For small huddle rooms or meeting spaces, a compact all-in-one speakerphone like the Yealink CS20(network Ceiling Loudspeaker) may be sufficient. These devices combine a microphone and speaker in one unit, making them ideal for small group discussions.

• Medium to Large Rooms: For larger spaces, you will need separate microphones and speaker systems with greater coverage. Conference phones like the Yealink CS20(network Ceiling Loudspeaker) are alsp designed for larger rooms, offering 360-degree microphone pickup and integrated high-quality speakers.

• Auditoriums or Large Conference Halls: In bigger spaces, you'll require a professional-grade PA (public address) system with multiple microphones, distributed speakers, and amplifiers to ensure clear sound throughout the venue. Wireless microphones and ceiling-mounted speakers are commonly used in these settings.

2. Microphone Selection:

• Boundary Microphones: These are placed flat on a table and capture sound from all directions. They’re great for small or medium-sized conference rooms where participants are seated close to the mic.

• Gooseneck Microphones: These have a flexible neck that can be adjusted to capture sound directly from the speaker. Ideal for podiums, boardrooms, or panel discussions.

• Wireless Microphones: These provide freedom of movement for presenters. They can be handheld, lapel, or headset microphones. Wireless options are great for larger rooms where the speaker may need to move around or interact with the audience.

• Conference Microphone Systems: These systems provide individual microphones for each participant, ensuring everyone can be heard clearly. Systems like the Yealink VCM36 are wireless and offer high-quality audio for boardroom discussions.

3. Speaker Selection:

• Integrated Speakerphones: Devices like the Yealink CP700 or Logitech Rally Speaker combine microphones and speakers in one unit. They are best suited for small to medium rooms and provide decent audio quality for both voice and multimedia playback.

• Stand-Alone Speakers: For larger rooms, separate speakers connected to a sound system or conferencing solution are ideal. Powered Speakers (active speakers) that come with built-in amplifiers are recommended for medium to large spaces. Ensure that the speakers are placed in strategic positions around the room to avoid dead spots.

• Ceiling or Wall-Mounted Speakers: These are best for large rooms or auditoriums, as they distribute sound evenly across the entire space. Systems like the Bose Ceiling Speakers can be combined with microphones and AV systems for comprehensive audio coverage.

4. Audio Quality:

• Clarity: Look for microphones and speakers that provide clear, distortion-free sound. This is especially important if your conference involves remote participants, as poor sound quality can make communication difficult.

• Noise Cancellation: Many modern conference microphones come with noise cancellation or echo reduction features to filter out background noise and focus on the speaker’s voice. For example, Yealink’s CP960 has built-in noise-proof technology to reduce ambient noise.

• Full-Duplex Audio: Ensure that both the microphone and speaker system support full-duplex communication, allowing participants to talk and listen at the same time without interruptions.

5. Connectivity:

• Wired vs. Wireless:

• Wired Systems: More reliable for larger, permanent setups. There’s no risk of battery failure or wireless interference, but they limit flexibility.

• Wireless Systems: Ideal for dynamic setups where the room layout changes often or the speakers need to move around. Wireless microphones like the Yealink VCM36-W offer flexibility but need to be charged regularly.

• USB/Bluetooth Compatibility: Many conference speakers and microphones come with USB or Bluetooth connectivity, making them easy to integrate with computers, laptops, and mobile devices. Devices like the Yealink VCM35 support both wired USB and Bluetooth for flexible connectivity.

• Video Conferencing Integration: Ensure your microphone and speaker system integrates with your video conferencing software (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, BlueJeans). Devices from brands like Yealink and Polycom are often optimized for such platforms.

6. Compatibility with Existing Systems:

Choose microphones and speakers that are compatible with your existing audio-visual setup or conferencing platform. If you’re using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams, ensure your hardware is certified for those platforms.

7. Portability and Flexibility:

If you need to move your equipment between rooms or use it for travel, opt for portable solutions like the Yealink CP700 or Jabra Speak 510. These speakerphones are lightweight and easy to set up.

8. Budget:

• Entry-Level Solutions: Devices like the  Yealink CP700 provide decent audio for small rooms and are cost-effective.

• Mid-Range Solutions: For medium-sized rooms, options like the Yealink CP960 offer a good balance of performance and price.

• High-End Solutions: For large rooms or high-end corporate environments, invest in professional-grade equipment like Shure MXA910 Ceiling Array Microphones or Bose Professional Speakers for top-tier audio quality and coverage.

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