Microphone for Zoom

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news4jc

18 posts

Geek

#2916378 20-May-2022 10:23

SirHumphreyAppleby:

I got one of these https://surplustronics.co.nz/products/10658-usb-studio-microphone-desktop-stand-set-black to use with Google Meet. I use it as an overhead microphone above my monitor. I selected this one because it seems to be more or less identical to ones reviewed online that were found to be surprisingly good for the price. I can't say if this particular mic is or not as I'm not using it in a studio environment, but there have been no complaints from others in the meetings.

How close to the user would this need to be. The PC is at the end of the bed - about 2m away. Too far?

SirHumphreyAppleby

2847 posts

Uber Geek

#2916393 20-May-2022 10:50

news4jc:

How close to the user would this need to be. The PC is at the end of the bed - about 2m away. Too far?

Sorry, I didn't see your followup post. A condenser microphone is typically going to be used in close proximity. I use mine at about 30-40cm but I can still be heard if I lean back in my chair and speak clearly. I would not recommend this sort of microphone at 2m. The Jabra would probably be better for that sort of thing.

news4jc

18 posts

Geek

#2916406 20-May-2022 11:20

SirHumphreyAppleby:

news4jc:

How close to the user would this need to be. The PC is at the end of the bed - about 2m away. Too far?

Sorry, I didn't see your followup post. A condenser microphone is typically going to be used in close proximity. I use mine at about 30-40cm but I can still be heard if I lean back in my chair and speak clearly. I would not recommend this sort of microphone at 2m. The Jabra would probably be better for that sort of thing.

OK, thanks.

anatokidave

66 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2916493 20-May-2022 13:30

I regularly use both the Jabra Speak 510 bluetooth speaker and a Jabra Evolve 40 headset. I use them on Zoom and Team calls, and run them with laptops and desktops using both Linux and Windows. I have also used them with an iPad pro.

The 510 speaker mic is OK if there is a group of ppl at my end of a Zoom or Teams call, but sometimes users on the other end report that the sound is a bit flat - eg muffled or missing some of the higher frequencies. I haven't confirmed the cause of this, but seems it could be related to wifi bandwidth bandwidth issues at some locations.

The Jabra evolve 40 headset is brilliant - it's a wired headset, and has fantastic quality. I use this for my audio input as much as possible. IMHO it is much clearer than any webcam with an integrated microphone. When using it on the iPad, I use a USB C to USB A adapter cable.

My son uses a Jabra Buletooth head set, and its quality is OK too.

news4jc

18 posts

Geek

#2916743 21-May-2022 11:18

anatokidave:

I regularly use both the Jabra Speak 510 bluetooth speaker and a Jabra Evolve 40 headset. I use them on Zoom and Team calls, and run them with laptops and desktops using both Linux and Windows. I have also used them with an iPad pro.

The 510 speaker mic is OK if there is a group of ppl at my end of a Zoom or Teams call, but sometimes users on the other end report that the sound is a bit flat - eg muffled or missing some of the higher frequencies. I haven't confirmed the cause of this, but seems it could be related to wifi bandwidth bandwidth issues at some locations.

The Jabra evolve 40 headset is brilliant - it's a wired headset, and has fantastic quality. I use this for my audio input as much as possible. IMHO it is much clearer than any webcam with an integrated microphone. When using it on the iPad, I use a USB C to USB A adapter cable.

My son uses a Jabra Buletooth head set, and its quality is OK too.

Thanks for this info - about 98% of the time sound would be inward to her, but on occasion she would contribute to the discussion.

Does this headset need the controller box too? Using Trade Me prices as an example, they range from $90 to almost $300. Are these all the same, or does the controller cause the huge price difference?

anatokidave

66 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2916777 21-May-2022 12:48

I've used the headset occasonally without the controller box (3.5mm plug only - plugged into my phone to listen to music / radio). Can't recall using the mic while in this configuration, but I figure this wouldn't be a problem.

The USB plug is hardwired into the controller box, so I mostly use it with that when plugged in to a laptop or docking station.

I see there are some good prices on TM today for 'new' or unused sets complete with the controller box (large savings compared with PB techs birthday sale). The reviews on PB tech's website are worth reading if you want a range of user feedback.

I got mine on TM around the time of the first lock-down - has had fairly constant use over the last 2 years and is still in good cdx.

anatokidave

66 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#2916784 21-May-2022 13:03

And Yes, it works just fine as a speaker-mic when using the 3.5mm plug directly plugged into the phone (just tested it out in a call on WhatsApp)

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