At the same time, the online education examination platform is widely used, coupled with the impact of the epidemic, online online learning, remote re-examination of postgraduate entrance examination is gradually rising, and the demand for computer microphones has become the basic standard of many student parties.
The following is a comprehensive introduction to the relevant knowledge and purchasing skills of game microphones and online class microphones to help you choose a satisfactory computer microphone.
I. Introduction to types of computer microphones
1. Introduction to computer USB microphone typeWhen playing e-sports games or studying online, you need to use a desktop computer or laptop device, which usually requires a computer microphone.
At present, there are two main types of computer USB microphone: one is the gooseneck microphone; the other is the large diaphragm. USB condenser microphone.
The gooseneck microphone is mainly composed of an electret microphone, a metal tube body, an audio circuit board, an anti-slip base and an audio cable.
It usually has a slender metal hose, which is commonly known as a gooseneck microphone because it looks like a "gooseneck".
• Gooseneck Gaming Microphone:
The gooseneck microphone mainly uses an electret condenser microphone. The microphone diaphragm is relatively compact and narrow. It has a built-in omnidirectional pickup mode and a large reception range. However, due to the small diaphragm and omnidirectional pickup, it is sometimes easy to absorb ambient noise.
This kind of microphone usually has simple performance configuration. Most of them do not have sound card and volume gain adjustment functions. It can meet the basic sound requirements and adapt to computer notebook devices. It has two interfaces, 3.5mm interface and USB interface.
• Large-diaphragm USB condenser microphone
is mainly composed of a large-diaphragm condenser sound head, a professional audio chip, a digital sound card, a shockproof bracket and a USB audio cable, and some of the large-diaphragm USB condenser microphones are equipped with a blowout prevention mesh cover for use.
It uses diaphragm-level digital condenser sound head, the microphone diaphragm area is large, with cardioid pointing pickup mode, the radio is clear and accurate, the voice fidelity is high, and the noise reduction effect is good.
This type of microphone usually has built-in sound card function, some with volume gain adjustment and ear return monitoring function. The microphone performance configuration is more solid, the sensitivity, instantaneous response and sound quality sampling rate are excellent, and the recording effect is clear and full.
Of course, with the development of microphone industry technology, many gooseneck microphones have developed new experience functions for game players. The microphone design incorporates game elements, the appearance is more cool and fashionable, and the function configuration has been upgraded and iterated.
In general, the gooseneck microphone performance configuration is relatively simple, can meet the basic voice radio requirements, suitable for the game Xiaobai and online students with low requirements; large diaphragm USB condenser microphone has excellent function configuration and generally good sound quality, which can meet the needs of live recording in various scenes.
2. Difference between gooseneck microphone and USB microphone
When learning voice games or online classes, we often need to use gooseneck microphones and USB condenser microphones with large diaphragms.
The specific differences between these two types of microphones can be summarized in the following aspects:
• Differences in sound production principles:
The gooseneck microphone mainly uses the analog signal of the audio circuit to send the analog signal of the audio circuit to the terminal equipment through the interference of the long metal tube to extend the pickup principle, so as to realize the function of human voice reception.
USB condenser microphone with large diaphragm converts the analog signal of human voice into digital signal through the principle of digital-to-analog conversion circuit, and transmits it to the terminal device in the form of USB audio data to realize the function of human voice recording.
• Difference in diaphragm size:
The gooseneck microphone usually uses an electret condenser microphone. The microphone diaphragm is relatively compact and narrow, and it is easy to capture high-frequency signals when receiving sound. However, due to the limitation of the diaphragm area and the fact that the human voice is easily mixed with noise, the clarity is inferior to that of the diaphragm microphone.
The large-diaphragm USB condenser microphone has a relatively wide diaphragm area, which can capture more low-frequency audio signals, highlight the recording effect of vocal bass, make the radio clear and delicate, and have high vocal fidelity.
• Differences in polar patterns:
Gooseneck microphones mostly use omnidirectional pickup mode. The advantage of this mode is that it can pick up sound sensitivity in 360 °, and the reception is relatively stable. It is not affected by the angle and distance of the sound source, but it is also easy to absorb environmental noise.
The large-diaphragm USB condenser microphone mainly adopts the cardioid directional pickup mode. The advantage of this mode is that the pickup is more precisely focused, which can filter out the side noise. If the microphone has a large angle deviation during recording, it will affect the stable effect of the radio.
• Differences in function configuration:
The functional configuration of the gooseneck microphone is relatively simple. The base is equipped with an audio circuit panel and a headphone cable connection audio hole. Most of them do not have the function of a sound card and can meet the basic requirements of human voice radio.
USB condenser microphones with large diaphragms are relatively rich in functional configuration. The microphones are equipped with professional audio chips and digital sound card functions, which support sensitivity gain adjustment and stereo functions. Some of them have RGB lighting effects, which can better achieve voice recording and atmosphere experience.
• Differences in usage scenarios:
Gooseneck microphone is usually suitable for game voice, online class radio and other use scenarios because of its simple function configuration and low price.
The performance configuration of USB condenser microphone with large diaphragm is relatively solid, which is more suitable for game voice, live broadcast, game Up video recording, online course radio and course recording.
This is the general distinction between a gooseneck microphone and a large-diaphragm USB condenser microphone. Of course, with the upgrade and iteration of microphone industry technology, gooseneck microphone function configuration and radio effect are constantly optimized, many microphone manufacturers have developed bass EQ tuning, game atmosphere lights and other functions for gamers.
USB condenser microphones with large diaphragms have also become customized microphones for more and more game peripheral manufacturers, such as ZARA Magic Sound Siren and Kingston HyperX Sound Pulse Series, which have good performance configuration and game audio experience.
II. Computer USB Microphone Parameter Configuration
As an electronic hardware device, the microphone can not bypass its parameter configuration, which determines the performance and sound quality of the microphone.When choosing a microphone, a proper understanding of these parameter configurations is helpful for us to choose a satisfactory microphone equipment, so as to obtain a better recording effect.
Generally speaking, the core parameters of computer USB microphone mainly include the following indicators:
• Sensitivity
Sensitivity refers to the ratio of output voltage to input sound pressure under unit sound pressure excitation, which is simply the pickup capacity of the microphone. Generally speaking, the higher the sensitivity of the microphone, the stronger the level output capability, and the clearer the pickup effect.
There are two main units of microphone sensitivity: one is expressed in mV; the other is expressed in DB (decibel) for negative values. Due to the differences in the manufacturer and technology of each microphone, the range of positive and negative sensitivity deviation is generally within 2 dB.
• Frequency response
Frequency response is a description of a microphone's frequency response and range to different sound signals.
Generally speaking, the wider the frequency response of the microphone, the better the vocal reception and the clearer the sound quality. The human hearing range is usually between 20Hz and 20KHz, the microphone will have a certain sound source loss when picking up the human voice, and the actual frequency response range is far less than the ideal interval value of the human ear frequency response hearing.
The frequency response range is only a rough reference. Even the top professional microphone equipment, it is difficult to achieve the ideal range value. Many microphone manufacturers will falsely mark the frequency response range, but it does not affect our use.
• Impedance output
Microphone impedance is the resistance to current flow by the microphone's internal circuitry, usually measured in Ω (ohms).
At present, most of the computer microphones on the market are mainly low-impedance microphones, and the output impedance of the microphone is between 200-800Ω. Generally speaking, the smaller the output impedance of the microphone, the stronger the level reception ability and the higher the human voice sensitivity, and vice versa.
• Sampling rate
Sampling rate, also known as sampling speed, refers to the number of times the microphone records sound waves. The quality of the sound output is often only half of the sampling rate, so double the sampling rate is needed to get a high fidelity and clear voice.
The parameter of sampling rate is mainly reflected in the USB condenser microphone with a large diaphragm. When the human voice is music, the frequency varies greatly, and the frequency of 44.1 KHZ is usually used as the standard sampling rate. If it is a human voice, then the sound frequency is about 10 KHZ, so the sampling rate can be taken as 22 KHZ.
• Signal-to-noise ratio
Signal-to-noise ratio is the ratio of the output signal power of a microphone to the noise power, usually expressed in decibels (dB).
Generally speaking, the greater the signal-to-noise ratio, the smaller the noise mixed in the signal, the higher the sound quality of sound playback, and vice versa. The signal-to-noise ratio of a good quality microphone should not be less than 70dB, and the signal-to-noise ratio of a high-fidelity USB microphone can even reach more than 110dB.
• Sound pressure level
Sound pressure level refers to the ability of the microphone to withstand the maximum sound pressure steady state without overload, usually expressed in SPL.
The sound pressure level of the microphone is an important parameter that needs to be referred to when recording. The sound pressure overload of the microphone is easy to cause human voice distortion, even plosive sound. The higher the sound pressure level of the microphone, the stronger the sound wave carrying capacity, and the smaller the human voice distortion.
• Directivity
Directivity is a description of the sensitivity of sound in all directions of space. At present, there are mainly two kinds of directivity of computer USB microphone: one is omnidirectional pickup mode; the other is cardioid directional pickup mode. 。
The advantage of the omnidirectional pickup mode is that it is not affected by the movement or distance of the sound source when receiving the sound, and it can be 360 ° omnidirectional stable pickup, but because of this pickup mode, it is easy to record the external noise when receiving the sound.
The cardioid pointing pickup mode has the best reception effect in the direction of the sound source directly in front of the microphone, while the sound from the side will be attenuated. The advantage of this pickup mode is that the reception is precisely focused and the noise reduction effect is good. The disadvantage is that the deviation from the front of the microphone will affect the reception stability.
At present, gooseneck microphones are mainly based on omnidirectional pickup mode, large-diaphragm USB condenser microphones are mainly based on cardioid directional pickup mode, and some high-end series have multiple pickup modes and stereo functions.
The above is the introduction of the core parameters of the computer microphone. Of course, the parameters of the microphone involve complex acoustic and electronic circuit principles. Many microphones have set the relevant parameters when they leave the factory. For low-end microphones, it is only a rough reference.
For beginners, it is enough to understand the basic entry parameters, and the final result is the actual budget and personal needs.
III. game microphone, online class microphone selection skills
About the microphone used in games and online classes, here are some tips for choosing and purchasing:• Budget
At present, the price of microphones used in games and online classes ranges from tens of dollars to thousands of dollars. The higher the price of the game microphone, the better the performance configuration and sound quality experience than the low-end microphone.
• Needs
If you want to buy a suitable radio microphone accurately, you must first understand your actual needs and personal use.
If it is game voice or online learning, the radio environment is relatively quiet, the sound quality requirements are not high, and the budget is limited, the gooseneck microphone is a more suitable choice.
If it is an amateur video recording game, live game or online video recording, postgraduate entrance examination, there are requirements for microphone sound quality and noise reduction effect, then the entry-level large diaphragm USB microphone is a more appropriate choice.
If you are a professional game host, game host or micro-class recording, and have professional requirements for recording environment and sound quality, then the high-end series of large diaphragm USB microphone is necessary.
The choice of microphone type and configuration grade will be different for different personal situations and use needs. For starters, the entry-level series meets most usage requirements.
• Performance Configuration
The previous article introduces the parameters and configuration of the computer USB microphone in detail. When choosing and purchasing, we need to know the specific meaning of each parameter, which is helpful for us to choose a better radio microphone.
The smaller the negative and positive errors in microphone sensitivity, the better the sound clarity; the wider and smoother the frequency response ? The higher the voice reception; the lower the impedance ? Higher radio sensitivity; higher sampling ratio ? The better the voice reproduction and sound clarity; the higher the signal-to-noise ratio ? The better the sound playback quality; the higher the sound pressure level of the microphones Vocal recording is not prone to overload distortion.
At the same time, to choose different types of microphone configurations according to their own needs, especially in noisy environments, or when the keyboard tapping is too loud in games, the microphone needs to have noise reduction function, so the built-in sound card and the large diaphragm USB condenser microphone with cardioid pointing are indispensable.
• Brand
Brand awareness is an important reference weight when we choose and buy, especially for beginners, choosing a microphone with high brand awareness can make us step on some pits as little as possible, and at the same time, the quality of the microphone and after-sales service are also guaranteed.
Well-known brands of gooseneck microphones include Ko-star, popu · pine,Philips, sast, soaiy etc.
Large diaphragm capacitor USB microphone famous brands are Razer, Kingston, logitech, audio-technica, sudotack and other series;
Finally, within the budget range, the first choice is the microphone with high brand awareness, comparing and referring to the parameter performance and configuration of each series, combining with their actual needs and personal preferences, to select a satisfactory radio microphone.
IV. List of Game Microphones
The following detailed list is recommended for choosing a GAME microphone that suits you.Sudotack 461T PC Gaming USB Microphone
The Sudotack 461T series features a diaphragm-level condenser sound head with a built-in cardioid pointing pickup pattern for clear and accurate vocal reception. Built-in professional noise reduction audio chip and digital sound card function, with anti-interference magnetic ring design, effectively avoid current noise and background noise interference, stable and reliable sound transmission. Equipped with headphone Jack, support real-time synchronous monitoring, USB interface plug and play, easy to use, compatible with all kinds of computer notebook devices, this series is suitable for all kinds of live recording, it is worth starting.
Sudotack PM421 Large Diaphragm USB Condenser Microphone
Sudotack PM421 series adopts high-quality large-diaphragm condenser sound head with high microphone sensitivity and sound quality sampling rate reaching lossless recording standard; equipped with cardioid pointing pickup microphone Effectively isolate the ambient sound interference, and make the sound recording clearer and more delicate. Built-in professional audio chip and USB sound card function; USB interface plug and play, easy to use and operate. This series is suitable for computer radio, video dubbing commentary and network live broadcasting, which is worth recommending.
Sudotack AU-903 USB Computer Microphone for Game Recording
The Sudotack AU-903 series uses a large diaphragm and a high-quality capacitive sound head with a high sound quality sampling rate to achieve professional CD sound quality. Bidirectional pickup mode can be switched at will to meet the needs of live recording in all directions, independent volume gain adjustment, one-button mute function, and support real-time ear return monitoring with zero delay. Built-in sound card, clear and smooth recording without noise, full metal shell, equipped with a rotatable shock mount. This series has a good effect on computer recording, dubbing and live broadcasting, plug and play, and it is worth starting.
Razer Seiren Elite Professional Digital Microphone
The Razer Seiren Elite series is Razer's custom gaming microphone. It uses a 14mm capsule array sound head, which has excellent microphone performance configuration and clear and delicate reception effect. It has a built-in cardioid pointing pickup mode. ? Ambient sound interference can be filtered. Equipped with shock-absorbing bracket to effectively suppress microphone vibration; USB interface plug and play, easy to use. This series is compact and does not occupy desktop space. It is more suitable for game voice, live broadcasting and video recording. It is worth recommending.
Razer Seiren Elite X live broadcast professional record noise reduction microphones
The Razer Seiren Elite X series adopts 14 mm large diaphragm condenser sound head, which makes the microphone reception clear and sensitive, and the recording quality reaches the professional recording level. With cardioid polar pattern, the radio is accurate and free of noise interference; built-in sound card function ? Ear return synchronous monitoring is supported. USB interface plug and play, easy to use, this series is compact, solid quality, excellent performance configuration, suitable for game voice, live video recording, it is worth recommending.
Razer Seiren Elite Elite Edition Computer USB Microphone
As a professional competitive game microphone, Razer Seiren Elite Elite Edition series adopts dynamic unit design, with soft and full voice and excellent noise reduction effect. Clear and accurate reception with cardioid polar pattern; built-in high-pass filter Effectively filter the low-frequency vibration noise, and make the human voice signal more pure and true. The microphone performance configuration is excellent, and the sound quality sampling rate and instantaneous response reach the professional recording standard. USB interface plug and play, adapt to all kinds of computer notebook system equipment, this series is suitable for game voice, live game use, it is worth starting.
Logitech Blue Snowball-iCE Computer USB Microphone
Logitech Blue snowball-ice series is compact and personalized. It uses a high-quality diaphragm pickup microphone, which has a clear and sensitive microphone reception. With a heart-shaped pointing pickup, it can accurately capture the human voice and eliminate the influence of environmental noise. Ear return synchronous monitoring is supported, and the USB audio interface can be plugged in and used. This series has excellent performance configuration, reaching the level of broadcasting recording. It is suitable for all kinds of live games and online class recording scenes. It is worth recommending.
Logitech Blue Yeti Nano
Logitech Blue Yeti series is a classic computer microphone, which adopts dual-diaphragm cabin sound head structure, with high sampling rate of microphone sound quality, reaching the standard of broadcasting recording, and clear and full voice recording. It is equipped with cardioid and omnidirectional pickup modes and built-in digital sound card function to effectively avoid noise interference. USB audio interface plug and play, compatible with computers, mobile phones and other devices, this series of high-end quality, excellent performance configuration, suitable for games, live online classes, recording use, it is worth recommending.
Logitech Blue Yeti X Professional USB Microphone
Logitech's Blue Yeti X series is a competition-grade microphone designed specifically for gamers, featuring BlUE VOICE sound technology for outstanding broadcast-grade recording quality. It uses four diaphragm cabin array structure, with four pickup modes, two-way switching, clear and delicate voice recording, suitable for all kinds of game voice, live recording. USB interface plug and play, equipped with a stable anti-skid base, this series of high-end quality, excellent performance configuration, the game is smooth and smooth, it is worth recommending.
BOYA BY-PM500 Computer USB Microphone
The BOYA PM500 series features a highly sensitive condenser microphone with excellent microphone performance, clear and full voice recording, and built-in cardioid and omnidirectional pickup modes for multi-scene recording. With digital audio chip and intelligent noise reduction function, it can effectively avoid the interference of ambient sound and background noise, and support volume gain adjustment and ear return synchronization monitoring function. Equipped with computer USB interface, plug and play, easy to use, this series is suitable for games, online radio, live video recording, it is worth recommending.
Audio-Technica ATR2500 USB Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica, as a world-class well-known microphone brand, has always been known for its excellent quality. Audio-Technica ATR2500 series adopts high-quality technology, has excellent frequency response, can accurately record human voice and instrument signals, heart-shaped directional microphone, smooth and natural sound intake. Built-in digital sound card, effectively avoid noise interference. USB socket, no need to install drivers, plug in and use. Supporting devices such as computers, mobile phones and IPADs, the performance configuration of this series is remarkable and worth starting.
Kingston HyperX SoloCast Professional Competition Microphone
The Kingston HyperX SoloCast is designed for gamers and podcasters with excellent audio quality. It uses a cardioid directional polar pattern to isolate ambient noise and echo interference. The built-in LED display lamp can display the working status at any time and can be muted with one key. The stable and flexible stand base can adjust the angle freely. The microphone is compatible with PC, PS4, MAC and other devices. The USB interface is plug and play. This series is suitable for gamers to use, the performance configuration is good, it is worth recommending.
Kingston HyperX Qua dcastS Computer Microphone
The Kingston HyperX QuadcastS series is an enhanced version that uses HyperX custom software and has a three-diaphragm configuration to meet professional recording standards. Built-in four pickup modes, different polarity modes can be switched freely, suitable for a variety of scene recording live use. Customize RGB dynamic lighting to create a dreamy sound atmosphere; bring your own Led indicator with volume gain adjustment. Equipped with shockproof support, the recording is stable and reliable. This series has excellent performance configuration and rich game experience, which is worth recommending.
TAKSTAR GX6 Computer USB Condenser Microphone
TAKSTAR GX6 series microphones feature a high-quality gold-plated large diaphragm sound head with an omnidirectional pickup microphone to effectively avoid noise interference. With built-in professional audio chip and digital sound card function, the voice recording is clear and delicate, and the noise reduction effect is remarkable. Support the amplifier gain adjustment, and support the earphone to monitor the radio effect in real time. USB interface is plug and play, suitable for all kinds of computer and notebook devices. This series has excellent experience for computer game voice, live recording and online class radio, which is worth recommending.
RODE NT-USB Condenser Microphone
As A professional USB recording microphone, RODE NT1-A series uses high-sensitivity large-diaphragm condenser sound head and cardioid directional pickup mode to achieve clear and accurate voice reception, reaching the standard of broadcast-grade recording. The microphone has a built-in pop filter, which can effectively filter out the interference of ambient sound and background noise. Built-in digital USB sound card, supporting real-time synchronous monitoring of headphones; equipped with USB interface, plug and play, adapt to all kinds of computer notebook equipment. This series is suitable for the use of live recording of games and online classes, and is worth recommending.
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