The development of computers and the operating systems used in them gave an impetus to the fact that many manufacturers of audio equipment began to produce specially designed speakers, sound cards and microphones, which could provide a very high-quality sound that was previously available only on household appliances, a professional studio or concert equipment. Next, we’ll talk about how to choose a microphone for the computer, based on the needs of the user and the programs used, where such a device can be used.
The main types of computer microphone models
Unlike studio models, computer-class microphones in the product lines are somewhat more diverse. The fact is that for different software their completely different modifications can be used, although no one has ever refused to use studio equipment, even despite the fact that such microphones are quite expensive in their class.
Among the most popular and most common models of the budget level (namely, those who are most preferred by users who use microphones for live communication and games, but not for sound recording), we can distinguish the following:
- microphones on a stationary stand or similar removable devices;
- microphone headsets;
- microphones with headphones;
- clothespins microphones.
In addition to such a classification, one can separately distinguish groups of devices by type of connection. Some can connect to sound cards directly through audio inputs, others imply a connection via USB interfaces.
How to choose a microphone and what to look for?
So, you have decided to purchase a microphone for your computer. First of all, study the sound characteristics of the device. As a rule, for domestic use, you can use devices whose frequency ranges are in the range from 0.1 to 10 kHz. At least for communication with the use of programs like Skype or the passage of online games, regardless of design, this is quite enough.
The second point on which it is necessary to focus attention relates to the parameters of the direction of action and sensitivity. It means that some microphones can pick up extraneous noise from different sources along with the voice. Again, if you intend to use the microphone only for voice or video programs, you can give preference to models of non-directional action. But when you need a clear focus on what is pronounced into the microphone, it is better to stop on one-sided modifications, and for games, use special headsets with headphones at all. For everyday use, you can also choose a simple microphone-buttonhole, which is fixed on clothes with a special clothespin-crocodile.
As for professional recording programs, such models will not work. It is better to purchase at least an inexpensive semi-professional microphone of a dynamic or condenser type. The latter, however, are much more expensive and are mostly used not in the home, but in the studios. Yes, and keep in mind that at home without proper sound insulation from outside noise, it will not work to achieve high quality recorded material, no matter how you try.
How to connect a microphone to a computer: possible options
Now a few words about connection options. You can, of course, use a simple microphone for the computer, connected via USB, but, again, the quality of the transmitted or recorded signal is suitable only for voice chats or games.
It is much more preferable to switch on via analog inputs using Jack or Mini-Jack plugs. In this case, we are talking about the fact that such a device is connected directly to the input of the sound card. However, this applies only to separately installed cards, and not to those that belong to the Sound-on-Board category (built into the motherboard). In addition to stationary models, any gaming microphone for a computer is connected mainly in this way.
Considerations for using built-in microphones on laptops
It's no secret that laptops have built-in microphones. To use them or not, everyone decides for himself. But you can immediately note the fact that you will not get proper quality when using such equipment. In the best case, their use is limited only to voice communication programs, no more.
They are also not suitable for games, because the transmitted signal may be too weak compared to extraneous noise. In this case, as is already clear, it is better to connect a headset for a computer with a microphone and headphones, with exclusively directional action, so that the microphone picks up exactly what you are saying. We’ll look at professional models a bit later, but for now let's move on to the basics of setting any microphone.
How to set up a microphone on a computer: general conditions
The very first and most important thing is not to set the input signal too high, as the so-called pickup on the speakers with a whistle and rattle may appear.
Therefore, in the general case, the question of how to configure the microphone for a computer in Windows or in any other operating system involves setting the input signal level corresponding to half the maximum.
In addition, you can set the gain parameters, but, as practice shows, it is not worth setting it higher than 10 dB.
On the format tab, you can not touch the installed options, since they are set to CD quality (44.1 kHz / 16 bit). However, if you have a more or less decent model, you can use parameters with higher values. This can be especially useful if the sound will be output to sound-reproducing or recording equipment.
Setting up microphones in voice communication programs
Setting parameters in programs like Skype usually does not cause any particular difficulties. In the application itself, such options are set to automatically detect devices.
To check, just say something into the microphone and check if the corresponding indicator in the settings lights up. If not, try setting a higher input signal level or check in the system settings which device is used by default (if you have a headset and if you have a built-in microphone for your computer on a laptop, all devices will be displayed in the Windows audio settings). If necessary, change the microphone either in the program itself or in the system.
Using microphones in virtual recording studios and music sequencers
Finally, let's see what a program for a microphone on a computer can be, which is used specifically for sound recording. There are at least three options. It can be an audio editor, a virtual recording studio or a music sequencer.
In any such application, the microphone setup is broadly similar to the options of the operating system itself, however, the specified parameters have some additional options, for example, the use of noise reduction, real-time sound equalization (normalization), or the application of additional effects.
To understand the basics of settings, you need to work with such programs yourself, but first you can advise to try out applications like Cool Edit or Sound Forge. Despite the unusual interface for many, you can immediately start recording and talk into the microphone. After that, you will see for yourself what sound was recorded and what options you can change to improve it.
In principle, exactly the same operations can be done in the Windows settings, but here it will be impossible to change some parameters in this case.
Instead of a total
That’s briefly and all that concerns how and what to choose a microphone for a computer, how to configure it and what programs to use for this. Regarding the choice of the device itself, it should be based not only on its main characteristics, but also pay attention to what purpose it will be used for. However, the choice, as always, remains with the user. And do not rush to give crazy money for professional microphones if you do not have the appropriate sound card on your computer. All the same, there will be absolutely no practical benefit from it.