By: Frank Harris
The evolution of communication technology created great attention for a pc peripheral that was once not thought to be a necessary part of computers – the microphone. With the emergence of Voice over Internet Protocol telephones, microphones have become a commodity that is now a necessary component of information technology. Several microphones became available to the general market in the recent years for the main purpose of using them in IP telephony. There are many kinds of microphones that can be used with VoIP phones, here are the popular ones:
Desktop Microphones – Also known as omni directional microphones, these ones are situated on a positional boom and are usually installed on top of the desk or the monitor. A great feature they provide is that they can be used hands free because of their great sensitivity. Being omni directional such microphones allow several people to speak at the same time, which can be handy for conferences among groups of people in different places. The downside is that it may pick up background noises and other unwanted voices, or get feedbacks with the PC speakers.
Integrated Microphones – These are usually omni directional microphones that came together with the computer and are incorporated into the monitor or the keyboard. This is a popular feature with laptop computers. Compact and conveniently positioned, these microphones can be used hands free, and can pick up several people’s voices, useful for conferences. Like other omni directional microphones, built-in microphones can pick up unwanted background sounds. Moreover, such microphones are inflexible and cannot be positioned without moving the entire pc.
Handset Mics. – these are quite popular for VoIP applications. These are unidirectional (pick up sounds from one direction) and look very much like a common phone handset with an earpiece and a mouthpiece. Such microphones give the familiar and comfortable feel of traditional phones. Audio quality is usually good for speech, allowing the most consistent feel with Voice over IP calls. However, like the phone handset, this can be problematic for long conversations. Being unidirectional, only one person can speak at a time, though it is easy to pass it to another person should the need arise.
Wireless Mics.– these are microphones that lack the need for cables, operating regularly through Bluetooth or infra-red ports. Such microphones can be incorporated with headsets and can either be unidirectional or omni directional. These are definitely hands free since there are no wires used and they can be attached to the head or the ear of the person using them. The sound quality is excellent for speech especially when coupled with noise canceling features. However, compatibility is not always a guarantee as not all computers are equipped with specialized ports.
Handheld Mics. – these are very similar to those used by singers. These may come either as unidirectional or omni directional. One may have the option to use a microphone stand to make this one hands free. But without the stand, it could be quite inconvenient to use.
Lapel microphones – normally omni directional, these microphones can be attached onto the speakers clothes or clipped on the computer. These microphones work just like desktop microphones with the added option of being near the speaker.
Many manufacturers offer different types of microphones and now most of such microphones used for VoIP telephony purposes are sold at very affordable prices.
The evolution of communication technology created great attention for a pc peripheral that was once not thought to be a necessary part of computers – the microphone. With the emergence of Voice over Internet Protocol telephones, microphones have become a commodity that is now a necessary component of information technology. Several microphones became available to the general market in the recent years for the main purpose of using them in IP telephony. There are many kinds of microphones that can be used with VoIP phones, here are the popular ones:
Desktop Microphones – Also known as omni directional microphones, these ones are situated on a positional boom and are usually installed on top of the desk or the monitor. A great feature they provide is that they can be used hands free because of their great sensitivity. Being omni directional such microphones allow several people to speak at the same time, which can be handy for conferences among groups of people in different places. The downside is that it may pick up background noises and other unwanted voices, or get feedbacks with the PC speakers.
Integrated Microphones – These are usually omni directional microphones that came together with the computer and are incorporated into the monitor or the keyboard. This is a popular feature with laptop computers. Compact and conveniently positioned, these microphones can be used hands free, and can pick up several people’s voices, useful for conferences. Like other omni directional microphones, built-in microphones can pick up unwanted background sounds. Moreover, such microphones are inflexible and cannot be positioned without moving the entire pc.
Handset Mics. – these are quite popular for VoIP applications. These are unidirectional (pick up sounds from one direction) and look very much like a common phone handset with an earpiece and a mouthpiece. Such microphones give the familiar and comfortable feel of traditional phones. Audio quality is usually good for speech, allowing the most consistent feel with Voice over IP calls. However, like the phone handset, this can be problematic for long conversations. Being unidirectional, only one person can speak at a time, though it is easy to pass it to another person should the need arise.
Wireless Mics.– these are microphones that lack the need for cables, operating regularly through Bluetooth or infra-red ports. Such microphones can be incorporated with headsets and can either be unidirectional or omni directional. These are definitely hands free since there are no wires used and they can be attached to the head or the ear of the person using them. The sound quality is excellent for speech especially when coupled with noise canceling features. However, compatibility is not always a guarantee as not all computers are equipped with specialized ports.
Handheld Mics. – these are very similar to those used by singers. These may come either as unidirectional or omni directional. One may have the option to use a microphone stand to make this one hands free. But without the stand, it could be quite inconvenient to use.
Lapel microphones – normally omni directional, these microphones can be attached onto the speakers clothes or clipped on the computer. These microphones work just like desktop microphones with the added option of being near the speaker.
Many manufacturers offer different types of microphones and now most of such microphones used for VoIP telephony purposes are sold at very affordable prices.
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