Audio

We've created some quick videos discussing things to consider when selecting a microphone. 

For a quick primer, you can check out this video produced by the NYU Stream team: Which Microphone Should I Use?

Purchasing a microphone

Good audio quality is vital for a good viewer experience. If you have slides or presentation materials, you can record a video even without a camera, but you'll struggle to do so without a microphone.

For this reason, if you're going to purchase just one piece of equipment for recordings, we'd recommend a dedicated microphone. However, with such a wealth of options available, it can be hard to know where to start.

The recommendations below are for a couple of popular, affordable models in a few common form factors. They are not the only good options, so we recommend you read some reviews and do some research based on your needs. But if you're looking for a place to start, these options are well known, reliable, and easier to find help for online if you run into trouble.

All of the options below use USB connections to simplify connecting them to a computer.

Headsets

Headsets are best at minimizing background noise, but they sometimes sound a bit tinny and can be seen on camera.

• Logitech H540 - This basic headset will help isolate your voice from the background if you have to record in a noisy environment. It costs around $40.

• Jabra Evolve2 30 - This headset offers some more advanced features and better comfort at around $100.

Desktop Microphone

Desktop mics provide the best audio quality in a controlled environment, but they are very sensitive to positioning. They come with basic stands, but you want to purchase something more adjustable to properly position them.

• Blue Yeti - It is versatile, easy to set up, and very easy to find in computer and electronics stores. It is usually available around $99.

• Mackie Carbon Premium Condenser Microphone - A microphone with a very similar configuration to the Blue Yeti, but a lower price point of around $70.

• Jlab Talk Pro - This microphone shares a very similar setup with the Blue Yeti and similar quality, but despite its list price, it can be commonly found closer to $50.

Lavalier

Lavalier mics represent a middle ground; they maintain a consistent position and record reasonable audio.

• Movo USB M1 - This microphone easily connects to your computer and offers one of the most affordable entry points for a standalone mic. ~$25.

• Sennhesier XS Lav USB-C - This microphone offers higher quality audio at a relatively affordable price. Note: this microphone uses USB-C, and it may require an adapter for some computers. ~$50.

Optimizing your existing equipment

You may not have the budget, time, or inclination to purchase a new microphone. Perhaps you want to get your feet wet with some test recordings prior to committing to a purchase. Perhaps you're traveling and don't have your equipment with you. These are understandable considerations, and while a dedicated microphone is always preferred, you can still take steps to improve your audio quality no matter what you're using.

The most important measures are described in the Environment section. But there are a few additional changes you can make to improve your sound.

Using consumer headphones

Many regular headphones, both wired and Bluetooth, now come with built-in microphones for taking calls. The quality of these microphones varies widely. In some cases, they may not represent an improvement over your computer or webcam's built in mic. But in many cases they may. You'll need to test what you have to determine the best choice given your equipment. But it can be worth checking to make sure you use the best equipment you have available.

Adjusting software settings

Many programs have settings that can add noise reduction and additional processing in an effort to improve the clarity of your voice.

These too vary widely. Some noticeably improve your voice. Others can actually make you more difficult to understand, by processing your voice too aggressively.

If you’re on a recent, updated Mac, then Apple’s built-in Voice Isolation can help clean up your audio without degrading the quality of your voice. This noise reduction technology is implemented well, and we recommend using it.

Microphone levels

When recording audio, you need to be aware of audio levels. This is essentially your recording volume, and it's independent of your playback volume.

If your recording, or input, volume is too high, your audio can sound distorted. If it is too low, you may experience a lot of background hiss in your recordings. Most computers automatically adjust this, but it's good to be aware of where to find the settings to change this. Just like your mic input, you may need to set this for both your operating system and your recording software.