High Tech Talking with VoIP Microphones

The advent of communication technology pave the way to the great attention for a device that was once not thought to be an essential part of computers – the microphone. With the emergence of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephones, microphones have become a commodity that is now a necessary component of information technology. Several microphones have been released in the recent years for the main purpose of using them in internet telephony. There are several kinds of microphones that can be used for VoIP telephones, here are the popular ones:

Boom or Desktop Microphones – Also known as omnidirectional microphones, these ones are situated on a positional boom and are usually placed on top of the desk or the monitor. The good thing about is that they can be used hands free because of their great sensitivity. Being omnidirectional such microphones allow several people to speak at the same time, which can be useful for conferences among groups of people in different locations. The downside is that it may pick up background noises and other unwanted voices, or get feedbacks with the PC speakers.

Built-in Microphones – these are usually omnidirectional microphones that are come together with the computer and are built into the monitor or the keyboard. This is a common feature with laptop computers. Compact and conveniently positioned, these microphones can be use hands-free as well, and can pick up several people’s voices, useful for conferences. Like other omnidirectional microphones, built-in microphones can pick up unwanted background noises. Moreover, such microphones are inflexible and cannot be positioned without moving the entire computer or laptop.

Handset Microphones – these are quite common for VoIP applications. These are unidirectional and looks very much like a regular telephone handset with an earpiece and a mouthpiece. Such microphones give the familiar and comfortable feel of traditional telephones. Audio quality is usually good for speech, allowing the most consistent feel with VoIP calls. However, like the telephone handset, this can be quite inconvenient 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 Microphones – this are microphones that lack the need for cables, operating usually through Bluetooth or infra-red ports. Such microphones can be incorporated with headsets and can either be unidirectional or omnidirectional. These are definitely hands free since there are no wires used and they can be attached to the head or the ear of the speaker. The sound quality is typically good for speech especially when coupled with noise canceling features. However, compatibility is not always a guarantee as not all computers are equipped with Bluetooth or infra-red ports.

Handheld Microphones – these are very similar to those used by public speakers and pop singers. These may come either as unidirectional or omnidirectional. 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 – usually omnidirectional, 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.

There are many brands that offer these types of microphones and now most of such microphones used for VoIP telephony purposes are sold at very affordable prices.

Communication has greatly changed with the emergence of VoIP. Now people have many options and they can use different types of microphones to reach people the way they want to.

Take a look at our new VoIP Deals corner here.