When I was a kid, the idea that you could both talk to and see someone over the phone was fantasy-the stuff of spy movies and Star Trek. Today, not only are Facetime, Zoom, and Skype widely used, they have become a necessity to many. In our current environment, while we are purposefully separated, it has truly never been easier to stay connected. Whether you are video conferencing as a teacher, a student, a business professional—or anything in between—connecting virtually is literally as easy as pushing a button.

However, there are some instances where a one-button solution simply isn’t enough. If you are a college vocal student, you will easily overpower the microphone built into your PC, laptop, or mobile device; the result for your teacher is a distorted mess. If a student is taking guitar lessons from you online, your acoustic guitar is little more than background noise to them, and your electric sounds like you’ve scooped the mids and lost the low end. It’s times like these you need an external microphone. You need a mic that is going to more accurately reproduce the sound of your voice and/or instrument. Additionally, if you are listening to someone else playing or demonstrating for you, you need headphones. Let’s look at some different options and learn why an external mic produces better sound quality, and headphones will give you a better listening experience than the internal microphone and speaker on your computer.

Buying a microphone can be overwhelming. So many choices! Dynamic, condenser, cardioid, supercardioid, boundary, small diaphragm, large diaphragm, USB… But which one is right for you? In an earlier blog, Microphones for Music Educators, I explain the differences between dynamic and condenser mics, and we also cover the different polar patterns: cardioid, hypercardioid, and supercardioid. The one type of microphone we didn’t discuss was USB mics. Let’s start there.

USB Microphones

USB microphones are designed specifically for use with a computer. This mic is plugged in the same way you’d plug in your keyboard or mouse. These microphones are designed to be “plug and play”- rarely is there any setup time. USB mics even have built in preamps (preamplifier). You’ll get a line level signal automatically instead of having to use an audio interface. A preamp is a device that converts a microphone’s weak electronic signal (mic level) into a signal that is strong enough to be sent to a speaker without distorting the signal (line level). One of the best features of most USB mics is their built-in preamp. If you already have a favorite mic, we’ll talk about why an audio interface is essential to you later, but the short answer is- preamp. If you don’t currently own a mic, and you want something that is plug and play, the best solution is a USB microphone.

Audio-Technica 20 Series AT2020USB+ USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone
The Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ is essentially the same as their classic AT2020, but this is the USB version. It adds a digital converter for improved audio, a headphone jack with volume control, and a blend option if you have a backing track or other prerecorded audio. Audio-Technica consistently makes high quality mics at an unbeatable value.

ProFormance P755USB Studio Condenser Microphone with Black Mirror Chrome Finish

The ProFormance P755USB mic is quickly becoming one of our best sellers. Plug your headphones directly into the mic for accurate monitoring.  This mic has top notch digital conversion and comes with a 5-year warranty.

Both mics come with a tripod stand and a USB cable. Either of these microphones would be a good choice for a great sounding, easy to use, plug and play option. You can check out our full selection of USB mics here:

Headphones

Since both mics highlight the importance of monitoring your sound, let’s talk about headphones. Any pair of headphones or earbuds is better than the internal speaker of your device, but if you don’t have any, or if you want to upgrade—here’s what to look for.

If you have monitor speakers, you already know how much better they sound than the internal speaker. The internal speaker can’t give you the low and midrange frequencies; you miss out on much of the sound. Earbuds are better than the internal speaker, they’ve improved leaps and bounds in the last few years, but nothing beats a good, old fashioned set of “cans”—over the ear headphones. One reason is the size of the driver, or speaker. The most important specs for headphones are driver or speaker (diaphragm) size, the material the magnets are made of, and the frequency response. Let’s look at two examples.

Samson SR350 Closed-Back Studio Headphones

The Samson SR350 headphones are the best pair of $14 headphones I’ve ever owned. These headphones have a 35mm driver diameter, Rare Earth Neodymium magnets, and a full spectrum frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz.

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Monitor Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20X headphones are designed for studio mixing and tracking. These headphones give an enormous sound thanks to their 40mm drivers, Rare Earth Neodymium magnets, and an extremely wide frequency range of 15Hz – 20kHz.

You can hear the difference between these when you A/B them. Not only are the ATs more comfortable, the difference in sound is immediately noticeable. Is that difference worth $35? That’s a question only you can answer.

Interfaces

Earlier, we learned that USB mics come with a built-in preamp and digital converter. But what if you already have a microphone? Can you use your mic if it isn’t USB? You can with an interface. Interfaces are, essentially, simplified mixers. They are a preamp with line, master, and headphone volume control. Also, since most interfaces have two inputs, you can utilize both inputs for an even better mix if you also play an instrument. Interfaces and mixers use Neutrik connectors, capable of taking XLR and 1/4’” connections, to save space and still give you the option of using mics and/or instruments.

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio Interface

The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 interface is probably the best selling interface on the market today. It uses power from the USB port so no need for an external power supply or batteries. Two mic/line inputs make it easy to use either XLR or 1/4” connections for mics and instruments. Use any condenser mic thanks to built-in 48V phantom power. This interface also comes with free recording software. It really cannot get better for $100.

We’ve covered a good amount of ground in this blog. Hopefully, you have a better understanding of why you need a microphone and headphones for remote learning and teaching. USB mics are a great way to easily improve your sound quality and using headphones will make listening to that improved sound even better. Play on!