When choosing a computer microphone, consider its intended use, wired or wireless options, and connection type. A headset is best for internet-based phone calls and online gaming, while a high-quality microphone with noise cancellation is best for speech recognition.
When choosing a computer microphone, the most important factor to consider is how it will be used. There are many different tasks a microphone can do, including speech recognition, Internet-based phone calls, and online gaming. Everyone has specific needs that should influence the choice of model and budget.
The main decision you have to make when choosing a computer microphone is whether to use a wired or wireless model. A wired microphone, usually in the form of a standalone desktop model, will almost always be the cheapest option and often comes with a new computer. A wireless microphone can be one that clips to your clothing or comes as a headset, similar to a Bluetooth device for a cell phone. However, the most common form is a headset, similar to the one used by telephone operators, which includes earphones and a microphone. A wireless model is usually more expensive but offers much more flexibility.
You also need to consider the type of connection available for your microphone. Many work with the dedicated microphone jack found in your PC’s sound card, but others work through a USB connection. There’s not a huge difference in usage, but you may find that the USB connection is more practical because most computers have more USB sockets available, giving you more options for placing the microphone in a convenient place. The design of dedicated microphone plugs and jacks can also be more vulnerable to breakage or breakage, which can be much more troublesome to fix than simply switching to a different USB port.
If you plan on using a computer microphone for an Internet-based telephone service like Skype, a headset will probably be your best option. This is especially important if you plan to participate in conference calls or create podcasts with online colleagues. A standard desktop microphone will likely produce too poor audio quality and may even cause a feedback loop by picking up the sounds you hear from the person on the other end of the call.
A headset is also a good option for online games, such as World of Warcraft. The headset leaves your hands free for more comfortable typing and avoids having to lean on the microphone. Since users often spend long periods playing online games, it is especially important to be able to assume good posture and avoid neck strain.
If you’re using a computer microphone for speech recognition, it’s worth paying extra to get a good quality model. Look for microphones with built-in noise cancellation, as this will reduce the risk of background noise affecting speech recognition accuracy. Some software packages recommend keeping the microphone the same distance from your mouth at all times, so a headset model that allows you to adjust the microphone to the most comfortable position would be the best option.
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