A microphone has been a vital hardware component of computers ever since the voice chat feature was introduced. With time, microphones have evolved from a boring mic attached to a headphone to proper stand-alone microphones with various features. This post goes over the best external microphones for telehealth so you can effectively practice remotely.
Best external microphones for telehealth – which is best for me?
As the price range increases, so does the quality of your microphone. So the more expensive it is, the more features it will have. Also, speaking specifically for laptops, you will require microphones with a USB input. Most mics are great for taking along with you as you travel. So what you need is something that is reasonably priced and portable with a USB input.
For this purpose, we have compiled a list of the best external microphones for telehealth that fall in the criteria mentioned above.
1. Tonor TC-777 Microphone
Product Features:
Plug and Play
Isn’t it a hassle to install drivers before being able to use a device? New generation microphones, including the TONOR Mic, have solved this problem once and for all. It comes with a plug and play design, which means you don’t have to go through the fatigue of the installation process. Just plug it in the USB port, and it’s ready to use. That’s the kind of convenience everyone looks for which is why it made it into the list of best external microphones for telehealth.
Audio Quality
The audio quality of TONOR TC-777 is commendable. It can be used for conference calls, personal calls, gaming and for recording commentaries and during all these tasks, your audio will be crisp and clear without any background noise or distortion. So work from home without any worries about the chitter-chatter going on in the background.
Noise Reduction
The TONOR mic uses a couple of mechanisms which aid in noise reduction. Its stand has rubber feet, the shock mount wraps the mic in rubber cables, the pop filter reduces popping sounds caused by fast-moving air, and lastly, the foam cover or windscreen reduces the windy sounds. All these features reduce vibrations caused by working on the keyboard and keep extra pops and clicks at bay.
Cardioid Polar Pattern
Another feature which makes TONOR TC-777 stand out of the crowd is the cardioid polar pattern. This feature enables the mic to pick audio coming from the front rather than the back of the microphone. This helps in reducing environmental sounds.
Pros
- Plug and play design
- Easy to set up and use
- Durable build quality
- Good sound quality
- Impressive frequency response
- Included stand, shock mount, and pop filter
Cons
- The cable is not replaceable if damaged.
- There’s no mute button on the mic.
- The tripod legs are wide, which take up a lot of space on the desk.
2. Fifine K668 Microphone
Product Features
Design
If you’re looking for a microphone that has bare minimum features, then Fifine K668 is a good choice. It has a rugged metallic design with a sleek body, giving it an aesthetic look. The metal gives it a little weight which makes it durable and long-lasting. The sturdy metal tripod securely fits the microphone giving it stability.
Omnidirectional Pattern
The Fifine K668 has an omnidirectional pick-up pattern which means that you can record from several feet away. There is no specific angle from where you can sound better or worse. This feature comes in handy when you’re recording something while sitting or standing at a distance.
Performance
K668 is known for being an all-rounder as you can use it for recording music, voice-overs, podcasts, video calling, gaming and home studio recordings. It has the capability of picking up your voice by filtering out background noise. So you can continue your recordings without worrying about ambient sounds being picked up.
Pros
- Sturdy build quality
- Plug and play design
- Reasonably priced
- Omnidirectional pick-up pattern
- Compatible with Windows and Mac
Cons
- Omnidirectional pattern sometimes picks up environmental sounds.
- The manufacturer states it to be cardioid, although it is omnidirectional.
3. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Features
Polar Patterns
You must have heard about microphones with cardioid or omnidirectional patterns, but have you heard about microphones that can switch between patterns? The Blue Yeti is one such microphone with the ability to change polar patterns. It can go from Cardioid to Omnidirectional to Bidirectional to Stereo. All four have different sound picking patterns.
Gain Control
Gain controls the sensitivity of the microphone through a dial at the back. When you feel that people are getting too loud, you can conveniently turn the dial down, to avoid overloading the microphone. This feature isn’t available in most microphones, and you have to make adjustments through the software, which isn’t possible during recording.
Mute Button
Many USB microphones don’t come with a mute button which can be quite inconvenient at times. The Blue Yeti has a mute button and a red LED that flashes when the mute button is on and remains solid when it is off. This feature lets you know the audio status at a glance.
Blue Sherpa Software
Blue has launched a software by the name of Blue Sherpa which lets you adjust the settings of your microphone like switching between pick-up patterns and other controls. You can also update firmware, control gain, monitor volume, headphone volume and even mute by using this software. Although the mute button and increase control dial is situated on the microphone, you can use it for adjusting other controls.
Pros
- Excellent overall sound quality
- Four pick-up patterns
- No setup and additional equipment required for installation
- Solid metal build quality
- Affordable
Cons
- Difficult to find a shock mount because of its size.
4. JOUNIVO USB Desktop Microphone
Product Features
360° Flexible Gooseneck Design
The flexible gooseneck design of the JOUNIVO microphone makes it very convenient and comfortable to use. You can adjust the angle and height and even swivel it to set it entirely for a clear voice, without straining your neck. This easy feature helped this product make into the best external microphones for telehealth.
Noise Cancellation Technology
JOUNIVO’s intelligent noise cancelling technology ensures that only your voice is picked up and other external sounds and echoes are reduced to provide a clear and crisp voice without any distortion.
Desktop Base
The JOUNIVO microphone has a solid base beneath its gooseneck. This base ensures firm support to keep the mic in place while you’re gaming or recording something.
Compatibility and Usage
This microphone is ideal for recording, gaming, YouTube videos, streaming, voice calls and podcasts. In short, it is an all-rounder. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, PS3 & PS4. Most microphones are not compatible with gaming consoles. Hence this feature gives it an edge over others.
Pros
- Light on the pocket
- Flexible
- Lightweight
- Compatible with PS3 & PS4
- Plug and play design
- Omnidirectional pattern
Cons
- The gooseneck needs to be handled with care
- Volume control is not present on the mic
5. TKGOU USB Microphone
Product Features
Patented Audio Filter
The TKGOU USB Microphone is embedded with a patented audio filter which is built to record only your voice. This means that all extra noise, including keyboard clicks and vibrations, will be blocked.
Ease of Use
In today’s times, ease of use and compatibility of a product is what matters the most. Hence, like most modern age microphones, the TKGOU also has a simple plug and play design. You don’t need any additional software or driver to run it. Just plug it in, switch it on and it’s ready to use. Moreover, it is compatible with all operating systems and PC brands like Windows, Mac, Linux and Apple.
Build Quality and Design
What we need nowadays is something sturdy and long-lasting because nobody has the time to visit shops and make purchases every now and then. The TKGOU USB Microphone is built with a mix of metal and plastic, making it as stable and reliable as a tank. The manufacturers have ensured that you can rely on it for many years to come.
The adjustable gooseneck, one-click mute/unmute button and LED indicator are all the features that make this microphone a convenient and reliable choice for the users. We really liked the design on this product which propelled it up the list of best external microphones for telehealth.
Pros
- Includes patented audio filter
- Plug and play design
- Adjustable gooseneck design
- Solid built
- Includes LED indicator to show working status
- Mute button located on the microphone
- Affordable
Cons
- The wire length is relatively short
Comparison Chart
| Product Name | Dimensions | Weight | Cable Length | Polar Pattern |
| 1. TONOR TC-777 | 9.1 x 5.2 x 2.8 inches | 12.3 ounces | 1.5 m | Cardioid |
| 2. Fifine K668 Microphone | 4.88 x 2.6 x 7.28 inches | 10.6 ounces | 1.7 m | Omnidirectional |
| 3. Blue Yeti USB Microphone | 4.92 x 4.72 x 11.61 inches | 56.1 ounces | 2.0 m | Cardioid Omnidirectional BidirectionalStereo |
| 4. JOUNIVO USB Desktop Microphone | 4 x 4 x 13 inches | 8.9 ounces | 1.5 m | Omnidirectional |
| 5. TKGOU USB Microphone | 4.72 x 3.94 x 8.27 inches | 10.2 ounces | 1.5 m | Omnidirectional |
Buyer’s Guide For External Microphones For Laptop
Whenever we buy a product, we make sure that it doesn’t lack in anything. Same is the case with external microphones. You want a mic that is compatible with all systems, has basic controls and is user-friendly. All in all, it should be in accordance with your preferences. Therefore, we have put together a buying guide, in the hopes that our readers can benefit from it.
Controls
Many microphones available out there don’t have basic controls situated on the mic. You have to use software to adjust settings like volume and gain controls. For your convenience, always choose a microphone which at least has a volume control, mute button and a gain control dial present, so that you can change settings on the spot when the need arises.
Compatibility
Compatibility is the most crucial feature you should look for before buying a microphone. Although most mics nowadays are compatible with all systems, you should opt for one that works with Windows, Mac, Linux and iOs along with gaming consoles as well.
Format
Microphones come in different formats. There are handheld mics, desktop mics and microphones with tripod stands. If you are recording vocals or interviews, handheld mics are an ideal choice, while desktop mics are good for podcasts and acoustic instruments.
Mics with stands are great for gaming and studio recording. So you can choose the format of your microphone depending on your usage.
Transducer
There are 2 types of microphones: condenser and dynamic. If you are recording vocals or pianos, which means soft sounds, then you should go for the condenser mic. For loud sounds such as guitars, basses, and drums, the dynamic mic should work best.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which type of mic is best suited for outdoor use?
The polar pattern of a microphone plays an essential role when choosing one for outdoor use. Microphones with Hyper Cardioid and Supercardioid patterns record sounds coming from the front and sides and block sounds coming from the rear. Therefore they are highly recommended for outdoor use.
2. In which position should a microphone be held when speaking?
For speaking, use a handheld microphone because if you use a stand or holder, it may conduct noise. Hold it comfortably and make sure you place it below or on the side of your mouth, 1 to 3 inches away.
3. How do I connect an external microphone to my computer?
Most laptops do not have a separate port for microphones as they have internal mics. So you will need to plug the USB port in the USB slots available on your computer.
Key Takeaway
It is essential to get a good quality microphone if your work revolves around voice recordings, podcasts and music. Sometimes getting the wrong equipment can affect the quality of your work.
Therefore, always check out the specs and features of the microphone and do proper research before investing in one. We hope our buying guide is beneficial in this matter and will help you choose the correct type of microphone for yourself. Explore our other articles and resources with Telehealthist.com.