Are you looking for the best microphone for background noise reduction?
Whether you’re recording music or doing voiceovers, a good microphone will capture the sound of your voice with as little interference as possible. These are also known as background noise cancelling microphones.
But, which is the best mic for recording in noisy environments?
Your different options are dynamic and condenser mics.
A dynamic mic is built to be rugged and can stand up to high levels of noise while also picking up frequencies outside of the human hearing.
Condenser microphones are delicate instruments that need a quieter setting.
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Microphone for Noisy Environments
This is a list of 5 things that you should know when considering buying a microphone for noise cancellation.
Noise Cancellation
You may not need noise cancellation- The first thing you should do before buying a mic for blocking out noise is to check and see if any other type of microphone would be more suitable for your needs. Some cheaper microphones also have the ability to reduce the level of ambient sound coming in through the microphone input, so there’s no need to buy an expensive, specialized product. Consider whether it would make more sense or be less expensive in terms of money and time spent on research if an old technology or one that is less sophisticated might work better than the latest, most technically advanced product available on the market today.
Mic Sensitivity
Knowing how sensitive the mic is to noise is a crucial factor when deciding what type of product to buy. It’s easy for most people to say that they want a mic with a high sensitivity level, but there are many other factors that go into determining this parameter, such as the type of element used in the diaphragm and whether it will work well for your application (in most cases, the super-cardioid polar pattern is the way to go).
Noise Reduction
Since the main function of a microphone is to block out noise, it should be made with the best materials to eliminate interference from any kind of noise. It’s true that some people find themselves using more than one microphone when dealing with sound; for example, you may use one for vocals and another for instrumentals.
Frequency Response
The frequency response indicates how far the mic can pick up sounds and how much it can block out lower frequencies. You should know the frequency range of your microphone as this will tell you which ones are ideal for you and your application.
Polar Pattern
The polar pattern refers to the shape of the sound waves a microphone can pick up. This is very useful in situations where you want there to be more figure-of-eight, cardioid, or omnidirectional polar patterns.
Dynamic vs. Condenser
The second thing you should know is whether you want a dynamic or condenser microphone. Dynamic microphones are more sensitive than condenser ones, but their lifespan will be shorter as well.
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8 Best Microphones For Background Noise Cancellation
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1. Audio-Technica Pro 74
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Designed specifically for professional audio recording, the Audio-Technica Pro 74 is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern that helps to minimize noise. It may not be as sensitive to audio frequencies as condenser mics, but it is more resistant to excess background noise. This microphone has an output of -63dBV and has an impedance of 150 ohms. It runs on a 48-volt phantom power supply and comes with a carrying pouch.
2. Shure Beta 87A
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The Shure Beta 87A is a condenser microphone with an omnidirectional pattern that picks up sound evenly. It comes with a frequency response of 20-20kHz and can pick up frequencies up to 5kHz, depending on the environment. This mic also has a noise rejection of -67dBV, which is better than many condenser mics. It comes with two clip adapters and a polar pattern switch for placement adjustment. It’s a simple package that can be used with many audio recording devices.
3. Samson C01U Pro
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The Samson C01U Pro is a top-of-the-line dynamic microphone. It comes with a frequency response range of 50Hz to 16 kHz and has an output of -64dBV. The omnidirectional polar pattern is only somewhat effective at eliminating background noise, but the design makes the mic more sturdy overall, which it needs to be because it’s quite heavy. The company also offers a five-year warranty.
4. Audio-Technica ATR2500
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This dynamic microphone is versatile and can be used with both PC and Mac. The frequency response is 60 Hz to 18 kHz, which makes it useful for recording many audio sources and for voiceovers. The included tripod stand makes it easy to mount the mic for your convenience, and both the stand and mic come with a one-year warranty.
5. Shure SM81
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The Shure SM81 is a dynamic mic with an omnidirectional polar pattern. It has a frequency response of 30-20,000 Hz and output of -72dBV. The mic produces a warm sound that comes through clearly in recordings and won’t pick up the unwanted background noise. It includes one handheld boom stand, but you can also purchase the high-quality Seismic Audio T2540 stand for more stability.
6. AKG CK1
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The AKG CK1 is a studio condenser mic with a cardioid polar pattern that picks up sound in the direction of the microphone. It has an adjustable bass roll-off and an impedance of 47 ohms. This mic is designed to withstand high levels of noise without altering the sound, and it has a frequency response from 30 Hz to 18 kHz. The boom stand allows you to mount the mic directly to a stand or use it handheld.
7. Rode NT1-A
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The Rode NT1-A is a dynamic mic with an omnidirectional polar pattern. This mic is designed for both live and studio recording and can pick up sound in all directions. It has a frequency response of 100 Hz to 15 kHz, which makes it ideal for recording audio from instruments and voiceovers. The mic comes with a shock mount and windscreen so you can record your voice without having to worry about unwanted noise.
8. Zoom H4n Pro 4
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The Zoom H4n Pro is a dynamic microphone and capsule that records at a frequency of 96000 Hz. It’s a highly versatile mic with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz and can be used for recording vocals, guitars, drums, and more. This mic has an output of -63dBV and an adjustable polar pattern that allows you to use it in many live settings or place it on top of a desk for studio recording.
FAQs
How do I stop my mic from picking up background noise?
As long as the mic is at a reasonable distance from your mouth, you should be able to avoid picking up the background noise. Doing this might get difficult in an open office environment, but that issue can be avoided if the mic is being used on a USB connection.
What audio software do I need?
Any software should work so long as it records sound, but some have better features for recording voice than others. Audacity and OBS are popular options for desktop recording which do not require any additional plugins or downloads to function.
Do condenser mics pick up background noise?
A condenser mic is a device that converts acoustic sound into an electrical signal. The sound it picks up can be distorted by the noise in the environment, but there are ways to reduce this effect.
I love using my USB mic for recording podcasts, videos, and voiceovers. I’ve had the same one for years with no problems. Recently though, my mic has picked up a lot of background noise.
How do I get rid of background noise?
There are a few things you can do to reduce noise in the background.
If you’re recording in a room with an air conditioner, turning it on will help a lot. Also, try closing the windows and doors to make sure all areas are as quiet as possible.
Try putting notes around your mic while recording to reduce unwanted vibrations that can cause sound interference. This will also block out some sound from hitting your mic too!
If your mic has multiple settings, try using mono or a setting that guarantees a higher quality.
This will limit the amount of background noise that is picked up.
If this still doesn’t work, try investing in a shock mount to reduce vibrations on the mic.
For more advanced options you could consider buying a vocal booth or soundproofing your studio walls as well.
FAQ:
Q: How to get rid of background noise on microphone?
A: Bidirectional Pattern. This mode is suitable for interviews. … Omnidirectional Pattern. You can use this setting for live sounds because it captures sounds,literally,from all angles. … Stereo Pattern. … Cardioid Pattern. …
Q: How to reduce microphone background noise on a PC?
A: Open the traditional Control Panel on your PC/Laptop. To do this,search for Control Panel in your Start menu. … In the Control Panel,navigate to “Hardware and Sound -> Sound.” In the Recording tab,select the Microphone that you’re using for your video calls/recordings. …
Q: How can I modify my microphone to filter background noise?
A: – Close all doors and windows. – Turn off all unnecessary electronic devices or place them at a sufficient distance. … – Turn off laptop or PC speakers (including external ones). – Establish a distance between microphone and laptop/PC, e.g. … – Choose the right time for the recording (no rush hour, noise from the neighbour, etc.)
Q: How to remove background noise on Mic Windows 10?
A: Step-1: Open Control Panel. … Step-2: Go To The “Hardware and Sound”. … Step-3: Open The “Sound” Dialogue Box. … Step-4: Navigate To The “Recording” Tab. … Step-5: Select Your Microphone. … Step-6: Open The “Microphone Properties”. … Step-7: Go To The “Levels” Tab. … Step-8: Update Settings Under The “Levels” Tab. … Step-9: Update Settings Under The “Enhancement” Tab. …