How to choose a microphone for skype?

The first time after the emergence of mobile cellular phones, many have spoken about the futility of this direction. The main reason for doubt was the existence of a developed infrastructure for wired telephony. No wonder they say that history develops in a spiral. Such a fate did not ignore the programs for communication on the Internet. At first it was ICQ, and now Skype and software products with similar functions.

Despite this, the benefits of voice and video communication are becoming more and more popular every day with an increasing number of Internet users. It can be said with certainty that as paper letters have gone to oblivion, a simple text message exchange (ICQ) will soon give way to skype. Of course, this is only true if the service is free. Still, the mentality and income level of citizens will not be able to afford it.

Going to the computer store and watching the customers, you can see that more and more often consultants ask headphones with a microphone for Skype, as well as a camera. Obviously, these devices are deservedly in demand. How to choose a microphone for skype?

Many will be surprised, but there are no special requirements. There are only general recommendations that are relevant for all such devices. There is no secret, following which, using the "right" microphone for Skype, you can get a loud voice.

The frequency of the human voice lies in the range from 80 to 1400 Hz, although occasionally the frames can be overcome (Norman Allin, Mado Roben). The average of these frequencies is easily captured by sound technology. Then why are users interested in what it is - a good microphone for skype? One of the characteristics of a microphone is its sensitivity. Insufficient value of it - and at conversation it is necessary to speak very loudly or "to drum" directly into a microphone that very few people will like. Most cheap models (although not all) just have such parameters. Conclusion: the higher the sensitivity, the better.

Often the microphone and webcam are combined in a single device, and this is not the best neighborhood, since the camera should not be placed too close, and the microphone, on the other hand, should not be far away. Conclusion: independent devices allow for more flexible configuration.

Price - one of the criteria that allows you to roughly select a microphone for skype. Quality products can not be sold at bargain prices, although there are always exceptions. A good sound allows you to get digital microphones connected to the USB port and transmitting the signal over the bus. Many vendors in the kit provide useful software that allows you to perform fine tuning, suppress interference, etc.

For products of serious firms, the documentation indicates a directional pattern. Very useful information. Most microphones catch the sound from all sides, like the ear of a man, but there are narrowly focused, clearly fixing sound only in a certain direction. For sure, everyone saw their expensive counterparts in spy movies.

Users often ask how to set up a microphone for skype. First of all, it is necessary not to use the microphone for 100% gain (level in "recording devices"), the optimal option is not more than 60%. Software boost (boost) in some cases significantly improves the sound, but strongly depends on the model, so sometimes it's better to turn it off.

Owners of sound cards based on HDA (High Definition Audio) in the settings can perform calibration of the recorder. Do not ignore this possibility if you want to get a quality sound.

And most importantly - no microphone will be able to transmit a qualitative sound over Skype, if the speed of the Internet is not enough.