Student Jacqueline with Samson G-Track Pro USB Microphone
An external microphone can really help with your online music lessons. No matter what instrument you play or if you sing, having that microphone will always give you much better quality than the built-in microphone in your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Types of Microphones for Live-streaming or Videoconferencing
There are so many different types of microphones that it can be easy to get lost in the search for what you truly need. In this article we simplify the selection process by recommending to you the easiest to use and most compatible microphones for your device.
Since most of our lessons are held via Zoom videoconferencing, we recommend products that work with with the Zoom platform. A microphone that is fairly quick and easy to connect to your device and that provides a high quality capture of your audio is what will help with a smooth setup for your lessons.
Samson G-Track Pro
The Samson G-Track Pro USB microphone is so versatile for computer audio recording and live-streaming/videoconferencing. Not only does it capture your voice or instrument with the grille, but it can also accept an instrument or backing track plugged into it. You can also monitor your audio using headphones. This microphone is both an audio recording interface and mixer at the same time. For only $99 USD, it’s a great buy!
RØDE Wireless GO II
There’s a reason we recommend going with the GO II rather than just the set with one microphone. This is so that we can use one voice or instrument into one of the microphones and the backing track or another instrument into the other one. Another option is to use both microphones to capture the same audio and have them act as backups for each other in case there is some kind of interference or audio dropout, which can happen with any piece of technology. This microphone can be worn as a lavalier microphone or used as an input device for another microphone to plug into it.
BONUS: Using an Audio Interface, Stand-alone Microphone, and an Audio Effects Unit
Once you really get the hang of using microphone for your online music lessons and performances, you will appreciate the flexibility and creativity in an audio interface, a stand-alone microphone, and an audio effects unit!
Audio Interface
One of the easiest to use audio interfaces is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. It has two inputs, so you can plug in your voice and another instrument if you wish. It integrates very well with all kinds of recording software and digital devices from Mac OS to Windows OS to iOS to ChromeOS.
Stand-alone Microphone
There are so many microphones out there, and one versatile one is the AKG P420. With 3 pickup patterns and a warm reproduction, the AKG P420 is a workhorse that is priced much lower than most microphones with its features.