We understand that capturing clear audio is crucial for getting the most out of Beam Notes. While your device's built-in microphone often works well, certain situations can benefit significantly from an external microphone. This guide provides insights and examples of microphones that other partners have found helpful in various scenarios.
Why Consider an External Microphone?
External microphones aren't a one-size-fits-all solution, but they can address specific audio challenges that may arise when using Beam Notes.
What Microphones Can Help With:
- Reducing background noise: Ideal for busy environments like hospitals, where ambient sounds can interfere with clear audio capture.
- Improving audio quality: Can enhance the sound from devices with lower-quality built-in hardware, such as older mobile phones.
- Capturing audio in group settings: Excellent for group or hybrid meetings (e.g., CPCs) where multiple participants need to be heard clearly.
- Enabling hands-free work: Useful in certain setups (e.g., OTs) where users need to operate hands-free.
What Microphones Can't Solve:
- Simultaneously reducing background noise and capturing multi-participant audio: These are often conflicting functionalities.
- Overcoming physical barriers: Microphones cannot "hear through" obstructions like Perspex partitions (e.g., in justice settings).
- Functions native to conferencing tools: Features like temporary participant silencing are controlled by applications like Teams or Google Meet, not external microphones.
- Fixing hardware without underlying audio capture capabilities: If a device doesn't have the basic ability to record audio, a microphone won't help.
Understanding Microphone Types
Microphones generally fall into two main categories based on their primary function:
- Noise Cancellation (Isolating): These microphones are designed to minimize background interference and focus on the individual speaker's audio. They are commonly seen in lavalier (lapel) form.
Audio Boosting (Enhancing): These microphones amplify audio from low-volume sources that might be missed by less sensitive mics. They are often used in conference environments to capture voices from around a room.
Examples of Microphones Found Helpful by Other Partners
The following microphones have undergone basic internal testing at Beam. It's important to consider your specific needs to determine the most suitable option.
Group Format
| Microphone | Best For | Comments | Price |
|
Jabra Speak2 75 ★★★★★ |
Group hybrid / in-person meetings |
|
£199.99 [Amazon] |
|
Anker Conference Speaker ★★★★ |
Group in-person meetings |
|
£79.99 [Amazon] |
One-to-one Format
| Microphone | Best For | Comments | Price |
|
Hollyland Lark C1 ★★★★★ |
Mobility |
|
£69.99 [Amazon] |
|
Sony ECM-LV1 ★★★★ |
Ease of use with close range audio capture |
|
£28.00 [Amazon] |
|
Olympus ME-52 ★★★★ |
Ease of use with close range audio capture |
|
£30.00 [Amazon] |
|
Samson Go ★★★ |
Laptop based meetings |
|
£34.99 [Amazon] |
How to Choose the Right Microphone
To help you select the most suitable microphone, consider the following questions:
- What is the primary use case for the practitioner? (e.g., individual dictation, small group discussion, large meeting capture)
- What hardware does the microphone need to be compatible with? (e.g., specific mobile phone models, laptops)
- Are there limitations on wireless vs. wired connectivity? (e.g., preference for mobility, need for reliable connection)
Is audio capture done on the move or from a static location? (This refers to movement during a meeting, not between different meetings.)
Important Considerations for Hardware Sourcing
Choosing the right audio hardware can be complex, and while we can share what has worked for others, we are not expert consultants in this area. Any hardware suggestions should be considered examples of microphones that have been found helpful by other partners, rather than formal recommendations.
Our Guiding Principles for Hardware:
- One-Time Sourcing: We can assist partners with sourcing hardware on a one-time basis by purchasing it on your behalf and then charging you.
- Inventory Control: Beam does not control hardware inventory and cannot be an ongoing hardware partner.
- Cost-Plus Basis: If we source hardware for you, we will do so on a cost-plus basis, meaning a small fee will be added to the cost of the hardware.
Beyond External Microphones: Optimising Audio Capture
Even without an external microphone, there are simple yet effective ways to improve audio capture using your existing devices:
📍 Positioning & Placement
- Hard, flat surface: Place your device on a hard, flat surface to prevent sound absorption or distortion.
- Centrally located: Keep the device as central as possible with the audio input pointed towards as many speakers as you can.
- Equal distance: Try to have all speakers at roughly the same distance from the microphone to avoid exaggerated volume differences.
🔊 Audio Settings & Connectivity
- Turn off notifications: Disable device notifications or mute their sounds to prevent interruptions during calls or recordings.
🧪 Software & Firmware
- Built-in echo reduction: Test if features like echo reduction in tools like Teams, Zoom, or Google Meet are impacting your audio capture.
- Regular updates: Ensure your device's firmware is regularly updated to maintain compatibility with Beam Notes and other hardware.
💡 Turn Off, Then On...
While it sounds cliché, a simple restart can sometimes resolve unexpected audio issues!
If you've explored all these options and still encounter persistent audio challenges, please reach out to your Beam contact. We're here to help you get the best possible experience with Beam Notes.
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