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Best Conference Microphones for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: January 12th, 2024

🎤These days, virtual meetings are a big part of how we work. So, having a good conference microphone is really important. Whether you’re talking with a small team or a whole boardroom, the right mic can make a big difference in how well everyone understands each other.

We’ve pulled together this guide to help you find the best conference microphones for all sorts of needs and budgets in 2024.

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Overall Best: Sennheiser MKE 600

Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone with Auray Universal Shock Mount and Windshield, XLR

The Sennheiser MKE 600 emerges as the overall best choice for conference microphones in 2024. Priced at around €299, this microphone offers professional-grade audio quality, making it ideal for video conferencing, webinars, and even YouTube recordings. One standout feature is its excellent noise rejection, ensuring clear and uninterrupted audio even in challenging environments. Additionally, its built-in shock mount minimizes handling noise, providing a seamless experience. If you’re looking to invest in a microphone that delivers reliability and top-tier sound, the Sennheiser MKE 600 should be your go-to.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$359.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Sennheiser MKE 600 Microphone? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Can the Sennheiser MKE 600 be used for recording vocals and instruments?

Hey there! The Sennheiser MKE 600 is a pretty adaptable microphone and can definitely be used for recording vocals and instruments. It's mainly designed as a shotgun mic, which is great for picking up clear sound from a specific direction. One cool feature it has is a switchable low-cut filter. This helps clear out unwanted low-frequency noises, like background hums or wind noise, so your recordings come out nice and clear. From what we've found, people like the MKE 600 because it does a good job of reducing ambient noise while keeping your main audio crisp. Its unidirectional design and low-cut filter work together to focus on sound from the front and ignore the noise from the sides or behind. This setup is super handy when you're recording in noisy places and want clean vocals or instruments. Professional reviews also mention its great sound quality, noting that it captures a full, natural sound and cuts out a lot of background noise. This is especially important if you're looking to get detailed vocal tones or instrumental clarity. The MKE 600 is pretty flexible too, whether you mount it on a camera, stick it on a boom pole, or use it handheld. Its sturdy build and useful low-cut filter make it a go-to for anyone into videography or audio recording, whether you're a pro or just starting out. Even though it's often marketed for video and field recording, it does a good job with vocals and instruments, especially when you need to keep environmental noise in check. Its quality and versatility are why it’s got such positive feedback!

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What is the battery life of the Sennheiser MKE 600?

If you're wondering about the battery life of the Sennheiser MKE 600, it’s actually pretty strong. This shotgun microphone can be powered either by phantom power or a single AA battery. From what we've found, the AA battery option can last for days, which is super handy if you’re out shooting and don't have access to recharge easily. The MKE 600 is versatile when it comes to recording, doing a good job of picking up sound from the front and cutting out noise from other directions. It's a solid choice for use with camcorders and video DSLRs, especially in tricky audio environments.

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How does the Sennheiser MKE 600 compare to the Rode VideoMic?

When you're looking at the Sennheiser MKE 600 and the [Rode VideoMic](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Drodevideomic%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), it really comes down to what you need for your video projects since both have their own strengths. **Design and Build Quality** The Sennheiser MKE 600 is a shotgun mic known for being very versatile. It’s good at picking up sound from right in front of it while cutting out background noise from the sides and back, at least according to the manufacturer. This makes it handy for video shoots when you want audio to be nice and clear, whether it’s sitting on your camera or on a boom pole. Plus, it's pretty solid and reliable from what our research says. On the flip side, the [Rode VideoMic](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Drodevideomic%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) series is known for being small and light, which is perfect if you’re doing handheld or fast-paced shooting. Rode seems to have nailed the balance between staying portable and still offering decent sound, so it's great for solo creators and vloggers. **Sound Quality and Performance** Based on our research, the MKE 600 is great for getting pro-style audio, especially when you need to keep background noise under control. Its focus on picking sound from directly in front helps make the audio crisp, which is super important for video work. The Rode VideoMic also delivers good sound but tends to be easier to use and more versatile. It’s a go-to if you're not an audio whiz but still want clear sound. It works well in different settings without much fuss. **Battery and Setup** The Sennheiser MKE 600 gives you the option of using phantom power or AA batteries, which is pretty flexible depending on how you’re shooting. This is useful on longer shoots where you need to manage power. Meanwhile, the Rode VideoMic usually runs on a standard battery, which makes for quick setup changes and means you don’t need extra gear like a phantom power supply. That’s handy for beginners. **Price and Value** Price-wise, the Sennheiser MKE 600 tends to be more expensive than most Rode VideoMic models. But if you need top-notch audio and your projects need that professional sound quality, it might be worth the extra cost. In the end, both microphones have something to offer. If your focus is on getting high-quality audio in more controlled environments, the MKE 600 is a great pick. If you need something portable and easy to handle, the [Rode VideoMic](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Drodevideomic%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) could be the way to go. According to our research, both have earned positive feedback for their specific strengths, providing great value for what they’re meant to do.

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Runner-up: Røde Podmic

Rode PodMic Cardioid Dynamic Broadcast Microphone, Black

The Røde Podmic is an impressive runner-up thanks to its remarkable sound quality and affordability. At just €99, this microphone delivers performance that far exceeds its price point. It's a perfect choice for video conferencing, webinars, and even podcasting. The Røde Podmic’s sturdy build and excellent audio clarity make it ideal for users who want high-quality sound on a budget. It’s a versatile option that doesn’t compromise on quality, offering fantastic value for both professional and personal use.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$99.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Anker PowerConf S500

Anker PowerConf S500 Speakerphone with Zoom Rooms and Google Meet Certifications, USB-C Speaker, Bluetooth Speakerphone for Conference Room, Conference Microphone with Premium Voice Pickup

For those on a tight budget, the Anker PowerConf S500 is a fantastic pick without compromising on essential features. Priced accessibly, this microphone offers 360-degree voice pickup, effective noise reduction, and Bluetooth connectivity, making it perfect for both small and mid-sized meetings. Its compact design and user-friendly setup make it a convenient choice for those who need a portable and efficient solution. The PowerConf S500 combines affordability with functionality, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$219.99 at Amazon

Best for Zoom Calls: Jabra Speak 510 MS Bluetooth Speakerphone

Jabra Speak 510 MS Wireless Bluetooth Speakerphone with Link 370 USB Adapter - Black Skype Optimized + Link 370 (USB Dongle) Speak 510

The Jabra Speak 510 MS Bluetooth Speakerphone is our top recommendation for Zoom calls. Known for its superior sound quality and 360-degree microphone coverage, it ensures that everyone in the room is heard clearly. It’s compatible with major Unified Communications (UC) platforms, which means seamless integration into your existing tech setup. Its portability and easy setup make it ideal for frequent Zoom users, ensuring crisp, high-quality audio for any virtual meeting environment.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$85.00 at Amazon

Best for Large Conference Rooms: ClearOne Ceiling Mic Array

For larger conference rooms, the ClearOne Ceiling Mic Array stands out as the optimal choice. This microphone provides comprehensive 360-degree voice coverage and is specifically designed to minimize background noise and reverberations. Its sleek, discreet design allows it to integrate seamlessly into any conference room aesthetic, while its compatibility with various mixers and systems ensures top-notch audio quality for large meetings and boardroom discussions. If you need reliable, high-quality sound for extensive spaces, the ClearOne Ceiling Mic Array is unmatched.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer

$489.00 at Amazon

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