Positioning of the microphone type

Speaking distance

As a rule of thumb, the nearer a speaker is to the microphone, the higher the speech intelligibility. For this reason, gooseneck microphones are optimal from an acoustic point of view. They position the microphone capsule close to the speaker and at the same time provide excellent orientation.

While boundary microphones do not quite achieve the excellent acoustic properties of gooseneck microphones, they can be positioned extremely inconspicuously. Thanks to their small size and appropriate colors, these microphones can be integrated into any room. Due to the so-called boundary effect, the signal picked up by the microphone capsule is amplified on the surface (e.g table or ceiling panel). This compensates for some of the distance to the speaker.

One microphone for each speaker

Ideally, each speaker will use a dedicated microphone. This ensures the best possible alignment and distance to the speaker at all times. The directivity can also be made narrower to minimize lateral noise and acoustic reflections. This ensures the highest speech intelligibility.

“Shared mics” – several speakers share a microphone

One microphone per speaker is ideal, but for many applications one microphone for two people is sufficient. In this case, you should select a microphone with a wide enough apex angle for the recording. This allows the microphone to pick up both speakers when installed centrally in front of them.

Typical table shapes – U, round, long tables, rows

Different microphones can be selected depending on the arrangement of the tables in a room. With a small, round table, for example, an omni-directional microphone (shown as a blue circle) is sufficient to pick up all meeting participants evenly. For rows of tables, directional microphones (shown as a semicircle) are more suitable, as they minimize the sound from the back and sides. In long meeting rooms with long tables, a combination of directional and omni-directional microphones can be a solution.

Speaker in sitting position

For meetings in which speakers are seated, planning is straightforward, as the distance to the microphone can be easily estimated or measured. The microphone is simply placed on the table in the direction of the speaker.

Speaker standing

In the case of presentations at a lectern, speakers are usually standing. Here the distance between the lectern and the speaker’s mouth is similar to that when sitting. In courtrooms, speakers often stand, while the table in front of them is usually at “normal” height. In this case, long gooseneck microphones should ideally be used to ensure proximity to the speaker.