Microphone for Dell laptop

Annie1960

I have a new Dell laptop. It has one USB port, and 2 SS USB ports.
I'm looking for a plug-in microphone for zoom, skype etc.
Any recommendations on a microphone or brand of microphone? Presumably I don't need an omnidirectional one?  What other features should I look for or avoid? 
When I get one, do  I plug it into the USB drive or one of the SS USB drives, or does it matter?
Thanks in advance for any light you can shed on this.

DiddyDavies

Doesn't the laptop in question doesn't already have a built in mic? as every laptop I've owned in the past has always had one.
I have this one for my desktop:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TKGOU-USB-PC-Microphone-Microphones/dp/B07D561S67/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=microphone+laptop+usb&qid=1603978412&sr=8-3&th=1
and haven't found any problems with it.

Annie1960

DiddyDavies said:

Doesn't the laptop in question doesn't already have a built in mic? as every laptop I've owned in the past has always had one.
I have this one for my desktop:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TKGOU-USB-PC-Microphone-Microphones/dp/B07D561S67/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=microphone+laptop+usb&qid=1603978412&sr=8-3&th=1
and haven't found any problems with it.

Yes of course it has one, but my set-up is that I want the laptop a little further away from where I'm sitting, so I need a separate mic that I can have nearby.

Neil_Jones

Annie1960 said:

DiddyDavies said:

Doesn't the laptop in question doesn't already have a built in mic? as every laptop I've owned in the past has always had one.
I have this one for my desktop:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/TKGOU-USB-PC-Microphone-Microphones/dp/B07D561S67/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=microphone+laptop+usb&qid=1603978412&sr=8-3&th=1
and haven't found any problems with it.

Yes of course it has one, but my set-up is that I want the laptop a little further away from where I'm sitting, so I need a separate mic that I can have nearby.

You can increase the gain on the microphone settings which make it more sensitive to noise and it may be able to pick you up.  Or you could just talk louder

[Deleted User]

I assume you use the speakers on the laptop to listen to the audio and if so standalone microphones can be terrible for causing echo or feedback on video / audio calls. They also pick up vibrations / knocks and bangs on your desk unless really well isolated (expensive).

Personally I'd suggest getting a USB headset with microphone or for ultimate flexibility a Bluetooth / wireless headset / mic so you are not tied to your PC. This way they sound goes straight in your ears and isn't picked up as echo / feedback by the microphone, additionally the microphone is really close to your mouth and provides a clearer output with less background noise in ratio to your voice.

neilmcl

As above, for Zoom, Skype etc, you'd be better offer with a pair of headphones/earphones with built in microphone. USB is fine but I'd go for wireless.

These are good as are these in terms of sound quality.

Annie1960

[Deleted User] said:

I assume you use the speakers on the laptop to listen to the audio and if so standalone microphones can be terrible for causing echo or feedback on video / audio calls. They also pick up vibrations / knocks and bangs on your desk unless really well isolated (expensive).

Personally I'd suggest getting a USB headset with microphone or for ultimate flexibility a Bluetooth / wireless headset / mic so you are not tied to your PC. This way they sound goes straight in your ears and isn't picked up as echo / feedback by the microphone, additionally the microphone is really close to your mouth and provides a clearer output with less background noise in ratio to your voice.

Can you recommend specific ones?

Annie1960

neilmcl said:

As above, for Zoom, Skype etc, you'd be better offer with a pair of headphones/earphones with built in microphone. USB is fine but I'd go for wireless.

These are good as are these in terms of sound quality.

Thanks. If I'm going down this route, I'd prefer headphones as I don't like things in my ears.

Any suggestions?

Were_Doomed

No specific recommendation but you can pay as much or as little as you want. (Amazon UK link)

Annie1960

I've been having a look at reviews. I'm unclear whether to go for 'over-ear' or 'on-ear'. What's the difference? Pros and cons?

Quorden

Good explanation here; https://www.coolblue.nl/en/advice/on-ear-versus-over-ear-headphones.html