Tabletop microphone?

[Will Clegg]

Hi everyone,

One of my clients is purchasing some new audio gear, and one suggestion I had was to get a tabletop microphone. We record a number of meetings between educators, usually between three and ten people per meeting, and it is often a struggle to pick up everyone at the table. I was wondering if anyone had a good suggestion for an omndirectional mic that could be good for this sort of scenario. We typically record straight into a camera or with a Zoom H4n (XLR output would be preferred). Thanks for your help!

 

[David W. Jones]

Maybe a PZM.

 

[Will Clegg]

Thanks, David. Maybe something like this??: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/389916-REG/Audio_Technica_U841A_U841A_Unipoint_Microphone.html

I should have pointed out too - the lower the profile, the better.

 

[JordanBlock]

My go to PZM is the PZM30D. For larger meetings, two of them spaced out on the table might be better. Mix it in post to prevent the mic further from the active speaker from messing with the stronger signal from the closer mic.

 

[Will Clegg]

Thanks, Jordan.

 

[davefisk]

I was also going to suggest a PZM. The only problem I've had using them on tables is if you have someone how fiddles around with papers, pens, or their hands, or pound on the table, the mic can pick all that up.

 

[JordanBlock]

To cut down a little on the table noise, you can stick the pzm on top of a mousepad (Do they still make those?) or some of that crafting foam stuff you get at places like Michael's. It's not a perfect solution, but it works to cut some footstep noise when you're using the PZMs at the front of a stage in a theater.