Question: When is it best to use gooseneck microphones for meeting and presentation rooms?

Answer: Last week we began our series of meeting and presentation microphones with boundary microphones, and this week we’ll look at gooseneck microphones. Microphones such as the U857Q are standard in meeting spaces, boardrooms, and conference rooms around the world. Gooseneck microphones are chosen over boundary microphones when there are paper or other things that may block the source (someone’s voice) from effectively getting to the microphone. Placement of the microphone element in relation to the source is part of a good sound equation. For example, gooseneck microphones allow the user to move the microphone element closer to their mouth, resulting in the best, clear, and transparent audio pickup. This is usually the microphone of choice when different presenters may be speaking, allowing each user to move the microphone for their specific needs. Gooseneck microphones come in a variety of lengths ranging roughly from 6 to 24 inches.

gooseneck microphones for meeting roomsSome of the UniPoint gooseneck microphones, like the U857QL, offer interchangeable capsules, which allow you to change the polar pickup pattern. In most cases, a standard directional cardioid pickup pattern is used, but hypercardioid, omnidirectional, and Audio-Technica’s tight UniLine capsules are also offered. The UniLine pickup pattern, used in the U857QLU and some other goosenecks, has a tight 90-degree acceptance angle, similar to having a line and gradient (aka shotgun) pickup. This is helpful when focusing the pickup to a specific area and may be used to help combat feedback through the audio system. Additionally, the contractor exclusive Engineered Sound series goes one step further with lower-profile elements and even more features.

Gooseneck microphones are often attached to a podium, installed in a table, or plugged into a microphone base such as the AT8666RSP. Similar to the boundary microphones we covered in last week’s post, gooseneck microphones may also be used with Dante™ Networks by plugging into an ATND8677 on a surface. Gooseneck microphones like the ES931PMML are designed to not only be installed right side up, but also mounted on a wall or even a ceiling.

Gooseneck microphones are also included with discussion systems designed for boardrooms or meeting spaces in which multiple participants need to have their own microphones. The Audio-Technica ATUC-50 Digital Discussion System utilizes gooseneck microphones that are plugged into a unit in front of each user. Each discussion unit base offers a built-in speaker and allows the user to press a talk button to turn the microphone on/off or send a request to talk. The ATUC-M43H and ATUC-M58H microphones include an integrated LED ring which can indicate when the microphone is active to speak. You may learn more about this system in this video.

Audio-Technica gooseneck microphones feature a rugged design, great audio quality and are available in a variety of lengths with some offering interchangeable elements. Feel free to contact our Audio Solutions Department to inquire about gooseneck microphone options and see which will best suit your needs.