Omni directional microphones are versatile tools that can be used in a variety of settings to capture sound from all directions. These microphones are particularly useful for recording interviews, group discussions, and live music performances. They are also commonly used in video production to capture ambient sound and dialogue.
When shopping for the best omni directional microphone, it’s important to consider factors such as sound quality, durability, and compatibility with your recording equipment. Additionally, the size and shape of the microphone may be important depending on the intended use. For example, a smaller microphone may be more appropriate for use in a crowded interview setting, while a larger microphone may be better suited to capturing sound from a live performance.
We tested several omni directional microphones to identify the best options for a variety of recording scenarios. Our top picks offer superior sound quality, durability, and versatility, making them ideal for a range of recording situations. Whether you’re a professional audio engineer or a hobbyist podcaster, our recommendations will help you capture high-quality sound with ease.
Best Omni Directional Microphones
If you are looking for a microphone that can capture sound from all directions, then an omni directional microphone is the way to go. These microphones are perfect for recording interviews, podcasts, and live performances where you need to capture the ambient sound of the environment. In this article, we have compiled a list of the best omni directional microphones available on Amazon. These microphones have been selected based on their sound quality, durability, and overall performance. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list and find the perfect microphone for your needs.
Executive Communication Systems Conference Microphone
If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile conference microphone, the Executive Communication Systems Conference Microphone is a great option.
Pros
- Offers excellent audio clarity for recording meetings, interviews, lectures, and public hearings.
- Features full 360-degree omni-directional sound pickup for maximum coverage.
- Built-in echo cancellation and noise reduction ensure clear and crisp audio.
Cons
- The microphone’s range is limited to around five feet, so it may not be suitable for larger conference rooms.
- It doesn’t come with a stand, so you’ll need to purchase one separately if you don’t have one already.
- Some users have reported that the microphone’s cord is a little short, which can be inconvenient in certain situations.
This conference microphone is a great choice for anyone who needs to record audio in a variety of settings. It’s easy to use and provides clear and accurate sound, even in noisy environments.
The microphone’s 360-degree omni-directional sound pickup means that it can capture audio from all directions, making it ideal for group discussions and meetings. And with its built-in echo cancellation and noise reduction, you can be sure that your recordings will be clear and easy to understand.
One thing to keep in mind is that the microphone’s range is limited to around five feet. This means that it may not be the best choice for larger conference rooms or other settings where you need to record audio from a greater distance.
Overall, the Executive Communication Systems Conference Microphone is a reliable and versatile option for anyone who needs to record audio in a variety of settings. Whether you’re recording an interview, a lecture, or a public hearing, this microphone is sure to provide you with clear and accurate sound.
JLab Epic Talk USB Microphone
If you’re looking for a professional-quality USB microphone for podcasting, voiceovers, music recording, or even ASMR, the JLab Epic Talk USB Microphone is a great choice.
Pros
- Features four directional pattern modes: Cardioid, Omni, Stereo, and Bidirectional
- Offers a professional-quality resolution of 192kHz/24BIT
- Plug and play, allowing you to record within seconds
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues with the volume control
- The 5-foot USB/USB-C input cable may be too short for some users
- The microphone is relatively heavy, weighing 1.32 pounds
The JLab Epic Talk USB Microphone is a versatile and easy-to-use microphone that offers great sound quality and a range of directional pattern modes to suit your needs. With its plug and play design, you can start recording within seconds, and the microphone’s 192kHz/24BIT resolution ensures that your recordings are clear and detailed.
One of the standout features of the JLab Epic Talk USB Microphone is its four directional pattern modes, which include Cardioid, Omni, Stereo, and Bidirectional. This makes it a great choice for a wide range of recording situations, from individual or business calls to voiceovers, podcasting, music recording, and even ASMR.
While the JLab Epic Talk USB Microphone is generally easy to use, some customers have reported issues with the volume control and the 5-foot USB/USB-C input cable, which may be too short for some users. Additionally, the microphone is relatively heavy, weighing 1.32 pounds.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality USB microphone that offers great sound quality and a range of directional pattern modes, the JLab Epic Talk USB Microphone is definitely worth considering.
J K MIC-J 044 Lavalier Lapel Clip On Omni-Directional Condenser Microphone Compatible with Shure Wireless Transmitter
If you’re looking for a discreet and affordable microphone that provides good audio quality, the J K MIC-J 044 might be worth considering.
Pros
- Sweat and dust-proof design makes it suitable for indoor and outdoor activities.
- Omni-directional condenser microphone provides professional vocal pickup and pristine audio quality.
- Mini XLR TA4F connector is compatible with a range of wireless microphone systems.
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with feedback and poor sound quality in certain situations.
- The foam cover is prone to falling off and getting lost.
- The microphone may not be as durable as more expensive models.
The J K MIC-J 044 is designed for broadcasters, TV presenters, lecturers, musicians, actors, singers, and anyone who needs a hands-free microphone that’s minimally visible. Its sweat and dust-proof construction makes it suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, and its omni-directional condenser microphone provides professional vocal pickup and pristine audio quality.
One potential downside of the J K MIC-J 044 is that it may not perform as well in certain situations, such as when there’s a lot of background noise or when the speaker is moving around a lot. Some users have reported issues with feedback and poor sound quality in these situations.
Another potential issue is that the foam cover that comes with the microphone is prone to falling off and getting lost. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re using the microphone in a busy environment where it’s easy to misplace small items.
Finally, while the J K MIC-J 044 is an affordable option, it may not be as durable as more expensive models. If you’re looking for a microphone that will last for years and can withstand heavy use, you may want to consider investing in a higher-end model.
Overall, the J K MIC-J 044 is a solid choice for anyone who needs a discreet and affordable microphone that provides good audio quality. If you’re looking for a hands-free microphone that’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this might be the right option for you.
Sony ECM-44 Omni-Directional Electret Condenser Wired Lavalier Microphone
The Sony ECM-44B lavalier microphone is an affordable option for those looking for exceptional quality electret condenser microphones.
Pros
- The microphone has an omnidirectional polar pattern, which means it can pick up sound from all directions, making it perfect for recording interviews or speeches.
- It comes with an AA battery power supply and XLR connector, making it easy to connect to a wide range of devices.
- The microphone is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and use on the go.
Cons
- The microphone is not compatible with phantom power, which may limit its versatility for some users.
- Some users have reported issues with the clip popping off during use, which can be frustrating.
- The microphone may not be ideal for recording in noisy environments, as it is not particularly sensitive.
In summary, the Sony ECM-44B lavalier microphone is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly, high-quality microphone for recording interviews or speeches. Its omnidirectional polar pattern, AA battery power supply, and compact size make it a versatile and convenient choice. However, it may not be the best option for recording in noisy environments, and some users have reported issues with the clip popping off during use.
Xvive LV2 Professional Omni-Directional Lavalier Microphone
If you’re looking for a professional, high-quality lavalier microphone, the Xvive LV2 is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The omnidirectional capsule captures audio with impressive clarity and the ultra-small size allows for discreet placement.
- The foam pop shield is supplied to minimize wind noise and vocal plosives, and a small pouch is included for storage and transport.
- The 3.5mm TRS jack enables compatibility with a broad array of equipment.
Cons
- Some users have reported that certain frequencies are completely flat and require careful adjustment of the transmitter and receiver volume.
- The microphone may not be compatible with all devices, so be sure to check before purchasing.
- The sound quality may not be as good as some higher-end microphones.
The Xvive LV2 is a wearable miniature professional lavalier microphone that features a locking 3.5mm connector for Xvive wireless audio systems. It’s a small omni-directional clip-on microphone for speech and vocal applications, featuring high speech intelligibility and easily attaches to any clothing.
The microphone comes with a foam pop shield to minimize wind noise and vocal plosives, and a small pouch for storage and transport. The 3.5mm TRS jack enables compatibility with a broad array of equipment, making it a versatile choice for a variety of applications.
While some users have reported that certain frequencies are completely flat and require careful adjustment of the transmitter and receiver volume, overall the Xvive LV2 is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality lavalier microphone.
Sennheiser Professional ME 2 Small Omni-directional Lavalier Microphone
If you’re looking for a high-quality lavalier microphone that offers exceptional speech intelligibility, the Sennheiser Professional ME 2 Small Omni-directional Lavalier Microphone is a great choice.
Pros
- The universal clip-on design makes it easy to attach this microphone to any type of clothing.
- With its omnidirectional polar pattern, this microphone is ideal for a wide range of speech and vocal applications.
- The matte black surface of this microphone gives it a sleek and subtle appearance.
Cons
- The jack on this microphone is proprietary, which means you may need to purchase an adapter if you want to use it with certain devices.
- Some users have reported that the cable on this microphone is prone to tangling.
- This microphone is somewhat expensive compared to other lavalier microphones on the market.
The Sennheiser Professional ME 2 Small Omni-directional Lavalier Microphone is ideal for anyone who needs a high-quality microphone for speech and vocal applications. The universal clip-on design makes it easy to attach this microphone to any type of clothing, and the omnidirectional polar pattern ensures that it captures sound from all directions. Additionally, the matte black surface of this microphone gives it a sleek and subtle appearance.
If you’re looking for a lavalier microphone that offers exceptional speech intelligibility, the Sennheiser Professional ME 2 Small Omni-directional Lavalier Microphone is a great choice. With its high-quality electret condenser and lightweight fastener, this microphone is perfect for use with a wide range of wireless transmitters. However, it’s important to note that the jack on this microphone is proprietary, which means you may need to purchase an adapter if you want to use it with certain devices. Additionally, some users have reported that the cable on this microphone is prone to tangling, so you’ll need to take care when storing and transporting it. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sennheiser Professional ME 2 Small Omni-directional Lavalier Microphone is a top-quality product that is well worth considering if you need a reliable and high-quality lavalier microphone.
Tetra-Teknica Essentials Series Lavalier Lapel Clip-on Omni-Directional Microphone
If you need a compact and easy-to-use lavalier microphone for ENG, EFP, or DSLR video applications, the Tetra-Teknica Essentials Series Lavalier Lapel Clip-on Omni-Directional Microphone is a good choice for you.
Pros
- The omni-directional polar pattern captures sound accurately and naturally.
- The microphone is less susceptible to wind noises and vocal pops than cardioids microphones, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
- The pack includes one tie-clip and two windscreens, making it easy to store.
Cons
- The microphone is not for direct use with mixers, camcorders, or smartphones.
- The output impedance is 1K Ohm + 30% (at 1KHz), which may not be ideal for some users.
- The microphone may require plug-in power, which may not be available on some devices.
This microphone is optimized to accurately capture speech, making it perfect for interviews, presentations, and other applications where clear and natural sound is important. The included components are extremely compact and easy to store, making it a great choice for on-the-go recording.
The omni-directional polar pattern makes this microphone less susceptible to wind noises and vocal pops than cardioids microphones, making it suitable for indoor or outdoor use. However, it is not recommended for direct use with mixers, camcorders, or smartphones. The output impedance may also not be ideal for some users.
Overall, if you need a compact and easy-to-use lavalier microphone for ENG, EFP, or DSLR video applications, the Tetra-Teknica Essentials Series Lavalier Lapel Clip-on Omni-Directional Microphone is a good choice for you.
Samson UB1 USB Boundary Microphone
If you are looking for an affordable and durable USB boundary microphone with an omni-directional polar pattern, the Samson UB1 is a great choice for conference rooms, classrooms, meeting spaces, and home offices.
Pros
- The low-profile design of the UB1 allows it to be placed on a conference table, podium, or altar without being too conspicuous.
- The UB1 features plug-and-play connectivity for easy setup on both Mac and Windows computers without installing any drivers.
- The omni-directional polar pattern picks up sound 360° around the microphone, ensuring that everyone in the room is heard clearly and intelligibly.
Cons
- The sensitivity of the UB1 is a bit lower than some users would like.
- Some users have reported that the microphone stopped working after a few months of use.
- The included USB cable is only 10 feet long, which may be too short for some setups.
The Samson UB1 is a great choice for anyone who needs an affordable and durable USB boundary microphone for video or web conferencing. The low-profile design of the UB1 allows it to be placed on a conference table, podium, or altar without being too conspicuous. The plug-and-play connectivity makes it easy to set up on both Mac and Windows computers without installing any drivers. The omni-directional polar pattern picks up sound 360° around the microphone, ensuring that everyone in the room is heard clearly and intelligibly.
One of the main advantages of the UB1 is its durable die cast construction with reinforced steel grill. The neoprene rubber pad added to the bottom of the unit helps to reduce unwanted pick-up noise. The keyhole mounting points allow for easy mounting of the UB1 on a wall or ceiling. The UB1 works great with video and web conferencing software such as Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, and Google Chat.
However, some users have reported that the sensitivity of the UB1 is a bit lower than they would like. Additionally, some users have reported that the microphone stopped working after a few months of use. The included USB cable is only 10 feet long, which may be too short for some setups.
Overall, the Samson UB1 is a great choice for anyone who needs an affordable and durable USB boundary microphone for video or web conferencing.
OLYMPUS ME33 Table Top Conference Meeting Omni-Directional Microphone
If you’re looking for a reliable and scalable boundary microphone, the Olympus ME33 is a solid option that can record voice at a distance, making it ideal for meetings and conferences.
Pros
- Omnidirectional microphone
- Record from a distance
- Scalable
Cons
- Requires a device that provides 1.5 to 5 volts of power to work
- Not ideal for outdoor use or recording large groups
- Some users reported compatibility issues with certain devices
This microphone is designed to work with a professional voice recorder, and it’s purpose-built to clearly record voice at a distance. Its omnidirectional polar pattern makes it easy to capture sound from all directions, and its scalable design allows you to daisy chain multiple microphones together for larger conference rooms.
While the Olympus ME33 is a great option for recording meetings and conferences, it does require a device that provides 1.5 to 5 volts of power to work, which may limit its compatibility with some devices. Additionally, it may not be ideal for outdoor use or recording large groups, as some users have reported issues with picking up ambient noise or distant voices.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and scalable boundary microphone for recording meetings and conferences, the Olympus ME33 is a solid choice that delivers clear and accurate sound.
Sound Tech CM-1000 (Pack of 2) Table Top Conference Meeting Microphone with Omni-Directional Stereo 3.5mm Plug & Audio Splitter
If you’re searching for a microphone to use in a conference meeting, then the Sound Tech CM-1000 might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The audio clarity is excellent, making it easy to hear everyone in the room.
- It has daisy chain capability, allowing you to connect multiple microphones together.
- The full 360-degree omni-directional feature ensures that everyone in the room can be heard.
Cons
- The cables are a bit flimsy and short, which can be inconvenient.
- Some users have reported that the microphone doesn’t work well in larger rooms.
- The included Y-splitter may not work with all devices.
The Sound Tech CM-1000 is a great option for those looking for a microphone for conference meetings. With its excellent audio clarity and full 360-degree omni-directional feature, you can be sure that everyone in the room will be heard. Additionally, its daisy chain capability allows you to connect multiple microphones together, making it perfect for larger meetings. However, the cables are a bit flimsy and short, so you may need to purchase longer cables separately. Additionally, some users have reported that the microphone doesn’t work well in larger rooms, so keep that in mind when considering this product. Overall, the Sound Tech CM-1000 is a solid option for those in need of a conference meeting microphone.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best omni directional microphone, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Polar Pattern
The polar pattern of a microphone refers to the directionality of the microphone’s sensitivity. An omni directional microphone picks up sound from all directions equally, making it a great choice for recording ambient sound or group conversations. If you need to record sound from a specific direction, consider a directional microphone instead.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a microphone refers to the range of frequencies it can pick up. Look for a microphone with a wide frequency response if you need to record a variety of sounds, such as music or nature sounds. If you only need to record speech, a narrower frequency response may be sufficient.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a microphone refers to how well it can pick up quiet sounds. If you need to record sounds that are far away or very quiet, look for a microphone with high sensitivity. However, be aware that high sensitivity can also pick up unwanted background noise.
Noise Reduction
Noise reduction is an important feature to consider if you need to record in a noisy environment. Look for a microphone with built-in noise reduction technology or consider purchasing a separate noise reduction filter.
Connectivity
Consider the connectivity options of the microphone. Does it connect via USB, XLR, or another type of cable? Make sure the microphone is compatible with your recording device.
Size and Weight
Finally, consider the size and weight of the microphone. If you need to travel with the microphone, look for a lightweight and compact option. If you plan to use the microphone in a stationary location, a larger microphone may be more appropriate.
In summary, when choosing the best omni directional microphone, consider the polar pattern, frequency response, sensitivity, noise reduction, connectivity, size, and weight. By evaluating these factors, you can select a microphone that meets your specific recording needs.
Aaron Smith is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
