Selecting the Right Microphones for Your Commercial AV Setup

Boardroom with microphones showing. Learn which are the best microphones for boardrooms at CenturyAV.com.

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Microphones play a pivotal role in delivering a seamless audio-visual experience. Because of this critical role, choosing the right microphones for your AV setup can be the difference between crystal-clear communication and frustrating interference. 

Whether you’re equipping a corporate boardroom, a lecture hall, or a public address system, the key to success lies in understanding your space, the application, and (of course) your audience needs. 

In this article, we’ll discuss the essential factors to consider when selecting microphones. After all, ensuring that your AV setup is optimized for clarity, reliability, and longevity is important to get right at the beginning.

Why Microphone Selection Matters in AV Setups

Sound clarity is crucial in professional environments. The right microphone ensures that everyone hears and understands the message without distractions. Poor microphone choices lead to issues like feedback, distorted audio, and reduced productivity. By selecting the appropriate microphone for your specific application, you enhance the user experience and maintain professionalism during meetings and presentations.

Understanding the Types of Microphones

A variety of dynamic and condenser microphones. Learn more at CenturyAV.com.
Various style of microphones

There are various types, styles, brands, and models of microphones. For most business purposes, a dynamic microphone will be the best choice (if there’s background noise, like for a paging system in a warehouse or retail environment). However, there are specific applications where a different type or style of microphone would be the more appropriate choice. Let’s review the types and their best use cases.

Dynamic Microphones

A stylish Shure dynamic microphone. Image by Jeremy Shantz of Hyperwave.Media. Learn more about the best microphones for business at CenturyAV.com.

A Shure stylish dynamic microphone. Image courtesy of Hyperwave Media.

Dynamic microphones have been around for a long time. One of the earliest known examples is a patent from 1877 by German engineer Ernst Werner von Siemens. Recognize the last part of his name? (1)

A used Sennheiser dynamic microphone. Image by Jeremy Shantz of Hyperwave.Media. Learn more about commercial microphones at CenturyAV.com.

A well-used Sennheiser dynamic microphone. Image courtesy of Hyperwave Media.

Dynamic microphones are best suited for high-noise environments. These durable microphones do not require external power, making them ideal for public address systems and live events where ruggedness is essential.

Condenser Microphones

A typical professional condenser microphone. Image by Jeremy Shantz from Hyperwave.Media.

A condenser microphone. Image courtesy of Hyperwave Media.

Condenser microphones are the ones you see in movies and videos in sound booths. They are used for recording everything from vocals to instruments and drums. However, they are highly sensitive, so they typically require a soundproof environment like that of a recording studio vocal booth or similar location where little to no background noise or echo occurs. (2)

Condenser microphones excel in controlled, low-noise settings such as a sound booth. They are very sensitive and capture highly detailed sounds, making them a popular choice for boardrooms, teleconferences, and recording setups.

Lavalier (Clip-On) Microphones

A typical professional lavalier microphone. Image by Jeremy Shantz from Hyperwave.Media.

A Tascam lavalier microphone and recorder. Image courtesy of Hyperwave Media.

Lavalier mics come in a variety of types, from those that include a recorder (like in the image above) to those that have a wireless transmitter, like those used for live events. Along with having a nice variety of makes and models, they also go by several different names, including the following: (3)

  • Lav mic
  • Lav
  • Lapel mic
  • Clip mic
  • Body mic
  • Collar mic
  • Neck mic
  • Personal mic

Lavalier microphones offer a hands-free solution for presenters. Discreet and easy to use, they are perfect for conferences, live events, and video content where speakers need mobility. The Tascam lav mic in the image above includes a recorder. For live-streaming events, you can get a lav mic with a wireless receiver.

Boundary Microphones

A typical boardroom boundary microphone. Learn more about the best microphones for business at CenturyAV.com.

Boundary microphones are designed for group discussions and large tables. They capture sound from a wide area, making them ideal for boardrooms and panel meetings where multiple speakers are present.

Odd Use Case You Didn’t Expect

Have you ever been to a hockey game? Arenas often use a particular style of mountable boundary microphone to attach to the glass to get those deep sounds when a player checks another into the boards. (4)

Four Factors to Consider When Choosing Microphones for Your AV Setup

  1. Room Size and Acoustics

The size and acoustics of a room significantly impact microphone performance. Larger rooms may require multiple microphones or more powerful options to cover the space effectively. To address echo and reverberation, consider acoustic treatments or microphones designed to minimize these issues.

  1. Microphone Placement

Proper microphone placement is essential to avoid feedback and interference. Position microphones to capture sound effectively while minimizing background noise. Ensure cables are neatly managed to maintain a clean, professional setup.

  1. Purpose and Use Case

Define the primary application for the microphone. Are you setting up a teleconference system, a public address setup, or an interactive display? Match the microphone type to its intended use to ensure optimal performance.

  1. Compatibility with Existing AV Equipment

Ensure the microphones you choose are compatible with your current AV system. Check connectivity options—wired or wireless—and verify that mixers, amplifiers, and speakers support the selected microphones. If you aren’t sure, give us a call or send us a message, and our AV experts can point you in the right direction.

Wireless vs. Wired Microphones: Which Is Right for You?

Advantages of Wireless Microphones

Wireless microphones can offer your team flexibility and mobility for presentations. They eliminate cable clutter and have significantly improved their ability to reduce signal interference in recent years.

Challenges of Wireless Microphones

Wireless systems can experience signal interference and require battery management. While wireless mic systems offer convenience, they may not be the best choice for every setup, especially if reliability is a top priority.

When to Choose Wired Microphones

Wired microphones provide a reliable connection, making them suitable for stationary setups. They require less maintenance and are generally more budget-friendly than wireless options.

How to Maintain Your Microphones for Longevity

Cleaning and Storage Tips

Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can impact audio quality. Store microphones in a protective case to prevent damage and extend their lifespan.

Regular Maintenance Checks

Conduct periodic sound checks to ensure consistent performance. Identify wear and tear early to avoid unexpected issues during use.

Replacing Components

Replace microphone cables, batteries, and other components as needed. If a microphone shows signs of degradation, consider upgrading to maintain sound quality.

Trends in Microphone Technology for AV Systems

Beamforming Microphones

Beamforming technology enhances audio clarity by focusing on sound from specific directions. This technology is becoming increasingly common in modern boardrooms and AV setups.

AI-Powered Microphones

AI-powered microphones automatically reduce background noise and adjust sound settings for optimal clarity. They offer future-proof solutions for AV systems, adapting to changing environments and needs.

Making the Final Decision: Choosing the Right Microphone Setup

Consider your room size, intended use, and compatibility with existing equipment. Consulting with an AV professional can ensure you make a cost-effective and future-proof choice that meets your business needs. If your business is in Southern Ontario, our team of professionals at Century AV can help. Contact us today for help with selecting the right equipment for your audio-visual needs.

Sound Decisions Lead to Success

Your choice of microphones can make or break the effectiveness of your AV setup. By selecting the correct type of microphones for your environment and application, you ensure that your audio-visual systems deliver the clarity, reliability, and professionalism your business needs. Century AV is here to support you every step of the way, from selection to maintenance, ensuring your AV solutions perform flawlessly for years to come.

Article Sources

  1. “The History of Moving Coil Dynamic Microphones from the Shure Archives.” 2021. Shure.com. 2021. https://www.shure.com/en-US/insights/the-history-of-moving-coil-dynamic-microphones-and-artifacts-from-the-shure-archives.
  2. RØDE Microphone. 2022. “What Is a Condenser Microphone and When to Use One | RØDE.” Rode.com. August 2, 2022. https://rode.com/en/about/news-info/what-is-a-condenser-microphone-and-when-to-use-one.
  3. To Contributors. 2006. “Microphone That Attaches to Clothing.” Wikipedia.org. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. April 27, 2006. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lavalier_microphone.
  4. “Reddit – Dive into Anything.” 2025. Reddit.com. 2025. https://www.reddit.com/r/audioengineering/comments/1eynfjj/what_are_boundary_mics_good_for/.

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