Which microphone do you use?

[jeremyfritzen]

After having tested my installation (proof of concept), I noticed that the cheap microphone I got has a very low quality. It's actually not usable at all (almost can't hear anything but noise). It was this one.

Which microphone do you recommend to use?
Of course, I am looking for something as cheap and little as possible.

Thank you!

[bryanberger]

@jeremyfritzen Some people had luck returning that microphone over-and-over to Amazon until they get a replacement that works better.

I've seen people recommend this condenser mic on other threads: Samson-Mic-Portable-Condenser-Microphone but it is much larger and more expensive.

You might also have better luck with a gooseneck, omnidirectional, or lavalier mic.

You can also adjust the input/output gain of your microphone from the raspberrypi by typing in alsamixer into the console and adjusting your mic.

It will look something like this:

I personally use an old Blue Yeti that I had laying around (totally overkill for this, but delivers excellent audio. I just run a usb extension and mount it under the crib)

[jeremyfritzen]

Thanks, it helps pretty well!
I already tried to adjust the input/output gain but it doesn't change anything...

By the way, did you change the project a little bit in order to be notified where there is some noise?

[bryanberger]

@jeremyfritzen no, I just leave it on all the time on an iPad, since I use a good quality mic, I can hear a pin drop -- no need for notifications.

[jeremyfritzen]

Indeed, pretty convenient ^^

[ivadim]

Hi @jeremyfritzen
I've tried several cheap mics from amazon and made return some of them due to high level of noise and some because they didn't work at all. Right now I use this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XU1GHO4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

What I actually noticed, noise comes not from the mic itself but from PSU (power supply unit) and better the power device you have less noise you hear. So I had problems like you when I used cheap charger from aliexpress. I switched later to one from my router and noise level went significantly down (but still exists).

Additionally, make sure your PSU has Ferrite filter: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrite_bead . This should reduce static noise level as well. And I'm going to merge #22 , hope it will help

[ivadim]

I merged #22 and it looks like helped a lot. I would appreciate if you can test it 🙇