Not all microphones are designed for classrooms. If yours is losing connection mid-lesson, picking up rustling from your clothing, or dying before lunch, you’re well aware of that.
The best classroom microphones are the ones we don’t notice—the ones that work reliably in the background, actively preventing the pitfalls that get in the way of learning, such as…
Mic Batteries Die Before the School Day Is Over
Look for a microphone with at least 8–10 hours of battery life and fast-charging capabilities. Rechargeable models with docking stations are the best way to go if you want to make sure your microphone will always be ready for use.
Background Noise Makes It Hard for Students to Hear
If What? is the question your students ask most, clarity is likely a problem—and that could stem from a microphone picking up unwanted sounds like moving clothing, student chatter, and HVAC noise. A microphone with directional audio pickup and built-in noise cancellation will amplify the speaker’s voice and nothing else.
Unstable Wireless Connections
Devices are everywhere, and those nearby can interfere with your connection, causing wireless microphones to desync or experience dropouts. To maintain a stable connection, choose a microphone with interference-resistant signals and automatic frequency hopping to ensure uninterrupted performance in tech-heavy environments.
Sound Fluctuates When the Speaker Moves Around
Some microphones struggle with inconsistent audio levels, making voices sound muffled or robotic whenever the speaker moves. Automatic voice leveling ensures clear, natural sound regardless of movement. Even better if you have it integrated with a system like ezRoom with speakers overhead.
Microphones Feel Bulky or Uncomfortable
Some microphones are unpleasant to use all day. Look for lightweight, ergonomic designs such as clip-on, pendant or headset options that allow for flexibility and comfort throughout the school day.
Muting and Unmuting Take Too Much Effort
Fumbling with a mute button mid-lesson can be frustrating. The best microphones have intuitive, easily accessible mute controls. Some even include auto-mute functions when the microphone is set down, eliminating unnecessary interruptions.
Lagging Audio Disrupts the Flow of Discussions
Audio latency—a noticeable delay between speaking and hearing the amplified sound—can make classroom interactions awkward and hard to follow. Look for low-latency microphones that provide real-time audio transmission to keep every conversation smooth and engaging.
Setup Takes Too Much Time and Energy
Choose a plug-and-play system with automatic pairing that works right out of the box. Reliable options require minimal adjustments and don’t need frequent reconfiguration.
A Lack of Reliable Customer Support
Poor customer service can leave schools without functioning equipment for extended periods. Make sure yours comes with responsive troubleshooting, easy replacements, and extended warranties to minimize downtime and ensure long-term reliability.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) Compatibility
Even with a high-quality classroom microphone, students with hearing impairments or auditory processing challenges may still struggle to hear clearly. Assistive listening devices (ALDs) can integrate with classroom microphones to distribute sound to personal receivers for students who require direct audio input.
- Wireless transmission systems include teacher-worn microphones that amplify and evenly distribute sound throughout the classroom. Some systems allow direct audio input for students who need personalized amplification.
- Induction loop systems work with hearing aids and cochlear implants to deliver sound directly to students’ ears, minimizing background noise and enhancing speech clarity.
- Infrared systems provide secure, interference-free audio transmission that’s ideal for single-room applications.
FrontRow Juno, ezRoom and UNITY all include ALD-ready microphones.
What Do Classroom Microphones Provide?
For Educators: Clear, Hands-Free Teaching
- Pendant microphones offer complete mobility while providing even sound distribution throughout the classroom.
- Headset microphones keep the microphone close to the mouth, preventing voice fluctuations as the teacher moves around.
- Handheld microphones are great for occasional amplification, presentations, or guest speakers, but don’t make sense for full-day use.
For Students: Enhanced Engagement and Confidence
- Individual student microphones provide consistent voice clarity for even the quietest students, as well as those with hearing difficulties.
- Pass-around microphones encourage classroom discussions and ensure all students are heard clearly, which is especially beneficial in larger rooms or when students are seated at a distance.
- Tabletop microphones can be useful for group work, capturing multiple voices at once while intelligently filtering out background noise.
For the Whole Classroom: Balanced Sound
- Noise suppression and feedback reduction eliminate background distractions and prevent audio feedback, keeping lessons clear and focused.
- Multi-microphone pairing allows teachers and students to use multiple microphones simultaneously, ensuring smooth transitions between speakers and making group discussions and student participation seamless.
- Automatic voice leveling keeps voices clear and consistent, even if the speaker moves around or turns away. This ensures every student hears the lesson at the same volume, no matter where the teacher is standing.
Choosing the Right Connection
Selecting the right microphone connection ensures consistent performance without unnecessary disruptions. Each type has its strengths, depending on the classroom setup and teaching needs:
- Infrared (IR) microphones don’t require pairing, reducing the chance of de-syncing issues. Modern IR setups with ceiling-mounted receivers provide stable coverage, but their range is typically limited to a single room.
- Radio frequency (RF) microphones work well in larger spaces and can cover greater distances, though they require more setup and may experience interference from other wireless devices.
- Bluetooth microphones are simple to pair and integrate easily with interactive displays and video conferencing. However, their range is more limited, and they may be affected by interference in tech-heavy classrooms.
- Wired microphones offer a stable connection with no risk of dropouts or interference, but they limit mobility and may not be practical for teachers who move frequently during lessons.
Seamless integration with existing classroom technology is also key. The best microphones should connect easily with speakers, interactive panels, and remote learning platforms. Features like automatic gain control (AGC) help maintain clear and consistent volume levels, while digital signal processing (DSP) enhances overall audio clarity.
Microphones Designed for the Classroom
Educators need microphones to deliver clear, reliable audio without interruptions. Boxlight classroom microphones are meticulously designed to do just that. Let’s find the right fit for your classroom.