Why Boom-Arm Headset Microphones Are The Best Choice for Your Classroom

Choosing the right microphone is essential for keeping students engaged, and for teachers, durability and ease of use are just as important, as classroom equipment often endures heavy use by active students. Built-in and lapel microphones may offer perceived convenience, and in the case of some built-in microphones, additional durability, but this comes with a cost. Boom arm microphones offer better sound quality, noise isolation, and consistency, resulting in stronger classroom communication. They’re also durable enough for daily classroom use, making them the best choice for students and teachers. 

Here are the microphone types we'll be covering in this article:

Built-In Microphones are integrated directly into the headset eliminating the need for an external attachment. These microphones are convenient and can sometimes reduce the risk of damage but may not offer the best voice isolation in noisy settings. These microphones are located either in-line on the cable or as nubs on the earcup.

In-Line Microphones are small, built-in microphones integrated  into the cable of a headset, earbuds, or headphones, typically (but not always) positioned near the mouth.

Lapel Microphones are small, clip-on mics that attach to clothing. They provide hands-free operation and are useful for teachers or students who need to move around while speaking. However, they may pick up more background noise than other options.

Boom-Arm Microphones are attached to an arm extending from the headset, positioning the microphone closer to the mouth. This design improves voice clarity and background noise reduction.  Cyber Acoustics headsets have two distinct types of boom-arms suited for your personal preferences. The 5000 series is rigid for a more fixed position, while the 6000 series boom-arm is flexible for easy adjustments.

Read on for 5 reasons boom microphones are always the best choice.

1. Audio Quality

Built-In and Lapel Microphones

Built-in and lapel microphones often have limited placement and smaller diaphragms, resulting in muffled or inconsistent audio. Lapel mics, while portable, can pick up rustling noises from clothing or movement. In-line microphones, positioned along the headset cable, are particularly prone to inconsistent sound capture, as they shift with movement and can be obstructed by clothing or accidental contact. These factors make it harder for students and teachers to communicate effectively in virtual or hybrid learning environments.

Boom-Arm Microphones 

On the other hand, boom arm microphones offer precise positioning near the speaker's mouth, minimizing background noise and delivering clear, consistent vocal clarity. This is critical for engagement and comprehension in classrooms.

3. Voice Volume Consistency

Built-In and Lapel Microphones:

Headsets with smaller, immobile, or nub-like built in microphones struggle capturing sound directionally, often leading to inconsistent volume levels.  Lapel microphones can shift position as the user moves, causing fluctuations in audio clarity. In-line microphones introduce an additional challenge, since they are attached to the cable, they can swing or shift unpredictably, making the speaker’s volume inconsistent. These factors make it difficult for listeners to hear a steady and clear voice.

Boom-Arm Microphones:

Boom arm microphones, especially those that are flexible for optimal placement, maintain a fixed position once the desired placement is achieved, providing consistent volume and clarity regardless of movement—essential for effective communication in educational or professional settings.

5. Durability

Built-In and Lapel Microphones

Smaller, non-traditional built-in microphones and lapel microphones are often integrated for convenience but aren’t up to the task of daily use in classrooms. Lapel mics, for example, are at increased risk of cable wear due to constant clipping and unclipping. In-line microphones, integrated directly into the cable, are one of the most vulnerable components of a headset. Not only because of cable movement, but also due to frequent twisting and fidgeting by children. This repeated bending and pulling can weaken internal wiring, leading to microphone failure over time. Built-in microphones positioned on the earcup may have fewer moving parts, which can improve durability against general wear, but these headsets are still susceptible to damage from drops or impacts.

Boom-Arm Microphones

Boom-arm microphones may seem less durable, but Cyber Acoustics boom-arm mics are built to last.  While concern about the reliability of moving parts on equipment used by children is entirely valid, the main durability issues with headsets usually stem from wear on the cables, headband, or earcups, not the microphone itself. That’s why our headsets are made for the toughest environments, featuring flexible, durability-tested headbands and reinforced plugs that stand up to daily use. Plus, our ultra-durable, nylon-braided TuffCord cables resist tangling, flexing, and even chewing!

2. Noise Isolation

Built-In and Lapel Microphones

Non-traditional built-in microphones, in-line microphones, and lapel microphones are less directional and farther from the speaker’s mouth, leading to increased background noise. Lapel mics and in-line mics are particularly susceptible to picking up environmental sounds and movement noise, and can rustle against clothing or surfaces, introducing unwanted noise. These limitations reduce sound quality in busy or noisy classrooms.

Boom-Arm Microphones 

Boom arm microphones are built for directional focus, meaning they are designed to capture sound primarily from a specific direction—in this case, from the speaker's mouth. This feature allows the microphone to isolate the speaker’s voice and significantly reduce ambient noise, resulting in clearer communication, even in the noisiest classroom settings. 

4. Suitability for Clear Communication

Built-In and Lapel Microphones

These microphone styles often struggle to capture speech with precision, which can impact comprehension in activities like language learning, speech therapy, or virtual lessons. Lapel microphones may pick up excessive background noise, while in-line microphones suffer from placement inconsistencies, causing sudden drops in audio clarity if the user moves or the cable shifts.

Boom-Arm Microphones 

Headsets with adjustable directional microphones have higher audio quality, capturing speech more clearly and accurately. This makes them the best choice for effective communication in classrooms or remote learning environments.

Cyber Acoustics Tip

When adjusting your microphone’s boom arm, always remember to position the microphone in front of your mouth, at a distance no closer than two finger widths. Placing the mic too close can result in distorted voice audio, muffling or popping sounds, while positioning it too far away may lead to a weak or inconsistent audio signal.

With all these features, our boom-arm designs provide excellent voice audio without sacrificing long-term reliability.

Headsets with built-in microphones in the earcup may have fewer moving parts, but the advantages of a directional boom-arm microphone far outweigh this durability factor, and provide clear, focused communication in any classroom setting.

Summary

Teachers need durable, easy-to-use equipment that can withstand daily use by active students, but they also need a headset that delivers reliable performance. Boom arm microphones offer the best sound quality, noise isolation, and consistency, making them the best choice for maintaining clear communication in the classroom. 

For headsets and headphones that can withstand the rough and tumble of daily use, all while providing crisp, clear sound, check out our classroom-tested options.