Tag Archives: Mic

MECA 3-in-1 webcam addresses the biggest pains in video meetings

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Video meetings, virtual conferences, and online classes have become pretty normal these days, even as the world tries to return to its usual patterns. But while apps and programs have been upgraded to adapt to these new standards of remote communication, hardware has inched very little over the past two years. Camera and microphone quality have improved, of course, but everything else seems to have remained the same. In the rush to prepare for work from home settings, many people have resigned themselves to webcams that came with their laptops or cheap accessories they could easily get their hands on. Many of these could be considered passable or even decent, but this multi-functional webcam goes the extra mile to solve one of the biggest problems with video chats: making eye contact.

Designer: Jeremy Qin

Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $149 (21% off). Hurry, only 12 left!

When the first webcams were designed, their purpose was significantly simpler than what we need today. It didn’t matter much which part of your face other people were seeing, mostly because video chats and meetings were uncommon until recently. But with these meetings becoming more regular and “Zoom fatigue” becoming a thing, people have realized the psychological impacts of seeing people without actually being near them. And in particular, they have realized how eye contact is just as important in conveying respect and confidence in a virtual chat as it is in face-to-face meetings.

Unfortunately, not all webcams are actually designed to put your eyes front and center, which is where MECA comes in. Right off the bat, this accessory that you can clip on top of any monitor is an all-in-one solution to video conferencing so that you won’t need anything else other than your computer. Although it’s formally called a webcam, it also has a built-in mic to handle your voice, as well as an adjustable lamp light to put yourself in the best light.

You can select the brightness or warmth of the light using a single button on the left side of the main body. The right side has a button for turning the mic on or off, and it comes with an indicator to show which state it’s in. MECA is actually very privacy-friendly in this way, offering clear cues when particular hardware is in use. The camera, for example, also has a small light when it’s actively recording, reminding users when they need to turn off the camera later on.

MECA’s real pull, however, is how the camera isn’t actually part of the webcam’s clip-on base. You can pull it down so that it is level with your eyes so that you won’t have to adjust your face just to make it look like you’re staring straight at other participants in the call. The camera has a non-slip pad on its back to make sure it doesn’t slide on your monitor, but to be doubly sure that it stays put, MECA comes with double-sided tapes you can use to stick it to your screen. These tapes are also guaranteed not to leave any residue or damage the screen when you take them off. For laptop users, there’s a magnetic attachment you place behind the screen to keep the camera in place without using adhesives.

MECA’s simple design makes it easy to carry around and clip onto any kind of screen, including curved monitors. A Full HD camera, three light temperatures, and easy-to-use controls help to make you look and sound good, reducing the stress of these meetings. For just $119, you’re not only getting a complete video conferencing solution in a single package; you’re also getting the confidence boost you need to look sharp and professional in any meeting.

Click Here to Buy Now: $119 $149 (21% off). Hurry, only 12 left!

The post MECA 3-in-1 webcam addresses the biggest pains in video meetings first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Hand Desk Mic is meant to be held like a hairbrush

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Hand Desk Microphone

Enough pretending that your roller hairbrush is a mic when you can have a real one. But hey, the classic microphone design may be intimidating but not this Hand Desk Mic.

What you see is a mic you can use on your desk for whatever purpose. It works with your computer, smartphone, or tablet for when you want to make calls or do video chats. It’s something you can hold in the same way you’re holding an actual mic or if you’re really conservative—like a hairbrush.

Designer: Hélène Bert

Hand Desk Mic Design

Hand Desk Mic Design

The Hand Desk Mic is designed for fun. You can say it’s a novelty item that can make things at home or in the office more fun and exciting. It is shaped like a hairbrush with its thick head. There are horizontal slots The part where you hold the mic is where you can also find the record button and a knob for volume control and power.

This Hand Desk Mic comes in two colors: Dark Gray and Light Gray. However, we think it will look great in other fun colors that kids can also use it. Designed by Hélène Bert, this desk microphone is from someone whose background is industrial design.

Hand Desk Mic Concept

Notice the simplicity of the form and the lines. It’s minimalist, although we wish it has some sort of a stand. We understand it’s meant to be held, but it will be better if it has a place to rest when not in use. We’re not sure if this is rechargeable, but there’s an image with a cable, so it may be good for charging.

Hand Desk Mic Specs

There are plenty of desktop mics available, and we remember some interesting designs. The Desk Microphone Concept can save space in your work area. There’s another one that takes on the classic shape of a radio.

That Pac Man-inspired USB Mic looks cool as its rests snugly on top of your monitor. We also love that Portable Podcasting Microphone that folds up into a baton. During the early days of the pandemic, we thought the Rode NT USB was really cool and could be the best budget mic for podcasting.

Perhaps the Mike 226 can be another winner for better visuals and audio. There’s also that Logitech Streamcam-inspired Podcast Mic that we thought can be a must-have for every influencer’s desk setup. And like these mics previously listed, the Hand Desk Mic’s design is straightforward so we know this can be a bestseller if it finally hits production and the market.

Hand Desk Mic Features

The post This Hand Desk Mic is meant to be held like a hairbrush first appeared on Yanko Design.

DJI’s pocketable microphone system is tailored for content creators on the move

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DJI is renowned for its drone products with a successful foray into action cameras and gimbal cams too. Now Chinese technology company wants to try its hand at audio tech too with debut of the first dedicated audio recording gear. Taking a leaf out of Apple’s success handbook, the DJI Mic is looking to attract vlogging, podcast, and content creation individuals. The Apple association comes to my mind from the wireless charging case the microphone system comes in which is similar to the AirPods or other wireless earbuds on the market.

Although the size comparison is unjust, this is a good start for such a product given the need for content creators to formulate professional omnidirectional audio sans all the clutter. The bulky case (compared to the standard earbuds case) holds two wireless microphones (clip-on mics) which pair with a universal receiver for easy handling. Two mics because you’ll come across situations where one mic will not be enough, for example, while recording one-on-one interviews.

Designer: DJI

Connectivity to this useful gadget is going to be important, hence, it is compatible with USB-C, Lighting, or the trusted 3.5mm jack. Each one of the wireless mics weighing 30 grams has a battery life of 5.5 hours which can be further extended to a total of 25 hours which is quite impressive. The red cherry on top is the 8GB of built-in storage in each of the clip-on mics which equates to almost 14 hours of recording done at 24-bit/48 kHz quality. The microphones come with a range of 250 meters in direct line of sight, so vlogging is going to be rather fun with the DJI Mic.

Options with the pocketable microphone system include audio adjustments from -12dB to +12dB and variable gain control and input/output sensitivity toggle. There’re included two furry windscreens to eliminate noise as the audio needs to be crystal clear even on a blustery day. The niche gadget is compatible with DJI OM 5 and Action 2 cam which is understandable. Both the receiver and the two mics are auto paired by default, and when placed back in the case they’ll reconnect.

This interesting audio recording system can be bought right away for a price tag of $329, and is majorly targeted toward professional content creators who will take the convenience of compact recording equipment without a doubt. The long-distance range of the DJI Mic is one advantage that’ll make it an irresistible prospect indeed.

The post DJI’s pocketable microphone system is tailored for content creators on the move first appeared on Yanko Design.

This smart assistant with a microphone is here to be an assistant content creator while you multitask!

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A personal assistant is one gadget that has the potential to change life on an everyday scale. Right from giving you the information you asked for, playing music when you’re feeling blue, turning on the lights to a specific hue in your living room, or doing some 50 random tasks you have in a day! Meet Miko, the portable smart assistant that does more than its intended function. Created by industrial designer Vandana Bhanushali, the smart device doubles as a microphone for content creation!

Miko has cardioid microphones to pick up the voice in real-time and amplifies the sound. This means we can use the cheeky little gadget for anything from small rallies, office meetings, live performances to even karaoke nights with buddies. Don’t mistake Miko for any ordinary mic, as it can address a room filled with 60 people in crystal clear vocals or audio. Even better, the gadget can be used in one of the two modes – either as a handheld mic or as a detachable lavalier clip mic. There’s a pin on the base mic that keeps it charged, and this base mic is further amped via the main dock. So as soon as we pick up the mic from the dock, it sets into action the voice amplification. This function makes the little gadget perfect for podcast creators or video content makers. Plus, the attractive design is well thought out to appeal to the next-gen crowd.

When you don’t require the mic or amplification, the cute little speaker turns to the task of being a smart assistant. For sure, this gadget is something unique amongst the very predictable products out there. However, Miko has the potential to get past the concept stage, and content creators will already be eying this gadget with keenness.

Designer: Vandana Bhanushali

This Logitech StreamCam inspired podcast mic is every influencer’s desk setup essential!

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If you’re planning on taking the advantage of live streaming platforms or the growing fad for podcasting; you need a decent microphone that offers top-notch audio and looks incredible on the desktop. Logitech already has a StreamCam to let you take your content and passion to the next level – thanks to its blissful appearance, pristine image quality and versatile mounting options. Now a designer has conceptualized a microphone that would complement the Logitech StreamCam not just in appearance but in quality and connectivity as well.

Take your live streaming and podcasting to a new high with Logitech StreamMic Concept, which is conceived specifically for gamers, podcasters, and streamers in search of a professional-quality desktop microphone that Logitech would approve of. As the appearance gives out, the StreamMic is truly inspired by the aesthetics of the Logitech StreamCam and fits its design language through form, material, and simplicity. The microphone here is dressed in a similar monochrome theme with inviting fabric covering the sensitive innards. Fascinatingly, the conceptual design, in addition to sounding great would provide versatility so you can concentrate more on your content or gameplay, and leave the rest for the StreamMic to handle. For enhanced freedom, the microphone comes on a tripod-like base with pivoting legs. The mic itself can rock back and forth to ensure more than one user – sitting across from each other – can use it simultaneously.

The aesthetics and versatility are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to performance. The StreamMic must check the other boxes of audio quality and StreamCam-like USB for connectivity if it must make it to the mainstream someday. Hence, it also comes with USB-C jack for computer input as well as a 3.5 mm jack for real-time listening. With the smooth plastic and woven fabric design, this is visually one accessory you would want on your desk when broadcasting live!

Designer: Akshay Bhurke

Blue’s Yeti X microphone comes with everything you need to sound like a pro

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Blue's microphones have been a popular choice for podcasters and live streamers for years, mostly due to their plug-and-play ease of use. Now the company is aiming to make things even easier with its latest USB mic: the Yeti X. The new $169.99 option...

Logitech’s G Pro X headset helps you sound like a pro streamer

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After teasing it earlier this week, Logitech has now revealed its new gaming headset, designed to help you sound like a professional streamer. The G Pro X marks the debut of Blue VO!CE software, which includes a suite of real-time mic effects that wi...