Microphone and Skype Compatibility

External microphones boost Skype audio quality.

Skype provides a cheap and often free way to converse with friends, colleagues, and clients. Any microphone can be used with Skype--even your computer's internal microphone.

External Microphones

Microphones are not all created equal, and some Skype customers complain that its platform doesn't work with their computer's internal microphone. This is one good reason to purchase an external microphone. Microphones as low as $20 can be suitable for your Skype calls, and products with a USB connection are also available. Keep in mind that this is one of the instances that you truly get what you pay for. A $100 microphone will probably offer you better sound quality than a $30 microphone.

Microphone Placement

You can place a microphone on a stand, desk or attached to a headset, but be aware of how far you are away from the microphone because this too can affect sound quality. Microphones that can be clipped onto your collar are also available.

Skype Audio Quality

Skype sells an audio headset microphone for under $30, which it says offers high quality calls every time. Whether you use a Skype microphone or another external microphone, keep in mind that although your voice will sound much better, the audio quality of the person you're speaking to will also depend upon the type of microphone he's using.

References

• Skype Community Forum: Why does Skype Kill my internal mic?
• CNET Reviews: Microphones

Resources

• Skype: Help