10 Best Security Microphones & Their Reviews For 2021
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Security is vital for survival, and adding an audio aspect to your security application can be a great help in many cases, and this is where a security microphone finds use.
Eyes have blind angles but ears don’t and so sound carries a lot of “concealed” information that can’t be found in images or videos.
Security is crucial for our homes, loved ones, businesses, and so many other places, therefore security microphones become an integral part of our life as they serve a multitude of purposes.
Some important characteristics to be taken into consideration for selecting the right microphone as a security microphone are not all the same.
Sensitivity is defined by the electrical output of the microphone when exposed to a certain sound pressure level of which 94 dB is the standard SPL.
Frequency response on the other hand is defined by the lowest and the highest frequencies that the microphone responds to when receiving the sound.
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Last update on 2021-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 Best Security Microphones Reviewed
Below is a list of the 10 best security mics and their reviews.
1. Two-Wire Surveillance Mic for Motorola
- Heavy Duty Construction
- 12 Months Warranty.
- Excellent Audio Quality, Rugged Construction.
- Transmit and receives,
Last update on 2021-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
One of the best surveillance microphones includes a Two-Wire Surveillance Mic for Motorola.
It transmits and receives signals very smoothly with a negligible disturbance which serves the core necessity of using a security microphone.
It has a soft and skin-friendly material that provides utmost comfort for long-time wear making it easy to use and handle with no irritation.
It comes with a lapel PTT with an inline PTT/microphone and metal clip which conforms to durability.
It’s a super flexible PU cable reinforced with Kevlar for maximum durability and comfort.
It’s compatible with Motorola 2 Pin models and the CP series which includes CP100, CP110, CP125, CP150, CP185, CP200, CP200D, and CP200XLS.
It’s also compatible with the CLS series which includes CLS1110 and CLS1410, DTR series which includes DTR410, DTR550, DTR650, DLR1020, DLR1060.
Others are the RDX series which includes RDU2020, RDU2080, RDU4100, RDU4160D, RDV5100, RDV2020, RDV2080D.
The RM series includes RMU2040, RMU2043 (Canada), RMM2050, RMU2080, RMU2080D, RMV2080, and the Latin America series which includes DEP450, EP350, EP450, EP150, RVA50, and VLR150.
Pros & Benefits:
- Heavy-duty construction, Kevlar reinforced
- 12 months warranty
- Excellent audio quality, rugged construction
- Transmits and receives
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2. Motorola 1518 Surveillance Headset with PTT Mic
- Packaging Contents: 2 headsets, 2 bonus earplug inserts
- FRS/GMRS Headset
- Compatible with T2xx, T4xx, T6xx, T8xx Talkabout Radios
- Discrete way to speak and listen.
Last update on 2021-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Motorola Surveillance Headset with Push-To-Talk microphone is great for hidden or stealth missions, allowing discreet operation of most Motorola Talkabout Two-Way Radios.
A clear earpiece and coiled cord provide a snug, comfortable fit – even under a motorcycle helmet.
It also reduces device visibility and gives a professional touch while hunting, attending a theme park, or coordinating a wedding.
The 1518 Surveillance Headset delivers crisp, clear sound even in noisy places and it’s got a comfortable wireless fit.
The best part is that no setup is needed, just plug into your two-way radios and enjoy.
The PTT microphone can be easily attached to your clothing and hidden with a clip accompanying it.
The Motorola Surveillance Headset with PTT Microphone is single-pronged and works with all Motorola Talk about FRS/GMRS radios capable of using a headset.
It’s compatible with T2xx, T4xx, T6xx, and T8xx Talkabout Radios.
Pros & Benefits:
- Comfortable fit and wireless
- Flexibility and durability
- No setup required
- Excellent audio quality
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3. CCTV Microphone Security Outdoor Microphone
- BEST CCTV MICROPHONE FOR SECURITY CAMERA ON THE MARKET - This security microphone for CCTV security camera is...
- AUDIO MICROPHONE HAS Qualitative Preamplifier used to increase a microphone's low output voltage to a stronger...
- SURVEILLANCE MICROPHONE HAS High gain and auto level adjustment + sensitivity adjustment. Qualitative elements and...
- THE SUPER HIGH GAIN micro audio system has power DC 6 - 12V, 13 inches cable attached to the 3 connectors. Low...
- SURVEILLANCE DVR MICROPHONE - PERFECT GIFT IDEA. What are You waiting for? Click the Add to Cart Botton to Order...
Last update on 2021-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This security mic for CCTV security cameras is compatible with all the devices that accept AV input, like DVR, TV, VCR, and any low-frequency amplifiers.
This surveillance microphone has high gain and auto level adjustment plus sensitivity adjustment.
Audio microphones have qualitative preamplifiers used to increase a microphone’s low output voltage to a stronger usable level.
It has a high sensitive audio sound pick up and the CCTV DVR audio microphone is guaranteed to work more than 5,000 hours.
The super high gain micro audio system has power DC 6 – 12V and a 13 inches cable attached to the 3 connectors.
This is compatible with both residential and professional surveillance equipment.
The high sensitivity detector makes this CCTV outdoor microphone perfect for recording even the slowest or quietest audible disturbance with low noise, or high-fidelity.
You can connect the audio cable 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 to your microphone resulting in the clearest sound with your system.
All you need to do is to protect them from rain or snow and they’ll work fine.
Pros & Benefits:
- Provides wider compatibility
- High sensitive audio sound picks up
- The microphone is guaranteed to work more than 5,000 hours
- Higher frequency response
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4. Cobra GA-SV01 Surveillance Headset Microphone
- WATERPROOF (IP54 standard): Protected against dust and water splashed from all directions
- Compatible with all Cobra micro Talk radios
- COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with all Cobra MicroTalk 2-way radios
- HIGH QUALITY ACOUSTIC TUBE: Offers sound without interference from surroundings more accurately conveying the human...
- HANDS FREE VOX: Voice-activated transmission frees hands for other tasks
Last update on 2021-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It has a single-line PTT, the design is small and exquisite, with a beautiful appearance.
It’s waterproof which protects it against dust and water splash from all directions.
Choosing suitable silicone ear tips, offer you a sound that has no interference with the environment, and cancels wear.
It has PU cable compliance with ROHS and containing high-intensity Kevlar, which is very firm and endurable.
It’s compatible with all cobra micro talk radios.
Its high-quality acoustic tube offers sound without interference from surroundings more accurately conveying the human voice.
Pros & Benefits:
- Voice-activated transmission frees hands for other tasks
- Black color
- Compatible with all Cobra MicroTalk 2-way radios
- Waterproof
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5. Amcrest Hi-Fi Audio Microphone for IP Security Cameras and CCTV Surveillance
- OMNIDIRECTIONAL MICROPHONE - This Hi Fidelity microphone for security cameras is compatible with devices that have...
- ADJUST AUDIO - This CCTV microphone is equipped with adjustable gain to give you the highest quality audio...
- PROTECTION - This IP camera Microphone comes with included Lightning Protection, Power Polarity Transportation...
- ENHANCE SECURITY - Works with Amcrest PoE Security Cameras Models: IP4M-1028B/W, IP4M-1028EB/W, IP8M-2493EB/W,...
- SIMPLE. RELIABLE. SECURE. - At Amcrest, we want to ensure the safety of our customers, their loved ones, homes, and...
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This CCTV microphone is equipped to give you the highest quality audio recordings.
Simply turn clockwise to increase volume and counterclockwise to decrease volume.
The knob is located on the rear part of the security microphone.
The microphone is recommended for indoor use only and does not feature weatherproofing of any kind.
This Hi-Fidelity microphone for security cameras is compatible with devices that have an RCA connection, such as DVRs, TVs, and some IP cameras.
Amcrest ensures the safety of their customers, their loved ones, homes, and businesses and offers lifetime support.
This IP camera microphone comes with lightning protection, power polarity transportation protection, and electrostatic protection.
Amcrest microphone is designed to be paired up with the following models; IP4M-1028EW or IP4M-1028EB, IP4M-1028W or IP4M-1028B, IP8M-2493EW or IP8M-2493EB, and IP8M-2454EW or IP8M-2454EB.
Pros & Benefits:
- Omnidirectional microphone
- Adjustable audio
- Enhanced security
- Simple, reliable, and secure
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6. Tangxi’s HiFi Audio Pickup Surveillance Microphone
- This Sound Monitor for CCTV Security System.
- 100 Square Meters Wide Range: Designed for the monitoring and recording applications within normal range, the...
- High sensitivity Sound Monitor: clear voice, low noise, high fidelity, applies to a variety of situations, such as...
- Safe Use: Built-in reverse power protective circuit, low power expense, wide voltage range, safe and reliable to...
- Easy Installation: Compact design, small size, plug and play.
Last update on 2021-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a new type of sound monitor with high sound sensitivity and is designed for TV monitoring, anti-theft alarm, and various security systems.
It’s designed for monitoring and recording applications within the normal range, the widest monitoring range can be up to 100 square meters.
It has high sensitivity sound monitor which provides clear voice, low noise, high fidelity, and applies to a variety of situations, such as for banks, examination rooms, shopping malls, and so on.
It has an easy installation with a compact design, small size, plug, and play.
Its mini and compact design allows you to install it in small offices or larger areas to cover almost any indoor environment.
Pros & Benefits:
- High sensitivity sound monitor
- Safe use
- Easy installation
- Simple and secure
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7. BTECH QHM07 Premium Noise Cancelling Earpiece with in-line PTT & Microphone
- Package Includes: QHM01 Heavy Duty Platinum Earpiece, Replaceable Clear Acoustic Coil, Replaceable Open-Ear Earmold...
- Fits two-way radios (audio only), radio speaker mics, remote mics, MP3 players, and other audio accessories with...
- Sensitivity: 114dB ± 5dB, Impedance: 200Ω ± 15%, Rated Power: 500mW, Max Power Input: 1000mW, Frequency Range:...
- High impact casing and High Grade re-enforced cabling, Superb Audio Quality, Rugged Design.
- Reinforced earphone clip provides cable retention and eliminates strain on your ear
Last update on 2021-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Btech QHM01 3.5mm receive/listen only surveillance headset earpiece with clear acoustic coil tube earbud audio kit for two-way radios, transceivers, and radio speaker mics jacks.
This surveillance headset has a rugged design and is made with heavy-duty material that provides the best audio quality.
This surveillance headset is rugged in design and made with heavy-duty material that provides superb audio quality.
It’s fully compatible with all original equipment manufacturer parts and best for high noise level environments and discrete listening.
High impact casing and high-grade reinforced cabling, superb audio quality, rugged design.
It has a reinforced earphone clip that provides cable retention and removes strain from your ear.
Pros & Benefits:
- Heavy-duty platinum earpiece
- Replaceable in-ear earpiece insert
- Superb audio quality
- A reinforced earphone clip provides cable retention and eliminates strain on your ear
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8. Midland AVPH3 Transparent Security Headsets with PTT/VOX - Pair
- Wrap-Around Design - These headsets wrap around your ear for more comfortable use than earbuds or larger headsets.
- Inline Vox/Ptt Switch - The inline switch sets you up for controlling vox or push-to-talk features on your radio,...
- Go Hands-Free - These headsets are ideal for hands-free operation, and the discrete transparent design makes them...
- Compatibility- The AVP-H3s work with all Gxt, Lxt & G-Series Models.
Last update on 2021-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These headsets wrap around your ear to give you more comfortable use than any earbuds or larger headsets.
Its inline switch sets you up for controlling VOX or Push-to-Talk features on your radio, and a lapel clip keeps it handy and out of the way.
These headsets are ideal for freehand operation, and the transparent design makes them perfect for working security.
The surveillance headset has a transparent construction that provides a perfect fit during use.
Lightweight design offers a comfortable fit during extended wear.
The headset is perfect for the security industry, hunting, and more and is designed for all Midland GMRS/FRS radios.
They clip to the inside of your shirt causing no significant problem, the microphone can detect your voice even if you aren’t directly talking into it.
The volume levels rock, even with the surrounding noise, comfortable even if you’re wearing it for 14 hours in a day.
The cords are long and don’t pull when you move around, it looks incredibly professional.
Pros & Benefits:
- Wrap-around design
- Ideal for hands-free operation
- Lightweight design
- Black color
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9. Retevis 2 Way Radio Headset with Mic
- 2 way radio earpiece with transparent and ergonomic design with soft ear buds fit snugly in ears well; the sound...
- Sensitive built in mic with ptt allows you for no-nonsense hands-free calls; you can have smooth communications...
- 2 pin standard diameter ear 2.5mm and 3.5mm stereo; space of two-pin 8mm for Baofeng Kenwood Retevis 2 way radios
- Stainless steel clip; you'll clip it to your collar to adjust the mic close to your mouth and push to talk for...
- The transparent tube connecting the ear bud give you clear voice and protects your health from radio...
Last update on 2021-06-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It’s a 2-way radio earpiece with a transparent and ergonomic design with soft earbuds that fit snugly in the ears well, the sound quality is fair.
Sensitive built-in mic with PTT allows you for no-nonsense hands-free calls; you can have smooth communications with your partners, ideal for military police security bouncer warehouse paintball riding, etc.
Stainless steel clip that lets you clip it to your collar to adjust the mic close to your mouth and push to talk for hands-free calls.
The transparent tube connecting the earbud gives you a clear voice and protects your health from radio electromagnetic wave radiation.
It has 2 pins standard diameter ear 2.5mm and 3.5mm stereo; space of two-pin 8mm for Baofeng Kenwood Retevis 2 way radios.
Pros & Benefits:
- Lightweight
- Transparent tube
- Ergonomic design
- Stainless steel clip
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10. Tonton High Sensitive Weatherproof Preamp Microphone
- Super high gain mini microphones capturing audio evidence. This microphone is compatible with devices that accept...
- Waterproof microphone pickup, suitable for outdoor and indoor use, compatible with variety of...
- Flexible positioning with included 60ft cable (maximum distance)
- Preamplifier used to increase a microphone’s low output voltage to a stronger usable level
- Pick up every sound with this super high gain micro audio system
Last update on 2021-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a super high-gain mini microphone that captures audio evidence.
This microphone is compatible with devices that accept AV input, like TV, VCR, DVR.
Waterproof and suitable for outdoor and indoor use, and is compatible with a variety of 960H/720P/1080P/5.0MP/8.0MP, analog/CVI/AHD/TVI cameras.
It has a flexible positioning with an included 60 ft cable preamplifier used to increase a microphone’s low output voltage to a stronger usable level.
It picks up every sound with this super high gain micro audio system.
Installation is quick and flexible with the included audio and power cable, the microphone can be located within 60 feet of the DVR giving you a wide range of mounting options.
If you want to enable communication over your system or enhance your surveillance, this will meet your needs.
It’s necessary to stay aware of the sight and sound capability of your security system and never miss a cue.
Pros & Benefits:
- Suitable for indoor as well as outdoor
- Easy installation
- The microphone will pick up sound from up to 30 feet away
- Flexible positioning
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How Does A Microphone Work?
There are different types of microphones, but their operating principles are the same.
A diaphragm is either made of metal or plastic, and this vibrates in response to a sound wave transmitting it to the electrical components causing induction of an electrical current.
Microphones can be classified based on their transmission and ability to pick up sounds from different directions.
These are omnidirectional, cardioid, hyper-cardioid, bidirectional, parabolic microphones, and super-cardioid.
Omnidirectional mics pick up sound from all directions and their entire surrounding area, i.e from a total 360 degrees angle.
Cardioid picks up sound from a 105-131 degree arc while bidirectional picks up sound from a 90-degree arc.
Parabolic mics are mostly directional mics, they should be pointed directly at the source of the sound.
None of the different types of microphones is superior to any other, they are all suited for different uses and purposes.
Important factors in selecting a microphone include checking the sensitivity, quality of sound, overload characteristics, and, especially if it’s for surveillance and intelligence purposes, the size of the microphone.
The sensitivity of the microphone can be measured by the amount of current produced.
The currents produced by the microphones are very tiny and a signal has to be amplified before it can be used.
Not only the sound picked is amplified, but also any noise that was produced by an instrument itself.
Loud sounds or wrong placement of a microphone can lead to distortion of the diaphragm known as an overload.
In any surveillance operation, placement of the microphone is important for the quality of sound and also to remain inconspicuous.
Microphones can also be carried by people for continuous surveillance or rapid identification and response.
Such microphones are often combined with a transmitter or a recorder to transmit or record conversations.
Applications of Microphones For Security Purposes
The most obvious application in security, surveillance, and espionage is to listen to the conversations.
Microphones are combined with an amplifier so that they provide good and quality sound to the listener.
Recording or transmitting of the sound depends on the situation or application of the microphone.
They are used by almost everyone including individuals, police, security agencies, intelligence, and counterintelligence agents.
Its purpose is to monitor and identify the suspects and obtain intelligence as to their plans and contacts.
The type of microphone used depends on the purpose of their use.
Parabolic microphones are used for distance surveillance as the best ones because they can pick up sounds from as far as 300 yards.
As every coin has two sides, these mics also have a drawback or can be said to have a weakness.
Most of these microphones can be easily blocked by an obstacle in the form of an object or person and it can result in poor sound quality or loss of sound reception.
A solid wall or door would be impenetrable if not for a contact microphone that can pick any audio signal through a solid material or substance.
The choices among microphones to be placed in a room or to be carried by a person would be best and reliable, as said precaution is better than cure.
Several microphones built into pens are available.
Some mics are as small as a tiepin, allowing inconspicuous surveillance and spying easily.
1-way audio and 2-way audio
Security microphone kits are generally 1-way audio, which denotes sound said from the location of the microphone can be heard and recorded.
However many IP cameras have 2-way audio which helps in two-way communication.
Microphone kits can be used outdoors and indoors as well.
Outdoor microphones should have weather resistance properties and nothing as such is required for indoor mics.
Wireless microphones are convenient, easily transportable, and don’t require cumbersome cables.
This makes them easy to pass around and allows performers to move freely about the stage.
Different Types of Microphones
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic mics are an all-around solution for all types of recordings, they can be termed as the workhouse of the microphone world.
They’re cheap and sound outstanding with a robust coil inside a magnet.
This vibrates to create an electrical current that picks loud noise without distortion.
Ribbon Microphones
Ribbon technology is one of the earliest microphones technology.
Ribbon mics are versatile solutions for recording as well as live sound performances.
It uses an ultra-thin ribbon of electro-conductive material suspended between the poles of a magnet to generate its signal.
They are designed fragile and have a warm, vintage tone.
Condenser Microphones
There are two types of condensers
- Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
- Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
These are popular for studio recordings.
A condenser mic has a vibrating capacitor, leading to variation in an electrical current from a battery or power source.
This also means that they’re much more sensitive than dynamic mics or ribbon mics and output a louder signal.
USB Microphones
USB microphones are very convenient plug-and-play solutions for recording a variety of things which includes musical vocals, podcasts, radio, and Skype.
Although it has a conventional design, it’s different in that it converts an analog signal into a digital sound signal that computers recognize.
Microphones For Other Purposes
Live microphones
A microphone for recording studio work needs to be sensitive and also have excellent frequency response.
To isolate individual performers, it’s common to use directional studio recording mics.
A dynamic model is good for strong, loud sounds, a condenser mic has a better high-frequency performance.
The size of the condenser diaphragm affects its response to high frequencies, and smaller is better.
Ribbon mics are generally more durable than dynamic ones and they also have better high-frequency responses than condensers.
Video Recording microphones
The quality of sound has a major impact on any production of video or other content so it’s important to capture clear sound while minimizing other unwanted noise.
A DSLR version is usually omnidirectional and you can obtain clearer sound and reduce interference by using directional DSLR versions.
General Guidelines
Microphones should not be installed next to noisy appliances as due to the proximity, you may hear unwanted noise in your feed.
Even if you are unable to hear the appliance very well, the microphone may absorb certain noise that is enough to make important information hard to hear so precaution is always better than cure!
You should never run your microphone cable next to, or across an electrical line, this may lead to the production of ‘noise’ in your line.
Instead of hearing what you intended, it will produce a static sound or a loud hum, this is not a pretty sound.
Never install your microphone next to or too close to fluorescent lighting, this will also cause noise issues and it may lead to unpleasant sounds.
Never install a microphone very close to a speaker, it may cause feedback issues (a loud pitched, gosh-awful, screeching noise).
Verify whether your security DVR or NVR has the proper audio input before running your cables.
Some applications require stand-alone microphone kits as opposed to security cameras with built-in mic.
Consider the specifications and limitations of your equipment relative to the environment where they will be deployed.
Be careful in every aspect and always follow user manual instructions for better results.
Final Thoughts
These are a few of the best security microphones available online to ensure your safety and security.
The best part is that they all come in an affordable price range.
So in case, your security camera doesn’t have any audio mic, you now know where to get the best mics for your cameras.
If you’ll be communicating discreetly in public parties or events and you need a security microphone for that, you now know the perfect one to get.
Remember that each security mic is specific to a particular requirement so ensure you make the right purchase.
