Gooseneck Microphones

Podium, lectern and council chamber microphones built on flexible gooseneck stems: Shure’s Microflex range in 5, 10, 15 and 18 inch lengths, Sennheiser’s gooseneck bodies and capsule heads, and Audio Technica models, plus the shock mounts, capsules and desk stands that complete an installation.

Length and flex arrangement are the first calls. Short 5 inch stems suit close-talking panel positions where the microphone sits just above a desk. Fifteen and 18 inch models reach from a lectern surface up to a standing speaker, which is what most churches and lecture theatres need. DualFlex versions bend at both ends with a rigid straight section between, so the capsule can be aimed precisely and stays where it is put, rather than drooping over a long meeting.

Pattern comes next. Cardioid handles most rooms. Supercardioid earns its keep where the PA or a second talker sits close, at the cost of needing more careful aiming, and on a lectern that several people of different heights will use, a forgiving pattern beats a tight one.

The modular systems are worth understanding before ordering. On Microflex, capsules and bodies are separate parts, so one installed base can take a different head later, and a bare body listed without a capsule is not an oversight. Mounting is the other half of the job: shock mounts isolate the capsule from podium thumps and paper shuffling, which is the noise that ruins recordings of otherwise good speech systems, and LED-ringed models give chairs and broadcast galleries a visible indication of mic status.

Plan the installation before the furniture is drilled. Flange or shock mount, cable route, whether the base is on the surface or through it, and whether the room needs a mute button at the position are all easy decisions now and awkward retrofits later. Speak to us before speccing a chamber or courtroom, since these rooms are rarely redone twice.

The conference and gooseneck guide covers system design, and conference room AV covers the wider room including display and echo cancellation.

Gooseneck Microphone FAQs

What length gooseneck do I need? 5″ stems for close panel positions; 15-18″ to reach from a lectern to a standing speaker, the church and lecture theatre standard. DualFlex versions bend at both ends for precise aiming.

Cardioid or supercardioid capsule? Supercardioid rejects more room and neighbouring voices in reverberant chambers; cardioid is more forgiving of off-axis speakers. Our conference microphone guide covers the choices, shock mounts and muting.