SPIDER Automation | USB Plug and Play Desktop Microphone | Noise-Reducing Audio Capture, Flexible Gooseneck & Raspberry Pi Compatibility
Product Overview & USB Audio Design
The SPIDER Automation USB Plug and Play Desktop Microphone is a compact audio input device designed for desktop communication, voice capture and embedded audio applications. Its USB connectivity provides a convenient way to connect the microphone to compatible host devices without requiring a separate audio interface.
The microphone is designed for use with compatible Raspberry Pi Model B+, Raspberry Pi 2 Model B and Raspberry Pi 3 boards, as well as standard PCs and Mac computers that support USB plug-and-play audio devices. This makes it suitable for desktop workstations, single-board computer setups and projects that require voice input.
Its flexible gooseneck design allows the microphone to be angled towards the speaker, while the pivoting base provides additional positioning flexibility. An illuminated power switch indicates when the microphone is active, and the included 90cm USB cable provides the connection to the host device.
The microphone uses a combination of plastic and metal components and incorporates a noise-reducing design intended to help minimise unwanted ambient sound during voice capture. Its stated frequency response is 100Hz–16kHz, making it suitable for general voice communication and basic recording applications.
Technical Features & Performance Characteristics
- USB Audio Interface: Uses a USB connection for digital audio input and convenient connection to compatible computers and single-board computers.
- Plug-and-Play Operation: Designed for straightforward operation with host devices that support compatible USB audio input devices.
- Noise-Reducing Technology: Incorporates a noise-reduction feature intended to minimise unwanted ambient background sound during voice capture.
- Frequency Response: Provides a specified frequency response range of 100Hz–16kHz.
- Flexible Gooseneck: Allows the microphone to be bent and adjusted to achieve a suitable speaking position.
- Pivoting Base: Provides additional positioning flexibility for desktop placement.
- Illuminated Power Switch: Features a built-in power switch with an indicator light that illuminates when the microphone is active.
- 90cm USB Cable: Includes a 90cm cable for connecting the microphone to a compatible USB host.
- Hybrid Construction: Combines plastic and metal components for a practical desktop microphone assembly.
- Compact Microphone Length: Features a stated microphone length of 13cm for desktop installation.
Performance Advantages
- Convenient Computer Connectivity: USB connection simplifies integration with compatible Raspberry Pi boards and desktop computers.
- Flexible Voice Positioning: The adjustable gooseneck helps position the microphone closer to the speaker for convenient voice capture.
- Reduced Background Interference: The noise-reducing design helps limit unwanted ambient sound in suitable low-noise environments.
- Simple Power Control: The illuminated switch provides convenient microphone control and a visible active-state indication.
- Compact Desktop Installation: The pivoting base and compact microphone assembly suit typical desktop workspaces.
- Versatile Audio Input: Supports voice communication, conferencing and basic audio recording applications on compatible host systems.
Desktop Communication, Raspberry Pi & Audio Applications
- Raspberry Pi Audio Projects: Adding USB microphone input to compatible Raspberry Pi Model B+, Raspberry Pi 2 Model B and Raspberry Pi 3 systems.
- Online Voice Communication: Providing microphone input for compatible voice-chat and communication applications.
- Video Conferencing: Supporting voice input for online meetings and conferencing on compatible computers.
- Desktop Workstations: Adding a dedicated microphone to PC and Mac desktop setups.
- Basic Audio Recording: Capturing voice for simple recording, narration and voiceover applications.
- Embedded Audio Prototyping: Integrating USB audio input into compatible single-board computer projects.
- Interactive Systems: Providing voice input for compatible computer-based interactive applications.
- Educational & Development Setups: Supporting audio input experiments and USB peripheral integration in compatible development environments.
Package Contents
- 1 × SPIDER Automation USB Plug and Play Desktop Microphone
- 1 × USB Cable (90cm)
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Desktop Accessory / USB Microphone |
| Brand | SPIDER Automation |
| Connection Interface | USB Plug-and-Play |
| Cable Length | 90cm |
| Compatibility | Raspberry Pi Model B+, Raspberry Pi 2 Model B, Raspberry Pi 3, PC and Mac (USB plug-and-play support required) |
| Capture Range | Up to 1 metre (low-noise environment, as specified) |
| Frequency Response | 100Hz–16kHz |
| Sensitivity | -3dB at 1.5V (reduction, as specified) |
| Microphone Length | 13cm |
| Material Construction | Plastic and metal |
| Microphone Design | Flexible gooseneck with pivoting base |
| Power Indicator | Illuminated power switch |
| Noise Reduction | Integrated noise-reducing design |
Connection & Operating Recommendations
- USB Connection: Connect the microphone to an available USB port on a compatible Raspberry Pi, PC or Mac.
- Host Compatibility: Confirm that the operating system and audio application support USB microphone input.
- Audio Device Selection: Select the connected USB microphone as the input device in the operating system or conferencing application when required.
- Microphone Positioning: Adjust the flexible gooseneck towards the speaker and position it at a convenient speaking distance.
- Noise Management: For better voice capture, use the microphone in a relatively quiet environment and avoid placing it close to loud speakers or other noise sources.
- Power Switch: Use the illuminated switch to control the microphone and check its indicator before recording or communication.
