The noise floor refers to the level of background noise present in an audio recording or environment.
To determine the appropriate microphone for your needs, it's important to consider the specifications provided by microphone manufacturers. One crucial specification to look for is the microphone's signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The SNR indicates the level of the microphone's signal (your voice) relative to the inherent noise produced by the microphone itself.
A higher SNR value indicates a better signal-to-noise ratio, meaning that the microphone will capture more of your voice and less background noise. When shopping for a high-quality microphone, look for models with a high SNR and positive reviews regarding their performance in reducing background noise.
Additionally, consider other features like directional pickup patterns (such as cardioid or supercardioid) that can help focus on capturing the intended sound source while minimizing background noise from other directions.
Remember that the environment in which you record also plays a crucial role in noise reduction. A quiet, controlled space with minimal ambient noise will improve the quality of your recordings, regardless of the microphone you choose.