The types of microphones you use while recording is crucial. Having the appropriate mic, whether you're a producer, an engineer, or a songwriter, may make all the difference in the quality of your recording.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the different types of recording studio microphones that are available. We'll also discuss what each type of mic is best suited for so that you can choose the right one for your needs.
Microphones are tools that translate sound waves into electrical signals. In the music business, we use microphones for audio recording and stage performance.
What is a Microphone?
A microphone is the first source in the audio signal path. A microphone is a transducer or a mechanism that changes an energy source from one form into another.
Why are microphones important in a Recording Studio?
Being the initial device in the audio signal path, a quality microphone is an important piece of the puzzle. If the microphone is cheap, distorts the signal, or adds other negative characteristics, then the recording will be inherently flawed from the beginning. A decent quality microphone, typically 100-300 dollar range is recommended.
What Does a Microphone Do?
When dealing with analog audio, a microphone changes sound waves into an electrical signal. Microphones receive and transmit signals in several different ways. While each method varies in design, all transducer microphones turn audio vibrations (sound) into voltage amounts.
Microphone Polar Patterns
Microphones are also built to receive sound in different ways. Specifically, microphones are designed to be more or less receptive to audio coming from a defined direction.
I) Uni-Directional Microphones:
Are most receptive to the sounds coming from a single direction, in front of the mic. These microphones are good for isolation and do not pick up a lot of room acoustics.
Patterns of the (One) Unidirectional Microphones:
1) Cardioid Microphones
These pick up a wide-angle of sound in front of the mic.
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2) Super-cardioid Microphones
These are less receptive to sounds from areas other than a (more) narrowed angle in front of the mic.
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3) Hyper-cardioid Microphones
These mics offer the most rejection from the sides, available in a uni-directional microphone.
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II) Bi-directional or Figure of 8 Microphones:
Receive sound waves from two directions. Directly in front of and behind the mic. Rejects sounds from the sides of the mic. Good for recording conversations and duets, etc.
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III) Omni-Directional Microphones:
Receive sounds from all directions. Picks up most room acoustics. Less sensitive to bass boost, pops, etc. Good for overhead micing, recording jazz ensembles, symphonies, etc.
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*The types of microphones we have just reviewed, explain the encyclopedic definitions of their design & functions. In an audio recording, nothing is written in stone. Again, the best way to learn what sounds good to you is to experiment on your own.
What Types of Microphone (Transducers) are Used for Recording?
Dynamic
Dynamic microphones, also known as moving-coil microphones, use a diaphragm that is attached to a coil and surrounded by a magnet.
When sound enters through the front of the microphone, it hits the diaphragm and causes the coil to vibrate. The magnet is sitting still, so it picks up these vibrations and creates a corresponding electric current in the coil. As this happens, the varying voltage from the coil's movement is picked up by a transistor amplifier at the back of the microphone which sends it out to your mixer or audio interface.
Dynamic microphones are generally more rugged and less prone to problems than condenser microphones. They're also much better at handling high-volume sound sources like drums, guitar amplifiers, and loud vocals. Dynamic microphones are often used in loud stage situations because they don't have to worry about signal levels being too hot or clipping.
Best Dynamic Microphones for Vocals & Instruments
Condenser
Condenser microphones derive their name from their mechanical system. Their capsule (the first part where sound vibrations hit) consists of a thin membrane/diaphragm placed close to a backplate which is a solid metal disk. This system is then powered either by an onboard battery or an external power supply to create a capacitor.
A capacitor refers to 2 electrically conductive metal plates placed in close proximity. Now, when these 2 plates receive an electric charge from a voltage source, they create capacitance in between them. That’s exactly what happens in a condenser microphone.
So, when sound waves hit the upper plate (which is very thin), it vibrates and thereby leading to a change in the capacitance. That’s the electrical signal is then transmitted via cables to your mixer or audio interface.
*It is important to know that condenser microphones require phantom power to operate. Ribbon and dynamic microphones do not.
Best Condenser Microphones Under 200
Ribbon
Ribbon microphones are a type of microphone that uses a ribbon of metal or foil to convert sound waves into electrical signals.
Ribbon mics work by placing a flexible corrugated metal foil in a strong magnetic field and then when the foil moves from sound pressure, it then generates a little bit of electricity. That electricity goes to a step-up transformer which then turns into an electrical signal that comes out of the mic and that's where we get sound.
The ribbon is very thin and delicate, so it's susceptible to damage from shocks and vibrations. For this reason, most ribbon microphones are built with a sturdy casing.
Ribbon microphones have a warm and mellow sound that's perfect for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, and horns. They're less popular than other types of dynamic microphones because they're not as durable and they can be more sensitive to pops and noise.
Sub-Categories of Types of Microphones
Here are some sub-categories of microphones you should know:
Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics
Large-diaphragm condenser mics are usually the most popular type of microphone in recording studios. They're versatile, and they work well on almost any sound source.
Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics work well on high-frequency sources, instruments such as Vocals, acoustic guitars, and piano.
Best Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics
Small diaphragm condenser mics are a type of condenser microphone that's smaller and less expensive than large-diaphragm condensers. However, they have a higher sound pressure level handling capacity, so they're perfect for recording loud instruments.
Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics work well on louder high-frequency sources, instruments such as Cymbals
Best Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Dynamic Mics
Dynamic microphones are a type of microphone that uses a magnetic coil and a permanent magnet to convert sound waves into electrical signals. They're extremely durable and can handle high sound pressure levels, but they're more likely to cause popping and generate noise.
Dynamic Microphones work well on louder low and mid-frequency instruments like drums, electric guitar cabs, and bass-heavy instruments.
Best Dynamic Mics for Vocals & Instruments
Ribbon Mics
Ribbon mics are one of the oldest types of microphones. They are the oldest design still in use today, and they produce a warm and natural sound. They're usually not as strong as dynamic microphones.
Ribbon microphones work well for electric guitars, brass, woodwinds, and string sections.
Multi-Pattern Mics
Multi-pattern mics are microphones that have switchable pickup patterns. This means they can capture sound from multiple directions instead of just one. This makes them perfect for recording in different environments.
Best Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphones
USB Mics
USB mics are a type of microphone that have a USB port, so they can be directly connected to your computer with an included cable. They're typically used for recording vocals and instruments because they have a high signal-to-noise ratio and clear sound.
Best USB Microphones for Vocals
Boundary Mics
Boundary mics are microphones that you can mount directly to a surface like a tabletop or a wall. They're most commonly used in conference calls and business meetings, but they can also be used for recording instruments like grand pianos.
Contact (Piezo) Microphone
Contact microphones are also known as piezo microphones. They convert vibrations into electrical signals, so they can be attached to musical instruments to record the sound they make.
Shotgun Microphones
Shotgun microphones are a type of microphone with a long, cylindrical tube. They're often used on movie sets and in TV studios because they have a very narrow pickup pattern that can focus on a sound from far away.
Handheld Field Recorders
Field recorders are used for recording audio out in the field, so they're a perfect solution for concerts, lectures, conferences, etc. They typically have two built-in stereo mics and a 1/8th inch input jack to connect external microphones. You can also use them to capture sound effects or interviews.
Microphones by Purpose
Now that we've looked at the sub-categories of microphones let's take a look at some of the common microphones by purpose.
Vocals
Large-diaphragm condenser mics are a type of condenser microphone that's larger and more expensive than small-diaphragm condensers, but they produce a warmer, richer sound. They're perfect for recording vocals because they have a wide frequency response and low noise level.
If you're recording loud rock or rap vocals, then a dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B is a great choice. It's designed to handle high sound pressure levels without distorting the audio.
Acoustic Guitar
There are many different types of microphones, but the best type for recording acoustic guitar is a condenser microphone. Condenser microphones are more sensitive to sound than other types of microphones, and they can capture the nuances of the acoustic guitar's sound better.
If you're recording in a studio, you may want to use multiple microphones to capture the different elements of the guitar's sound. For example, you could use a small diaphragm condenser microphone to capture the highs and a large-diaphragm condenser microphone to capture the lows.
When choosing a microphone for recording acoustic guitar, it's important to consider the sound you're trying to achieve. If you want a warm, natural sound, then a ribbon microphone may be the best option. If you're looking for a brighter sound, then a condenser microphone would be a better choice.
Electric Guitar
Dynamic microphones are a good choice for recording electric guitar because they can handle high sound levels without distorting the sound. They are also less likely to pick up unwanted sounds from other instruments or background noise. Ribbon microphones are another good option for recording electric guitar. They have a very natural and smooth sound, and they can help to reduce the amount of picking up unwanted sounds from other instruments or background noise.
Condenser microphones are also a good choice for recording electric guitar. They are very sensitive and can pick up a lot of detail in the sound. However, they can be more prone to distorting the sound if the sound level is too high.
Drums
The best type of microphones for recording drums are dynamic microphones. They can handle high sound levels without distorting the sound, and they are less likely to pick up unwanted background noise.
For recording cymbals and hi-hats, you will want to use small or large-diaphragm condenser microphones. These microphones are very sensitive and can pick up the subtle nuances in the sound of the cymbals.
Bass/Kick Drums
There are a few different types of microphones that can be used for recording bass and kick drums. The most popular option is dynamic microphones. Dynamic microphones are typically better for capturing low frequencies than condenser microphones, so they can be a good option for recording bass and kick drums.
Best Microphone Brands for Recording
There are a number of different microphone brands on the market that are great for home recording. Some of the most popular brands include Shure, Sennheiser, Neumann, Audio Technica, AKG, and Electro-Voice. Each of these brands offers a variety of different microphones that are great for a variety of applications.
Shure
Shure is one of the most popular microphone brands on the market. They offer a wide variety of microphones that are great for a variety of different applications. Their microphones are well-known for their quality and durability. Shure offers a wide range of different models that are great for different types of recordings.
The Shure SM58 is a classic vocal microphone that is often used in live performances. It is built to withstand the rigors of touring and has a cardioid pickup pattern that minimizes sound from the rear of the microphone.
Sennheiser
Sennheiser microphones are known for their high quality and durability, making them a popular choice for both personal and professional recording applications. There are a variety of Sennheiser microphones available on the market, each designed for specific recording needs.
One of the best-known Sennheiser microphones for recording is the Sennheiser MD421. The MD421 is a large-diaphragm dynamic microphone that is often used for recording vocals, drums, and other instruments. It has a wide frequency response and a cardioid pickup pattern that minimizes sound from the sides and rear of the microphone.
Neumann
Neumann is a high-end microphone brand and is known for their high-quality sound and accuracy. They are often used in studios and by professional musicians. If you are looking for a microphone that will give you the best sound quality, then you may want to consider a Neumann microphone. However, they can be quite expensive.
One of the most popular Neumann microphones is the TLM 102, which is a condenser microphone that is perfect for capturing detailed audio recordings. Another popular Neumann microphone is the U 87, which is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that is often used in professional recording studios.
Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a Japanese company that produces high-quality microphones for a variety of purposes. Audio Technica has been in business since 1962 and has a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the best microphones on the market.
If you're looking for an all-purpose microphone for your home studio, the Audio-Technica AT2020 is a great choice. It's a condenser microphone, which means it's ideal for capturing the subtle nuances of your voice. The AT2020 is also affordable, making it a great option for budget-conscious recording enthusiasts.
AKG
There are many different types of microphones on the market, but AKG microphones are some of the best for recording. They offer a wide range of products for all sorts of applications, from studio recording to live sound. Their microphones are precision-engineered to provide the highest quality sound, and they come in a variety of different shapes and sizes to suit your needs.
If you're looking for a microphone for studio recording, then the AKG C414 XLII is a great option. It's a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that provides pristine sound quality. It's perfect for capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and even electric guitars.
Electro-Voice
Electro-Voice is a manufacturer of high-quality microphones for professional use. They offer a wide range of products for all sorts of applications, from live sound to recording and broadcasting.
If you're looking for a quality microphone for recording or broadcast, then the Electro-Voice RE20 is a great option. It's a cardioid dynamic microphone that provides excellent sound quality. It's perfect for capturing voices, as it has a built-in pop filter to reduce plosives.
Microphone Placement and Recording Technique
To avoid recording noises from an unwanted source, (i.e. room acoustics, processors, etc.) a unidirectional microphone can be used to isolate the sound waves of the desired source. Remember that the closer you place the microphone to the source, the louder it will sound.
Use pop filters. Pop filters will smooth the audio being received by the microphone. It will help reduce popping sounds and sizzling S's that frequently occur during vocal recording. Pop filters with metal screens have done this better in my experience than cloth screens.
Walls reflect sound waves. Microphones directly facing flat surfaces often pick up unwanted reverberations.
The 3 - 1 Rule should be applied when recording instruments in the same room simultaneously.
Take care of your mic cables. Broken or damaged cables can lead to signal disturbance in a recording.
Foam can be applied to walls for treating the acoustics in a room. Despite what you may have seen in movies, do not use your saved supply of McDonald's egg cartons on the wall assuming they will treat the walls.
