How to choose a microphone

There are many microphones on the market. How not to get lost in this variety and choose exactly the one you need? To make the right choice, you should understand the principle of operation of certain parameters and take into account what indicators are required for the successful implementation of your goals.

What are the features of different types of microphones?

Let's look at the types of microphones:

1. Capacitor (electrostatic). The basis is a capacitor. One of its plates bends when exposed to air vibrations, so its capacity changes depending on sound pressure and frequency. The design of such models guarantees minimal sound distortion during recording. That is why they are most often used when clear sound is needed - in professional recording studios. Their cost is higher than the price of other types of models. In addition, they should be carefully selected preamplifier and provide phantom power.
2. Electret. It is a type of capacitor, however, it does not require phantom power, since it has a built-in preamplifier. Here, a change in the capacitance of the capacitor is also used, but one of its plates is made of electret. This material can retain a surface charge for a long time.The simplicity, reliability, low cost and good sensitivity of these models allow them to cope perfectly with the tasks of communicating on the Internet and recording podcasts and video blogs. But it is still recommended to solve professional problems by choosing capacitor or dynamic type models.
3. Dynamic. It is based on an electric coil mounted on a membrane, which constantly moves in a magnetic field under the influence of air vibrations. Possessing greater resistance to loads than condenser microphones, such microphones excel at recording loud sounds, and their lower sensitivity allows minimizing extraneous noise. These qualities and reliability of dynamic microphones determine their use for voice amplification at indoor events and on outdoor stages. But such models have a small frequency range and somewhat distort the recording, and their design features do not allow the creation of miniature models.
4. Tape. Being a type of dynamic, it provides excellent detailed sound, but has a higher cost and requires very careful handling. The acoustic part of ribbon microphones is an ultra-thin sheet of metal, so it can break under high pressure. But these models flawlessly convey both the sound of vocals and the sound of musical instruments. They give the recording a pleasant softness, velvety quality and remove the shrillness of the upper frequencies.

What parameters are important when choosing?

Sensitivity, ultrasound, frequency range, direction of action - these are the parameters that should definitely be taken into account when choosing good electro-acoustic equipment. Let's look at the important nuances you need to know for each characteristic.

• Sensitivity. The highly sensitive model picks up even subtle distant sounds. In quiet, soundproof rooms, it will perfectly convey music and vocals. For this purpose, it is best to choose electret and condenser models. But in crowded and noisy places, it is better to use a microphone with a lower sensitivity. In this case, a dynamic microphone is more suitable: it will record cleaner.

REFERENCE. High sensitivity is necessary when the sound source is far from the microphone. Low sensitivity is acceptable for a microphone located near an instrument or person.

• Sound pressure level. Determines the power of pure sound transmitted without overload.

IMPORTANT. There is a regularity: the higher the ultrasound level of the equipment, the lower its sensitivity. Therefore, for detailed, powerful sound, it makes sense to choose a microphone with a built-in attenuator: by increasing the SPL, it will prevent overloads.

• Frequency range. This characteristic reflects the ability of the equipment to capture the frequency of sounds.

ATTENTION. Purchasing equipment with the widest range may not be financially justified. Consider the frequency of the sound sources you plan to use. The indicators required for speech, vocals and different types of instruments differ.

• Direction of action. Models can amplify sound from only one or several sides at once. On this basis they are divided into two groups:

1. Omnidirectional (circular) - transmit sound with equal sensitivity from any point, working at an angle of 360 degrees. They are more often used at concerts, if the entire musical picture needs to be transmitted simultaneously with vocals from the stage.
2. Unidirectional - those that amplify sound from only one side. Perfectly suitable for recording studios in cases of synchronous recording: for this purpose, such a microphone is installed in front of each instrument.

In turn, unidirectional models are divided into types:

• karadioid (they do not pick up only sound from the rear side);
• eights (equally amplify sounds in front and behind, cutting off only the lateral ones);
• supercardioid (figure eight with unequal lobes);
• hypercardioid (figure eight with an even narrower pattern, which allows you to isolate unwanted noise as much as possible).

Why is it important to pay attention to connectivity?

There are microphones with a universal connection, but more often they produce wireless and wired ones. When connecting equipment with a Jack connector, it is important to check that the pinouts of the microphone and amplifier connectors match. Please note that there is no general standard, so connectors of different types of microphones, although identical in appearance, may have different pin assignments.

ATTENTION. A connection error can lead to equipment failure.

For USB or lightning connectors, this problem is excluded, but usually connecting them is only possible for computers with specially installed drivers. Professional microphones have an XLR connector. The cable for them must be purchased separately.