How to choose a microphone for voice recording

A microphone is a device that allows you to amplify sounds and transmit them to people around you or record them on storage media. There are several characteristics that will help you choose the right device. There are also several types of microphones, which have their own differences, advantages and disadvantages.

Criteria for choosing a microphone for voice recording

There are several main criteria that you need to pay attention to when choosing a microphone:

1. How sensitive is it? Sometimes you have to move around with the microphone in your hands or move away from it. High sensitivity allows you to reduce the loss of clarity of a person’s voice when moving or moving away from the device.
2. Frequency range. This range shows what sources and audio instruments the device is capable of recording. Some models record low-frequency sounds well, some high-frequency sounds, and some are balanced. This causes the same voice or sound to be recorded differently depending on the type of microphone used.
3. Power supply. Most microphone models require phantom power. Cheap models get their power from the sound card.But there are also expensive models that are already sold with a power source installed in them. The choice according to this criterion depends on the use of the microphone. If you need to constantly use it in one place, a device with a single power source is suitable. If you travel constantly, phantom power is a better option.
4. Noise level. A serious drawback of cheap models. When the microphone is working, extraneous sounds appear that interfere with recording. Causes may include sudden power surges, network problems, and congestion with other devices and cables.

What else is worth paying attention to

You should also pay attention to the types of devices:

1. With omnidirectional radiation pattern.
2. Unidirectional cardioid.
3. Hypercardioid
4. Bidirectional.

Attention! Each type has its own characteristics that are taken into account when choosing. Let's look at them.

Omnidirectional

1. Depends on the acoustic characteristics of the room.
2. Record the echo.
3. No acoustic isolation.
4. Not very sensitive to breathing sounds.
5. The low frequency range is wide. This means it is capable of recording instruments that have a low sound.

Cardiodes

1. Protected from extraneous sounds that may come from the sides and back of the device.
2. Weakly sensitive to the acoustic characteristics of the room.
3. The difference in signals coming from the back and side is maximum.

Hypercardioid

1. Weakly sensitive to extraneous sounds that come from the side.
2. Excellent insulation is installed to block extraneous noise, feedback and unfavorable room characteristics.
3. Protected from sound leakage.

Bidirectional

1. Used to record speech.
2. Protected from all extraneous and unfavorable sounds.

But the microphone is also divided into two other types:

1. Condenser. Suitable if you need smooth sound with all the detail. The device is used on stage if the room has excellent sound insulation, there are no reflections, and no extraneous noise appears.
2. Dynamic. Suitable for any conditions. The voice detail is poorer, but it can be used in any type of room.

The best microphone models for voice recording

Below is a list of models that are currently considered the best.

TASCAM TM-80

The price is about 6,000 rubles.

Budget but very good option. It is inferior to expensive models in terms of signal frequency, and its neutrality is slightly lower. But the microphone is still good for recording.

SE Electronics X1 S

The price is about 7,000 rubles.

It is considered the best device in the price category up to 10,000 rubles. It features a minimal amount of extraneous noise, excellent gain, and good sound quality. An excellent choice for a beginner.

AKG D5

The price is about 8,000 rubles.

A universal device for vocal performances, suitable for both concerts and studios.

Samson S01

The price is about 8,000 rubles.

Standard device with excellent sensitivity. Supports all basic parameters. Characteristics are average. Suitable for beginners.

Which microphone to choose based on the client’s preferences can be understood by reading all the characteristics of such devices. Because there are different types of voice amplifiers.