What is a microphone, and what types of microphones are there?
In their most basic form, microphones convert audio into an electrical signal that can then be used in analog or digital formats. Here are the most common microphone types:
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Condenser Microphones
Also known as capacitor microphones, condenser mics are highly sensitive and ideal for capturing nuanced and dynamic audio sources such as a vocal performance.
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Dynamic Microphones
Widely used for miking guitar amp cabinets, broadcasting, podcasting, and more, dynamic microphones often have great off-axis noise rejection for capturing only what is in front of the mic.
While dynamic microphones require a preamp and lots of gain, their low-level signal makes them ideal for use with exceptionally loud audio sources.
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Ribbon Microphones
This is a type of dynamic mic also known as a velocity microphone. Ribbon mics have a thin strip of metal – a ribbon – that is suspended in a magnetic field to convert audio into an electrical signal.
The ribbon acts as both a diaphragm and a transducer element, yielding a condenser-like sensitivity and a transient response that is ideal for capturing a wide range of audio sources.
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USB ​Microphones
Similar to a condenser, a USB microphone is highly sensitive but will convert audio directly to digital. This technology removes the need for phantom power or otherwise, making USB mics a popular option for plug-and-play setups.
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Lavaliere ​Microphones
Widely renowned for use in television or interviews, a lavaliere mic is a clip-on option that’s small enough to be hidden from view in a video shot while still picking up a clean audio source.
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Shotgun ​Microphones
A favorite among videographers and voice-over artists, a shotgun mic is a highly directional microphone that allows for capturing precise audio sources in outdoor or ever-changing environments.
Whether you’re doing field recording or you need an overhead miking solution for your film, shotgun mics are the way to go.
What is a microphone polar pattern?
- A microphone’s polar pattern is the sensitivity of sound being picked up from different directions surrounding its diaphragm.
- This ultimately affects the sonic characteristics of a microphone, in addition to how much sound is picked up.
- In general, there are three main polar patterns that you’ll come across when shopping microphones – with variants of the following:
Omnidirectional
- The microphone picks up sound equally from all angles.
Figure-8
- The microphone picks up sound in a bidirectional pattern, rejecting sound from the sides.
Cardioid
- The microphone picks up sound mostly in the front, rejecting sound from the rear and sides.
What should I consider when choosing a microphone?
Application
Different microphone types serve different needs, some working better than others depending on the instrument, environment, or vocal type – especially when it comes to studio recording versus live performance. While there’s no hard rule regarding what you can use a microphone for, starting with the best one for your application will ensure positive results across all of your recordings.
Budget
While some applications certainly benefit from using a world-class mic like a Neumann U 87 Ai, studio recording technology has come a long way to empower all musicians to achieve professional audio recordings.
For help picking the right microphone for your budget, see our guides on the best budget recording microphones and best vocal mics under Kshs 10000.
Why shop microphones at GrandHub Technologies?
With a massive selection of microphones, free shipping, a free 2-year warranty, 24/7 access to award-winning support – and more – GrandHub gives you more than any other retailer! Shop microphones today or give your personal Sales Engineer a call at +254 705126957
