Microphone
A microphone is a device, which convert sound waves into electrical impulses, what can be read by a preamp or mixer and stored on a recorder. Selecting the right microphone and positioning it in the correct place can make all the difference between a good and a bad recording.
How to choose the Right Microphone for Sound Recording
That`s not easy to choose between hundreds of different microphones. There is no one best microphone for all recording solutions. Every mic is designed for certain type of recording. However, you want to find possibly all-purpose solution, if you need to record different sources. How critical is the suitability of microphone for you? Probably, if you are mainly a singer, you should be agreeing to invest more to this widget. Maybe by recording musical instruments, you have a feeling, it’s not so necessary. Regardless, it is.
The first thing you should to know is which source you will recording and which environment could you use. That helps to clarify right mic type and necessary polar pattern type & so on …
Dynamic or Condenser
There are mainly 2 different types of microphones in use by recording: Dynamic and Condenser. As these are built on a different mode, those bring a various sound recording result.
Dynamic microphone accents the middle frequencies, usually records sounds at no great distance. Dynamic microphones are typically used on guitar amps and drums, and for vocal sound reinforcement.
Condenser has a well-rounded response to frequencies and be very passible to room ambient. These also need more additional equipment for operating. Condenser microphones are typically used for recording deep sounding acoustic instruments and studio vocals.
Polar Pattern
A microphone polar pattern or directionality shows how sensitive it is for sounds at different angles in reference to mic central axis. Microphones have different types of directionality. By and large, it`s finer to use a less directional mic on close to sound source.
- Omnidirectional - captures sound equally from all directions
- Cardioid – sound is captured from the front and less the sides
- Super- and Hypercardioid – eliminates more sound from the sides and rear, but are
accurate about front sounds. This is an expansion of the cardioid pattern. - Bidirectional or Figure 8 – receive sound from both the front and back.
- Shotgun – the most highly directional, but are substantially less sensitive to the side and rear.
- Variable Directionality – some microphones have re-switchable polar patterns.
Frequency Response
Frequency response means how a microphone responds to different frequencies. It is a characteristic that some frequencies are hyperbolized and others are reduced. In real, perfectly flat response microphones not exist. Relatively flat frequency response isn`t invariably the better option. In many cases, an attuned frequency response is more useful.
Response Range means which frequencies can mic reproduce. As an example, if microphone has a specified frequency response of 40 Hz to 18 kHz, then it hears frequencies within this range. Microphone producers are shown mic response curves on frequency response chart, where the x axis shows frequency in Hz & the y axis shows response in dB.
Below are sampled microphone frequency response chart.
Equivalent Noise Level
After connecting condenser microphone to preamplifier, this introduces a low amount of self-noise, which appears at the microphone output as an unwanted signal voltage. An equivalent noise level means that the self-noise of the microphone is as loud as a sound at the same noise level in a quiet studio. This unit is measured in dB. A lower equivalent noise level means that the microphone self-noise is lower. Naturally, it’s better than higher level.
Impedance
Microphones have a specification referring to their impedance. A microphone rated at 150 ohms to 300 ohms is counted low impedance. About 600 to 2000 ohms is medium impedance. Low impedance microphones are mainly the preferable choice on account better quality. These can use with longer cables without picking up hum or losing high frequencies. Check the impedance from mic specification.
Handling Noise
Handling noise means the unwanted physical vibrations, which may disturb the normal work of microphone diaphragm. All vibrations will become part of the generated audio signal. Tap to mic case, and you hear it!
For eliminate this problem are recommended to use quality microphone stands and shock mount for condensers if necessary. Also, set the cables so that they do not tangle to the legs.
Just so that this is clear, you can choose out the right microphone model. Here are some good Dynamic Microphones & Condenser Microphones , which are really suitable and affordable.
