Sorry, I can’t hear you!
Well, this is not what you would like to hear, especially when you are speaking to someone professionally or in a hall full of audience or at a party at your place.
In today’s world, from a great live session to studio recording or professional communication, microphones play a crucial role. The quality of the sound produced and accuracy directly depends on the quality of the microphone you are using. To learn more about how microphones affect the sound production, CLICK HERE.
It gets messier when you get into the details, such as;
- Why you are using the microphone?
- What is the number of your audience?
- What do you prefer the most when it comes to sound; quality, reach, or clarity?
- Who is your audience; concert, public speaking, sound recording, live sessions, two-way audio communication, megaphones, radio, television broadcasting or many more?
- How much you are ready to invest in your microphone; budget?
No need to get all caught up on teeny-tiny details; here is what you need to know about microphones to make the best choice when it comes to choosing the one for your very own use.
Types of microphones
Coming to the types of microphones depending on their functionality, there are two main microphone types that are widely used by people for various purposes.
1. Dynamic microphone
Dynamic mics are sturdier and more reliable when it comes to sound. You do not have to worry about accidental falling or hits as they will be okay with that.
– Technical bits
These microphones use a moving coil magnetic diaphragm that produces audio signals. They are designed to handle high SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS (SPL).
– Best used for
They are designed to take awe lot full of noise before they start to act up; distort the sound, which makes them the best for recording vocals, playing the guitars, or having a live setting.
2. Condenser microphones
Well, unlike dynamic mics, condenser mics come into a category of sensitive microphones. They are sensitive to sound and are susceptible to distorting sound at higher levels. Being sensitive, a dedicated popper stopper or pop shield filter is used in front of it while it is in use. The purpose of this shield is to stop excess air pressure that can potentially vibrate the microphone.
– Technical bits
These microphones use a conductive diaphragm that vibrates with the sound pressure and produces audio signals using capacitance.
– Best used for
They offer the best medium to record vocals or acoustic guitars along with precision recording and capturing subtle nuances on playing instruments.
As compared to condenser mic, they give way more natural and transparent recording.
Besides these two most common types, there is another, less popular, microphones type; ribbon microphones.
3. Ribbon microphones
Ribbons mics excel in recording a wide range of acoustic instruments professionally. Unlike other mics, ribbon microphones are bidirectional. It means they pick up sounds from both sides of the mic.
– Technical bits
A thin ribbon, usually of aluminium, duraluminium or nanofilm, is suspended in a magnetic field. The current flow is changed when the sound waves hit the ribbon.
– Best used for
Ribbon microphones are the best for recording connoisseur. They offer a vintage sounding vibe to the recordings. Ribbon mics can record an entire room beautifully to perfection. Without worrying about recording higher notes that are associated with strings or woodwind accurately. You can rely on ribbon mics for recording ambient sounds.
Besides the way different microphones work, they vary in their size, shape, and other features like wearing options.
Corded mics
As the name speaks all about them, these microphones are wired and need a power source to work. They are considered more powerful when it comes to performance. Where corded microphones are a bit messy to handle, they offer;
- Better sound quality as compared to wireless ones.
- They offer plug and play convenience to the users.
- Wired microphones have a lesser rate of failure as they are sturdier and the chances of distortion are less.
- Unlimited working hours.
- They are cheaper than other wireless alternatives that are available in the market.
Wireless mics
Wireless microphones send sound signals through thin air. They convert the sound into radio-frequency energy and send it from a microphone’s transmitter to the receiver, which in turn converts the signal into audio and routes it to the mixer.
Unlike corded mics, wireless microphones are more convenient to use and are portable. They do not need any setup to be mounted, but the batteries are used to power them.
Smartphone microphones
Mobiles have eliminated the need for most of the devices and as per the convenience most of the people prefer using their smartphones for recording audio and video, which is not a bad idea, but the sound quality is poor, to be honest.
Technology has got you covered with the best it has to offer; smartphone microphones. If you opt to go for a mobile phone recording get yourself an external microphone that offers good quality and accurate sound as compared to the built-in microphones.
Where can you find the best microphone?
The struggle does not end here. Most of the people, despite having adequate knowledge about the product they are going to get, end up buying the wrong one or the defected to the least. It is because the proper consideration is not being put into the place you are going to get your product from. A trusted manufacturer or the vendor plays an important role in getting you the right product. If you are planning to get one, XYZ offers the best quality products that will not disappoint you in any way.
Conclusion
Well, not only the type of mic matters the most but personal preference plays an equal role in determining the effectiveness of the microphone. From smaller house parties and recordings to huge events, live concerts, professional communication and much more, a high-end and durable microphone can be your biggest weapon against any distortion or larger audience.
Do not let a cheap quality microphone ruin the essence of your sound.
