Pro Audio Microphones
A microphone (mic) changes sound waves into an electrical signal. This signal can then be amplified, recorded or transmitted.
Things to consider
- Sound source select a microphone capable of picking up the frequency range of what you want to record, and cope with the loudness of the source.
- Equipment the microphone will connect to ensure compatibility of both electrical characteristics and physical connections to other audio equipment you intend to use.
Common types of professional microphone
- Condenser
- Dynamic
- Ribbon
- Lavalier
Condenser microphones
- Pros better for high frequency detail, more distance or quieter sounds sources. Suited to percussion, piano, strings or vocals within a studio setting
- Cons can be overloaded by loud sounds
Condenser mics use internal circuitry that requires power to operate. Termed ‘phantom power,’ this is supplied through the microphone cable from the audio mixer or recorder. Some utilise an internal battery.
If a microphone is identified as a valve or tube mic, it utilises a valve as a pre amplifier. Sometimes popular for a more pleasing tonal quality, valve mics need time to warm up before use.
Dynamic microphones
- Pros can cope with loud sounds without distortion, therefore suitable for guitar amps, drums and vocals in a live environment
- Cons not good for weak or distant sounds
Ribbon microphones
Similar to condenser mics but containing a delicate ribbon of aluminium as a key component of the internal workings
Reputation as being delicate and unsuitable for exposure to loud sounds
Check the specifications to see exactly what a ribbon model can handle
Lavalier microphones
Sometimes called tie, body or lapel mics
Small microphones used in television, theatre and public speaking
Frequency response
This graph shows the range of sound a mic can reproduce as well as how sensitive it is within that range.
Polar patterns
Sometimes called pickup patterns, polar patterns show where a microphone ‘looks’ for sound and areas it will ignore.
Different patterns are useful for different applications, depending on what you want to capture. There are three main types:
- Bidirectional records sound within a figure of eight pattern and is ideal if recording two sources either side of the mic
- Cardioid focussed on what is in front of them, you may also see the terms hyper cardioid and super cardioid. The difference lies in how much they reject and where.
- Omnidirectional picks up sound evenly in all directions
Refer to the technical specifications of a microphone to view a visual representation of the polar pattern of your chosen mic.