There is an abundance of Microphones to choose from on the market, so finding the right mic that fits your needs can be challenging.
Given that Mics are designed for various applications, whether you are a singer, musician, or producer, you need a mic that will produce the sound quality you want to achieve for either a recording or live performance.
In this article, we will detail each of them, discussing how they capture the sound waves and what they are typically used for.
Best
overall
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Overall: Best for vocals, producers, and podcasters
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Best Feature: The best high-end sound for crystal clear recordings.
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TedScore: 10/10
Best
microphone for guitar
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Overall: Best for guitars
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Best Feature: Frequency boost at 6 kHz
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TedScore: 10/10
Best
microphone for vocals
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Overall: Best option for vocals, podcasters, and producers
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Best Feature: It comes with a detachable windscreen
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TedScore: 9/10
Different types of microphones explained
The main types of microphones are:
- Dynamic microphones
- Condenser microphones
- Ribbon microphones
Dynamic microphones
Dynamic microphones are commonly used during live performances. This is the type of microphone to use when you want to reduce and control ambient noise from the sound you would like to record. Hence, you can come across these types of microphones in a radio studio, on podcasts, and on music stages.
How dynamic microphones work
Known as moving coil microphones, dynamic mics work in the following way; the diaphragm of the microphone is attached to the coil wire that shifts forward and backward due to sound vibrations, causing the coil to move around the magnet, making a voltage and converting sound waves into an audio signal. They operate in the same principle as speakers but in reverse.
Dynamic microphones specifications
Dynamic mics are sturdy compared to other microphone types and can be used as your kick mic (for drums – not actual kicking!). They feature omnidirectional and cardioid polar patterns, so the mics pick up sound from the direction you point in.
A dynamic microphone can withstand massive sound pressure levels and pick up loud noises, making it suitable for tracking drums, vocals and guitars. As cardioid mics, dynamic mics cancel any sound waves coming from behind.
Such dynamic mics make an ideal vocal microphone as they give the voice a lot of amplitude and presence. Unlike Condenser Microphones, dynamic microphones are relatively heavy and less likely to distort and overload when they capture high SPL (sound pressure level) sources than sensitive microphones.
Condenser microphones
Condenser microphones are commonly used mics in recording studios. They are sophisticated mics but more fragile than other types of microphones. The condenser microphones are balanced and provide detailed sound. Therefore, they are intended for softer sound sources.
How condenser microphones work
The condenser microphones, also known as capacitor mics, have a diaphragm that stores electrical capacity. A condenser microphone picks up sound by vibrating the diaphragm and producing a recordable audio signal. Compared to a dynamic mic, this mic uses capacitance instead of moving coils which is why it produces a more detailed sound.
Condenser mics specifications
Most condenser microphones require an external power source for charging. Their charge, known as phantom power, usually comes from a mixer and an audio interface. The condenser microphones require phantom power of +48 V. However, some active microphones are tube-powered and have their specific power supply.
The condenser microphone is more sensitive than the dynamic microphone, so it is a good choice for recording vocals and instruments. The condenser microphones offer the best high-frequency audio reproduction from the other microphone types.
Microphone type
Condenser microphones fall into two categories: large diaphragm condenser microphones and small diaphragm condensers.
Small diaphragm condenser mics
The small diaphragm condensers are often called pencil mics and have an amazing transient response. The small diaphragm condensers are a good choice for recording acoustic instruments and other music recording situations. Such small diaphragm microphones have a great high-end response and are intended for recording instruments compared to the large diaphragm condensers microphones used for recording vocals and an acoustic guitar.
Ribbon microphones
As the name suggests, the ribbon microphones use a thin metal ribbon that connects to the microphone’s output. Within the ribbon’s design, the mic is a rectangular diaphragm made with aluminium and magnets on the side. Once the sound wave hits the mic, the diaphragm vibrates and makes an electrical charge. Most ribbon microphones have a bi-directional polar pattern.
Ribbon Microphone specifications
The ribbon mics provide natural sound reproduction. They make the vocals and the instruments sound very clear, meaning they can be used in a recording studio. The ribbon mic is also more delicate and often expensive than the dynamic and condenser mic.
The ribbon mics are ideal for taming harsh high-end sources like guitar amps and drum overheads. Such a ribbon mic is bidirectional and provides an authentic warm, vintage and original sound. However, you shouldn’t supply ribbon mics with a phantom power of 48V due to the risk of electrocuting it.
