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In this article I will give you enough information which I will call a guide on microphones, so you can choose the right microphone for your purposes. I will touch base on the different types of microphones and their special purposes.
If you plan on recording music, vocals, or just podcasting, you will want to choose a microphone that is not too cheap and can capture a microphone capable of good quality audio signal. Not all mics are created equal. A poor quality mic will lead to frustrating sessions, so you want to choose wisely. I will try to explain the key differences among the different microphones so you can pick the right microphone for your purposes. I highlighted words in blue which will take you to Amazon or zzounds if you are interested in purchasing a microphone.As an Amazon Associate I earn from QUALIFYING PURCHASES.read more.get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
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             Picking the Right Microphone
The first question you should ask yourself is how will I be using this microphone? each and every mic has different strengths and weaknesses. Some mics are great for recording, but not so good on a live stage. Recording microphones fall into one of a small number of categories, the most common being a dynamic, and condenser category.
1 – Dynamic Microphones – These type mics are great for using on live stages, you see this type in the hands of singers, drums, or near guitar amplifier cabinets. They will pick up a cardioid pickup pattern, which takes audio from a single axis meaning the front or side of the microphone. You can focus on the singers voice while also rejecting signals from other angles.
2 – Condenser Microphones – There are two distinct types, a large diaphragm mic, which brings a colour and flavor sound, and is used for vocals, speech, and acoustic instruments, which really picks up a great sound. The other type is a small diaphragm condenser, which is good for tonal accuracy, and produce a more steady result across the frequency spectrum, these are used as overhead mics or on cymbals, which gives it an overall mix and is more detailed in sound.
Three Types of Outputs and Different Considerations
1 Mini -( 3.5 mm) – This type output produces lower- quality audio and requires a power source. They are less popular than the other two below.
2 – XLR – This type output is the common professional choice, and can be purchased for a 3.5 mm or USB connection.
3 – USB – This type output is becoming much more popular because they are easier to use. There are no worries about a power source, and can be recorded straight to an audio program on the computer. If you plan on recording directly to the computer you should make sure the computer is compatible with the microphone and have the proper drivers.
Condenser microphones need a power source which causes an electrical current to run through the wires inside the microphone. This causes a small amount of noise that can be picked up by the mic. This is called self-noise which is weighed in A-weighted decibels (dB-A), and most microphones fall between 9 and 19dB-A. A lower noise figure is better, but is usually higher priced.
When choosing a microphone you should be aware of how “flat” a microphone’s frequency response curve is. A flat frequency response is equally sensitive to high- and low-frequency sounds. It is best to use this type on instruments to capture a natural sound. If you are going to record vocals, you should pick a microphone that’s more sensitive to different frequencies.
SPL is the highest decibel level that a microphone can record without lowering the sound quality. There are a lot of condenser mics that record up to 120dB or higher. If you plan on just using a microphone for speeches, max SPL shouldn’t be too much of a choice for you. You would need a mic that can handle high-decibel sounds if you are recording an instrument like percussion for example.
If you are using a microphone for vocals, you should have what they call a POP FILTER. Directional mics, usually the choice for vocals, are known for
“pops”, a noise that results from sounds like “B” and “P”, which can hit the diaphragm with a lot of force. A pop filter is a ring with a thin layer of mesh, which would prevent this. Some microphones come with one of these, but if they don’t they are inexpensive and worth investing in one. You should keep a pop filter 3″ or 4″ from the mic for better effectiveness.
      Directional and Omnidirectional Microphones
Each one of these type mics serve its own purpose. A directional microphone or (cardioid), have sensitivity patterns that pick up sound from one or 
two directions. This microphone would be more suited for vocal recording because they block out sound from other directions. An omnidirectional microphone picks up sounds from all directions. You would be better with this type microphone if you plan on recording several instruments at once.
                 Different Type of Stands
1 – Desktop – These are great for recording podcasts, you can adjust thiSÂ STANDÂ while sitting at a desk to the right height.
2 – Tripod Stand – If you plan on recording vocals while standing or even used in general settings.
3 – Tripod Boom – This is a standard for recording instruments, because you can adjust the height of the microphone to your liking.
4 – Shock Mount Stand – If you are recording vocals, this is a good choice because it reduces unwanted vibrations.
5 – Overhead Stand – This is most commonly used in recording studios because of the range of positions you can apply. It is the most expensive stand among all of them.
                     Price Ranges
Prices on condenser microphones can range anywhere from $9 to $2,900 or more
– Inexpensive Microphones – This can go from $9 to $50 and it would be an easy condenser microphone to use. It can have a decent number of features like a pop filter or head jack for example.
– Mid-Range Microphones – This can range anywhere from $50 to $300 and will be a high quality microphone with probably a little more features.
– Professional Microphones – This can range from $250 to $3,000 or more. This microphone would be used for the professional and recording studio.
              Storage of a Microphone
Keep the microphone away from young children and animals. If you leave it out, make sure you have a dust cover to prevent particles from collecting inside the microphone. If you plan on not using it for a long period, you should store it in a hard case if you have one.
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