Are you new to using microphones, or thinking to buy a microphone for yourself, maybe for your karaoke? Well, if you are, then this article is for you because today, we are going to share with you all the details about the different types of microphones and the places where each microphone works best. So, without wasting any more time. Let’s get started.
What is a microphone?
A microphone is a device that allows its user to record a sound or audio by converting sound waves into electrical energy, which then can be amplified or converted to a digital signal, which is consequently processed by a computer.
Different Types of Microphones and Where to Use Them
When it comes to microphones, they can be divided into 4 different categories, and these categories are:
Dynamic microphones.
Small diaphragm condenser microphones.
Large Diaphragm condenser microphones.
Ribbon microphones.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are microphones that use electromagnetism for converting sound waves into electrical signals. Dynamic microphones can also be categorized into two categories:
Moving coil microphones.
Ribbon microphones.
These microphones are a perfect pick when it comes to giving live-performances. How? These microphones are very durable, cheap, reliable, and sound awesome when used with different recording devices. The microphone contains a thin metallic sheet (diaphragm), which it uses to transmit the vibration to its coil, which converts that vibration into an electrical signal and sends it to the attached electrical wire. Once this is done, the electrical signal is amplified to produce/reproduce the sound. These microphones have a basic mechanical design, and unlike other microphones, in the market, they don’t require a power source too. Besides, they are not very delicate and respond better than other microphones when it comes to high-pressure levels of sound from instruments like a guitar. Most Dynamic microphones come with cardioid patterns, which allow them to pick up audio directly in front of them and reject every other sound other than that.
Where to use them?
These microphones are mostly used for live performance in which a quality of sound is very important. You can also use them with guitar amplifier cabinets.
Some of the best Dynamic Microphones
Shure SM58.
Sennheiser E945.
Beyerdynamic M88TG.
Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
These microphones are pretty slim and are also called pencil condenser microphones too. But despite being small and slim than other microphones, they are the most commonly picked microphones when it comes to clarity, detail, and accuracy of the sound.
The microphone just like its big brother (Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones) consists of two plates in it:
Front plate
Back plate
Small Diaphragm Condenser microphones receive audio from the front end of the mic, and just like any other small condenser mic, it requires an electrical signal from an internal battery in the form of phantom power (48-volt power source) to do its job.
Where to use it?
The microphone is suitable for use in orchestras and with acoustic guitars. Besides this, you can use these microphones in any place where the main focus is accuracy, detail, and purity of sound.
Some of the best Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Neumann KM184.
Rode NT5.
Audix ADX 51.
Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Small Diaphragm Condenser microphones are famous for their accuracy and purity, whereas Large Diaphragm Condenser microphones are used to add flavor to the recordings in a studio environment. The microphone works on the same on the principal like its younger brother (Small diaphragm condenser microphone) and has two plates in it (front plate and back plate). The microphones also require a 48-volt power source (Phantom power) to operate.
Where to use them?
Large-diaphragm condenser microphones are typically used in a high-end music studio where they are used by music producers to add sparkle, tone, and flavor to the recording. Besides this, these microphones are the best option for giving a speech and for adding color to acoustic instruments, etc.
Some of the best Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Shure SM7B.
AKG C414 XLII.
Aston Spirit.
Ribbon Microphones
Ribbon Microphones are also known as the beasts in the world of recording. They use electromagnetism, just like dynamic microphones. But the difference between these two microphones is that it has a thin foil in it that follows changes in sound pressure more accurately and provides amazing reproduction of sound to its users. However, they require a low noise preamp for producing a good quality usable signal. The microphone receives sound waves from the front-end end rear end but not from the sides. Besides this, they are not very durable and very expensive too.
Where to use them?
The microphones are basically used with electric guitars for recording the tone of the amplified guitar, brass instruments, and strings.
Some of the best Ribbon Microphones
Beyerdynamic M160.
Coles 4038.
SE Electronics VR1 Voodoo.
Source : Types of Microphones
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