Microphones
Types of Microphones
- Dynamic Microphones: These are rugged and durable microphones that are commonly used in live performances and recording studios. They are capable of handling high sound pressure levels and have a cardioid polar pattern, which means they pick up sound primarily from the front and reject sounds from the sides and rear.
- Condenser Microphones: These are more sensitive and delicate than dynamic microphones and are commonly used in recording studios for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments. They require an external power source (either through batteries or phantom power) to operate and have a wider frequency response than dynamic microphones.
- Ribbon Microphones: These are also known as velocity microphones and are characterized by their warm and natural sound. They are often used for recording stringed instruments, brass, and vocals. They are fragile and require special care, as they can be easily damaged.
- USB Microphones: These are specialized condenser microphones that can be plugged directly into a computer or mobile device’s USB port. They are commonly used for podcasting, voiceovers, and video conferencing.
- Wireless Microphones: These are microphones that transmit the audio signal wirelessly to a receiver, which is connected to a sound system. They are commonly used in live performances and presentations.
- Lavalier Microphones: Also known as lapel microphones, these are small microphones that can be clipped onto clothing. They are commonly used in broadcast journalism and theater productions.
- Shotgun Microphones: These are highly directional microphones that are commonly used in film and television production. They have a long, narrow shape and are designed to pick up sound primarily from the front while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear.
Condenser Microphones for Vocals
Condenser microphones are widely used in recording studios for capturing vocals because of their high sensitivity and ability to capture a wide range of frequencies. They work by converting sound waves into an electrical signal using a capacitor, which is a device that stores electrical charge.
They are highly sensitive to sound and are able to pick up subtle nuances in the human voice, including breathiness, sibilance, and vibrato. They also have a wider frequency response than dynamic microphones, which means they can capture high and low frequencies with greater accuracy.
For recording vocals, it is typically placed on a microphone stand or mounted on a shock mount to reduce any handling noise or vibrations. The microphone is then positioned in front of the vocalist at a distance of about 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and angled slightly downward towards the mouth.
Condenser microphones require an external power source to operate, either in the form of batteries or phantom power, which is a method of supplying power to the microphone through the same cable used for the audio signal. Many recording interfaces and mixers provide phantom power, so it’s important to check that the equipment you’re using is compatible with condenser microphones.
Microphone Polar Patterns
Microphone polar patterns describe how a microphone picks up sound from different directions relative to the microphone’s diaphragm. There are several types of polar patterns, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. The most common polar patterns are:
- Omnidirectional: An omnidirectional microphone picks up sound from all directions equally, making it useful for capturing ambient sounds or for recording a group of people or instruments. It has no directional bias and is less susceptible to proximity effect, which is a bass boost that occurs when a microphone is placed close to a sound source.
- Cardioid: A cardioid microphone is more directional than an omnidirectional microphone and picks up sound primarily from the front while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear. It has a heart-shaped polar pattern, which is why it’s called a cardioid. This makes it ideal for recording individual instruments or vocals, as it isolates the sound source and reduces background noise.
- Supercardioid/Hypercardioid: These polar patterns are similar to cardioid, but with a narrower pickup pattern and a longer rear lobe that picks up some sound from behind the microphone. This makes them more directional than cardioid and suitable for capturing a single sound source in a noisy environment, such as a live concert or event.
- Bidirectional/Figure-8: A bidirectional microphone picks up sound from the front and back while rejecting sounds from the sides. This makes it useful for recording two sound sources facing each other, such as an interview or duet.
- Shotgun: A shotgun microphone is highly directional and picks up sound primarily from the front while rejecting sounds from the sides and rear. It has a long, narrow shape and is often used in film and television production to capture dialogue or sound effects from a distance.
Which Polar Pattern Should I use For Recording Vocals?
The choice of microphone polar pattern for recording vocals depends on the desired sound and the recording environment. For most vocal recording situations, a cardioid polar pattern is commonly used because it provides good isolation of the vocal sound source while rejecting background noise.
If the vocalist is moving around during the performance or if multiple sound sources need to be captured simultaneously, an omnidirectional polar pattern may be more appropriate. An omnidirectional microphone will capture sound from all directions equally and is less likely to cause proximity effect when the vocalist moves closer or further away from the microphone.
However, if the recording environment has a lot of background noise or other sound sources that need to be rejected, a supercardioid or hypercardioid polar pattern may be more suitable. These polar patterns are more directional than cardioid and offer greater rejection of off-axis sound sources, but they may also pick up more handling noise and other unwanted sounds if not used correctly.
