When I chat to artists, friends, and home recording aficionados, one of the most often questions I get is how to choose the finest microphone. The question is frequently phrased like follows:
What is the best vocal microphone? … Guitars? … Drums, for example…
The implication here is that there is a single miraculous microphone out there that will determine whether or not someone will like your song. As a professional recording engineer for the past 25 years, I understand the need to capture a performance in the finest possible light. This, however, raises the question of what is “best.” Who gets to judge what’s best? Is it possible to reduce that concept to something as basic as frequencies?
I always seek for the microphone that best complements the sound we’re aiming to capture for any instrument or vocalist when choosing a microphone to record them. To make my message very clear…
THERE IS NO ONE MIC OR SOUND THAT SUITS EVERY ARTIST AND EVERY SONG !!!
Sorry for the ranting, but grasping this point is important to selecting the appropriate microphone. I’d like to offer some advise and guidance in the form of my Top 5 Tips for Choosing a Microphone to help you get started. I believe the best place to begin is with a brief overview of microphones.
Learn the Basics
There are basically 4 types of microphones that are currently being used in the recording world.
- Dynamic
- Condenser
- Tube
- Ribbon
Other designs exist, such as piezoelectric, electret condenser, and carbon, to mention a few, but they are employed in recording settings less commonly than the four listed above. Let’s take a deeper look at each one with that in mind:
The Dynamic Mic
A Dynamic mic is basically a small speaker designed to vibrate with air pressure fluctuations. Dynamic mikes are very durable, can handle high sound pressure levels, and are relatively insensitive to the environment. Although dynamic mikes are generally less sensitive to high frequencies they play a very important role in the recording studio and serve well for close miking situations with drums, percussion, and guitar/bass amps. When used with vocals they can add warmth and a dry presence to a voice.
The Condenser Mic
Condenser mikes have a more sophisticated design that frees the diaphragm from a coil as used in a dynamic mic. The benefit is a heightened sensitivity to high frequencies that gives it a presence sometimes lacking in dynamic mikes. Condenser microphones are also the mainstay of any recording studio and can be used well with most instruments. They are usually broken down into 2 categories, small and large diaphragm.
Small diaphragm condenser mikes are less sensitive to low frequencies and work well in situations where you want to limit low-frequency boomy-ness like an acoustic guitar. When padded they can also work well to give your snare drum extra snap and are great for recording cymbals and percussion. Large-diaphragm condenser mikes are more sensitive to lower frequencies and serve well when a full frequency sound is desired. For vocals they are typically used at a very close distance (1-6 inches) For most other instruments, a medium distance (1-4 feet) from the sound source is required to prevent overload unless the mic has a pad switch.
Condenser mikes require external power (usually 48v) typically provided by the mic preamp. They are very sensitive to the quality of the power source and do not work well with interfaces that run on USB power.
The Tube Mic
A tube mic is essentially a condenser mic with a tube amplification stage. All tube mikes require an external power source which is a separate box provided by the manufacturer and plugged into your wall socket. Tube mikes use unique XLR pin configurations to make sure there is only one way (the correct way!) to connect the mic to the power supply. Tube mikes are very sensitive to the environment and can be quite noisy. They typically need to be turned on an hour before recording so that the tube is in a stable saturation state.
Tube mikes are known for their deep low-end warmth and a high-end sizzle that makes them a perfect match for recording vocals. They generally do not perform well at high sound pressure levels and are often used at a distance when recording loud instruments like drums. Because of all the extra power supplies, cables, and design issues, a tube mic is going to cost quite a bit more than a condenser mic will. Avoid cheap tube mikes, they will be more of a headache than what they are worth.
Ribbon
The ribbon mic is the most sensitive and unique sounding of all mikes used in the studio. A good ribbon mic will give you unparalleled detail. Up until recently, this detail had come with the issue of added sensitivity to the environment, and additional noise. Ribbon mikes are best used with a dedicated preamp specifically designed for use with ribbons.
Modern ribbon mikes are much more rugged than the vintage ones and are not susceptible to being blown up by an accidental supply of 48v (phantom power) designed for use with condenser mikes. Traditionally ribbon mikes were always used at a distance from the sound source due to their delicate design. Modern ribbon mikes can handle the higher sound pressure levels and are amazing on guitar amps.
Some Bonus Mic Terminology:
- Diaphragm: This is the part of the mic that captures the changes in air pressure, AKA sound.
- Polar Pattern: The direction that a microphone will best receive signals. This ranges from being most sensitive directly in front (Cardioid) to being sensitive from all directions (Omni). The figure 8 pattern is most sensitive from and back but rejects signals from the side.
- Pad: A pad is an attenuation used to help prevent sensitive mikes from distorting when subjected to loud sound sources.
- Phantom Power: A power feed (typically 48v) from mic preamp designed for condenser mikes to power the amplification electronics that allow it to pass audio.
I hope you have found this mic primer tip helpful. In the next tip, I will discuss how musical style plays an important role in the mikes that you select.
For more tips on music production and engineering, please visit my website, music-production-guide.com.
Editor’s Note: Please welcome Michael White to our blog. Mike has graciously agreed to guest post occasionally and I’m sure you’ll find his posts truly informative. Mike has real-world experience in the recorded music industry everything from engineering to production to the teaching of the art of audio recording. I’m excited to have him on board! Be sure to read more about Mike at music-production-guide.com.
Check out the microphone tips collection here!
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
What's Up To Other Music Producer:
🎵 Trending Now
- Avantone CV12 Review 2022: The Best Modern Microphone For Vintage Classic Sound?
- Finding The Best Mid-Range Condenser Microphone? AKG Pro Audio C214 Review 2022
- Looking For A Convenient Smart Home Speaker For Music Streaming? Sonos Play:3 Review 2022
- Are Bose SIE2i Sport Headphones Good? (2022 Review)
- Finding The Perfect Earphone For Outdoor Uses? Skullcandy Inkd Earbuds Review 2022
- Pioneer SE-MJ71-S Steel Wheels Headphones Review 2022
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20 High-Quality Stereo Headphone Review 2022
- Earbuds For Sport: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Duro Review 2022
- Experience Sound Like Never Before: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones Review 2022
- Logitech Speaker System Z623 Review 2022
- Blackstar HT5R Review 2022: The Best Marshall Amp Alternative
- Sennheiser CX 175 Earphones Review 2022: Cheap Quality Essential That You Should Have
- Sonos Connect: Amp Review (Best Wireless Amplifier 2022)
- Sennheiser CX 200 II Earphones Review 2022
- Are Marshall Major IV On-Ear Headphones Good & Worth It? (Best Comparison & Review 2022)
- Behringer MS16 Computer Speaker/ Monitor System Review 2022
- 5 Best Sweat-Proof Quality Earphones For Athletes 2022
- Loudspeakers Review: Sonos Play:1
- Monster NCredible NErgy In-Ear Headphones
- What Music Gear To Shop On Amazon Prime Day 2022? Best Home Studio Products Deals That You Should Check Out
- Best Amazon Black Friday Deals For Music Producers 2022: A Full Home Studio Shopping List That You Don’t Want To Miss To Improve Your Masterpieces
- Top 2 Best Gaming Monitors Under $200: A Review In 2022
- How To Start A Gaming Channel On YouTube: Get These 5 Essential Equipment 2022
- Best Cheap Budget Laptop For Music Production (2022)
- Best Desktop PC Computer For Music Production & Home Recording (2022)
- 23+ Best Gaming Laptops Under $300 (Review 2022)
- Best Gaming Laptop Under $1000: Buying Guide 2022
- Best Laptops For Producing Music (Review 2022)
- Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $500 (Review 2022)
- Best Headphones For Music Production (2022 Review)
- Best Music Production Microphone for Vocals: Top Dynamic Mic Review 2022
- What Are The Main Features Of A Laptop? (13+ Things To Consider Before Buying 2022)
- 5 Best Convertible Laptop Under $500 (2-In-1 For 2022)
- Best Budget Laptop For Watching Netflix & Streaming Youtube (2022)
- Best Laptop For Animation Students And Graphic Designers (2022)
- Best Laptops Under 1500 Dollars (Tips & Buying Guide 2022)
- Best 17 Inch Laptop Under $500 (Budget For Home Office 2022)
- 6 Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Laptop Backpack (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $800 In 2022?
- Best Laptop Under 1000 Dollars (2022)
- Best Fast Laptops Under $300 (Nice For Light Use 2022)
- Best Laptop Under $2000 For 2022
- Pentesting & Kali Linux Laptops (10 Best Cheap Options For 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $400 (2022)
- 8 Best Laptops For Medical Students And Doctors (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- 5 Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptops Under $700 (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Looking For A Quality Cheap Laptop? Best Laptops Under $200 (2022)
- 9+ Best Laptops For Realtors And Real Estate Agents (Buying Guide & Review 2022)
- Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptop Under $600 (5 Notebooks Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- What The Funk Is With Gibson Firebird V 2010 VS? A General Review On The Electric Guitar In 2022
- Music Production Studio Essentials: A Guide To Setting Up The Perfect Recording Space 2022
- Are You Finding The Best Mic For Your Home Recording Studio? Tips For Selecting A Microphone 2022: Tip 1
🎵 Music Studio Gear
- Experience Sound Like Never Before: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones Review 2022
- Avantone CV12 Review 2022: The Best Modern Microphone For Vintage Classic Sound?
- Finding The Best Mid-Range Condenser Microphone? AKG Pro Audio C214 Review 2022
- Looking For A Convenient Smart Home Speaker For Music Streaming? Sonos Play:3 Review 2022
- Are Bose SIE2i Sport Headphones Good? (2022 Review)
- Finding The Perfect Earphone For Outdoor Uses? Skullcandy Inkd Earbuds Review 2022
- Pioneer SE-MJ71-S Steel Wheels Headphones Review 2022
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20 High-Quality Stereo Headphone Review 2022
- Earbuds For Sport: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Duro Review 2022
- Logitech Speaker System Z623 Review 2022
- Blackstar HT5R Review 2022: The Best Marshall Amp Alternative
- Sennheiser CX 175 Earphones Review 2022: Cheap Quality Essential That You Should Have
- Sonos Connect: Amp Review (Best Wireless Amplifier 2022)
- Sennheiser CX 200 II Earphones Review 2022
- Are Marshall Major IV On-Ear Headphones Good & Worth It? (Best Comparison & Review 2022)
- Behringer MS16 Computer Speaker/ Monitor System Review 2022
- 5 Best Sweat-Proof Quality Earphones For Athletes 2022
- Loudspeakers Review: Sonos Play:1
- Monster NCredible NErgy In-Ear Headphones
- What Music Gear To Shop On Amazon Prime Day 2022? Best Home Studio Products Deals That You Should Check Out
- Best Amazon Black Friday Deals For Music Producers 2022: A Full Home Studio Shopping List That You Don’t Want To Miss To Improve Your Masterpieces
- Top 2 Best Gaming Monitors Under $200: A Review In 2022
- How To Start A Gaming Channel On YouTube: Get These 5 Essential Equipment 2022
- Best Cheap Budget Laptop For Music Production (2022)
- Best Desktop PC Computer For Music Production & Home Recording (2022)
- 23+ Best Gaming Laptops Under $300 (Review 2022)
- Best Gaming Laptop Under $1000: Buying Guide 2022
- Best Laptops For Producing Music (Review 2022)
- Best Cheap Gaming Laptops Under $500 (Review 2022)
- Best Headphones For Music Production (2022 Review)
- Best Music Production Microphone for Vocals: Top Dynamic Mic Review 2022
- What Are The Main Features Of A Laptop? (13+ Things To Consider Before Buying 2022)
- 5 Best Convertible Laptop Under $500 (2-In-1 For 2022)
- Best Budget Laptop For Watching Netflix & Streaming Youtube (2022)
- Best Laptop For Animation Students And Graphic Designers (2022)
- Best Laptops Under 1500 Dollars (Tips & Buying Guide 2022)
- Best 17 Inch Laptop Under $500 (Budget For Home Office 2022)
- 6 Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Laptop Backpack (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $800 In 2022?
- Best Laptop Under 1000 Dollars (2022)
- Best Fast Laptops Under $300 (Nice For Light Use 2022)
- Best Laptop Under $2000 For 2022
- Pentesting & Kali Linux Laptops (10 Best Cheap Options For 2022)
- Best Laptops Under $400 (2022)
- 8 Best Laptops For Medical Students And Doctors (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- 5 Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptops Under $700 (Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- Looking For A Quality Cheap Laptop? Best Laptops Under $200 (2022)
- 9+ Best Laptops For Realtors And Real Estate Agents (Buying Guide & Review 2022)
- Best 2-In-1 Convertible Laptop Under $600 (5 Notebooks Buyer’s Guide 2022)
- How To Stream Music Online With Deezer In 2022? Is It A Good Platform?
- Yamaha CPX1200II Review 2022: One Of The Best Acoustic Guitars?
🎵 Headphone Recommendation
- Sennheiser RS160 Wireless Stereo Headphones Review 2022
- AfterShokz AS321-E Sportz M2 Headphone Review 2022
- Monster NCredible NErgy In-Ear Headphones
🎵 Earphone Recommendation
- 5 Best Sweat-Proof Quality Earphones For Athletes 2022
- Earbuds For Sport: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Duro Review 2022
- Monster DNA Over-The-Ear Headphones Review 2022
🎵 Microphone Recommendation
- Nessie USB Microphone Review 2022
- Are You Finding The Best Mic For Your Home Recording Studio? Tips For Selecting A Microphone 2022: Tip 5
- Finding The Best Mid-Range Condenser Microphone? AKG Pro Audio C214 Review 2022
🎵 Speaker Recommendation
- Award-Winning Cinema Pack: Q Acoustics 7000i 5.1 Review 2022
- Q Acoustics Presents 7070si Series 8 Inch Subwoofer Review 2022
- Sonos 5.1 Bundle Review 2022: High Tech And Hard To Resist
🎵 Guitar Recommendation
- Is The ESP Snakebyte White Metal’s Next Greatest Guitar? An Unbiased Review 2022
- The Epiphone Les Paul Standard Offers Good Cheap Guitars: A Review In 2022
- Get The Vintage Guitar Sound With The Fender Classic: A Review In 2022
🎵 Online Music Streaming
- Find Every Music Piece On YouTube 2022: A Part Of Your Life
- Is Pandora Internet Radio Good For Streaming? The Pros & Cons In 2022
- How To Get Caught While Pirating Music Online? 2022
🎵 Recommended Laptop For Music Production
- Best Desktop PC Computer For Music Production & Home Recording (2022)
- Best Cheap Budget Laptop For Music Production (2022)
- Best Laptops For Producing Music (Review 2022)
🎵 Drum Kits Recommendation
- CB Fusion Review: The Ultimate Drum Kit For Entry-Level Drummers 2022
- How To Use Redrum In Audio Mixing: Programming Patterns In This Drum Machine 2022
- Is The Mapex Tornado Series Really Up To The Mark? A Review In 2022
🎵 Music Production Plugins
- GMedia’s Imposcar Review: An In-depth Look At A Great Synth 2022
- Headphone Maker’s Unlimited Music Service: Beats Music Review 2022
- Looking For Some High-Quality Free Tools To Start Producing Music? Useful Music Production Software Plugins For Beginners 2022
🎵 Beginner's Home Music Production Tips
- Starting Your Own Music Business And Seeking Some Help? Make Sure You Don’t Miss These Resources Out In 2022
- How To Increase Audio Resolution? An Introduction To Vibration Control 2022
- Best Gaming Laptop Under $1000: Buying Guide 2022
🎵 Music History Overview
- How To Be A Successful Producer? Dissecting The Music Industry 2022
- How To Get Caught While Pirating Music Online? 2022
- 10 Iconic Musicians Who Lost Their Hearing
🎵 For Gaming