Mike White has written another excellent essay in his five-part series on how to choose the proper microphone, and this one is no exception. Check out Mike’s amazing blog for more information. Heaps of useful engineering and manufacturing advice from real-world experts!
Flexibility
What are you planning on doing with your microphone? It depends on whether you’re using it for recording or live performance. What kind of instruments do you intend to utilise it with? What is the major instrument on the list, and what is its name? The answers to all of these questions must be obtained before you put down the plastic sheeting. Otherwise, you can end up with a microphone that is less than you had planned for.
If your microphone will only be used for a certain instrument, narrow your search to microphones that are especially intended for that instrument. Consider the actual use of the microphone and how it will fit into your recording studio or live performance environment before purchasing it. If you need a microphone to perform more than one function, begin by creating a list of all the instruments for which the microphone will be used. Prioritize the list by putting the most significant or most often recorded instruments at the top of the list, in that order.
Example #1:
I need a general home recording mic.
- Vocals
- Acoustic Guitar
- Electric Guitar amp
- Shakers and Tambourine
Given the vast variety of dynamics in this arrangement, you will want to seek for a microphone that offers a little bit of sonic flexibility. In this scenario, a large-diaphragm condenser mic with switchable polar patterns and a pad would be my recommendation for the recording. A small-diaphragm condenser would be more effective for instruments, but it would have the greatest detrimental effect on voice sound. Even when utilised at a 2-foot distance from the acoustic guitar, a large-diaphragm microphone will provide excellent results. The pad will enable you to utilise the mic up close to a guitar amp or percussion instrument.. When using switchable polar patterns, you will be able to record a group of vocals or instruments without having to have everyone congregate in front of the microphone.
Example #2:
I need a good mic for recording drums, bass and guitar amps.
- Kick Drum
- Bass
- Guitar Amp
In this situation, unless the arrangement was for jazz or a lighter, more complex sound, I would recommend using a dynamic microphone. A strong dynamic microphone with excellent low-end response will be a top priority in this situation. Particularly if the style dictates that power be prioritised over finesse. Some dynamic microphones are equipped with a built-in low-frequency filter, which allows you to thin out sounds that may come across as muddy when they are captured on tape. An excellent large-diaphragm condenser microphone with a pad may be preferable in a jazz setup to catch the finer nuances of an ensemble’s performances. Switchable polar patterns will also provide you with some versatility while using a variety of instruments.
Example #3:
I need a mic that will work well for vocals both recording and live.
- Live performance
- Studio recording
Obviously, this is a difficult question to answer since so much relies on whether or not the live performance calls for a portable microphone or one that is constantly on a stand. If the microphone is mounted on a stand, there are several excellent solutions that will perform well in both circumstances. If you use a hand-held microphone in the studio, you may hear extraneous noises when handling the mic that are not noticeable in a live performance environment. If this is the intended outcome, look for a microphone that is internally shock-mounted to reduce the impact of this effect.
When it comes to dynamic microphones, a decent non-handheld dynamic mic that is developed for radio transmission will have the rejection qualities essential to prevent feedback during live performances as well as the presence necessary to function in a studio recording environment. It is possible to use condenser microphones in the studio if dynamic microphones do not match your natural voice tone. There are several condenser microphones that are particularly developed for live performance and will function well in the studio. In this case, look for condenser microphones that are built to perform well in both environments. When it comes to recording, stay away from cordless microphones.
Mic packages
If you’re having trouble selecting the proper microphone for all of your recording requirements, you may want to consider purchasing a package deal. However, an increasing number of home studio beginning kits are now available, most of which are designed expressly for instruments that need more than one microphone to record, such as a drum set. As soon as you’ve determined your pricing range, start looking for a solid studio package that will meet your fundamental requirements. Quality should always take precedence over quantity. A smaller set of microphones for the same money will almost always provide better results than a bigger group of microphones.
Conclusion
Selecting the most appropriate microphone for a group of instruments takes a little more time and effort. Because most manufacturers will not give a comprehensive list of instruments, you will need to do a more thorough analysis of the information they do supply. To begin, choose microphones that are built to meet your major recording requirements and check which of them also mention additional instruments that are the most similar to yours. You may substitute a lower-priced microphone that meets or exceeds the specs and features of the higher-priced microphone. This is an excellent segue into the next advice, “There’s a Good Microphone at Any Price.”
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
- Best Laptops For Producing Music (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
- 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 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)
- LXK2 Little Martin Review: A Small Acoustic Guitar For Travellers 2022
- Best Laptops For College Students In 2022
🎵 Music Studio Gear
- 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)
- Marvelous Magix Multimedia Software For The Creative Industry: A Review On Magix.Com 2022
- Looking To Be A Music Producer? Tips To Turn Yourself From Amateur To Pro 2022
- The New Q Acoustics Concept 40 Review 2022
🎵 Headphone Recommendation
- Are Marshall Major IV On-Ear Headphones Good & Worth It? (Best Comparison & Review 2022)
- Experience Sound Like Never Before: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Headphones Review 2022
- Best Headphones For Music Production (2022 Review)
🎵 Earphone Recommendation
- Monster NCredible NErgy In-Ear Headphones
- Earbuds For Sport: Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Duro Review 2022
- Sennheiser CX 281 Earphones Review 2022
🎵 Microphone Recommendation
- Avantone CV12 Review 2022: The Best Modern Microphone For Vintage Classic Sound?
- Nessie USB Microphone Review 2022
- Home Studio Gear: When To Use A Multi-Pattern Microphone? 2022
🎵 Speaker Recommendation
- The New Q Acoustics Concept 40 Review 2022
- Get 5.1 Surround Sound With Sonos Speakers: An In-Depth Analysis 2022
- Q Acoustics 2000i Series Review: Best Affordable Speakers 2022?
🎵 Guitar Recommendation
- Yamaha’s Best Classical Guitar So Far? Yamaha CX40 Electro Review 2022
- Get The Vintage Guitar Sound With The Fender Classic: A Review In 2022
- Quality Gibson Acoustic Guitars: The Gibson Hummingbird Review 2022
🎵 Online Music Streaming
- Music Junkie’s Essential: Online File-Sharing Site Soundcloud Review 2022
- Is Pandora Internet Radio Good For Streaming? The Pros & Cons In 2022
- Listen To Free Music On The Largest Internet Radio: Live365.com Review 2022
🎵 Recommended Laptop For Music Production
- 23+ Best Gaming Laptops Under $300 (Review 2022)
- Best Cheap Budget Laptop For Music Production (2022)
- Best Desktop PC Computer For Music Production & Home Recording (2022)
🎵 Drum Kits Recommendation
- Yamaha Gigmaker Drum Kit Review: The Beginners’ Choice 2022
- How To Use Redrum In Audio Mixing: Programming Patterns In This Drum Machine 2022
- CB Fusion Review: The Ultimate Drum Kit For Entry-Level Drummers 2022
🎵 Music Production Plugins
- Beats By Dr. Dre Review 2022: Over-rated And Overpriced? Or Worth It?
- Marvelous Magix Multimedia Software For The Creative Industry: A Review On Magix.Com 2022
- Loopmasters Sample Boutique Review: An Online Library For Music Producers 2022
🎵 Beginner's Home Music Production Tips
- How Can You Make Your Own Music And Beats At Home In 2022?
- What Size Of Monitors Do You Need For Your Home Studio? Near Field Vs Mid Field 2022
- Budget Home Music Production Ideas: How To Mix Like The Pros On A $99 Budget? 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