A microphone is a device that converts sound to an electrical signal. Microphones can capture sound in many ways. You can use it for recording different purposes like communications of all kinds, music, and public events. In the 1870s, David Edward Hughes invented the first carbon microphone in England.
When you are talking to a crowd or recording any sound, you need a microphone to make sound quality better. There are thousands of microphones available in the market. You could consider no mic as best for all situations.
Several microphones come under the two basic types: condenser mics and dynamic mics. We have explained all kinds in this article.
Types of microphones:
Table of Contents
Let’s look at each microphone’s detail with its key points and potential usage.
1. Large-diaphragm condenser microphone:
Large-diaphragm condenser microphones are best for recording vocals. When you would see it in real life, you would say,” Oh! I have seen this microphone many times on TV and in movies”. This microphone gives the feeling of “sounds like a record.” Using this microphone type, you can experience the voice as more adorable, bigger, engaging, and beautiful. It produces a better voice as compared to some other mics. Other than spoken words or vocals, these mics are used to record enhanced life music for operating solo instruments.
Key points:
Its low noise makes it an ideal microphone for recording guitars and other instruments.
It is best for both professional vocal recordings and home studio recordings.
These mics are available in dynamic and stylish hardware.
It has an internal capsule shock mount.
2. Small diaphragm condenser microphone:
These mics are popular for recording high-frequency instruments like acoustic guitars and cymbals. Even smaller diaphragms are used in these mics. They are perfect to use in home studios for recording songs. As you start using them, you will come to know how versatile and valuable they are. The users find these mics quite useful. These mics are a standard tool for recording but a bit expensive to buy for a home studio.
Key points & potential benefits:
It provides maximum rejection of off-axis sounds.
You can use it for outdoor recordings.
It is useful in studio recordings and broadcasting.
It produces the same sound you hear while playing your instruments.
3. Bass microphone:
If you want to record a low-end sound, this is the best choice because it provides a boost to low-end instruments. These mics are also known as “kick drum mics”. In-home studios it is the best option to use. These mics use a large diaphragm. They are used for recording bass cabs, kick drums, and other bass instruments. The built-in windscreen of these microphones stops popping. These mics are pretty famous for use in live concerts and studios.
Key points & potential benefits:
It has a low-end boost.
It consists of a small scoop in the mid.
It works well with low-frequency instruments.
It’s not too expensive to buy.
It rejects the off-axis sounds.
4. Multi-pattern mics:
The structure of multi-pattern mics is combining two mics in one. It has a unique dual capsule design by which you can easily switch between the three common polar patterns: figure-8, omnidirectional, and cardioid. It is better for stereo recording, and it is a versatile microphone. Multi-pattern mics are not the priority of beginners, but as they get familiar with the technicalities of sound recordings, it’s the best option to use. It is a mic with a large diaphragm providing you with more sensitivity.
Key points & potential benefits:
It is a versatile large-diaphragm mic providing multiple pick-up patterns.
It provides low-frequency control.
Better to use for recording the different amounts of room sound and various instruments.
It is the mic with an integrated pop filter and shock mount.
5. Dynamic mics:
Dynamic mics are not an official category of mics, but we will consider them here. It is a category of mics with specific features to perform one specific task, while some are so versatile that you can use them for any recording. Hence they are called the “classics.” Dynamic microphones of all renowned companies meet the industry standards for recording drums, rock vocals, and electric guitars. So in home studios, that would be a spectacular addition to their collection of mics. Professional studios’ cabinets are filled with these mics because of their efficiency.
Key points & potential benefits:
Not expensive comparatively
It works better on stage and in the studio.
Better for recording vocals.
It has a built-in pop filter
Recommended for high professionals
6. Noise-canceling microphones:
The noise-canceling microphones are usually used for achieving high directionality. These microphones consist of two ports; one is placed at the front while the other port is at the back.
The diaphragm lies between the two ports. The sound coming from the front of the microphone makes the diaphragm vibrate because it enters from the forepart only. While the noise comes from both the front and the rear, the diaphragm doesn’t vibrate and rejects the noise from the recording.
The noise-canceling microphones are used in various fields where directional voice is most required. These microphones are used in the headsets of call centers, shipboard communications, racing cars, video games, and helicopters.
Key points & potential benefits:
This microphone doesn’t let the noise interrupt you in your particular tasks.
Accurately records sound from 1 -3 cm close to the microphone.
It riches and empowers the recorded sound from the front of the microphone.
It comes in different forms like standalone microphones and some kind of headsets.
7. Bidirectional (figure-8) microphones:
Bi means two, so the name itself indicates that it is two-directional. The bidirectional microphones record sound from the front and rear of the microphone. While at the same time, it rejects the sounds coming from the sides. So, the best situation for its use is interviews, when the interviewer and the interviewee sit at opposite ends of the table with one mic in between.
The recording of sound by this microphone remains crisp and natural from a distance as well. With high frequencies, it becomes more directional. Here it is if you want to see the best example of the pressure-gradient principle, even in a single diaphragm microphone.
Key points & potential benefits:
Records sound from front and rear.
It shows a significant proximity effect, thus giving a bass boost to the recorded sound.
It provides natural sound from a bit distance from the sound source.
Rejects the off-axis sounds.
8. Boundary mics:
The boundary mic is a small omnidirectional condenser mic used by professionals and rarely in home studios. They are placed on the floor against a wall with no need for any stand to hold them. These are so helpful in conference rooms and theatres. It can be used in studios as a room mic and kick drum mic. The boundary mic has a directional half-space pick-up pattern. It is also used on hockey boards for body check sound effects.
Key points & potential benefits:
Useful for recording full room sound.
It prevents comb filtering by keeping phase interference above the audio range.
Produces natural sound with a flatter frequency response.
It has a directional polar pattern: cardioid or super-cardioid.
It reduces the reflected sound delay.
9. USB microphone:
Around 2005, even USB mics didn’t exist, but now it is the most popular mic. It could be easily attached to your PC and tablets, and it is ready to use. Professionals do not operate it. If you have a low budget and want to record sound, it is a good option. It is considered effective for podcasting and bedroom studios. It doesn’t require any preamps or interfaces like standard mics. So it’s a better choice for all not to try to invest in a proper studio and record the sound on a low budget.
Key points & potential benefits:
It is a portable mic with a high-quality recording facility.
It is easy to set up.
No additional equipment is needed for recording.
It is better for recording both: vocals and instruments.
It is a unique type of mic that doesn’t belong to condenser mics or dynamic mics. It has its particular category because of its “thin aluminum ribbon” used instead of the diaphragm.
And that is why it is called ribbon mic. It is a natural mic to record vocals, instruments, and even room sound. It is famous for its unique sound, so it is the choice of professionals. And its standard sound makes it expensive and challenging to buy by home studio owners.
It gives a booming effect to instruments and makes the thin voice deeper and richer. It is also effective for vocals and instruments, so it is the choice of many professionals.
Key points & potential benefits:
It has a high-frequency roll-off similar to the human ear hearing the sound.
It has a figure-8 polar pattern, which means it can receive sound from the front and back.
It has an incredible low-end pick-up.
It doesn’t pick up sound from the sides, so better for recording multiple instruments in the same room.
Best to use at radio stations.
It has more durability as compared to dynamic mics.
It has high-frequency sensitivity as compared to condenser mics.
This microphone has a parabolic reflector that focuses the sound from a considerable distance. It is highly sensitive to the sounds in the axis of the dish. This microphone is more used in fields like sports, recording bird sounds, and broadcasting.
The law enforcement agencies use it for eavesdropping on conversations of criminals. The parabolic microphone has a limitation; the low-frequency response is feeble.
Thus, for recording the sound around the human lower hearing capacity, this microphone will require a bigger dish than it possesses. Because this dish can’t capture the low-frequency sound waves, it still is perfect at what it is doing.
Key points & potential benefits:
It has excellent sensitivity for voices in one direction.
You can use it in the open air as well as in studios.
Record sounds from a long distance, even though the walls at which it is pointed.
It reduces the ambient voices.
12. Shotgun mics:
Shotgun microphones are not usually used as a recording instrument in studios because it is the right choice for outdoor audio recordings. It is considered best for wildlife documentaries and news reporting. And why is this mostly used for outdoor recordings? The answer is that it can isolate the sound. And when we are trying to record the sounds of birds for a documentary, it gives higher results.
It has a design known as an “interference Tube”, which allows it to reject off-axis noise. When you are a news reporter, and you use this mic for your recordings, you’ll find it the best one because it records sound in a much noisier environment so accurately.
Why is it called a shotgun? Obviously, because of its shape like a shotgun. And secondly, it’s important to point it straight towards the source; otherwise, you can’t record the sound at its best.
Suppose you intend to use it in a studio and are not a professional. In that case, I recommend you postpone it until you spend some time in this field and learn more about them because only professionals can use it indoors at its fullest.
Shotgun microphones are available in short, medium, and long-sized tube mics. The difference in length refers to different pick-up angles. If the tube is longer, the pick-up angle is narrower, almost 30 degrees. The medium-sized mic has a medium pick-up angle of 50 degrees, and the shorter-sized mic has a larger pick-up angle of 70 degrees.
To get better results from shotgun mics, you can place the mic in three positions to get a better sound. If it is used in news reporting and the reporter is trying to record his voice, the spot boy can place it either above the reporter or just in front of him or above him but at a distance. The shotgun mic would record the reporter’s voice and the background sound that would give a natural effect.
It is made for professional use in TV, movies, videos, and production houses. They are less in weight and so easy to handle. It has a high pass filter that prevents low-end noise like traffic noise. Moreover, it is an ideal microphone for its full frequency response, audio transparency, and low noise.
Its high pass filter prevents extra sounds like air conditioners and traffic noise.
These mics have accessories like a windshield, zip case, and mic clip. These accessories help use the mic for outdoor recordings.
It is also a good option for live stage performance. So if you are a singer and want to use it for your live performance, go ahead.
It is a unidirectional mic that catches the high sound beam when placed in the right place. Otherwise, it picks up the worse sound if the source moves to the sides or towards the back.
You can use shotgun microphones in conferences, meetings, and lectures for their efficiency in recording the exact sound and reducing the unwanted sounds at the back. Moreover, the speaker has no worries about picking up the mic the whole time he speaks. So if you don’t want to burden your hand with the mic, it’s better to use the shotgun mic.
Key points & potential benefits:
It has low noise circuitry.
It has a super-cardioid polar pattern.
High broadcast sound quality.
It is a beautifully designed mic with accessories.
It gives you a warranty of 10 years once registered your microphone.
It provides high-quality on-axis sound.
Records sound from a distance, so they need to be close to the subject.
As we look at all the sub-types of microphones, there is a clear picture of the functionality of all types. No mic is perfect for all uses, so it’s better to use it according to the need. Like when you have a low budget, use the USB mic. Because it is available at a low price and needs no accessories, and can be easily used with your computers. If you want to record vocals and instruments in your home studio or a professional setting, you can use large and short diaphragm condenser mics. If you are concentrating on recording the low sounds of your instruments, use the bass mics.
Ribbon and dynamic mics are the choices of professionals. Dynamic mics are utilized in studios and live concerts. Boundary mics are available for recording room ambiance. They don’t need a handle and are placed with the wall. Last but not least is the shotgun mics that are best for documentaries and news reporting mostly. It does not record the off-axis noise. So having a wide range of mics, you are over-burdened with the choice, but now it is up to your need and choice which one you will buy!
I am audio engineer by profession and worked with many renowned brands. I spend most of my life in audio technology. Testing different microphones and doing research on them is my passion. I am here to spread my knowledge with readers.
3 thoughts on “All Types of Microphones Explained with their uses”
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you
for sharing.
Large-diaphragm condenser microphones are best for recording vocals. When you would see it in real life, you would say,” Oh! I have seen this microphone many times on TV and in movies”. This microphone gives the feeling of “sounds like a record.” Using this microphone type, you can experience the voice as more adorable, bigger, engaging, and beautiful. It produces a better voice as compared to some other mics. Other than spoken words or vocals, these mics are used to record enhanced life music for operating solo instruments.
These mics are popular for recording high-frequency instruments like acoustic guitars and cymbals. Even smaller diaphragms are used in these mics. They are perfect to use in home studios for recording songs. As you start using them, you will come to know how versatile and valuable they are. The users find these mics quite useful. These mics are a standard tool for recording but a bit expensive to buy for a home studio.
If you want to record a low-end sound, this is the best choice because it provides a boost to low-end instruments. These mics are also known as “kick drum mics”. In-home studios it is the best option to use. These mics use a large diaphragm. They are used for recording bass cabs, kick drums, and other bass instruments. The built-in windscreen of these microphones stops popping. These mics are pretty famous for use in live concerts and studios.
The structure of multi-pattern mics is combining two mics in one. It has a unique dual capsule design by which you can easily switch between the three common polar patterns: figure-8, omnidirectional, and cardioid. It is better for stereo recording, and it is a versatile microphone. Multi-pattern mics are not the priority of beginners, but as they get familiar with the technicalities of sound recordings, it’s the best option to use. It is a mic with a large diaphragm providing you with more sensitivity.
Dynamic mics are not an official category of mics, but we will consider them here. It is a category of mics with specific features to perform one specific task, while some are so versatile that you can use them for any recording. Hence they are called the “classics.” Dynamic microphones of all renowned companies meet the industry standards for recording drums, rock vocals, and electric guitars. So in home studios, that would be a spectacular addition to their collection of mics. Professional studios’ cabinets are filled with these mics because of their efficiency.
The noise-canceling microphones are usually used for achieving high directionality. These microphones consist of two ports; one is placed at the front while the other port is at the back.
The boundary mic is a small omnidirectional condenser mic used by professionals and rarely in home studios. They are placed on the floor against a wall with no need for any stand to hold them. These are so helpful in conference rooms and theatres. It can be used in studios as a room mic and kick drum mic. The boundary mic has a directional half-space pick-up pattern. It is also used on hockey boards for body check sound effects.
Around 2005, even USB mics didn’t exist, but now it is the most popular mic. It could be easily attached to your PC and tablets, and it is ready to use. Professionals do not operate it. If you have a low budget and want to record sound, it is a good option. It is considered effective for podcasting and bedroom studios. It doesn’t require any preamps or interfaces like standard mics. So it’s a better choice for all not to try to invest in a proper studio and record the sound on a low budget.
It is a unique type of mic that doesn’t belong to condenser mics or dynamic mics. It has its particular category because of its “thin aluminum ribbon” used instead of the diaphragm.
This microphone has a parabolic reflector that focuses the sound from a considerable distance. It is highly sensitive to the sounds in the axis of the dish. This microphone is more used in fields like sports, recording bird sounds, and broadcasting.
Shotgun microphones are not usually used as a recording instrument in studios because it is the right choice for outdoor audio recordings. It is considered best for wildlife documentaries and news reporting. And why is this mostly used for outdoor recordings? The answer is that it can isolate the sound. And when we are trying to record the sounds of birds for a documentary, it gives higher results.
It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you
for sharing.
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