Microphones

Microphones come in many different types and have have a variety of uses. The two most common types of microphones are dynamic and condenser. The general information included here will help you choose a microphone, this is just a starting point. Because so many different microphones are available, all of which sound different, ultimately you should choose a microphone by which one sounds best for a particular instrument or singer.

Dynamic Microphones

Shure SM57

Dynamic microphones are mostly used for recording loud instruments such as electric guitars and drums because dynamic microphones are capable of withstanding loud sound levels. You may want to use a dynamic microphone to record some singers, especially male singers, and backup vocals. A very popular dynamic microphone is the Shure SM57. These microphones are inexpensive and yet perform well in a variety of situations; however, I would not use the SM57 for acoustic instruments. SM57s have been used frequently in studios for recording electric guitars and snare drums, and are considered the standard for that purpose. If you're trying to get a classic rock guitar sound, the SM57 is a good microphone to use.

MD421

Sennheisser MD-421

Another popular microphone is the Sennheisser MD421. These microphones have a better low-end response than the SM57, so if you are looking for a warmer tone for the electric guitar, such as for jazz, you might want to try this microphone. The high end response is also less exaggerated than the SM57. I find the MD421 an excellent choice for recording brass instruments, toms, and even kick drums. It's also a good choice for miking a bass guitar amp. Most dynamic microphones such as the SM57 and MD421 are small-diaphragm microphones.

D-112

AKG D112

Mics, such as the AKG D-112, used for recording kick drums are usually larger diaphragm microphones.

Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones are most commonly used for recording vocals and acoustic instruments. They're also ideal for recording cymbals and as overhead microphones on drum kits. Vocals are typically done using large-diaphragm condenser microphones. Large-diaphragm microphones also work well for brass and string instruments. Although many people use large-diaphragm microphones for recording acoustic guitars, I prefer a small-diaphragm microphone.


Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone	Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

Until recently condenser microphones have been very expensive starting at three or four hundred dollars and going up into the thousands. Recently companies such as Studio Projects, Marshall and Behringer have started manufacturing very inexpensive condenser microphones many of which sound as good as microphones costing a thousand dollars or more. These microphones are ideal for a home studio on a limited budget.

Condenser microphones require external power. A few of them actually take batteries. Most however use what is called phantom power. Phantom power is supplied by the mixer or preamp to the microphone through the microphone cable. If you plan to use condenser microphones, you need to have a mixer or preamp that provides phantom power.

Mic Patterns

How directional, or non-directional, a microphone is depends on it's pickup pattern. Most directional microphones used in studios have a cardioid, hypercardioid, omnidirectional, or figure 8 pattern. Cardiod microphones generally pick up sound from the front of the microphone only. They have very little pickup from sounds coming from behind or to the sides of the microphone. Hypercardiod microphones are the same as cardiod except, they pick up some sound from the rear. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound from every direction. Figure 8 microphones pick up sound only from the sides


Cardioid Pattern	Hypercardioid Pattern

Omnidirection (Omni) Pattern	Figure 8 Pattern

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