If microphones seem a mystery to you, a few minutes dedicated to reading this guide can help you clarify some misconceptions, and help you understand the differences between different types of microphones, as well as the advantages of some crucial characteristics of them.
The truth is that microphones are quite simple devices. Just know the meaning of some key terms to be in the best position to become an expert in microphones.
With this basic knowledge, it will be elementary to select the right model for virtually any use or application.
Although there are many types of microphones for many uses, we have tried to focus on the models that best suit high-quality sound recording, retransmission, and reinforcement.
We have ignored the most common microphones (for example, phones) and the vast number of specialized types of citizen band (CB) radios, industry, and other similar areas.
There are microphones for any application, and we tell you a series of features so you can select the best microphone for the desired use.
The three basic concepts and guide to choosing the best microphone:
Transducer type: converts sound into an electrical signal. There are dynamic, condenser, and tape.
Polar patterns: What is the quality and ease of picking up the sounds by the microphone completely depending upon the direction from which the count reaches it, depending upon the direction from the sound reaches it. There are omnidirectional (sensitive to the sounds coming from all sides), bidirectional (sounds from the front and back), cardioids (higher sensitivity to the front sounds and somewhat less from the sides), etc.
Frequency response curve: determines the basic sound of the microphone, lower and higher frequencies that it is capable of reproducing. There is a flat response (full and uniform response, tuned response (to highlight definite voices or instruments) and adjustable response (selectable frequency).
After these slightly abstract concepts to choose your microphone, you have to ask yourself some questions.
What are you going to give your Microphone?
There is no single-measure microphone, all sound different and all have their use depending on the application. However, vocal microphones can be divide into three common categories:
Handheld devices: Handheld microphones offer durable and practical, reliable solutions for most live performance situations.
However, they may be ineffective for other scenarios, such as presentations and theaters, where more discrete and generally, wireless solutions would be more practical.
In this situation, you might consider one of the following:
Hearing aids: As the microphone is fixed, the interpreter or the presenter can move freely, without restrictions, and the microphone will still pick up a uniform and clear sound.
Lavalier: Lavalier is an option much more similar to headphones, come with some more hidden features. These type of microphone can easily be placed in a costume or attached to suits, a great solution for theater or presentation applications.
Guidelines To Choose The Best Microphones:
There are many factors you need to consider when choosing a microphone, and the reality is that the best microphone for you is the one that sounds best in your voice or instrument.
There are no rules, just guidelines, and we invite you to experiment with as many types of microphones as possible.
There are many examples in the pop story of unconventional uses for microphones. For example, John Lennon recorded all his voices with a Shure SM57 (a microphone generally considered an instrument microphone).
Or the use of the Shure SM7 as the lead vocal studio microphone in Michael Jackson’s classic album, Thriller.
Have fun and experience the next time you choose your microphone.
Types of Wireless Systems Applications:
No matter what you do on stage, we have a wireless solution for you. Here is a summary of the different types of wireless microphone systems available:
Handheld Microphone with Built-in Transmitter
This is the ideal microphone for most singers or primary users. It is also suitable for scenario situations in which a microphone will pass from person to person.
The wireless transmitter is combined into the handheld microphone body, so it only has two components in this type of system: the handheld transmitter/microphone and the wireless microphones.
Most manufacturers offer wireless versions of their most popular wired microphones so that users or singers do not have to change their sound when switching to a wireless system.
Headset Microphone with Body or Bodypack Transmitter
Ideal for singers, dancers, singing drummers, voice-over artist, dance and fitness instructors, and any person acting on stage.
This system uses a headband microphone or subject in the ears that are connected to a wearing body transmitter, and a wireless receiver. Reach out us when you find these guide to selecting the best microphone is informative and helpful for you.
Follow the link to know more about some best wireless microphones for voiceover;
A Great Addition to any voiceover mic is a subwoofer.