Microphones

A microphone essentially captures audio from the original source - vocalist or instrument - converts it into an electrical signal and transmits it down a cable. Or in the case of a wireless microphone, transmits it in a radio signal form that is captured by a receiver and then sent down the cable. The more accurately a microphone can convert a sound wave into an electrical signal, the more natural it will sound. Just like "oils ain't oils", microphones are not all the same.

You need to consider your budget. Typically the more precision crafted; the more accurate. But you don't need to overspend when it’s not required. Why not think about what application you need to use your microphone for and then do some investigation. Even look at what other people are choosing to use for that application. That will help you get the right microphone for the right application and at the right price.

Microphones are categorised by 4 classifications and each classification builds a roadmap to the right type of microphone for an application.

1. Operating Principle: Dynamic or Condenser. Dynamic microphones are the workhorse of the music industry. They sound good and are rugged. Condenser microphones are more precision crafted, but can be susceptible if knocked or dropped.
2. Frequency Response: Flat or Tailored. A microphone with a "Flat" response gives a natural response across a wide frequency range (e.g. piano, brass, cymbals). A microphone with a "Tailored" response has been tuned to accentuate some parts of the frequency range (eg. tuned to accentuate specific types of instruments or vocals).
3. Directionality: There are different "patterns" available. An omnidirectional microphone has a 360 degree pattern and picks up sound from all around the microphone. If you want to capture a specific sound source while rejecting sound from the sides or from behind the microphone you can choose the Cardioid pattern (most common pattern) or supercardioid (even tighter pattern)
4. Physical Design: This is just referring to physical shape of microphones. eg. stand mount, headworn, lavalier, deskmount etc.

Microphone Brands:

Legendary Performance.

The world's largest manufacturer of professional microphones for over 80 years. Shure products can be found in EVERY facet of the professional audio industry. Solid reliability and superior sound have made Shure microphones industry standards. Shure microphones deliver consistent vocal and instrument reproduction in any performance setting, which is why they have been legendary for so long. Legendary Shure sound – unleashed.

find out more ...