1) Microphones Explained

As simple as microphones can be, the entire setup of a home studio can get rather complicated. Understanding each component in you gear chain will help you master your sound. Here we'll explore the basics of microphones, but be sure to check out our articles on Acoustic Treatment, Audio Interfaces, Phantom Power, and Preamps.

Basic Components

All microphones have a diaphragm. This is what converts the sound waves into an electrical signal. The diaphragm is a very thin piece of metal that is connected to a coil. That coil is wrapped around a magnet.

Typically, microphones will be labeled as having large diaphragm or a small diaphragm. The "Large" diaphragm is a physically bigger membrane, about 1 inch (25.4 mm) or more. A "Small" diaphragm is usually less than ½ inch (12.7 mm). For example, the classic Shure SM7B has a diaphragm of 2.5 inches (63.5 mm), making it a large diaphragm microphone. This is why it is one of the most popular podcast microphones

When choosing between a small diaphragm microphone and a large diaphragm microphone, it is important to consider the application and the desired sound. Small Diaphragm microphones are commonly used for recording acoustic instruments such as acoustic guitars, pianos, and drums. They are also ideal for capturing high-frequency sounds such as cymbals and hi-hats. Large Diaphragm microphones, on the other hand, are often used for recording vocals and lower frequency instruments such as bass guitars and kick drums. They are also popular for recording voice-overs and podcasting. Ultimately, the choice between a small or large diaphragm microphone will depend on the specific needs of the recording situation and the desired sound quality.

Dynamic vs Condenser

Choosing the right microphone for your recording needs can be a daunting task, especially if you are just starting out. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which type of microphone is right for you. One of the most popular types of microphones for beginners is the moving coil or dynamic microphone. Here, we will explore why this microphone is an excellent option for beginners and why it should be the first microphone in your collection.

Dynamic Microphones are built with a moving coil and are the most common type of microphone used today. They are simple in design and affordable, making them a great option for beginners. Dynamic microphones are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of applications, including recording instruments and vocals. They are also known for their durability, making them an excellent option for live performances.

In addition to being affordable and easy to use, dynamic microphones offer several other benefits. They are known for their ability to handle high sound pressure levels, which makes them ideal for recording loud sources such as drums or guitar amps. They also do not require any external power source, which means they can be plugged directly into an audio interface or mixer.

While dynamic microphones are an excellent choice for beginners, as you become more experienced, you may want to consider upgrading to a condenser microphone. Condenser Microphones are built with a capacitor, which allows them to offer superior clarity and detail. They are commonly used for recording vocals for podcasts, radio shows, and other voice recordings.

However, condenser microphones are also more expensive than dynamic microphones and are more fragile. They require a power source, either through batteries or Phantom Power, and can be more challenging to set up correctly. In case you ever want a Condenser Microphone in the future, make sure Audio Interface supports Phantom Power. If you are just starting out, a dynamic microphone is an excellent option that will provide you with excellent sound quality while being affordable and easy to use.

Polar Patterns

There is a directionality, or pickup pattern, to every microphone. Essentially, there are sensitive areas and rejection areas. Both can be used to your advantage.

When it comes to choosing the right microphone for your recording needs, there are several factors to consider, including the microphone's polar pattern. Microphone Patterns refer to the way in which a microphone captures sound from different directions. One of the most common microphone patterns used in studios today is the cardioid pattern.

The Cardioid Pattern gets its name from its heart-shaped response pattern. This pattern is designed to pick up sound from the front of the microphone while rejecting sound from the back and sides. This makes it ideal for use in a variety of recording applications, including vocals, podcasting, and acoustic instruments.

One of the main benefits of the cardioid pattern is its ability to reduce reflections in a room. When sound waves bounce off the walls and other surfaces in a room, they can create unwanted echoes and reverberations that can muddy the sound. The cardioid pattern helps to minimize these reflections by rejecting sound from the sides and back of the microphone. This makes it easier to capture clean, clear recordings that are free from unwanted room noise.

Another advantage of the cardioid pattern is its ability to isolate the sound source. Because the pattern emphasizes the sound from the front of the microphone, it helps to reduce the amount of background noise that is picked up. This makes it easier to capture a clean, focused recording that highlights the desired sound source.

While the cardioid pattern is the most common microphone pattern used in studios today, it is not always the best choice for every recording situation. For example, if you are recording a group of musicians or a live performance, you may need to use a different pattern to capture the entire sound field.

When it comes to capturing audio in a precise and targeted way, the Shotgun Microphone pattern is a popular choice for many professionals. This pattern is designed to absorb sound from a very specific direction, making it an ideal option for a variety of recording applications.

The shotgun pattern gets its name from its long, cylindrical shape, which resembles the barrel of a shotgun. This design helps to create a highly directional pickup pattern that is often compared to a laser beam. The microphone is able to isolate sound from a very specific angle, while minimizing background noise and interference.

One of the main benefits of the shotgun pattern is its ability to capture audio from a distance. This makes it ideal for use in cinema and video production, where the microphone needs to be positioned out of the frame. By using a shotgun microphone, filmmakers can capture high-quality audio from actors or other sound sources without the need for visible microphones.

Another advantage of the shotgun pattern is its ability to minimize background noise. Because the microphone is so focused on a specific direction, it is able to ignore sounds that are coming from other directions. This helps to create clean, clear recordings that are free from unwanted noise and interference.

Shotgun microphones are commonly used in a variety of applications, including film and television production, live event recording, and vlogging. In fact, the standard for an external camera microphone for vlogging often features a shotgun pattern.

While the shotgun pattern is highly effective for many recording applications, it is not without its limitations. Because the microphone is so focused on a specific direction, it may not be the best choice for recording in situations where sound is coming from multiple directions. Additionally, the highly directional nature of the pattern means that the microphone may need to be carefully positioned and aimed in order to capture the desired sound.