When setting up your first music studio, one essential item you'll require is a mike. Like any piece of equipment, microphones can come with a hefty price tag, so it's crucial to select a model that aligns with your budget and specific recording needs. So before you buy your first microphone, here's what you need to know.
Types of Mics
Dynamic Mic
Dynamic microphones generate audio signals through the movement of a conductor within a magnetic field. They feature a lightweight diaphragm that reacts to sound pressure. As the diaphragm moves, it causes a voice coil to shift within the magnetic field, producing a small electric current. Compared to condenser microphones, dynamic mics are less sensitive to sound pressure levels and high frequencies, making them more durable and often more affordable. This makes them a great choice for those on a budget. Dynamic mics excel at capturing the sound of drums and electric guitars, making them ideal for small studios focused on practice recordings rather than vocals.
Condenser Mic
The condenser microphone is known for its sensitivity to the subtleties and speed of sound waves. It consists of a thin, conductive diaphragm stretched close to a metal backplate, forming a capacitor that requires an external power source, such as a battery or phantom power from a mixer. When sound pressure hits the diaphragm, it vibrates slightly, altering the capacitance and creating a voltage change. Available in both solid-state and tube varieties, condenser mics come in numerous shapes and sizes. Your choice will largely depend on your specific needs, the requirements of any vocalists you may work with, and your budget.
Ribbon Mics
Ribbon mikes hark back to the golden age of radio, being the first commercially successful microphones. They are experiencing a resurgence in popularity today. Unlike most other microphone types that respond to sound pressure levels, ribbon mics detect the movement of air molecules affecting a small element situated in a strong magnetic field.
USB or XLR
Modern USB microphones incorporate the features of traditional microphones while offering the convenience of direct connection to computers.
When choosing between USB and XLR microphones, it’s important to consider your needs. USB microphones are a fantastic and budget-friendly choice for launching your podcast or recording voiceovers. However, they do have a drawback: the sound quality is generally lower. While they work well for voiceovers, you might find the audio quality lacking for music production or other more demanding audio tasks. In such cases, an XLR microphone would be a better fit.
XLR microphones tend to be pricier and require an audio interface, but they deliver superior sound quality. This is largely because the XLR connection is designed to minimize noise interference when linked to an audio interface. If you're serious about your audio projects, opting for an XLR setup will lead to much better results. But if you're just starting out and working with a limited budget, a USB microphone can still serve you well.
Take Note of The Diaphragm Size
Microphones, both condenser and dynamic, are categorized based on the size of their capsules, leading to two main types: large diaphragm and small diaphragm. Each type serves a unique purpose in a well-equipped studio. Additionally, there’s the medium diaphragm mic, which combines features from both large and small diaphragm microphones. A medium diaphragm microphone typically has a diaphragm measuring around 1.5 to 1.9 cm in diameter. These mics excel at capturing transients and high-frequency details, similar to small diaphragm mics, while also providing a richer sound akin to large diaphragm mics.
Mics Sensitivity
You can find microphone sensitivity listed in the specifications, indicating the electrical output in millivolts (or dBV) for an acoustic input measured in Pascals (Pa) or dB(SPL) at a frequency of 1kHz. Condenser microphones typically exhibit higher millivolts per Pascal, allowing them to capture more intricate details in sound. On the other hand, dynamic microphones have lower millivolts per Pascal, which means they require less gain or amplification to reach a satisfactory level for sensitive microphones.
Microphone Uses
Drums
Finding the right placement for drum microphones requires some trial and error. Have the drummer play while you listen, then adjust the mic position by a few centimetres, listen again, and repeat the process. With practice, you'll discover your preferred microphones and their ideal placements.
Electric Guitar
When using a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, position it a few meters away from the source. If the sound is too loud, engage the pad feature if your mic has one. You can either mix these studio mics at the console or record them on separate tracks, allowing for the use of multiple microphones.
Acoustic Guitar
For recording acoustic guitar, a small-diaphragm cardioid condenser mic is a solid option. Large-diaphragm condensers and ribbon mics can also yield great results. Don’t hesitate to try out various microphones and placements to find the best sound for your needs.
Vocals
A large diaphragm condenser mic is typically the best choice for vocals. To find the right fit for the lead singer, have 3-4 different mics ready and ask the vocalist to sing the same part into each one. Record each take on separate tracks, then invite the singer into the control room for playback to determine which mic complements their voice and the song best.
