Different Types of Microphones Compared

Many guitarists treat their instruments better than they do their girlfriends.  Keyboardists covet their racks of sophisticated synths and vintage organs more than their mothers.  Even drummers are often meticulous about their kits.  So for singers, it would seem that choosing the right microphone should be equally important.

Microphones are the vessel through which vocalists channel their voices during a recording or performance.  Ideally one would think a microphone should be clean and clear, allowing a singers’ voice to come through as it sounds naturally.  However in reality this is not the case.

Virtually all microphones are equipped with a low-frequency (LF) roll-off response.  This prevents them from picking up knocks, breath pops and other low frequency vibrations that would detract from the sound being heard or recorded.

Above and beyond that there are different kinds of microphones that are appropriate for different occasions. 

Dynamic microphones for example are most commonly used in live performances.  This is mainly because dynamic microphones are lightweight, durable and require no preamp or external power source.  But while they’re excellent for using to record drum kits or other loud instruments, they sometimes lose high-end harmonics when used on vocals.  This means they’re usually not the best choice for a singer in the studio.  Still for most live performances a good dynamic microphone will do the job nicely.

Capacitor microphones are more expensive than dynamic mics and they also require a “phantom,” power source to bring the signal they create up to usable levels.  They are equally lightweight and are attuned to more subtle variations in sound.  Large diaphragm capacitor microphones are warm and flattering towards vocals, whereas small diaphragm capacitors can be used effectively to mic instruments.  So when it comes to choosing the right microphone for studio work, capacitors are on the top of the list. 

Although, electret microphones offer many of the best aspects of capacitor microphones they tend to be much more affordable.  Like capacitors they require a preamp and some of the cheaper models are closer to dynamic microphones in sound quality.  However there are several excellent models of electret microphone that will do everything a good capacitor mic will do for a much lower price.

A good dynamic microphone is generally all one needs for a live performance.  When it comes to choosing the right microphone in the studio all in all it’s really all about finding a microphone the vocalist will feel comfortable and sound good with. 

In many cases the best option will be a good capacitor mic.  However electret microphones do provide a more affordable option.  And in some cases, for capturing a rawer, "live,” sound, dynamic microphones can be appropriate for studio use.