Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Microphone

When choosing the right microphone, the two major aspects of audio recording that should be considered are the technology you want in the microphone, and the directionality of the microphone. All microphones utilize the same basic concept for capturing sound: a thin surface across the inside of the microphone called the diaphragm vibrates as sound waves strike it. These vibrations are then sent along wires from the microphone to a speaker that retransmits the sound waves out, and typically amplifies the sound in some way to be louder or achieve some other desired effect. However, how this process is achieved and what sound is captured by the diaphragm can vary greatly.

The technology of microphones typically comes down to either a dynamic microphone or a condenser microphone. Dynamic microphones have a metal coil between the diaphragm and a magnet. When the diaphragm vibrates from sound waves, it also vibrates the coil which creates an electromagnetic signal with the magnet and sends the signal along wires to the sound system. Because the whole thing is done through a basic physical process, dynamic microphones tend to be sturdier, and more versatile, often used for general purposes such as handheld microphones on talk shows or used by singers. However, when choosing the right microphone you should also consider condenser microphones that use a capacitor to convert the acoustical energy into electrical energy that is then sent along to wires to the sound system. Condenser microphones require a power source such as batteries or external power, however they also tend to pick up a stronger signal and are often more sensitive.

You should also look at the directionality of the microphones you will need. Omnidirectional microphones, as the name indicates, pick up sound in a all directions a full 360? around the microphone. Cardoid microphones, however, pick up sound in a shape that looks more like a heart shape (hence the name) if viewed from above. The inset peak of the heart would be the microphone, with the two curves coming out (indicating that the microphone can pick up some small sounds from the sides if close enough to the microphone) and the tip of the heart pointing towards the direction you aim the microphone. As you picture the shape, you see that it will pick up sound mostly from a single direction or source, and capture very little sound from elsewhere. Be sure you get the right technology and proper directionality for your intended purposes when choosing the right microphone.