Choosing the Right Microphone

When it comes to choosing the right microphone, it's all a matter of figuring out your own needs. Television, film and radio all require different effects with their microphones, and you have to consider that when making your selection. Here we will take a look at some factors you should look at so that you can in fact pick the best microphone for your needs.

One of the first things you have to consider is how the microphone will need to function. Will it be something that you pass back and forth between audience members, or will it be small and attached only to your shirt? Will you have it resting on a moving stand, or will it be attached to a camera? All of these things will impact the kind of microphone that you choose.

Nowadays you also have to think about whether or not to go wireless when choosing the right microphone. Wireless microphones are great because they allow for easier maneuverability and less hassle. The only problem is that this convenience often comes with a heavy price tag. There are also some issues with signals when you go wireless because the equipment isn't directly connected to anything. Nevertheless, that is the forerunner in modern microphone technology.

To get a bit more detailed about what you might be looking at, vocalists tend to go with a cardioid microphone. This is a simple microphone that works well when all you have to capture is a human voice. You can find these in a handheld form or on a stand, depending on the situation.

For videographers, there are a lot of different microphones to choose from. A condenser microphone that has the option to change directability is good because that allows you to switch between different sound setups. Otherwise you might look into investing two or three different kinds of microphones, such as a lapel mic, a shotgun condenser, and a hand-held mic.

While cost may come into play, you have to remember that you do in fact get what you pay for. Don't expect to get high definition sound out of a $15 super center microphone. It just won't happen. Plan to make the proper investment because good sound is the key to virtually every form of media production. It doesn't matter if you're on the radio or in a TV show, sound matters. Think about how much you should spend when choosing the right microphone. The extra money may be well worth it.