What’s a Microphone
A microphone is a device that transforms acoustic waves into electrical power variants, which can then be taped to devices like phones, transmitted to typical audio interfaces, or amplified to be listened to by individuals that stand away from real-time audio resources. Different types of microphones can be great tools for creation, consisting of vocal singing, streaming, gaming, podcasting, vlogging, and so on. You may have heard of some well-known, traditional microphone models in the market, besides understanding the timeless microphone versions, fundamental expertise concerning types of microphones will certainly additionally be valuable for you to understand microphones better.
3 Types of microphones Introduction
Before getting a microphone, you should probably learn about some types of microphones first, actually, we can divide microphones into 3 types, including dynamic microphones, condenser microphones, and ribbon microphones.
1. Dynamic microphones
What are dynamic microphones? It is actually a kind of microphone in which the sound waves cause a movable wire or coil to vibrate in a magnetic field and thus induce a current. Dynamic mic makes use of an electromagnetic field to produce an electric signal. When sound shakes the diaphragm, the coil vibrates and also generates an electric signal. Dynamic microphones are regularly utilized on Live stages, events, and also podcasting. The majority of dynamic microphones are with XLR connectivity.
The benefits of dynamic microphones are robust building, outstanding off-axis rejection, and less sensitivity to moisture and heat. To record vocals with clearness and also an all-natural tone, creators favor using dynamic microphones that focus on vocals while declining background noises. The disadvantages of dynamic microphones consist of poor high-frequency response, which provides dull sound. As well as the low level of sensitivity feature makes it difficult to be utilized in film work, due to the fact that lots of details will certainly be lost.
2.Condenser microphones
Condenser microphones, the most usual kind of microphones, make use of a capacitor to transform sound waves into electric signals. They are mainly used for recording, gaming, streaming, film production, podcasting, etc.
Unlike dynamic microphones, condenser microphones are fragile, sensitive to noises, and also much more affected by humidity and also temperature levels. Advantages of a condenser microphone consist of smaller size, louder audio signal, as well as flat frequency action that delivers rich details.
There are two sub-types of condenser microphones, consisting of large diaphragm condenser microphones as well as small diaphragm condenser microphones.
Large-diaphragm condenser microphones are usually larger and side addressed, delivering sound with engaging, rich details. Small diaphragm condenser microphones usually have a pencil-shaped design, providing neutral audio.
Dynamic microphones VS Condenser microphones
Dynamic and condenser mics are the most common and widely used microphone on the market.
Then what are the main differences between these two kinds of microphone ? let's check on a video as below:
Actually, compared to dynamic mics, condenser microphones will be with higher clarity and sensitivity, and the sound quality is vivid and thick. but not turbid, but to its sensitivity, it is not quite suitable for places with a noise like some stages or outdoor places.
Because the generation of the sound signal of a dynamic microphone is mainly accomplished by the continuous movement of the wire coil closely connected to the diaphragm in the magnetic field according to the change of sound pressure, no DC working voltage is required. it will be easier to use and with low noise. The sound quality of the dynamic microphone is rich and full as well but it will be more strong in noise resistance.
3.Ribbon microphones
A ribbon microphone is rare, expensive, as well as fragile. It is usually utilized in professional studios. Ribbon microphones are the most natural mics that you can use to capture the sound of an instrument, a voice, and even the ambiance of a room.
How to select the appropriate kind of mics for different applications?
Each suitable microphone is the appropriate microphone. Prior to choosing a microphone, firstly you ought to know where your microphone is going to be used, is that gaming, recording, streaming, or vlogging？
Because of a different situation, and different uses, the choices of the microphone is different. For example, if you want to Like you want to buy the best mic for studio recording, you won’t select the dynamic mic. Secondly, you have to consider your budget for the microphone.
1.Microphone for Gmaing & Streaming
Beginner gamers and streamers can choose the entry-level USB condenser gaming microphone, which provides basic practical functions while ensuring good audio quality. If you are in need of more functions and flexibility, you can consider a dual-connectivity microphone.
For gamers, it is important to use a microphone that effectively rejects ambient noises, like mouse clicking, keyboard clicking, and appliance low-frequency hiss. With a cardioid polar pattern gaming microphone, gamers can record clear audio. Some microphones also include companion software, offering advanced audio processing options like low-cut, tone, RGB customization, etc.
Streamers need to have real-time monitoring of recording, a microphone with a 3.5mm audio connector and mic gain control function will enable streamers to adjust mic gain accordingly.
2.Microphone for Podcasting
You may need to record podcast shows in different places, including home-studio, cafes, or a friend's home. Some of the places are not sonically treated, which requires good noise-canceling performance as well as the portability of microphones. Therefore, when selecting a microphone for podcasting, you will need to make sure it delivers a natural voice and features off-axis rejection performance and portability.
A condenser/dynamic microphone with an XLR connector will suit podcasters’ need for professional-level audio. You can connect the XLR microphones to a traditional audio interface or mixer for custom or preset audio effects, and separate control of microphone gain, accompaniment volume, and recording volume.
3.Microphone for vlogging
Microphones for vlogging require the most portability, audio quality, and great compatibility. Vloggers often use a camera or a mobile phone for vlogging creation, therefore, compatibility with phones and cameras is a must. The wireless microphone designed for vlogging mainly features an omnidirectional polar pattern, condenser type, and rechargeable battery. To satisfy different needs, brands usually release single versions and dual versions. A charging case for storage and charging microphones is also available in some of the wireless microphone systems, like Maono WM82 1 wireless microphone.
Let’s take Maono microphones types as an example, and see if you have enough budget, which kind of microphone you should get?
1.Budget Under 50 USD
If you are planning to spend less than 50 USD for a microphone, obtaining a simple-to-use practical USB microphone is feasible. Maono PM471 is a great option you can think about. It is an all-in-one USB microphone cardioid microphone, compatible with Mac and Windows OS systems. Plug and play design, high-quality audio, and wide compatibility make it an optimal microphone for PC gaming, live streaming, and online conference. It can supply a quick and effective option for your production.
2.Budget within 50-100 USD
Within the variety of 50-100 USD, there are a lot of excellent USB microphones, Maono’s $69.99 HD300 USB/XLR Dynamic Broadcast Microphone also delivers high-quality audio while offering USB/XLR outputs. 50-100 USD microphone usually supplies more features like dual polar patterns, companion software with advanced audio processing options, and dual audio outputs.
3.100 USD or above
A lot of XLR microphones are above 100 USD, for example, Maono PM500 studio-quality XLR microphone. The professional-level condenser mic is designed for voice-over, podcasting, streaming, and also recording instruments. It utilizes imported components to make circuits, and the well-designed capsule delivers natural and transparent audio. A full metal body and included aluminum box add durability.
Choosing a Microphone Wisely
Based on the 3 types of microphone types you’ve learned above, now you should properly know which kind of microphone you should get if you want to start a podcast studio or any other use. I must say that a good microphone will help your job, your career move to another step or even you discover more possibilities for your voice. Now start taking a look and you might be interested in getting one of Maono best buy microphones.
