What is a microphone and how does it work? Are all microphones the same? The microphone is a tool that many people will take for granted, and many people often don’t realize exactly how a microphone works. However, the greater issue is when the question comes up on what microphone is best for whatever project you happen to be working on. Luckily, the microphone isn’t exactly the most complex of tools, and despite the many different types, they can be broken down into just a few categories. I cannot wait to break down each of the key points of the microphone so you do not have to make the same mistakes that I have made in the past.
When I first started dabbling with audio protection, I had very little equipment and after a little while of saving, I decided it was time to invest in some starter equipment. I performed hours of research; however, the one thing that I regret not investing more time into was information on microphones. After finally setting up all of my equipment and a few weeks of practice with all of the new gear, I was startled by the quality of the audio recording through the microphone. It was a quality piece of equipment, but after some additional reading, it turned out the work I was doing was not optimal for this microphone. I was devastated because I thought that I wasted so much time, but in the process I learned, and I want to inform you on the basics so that you don’t make the same mistake.
When starting a new piece of work, it is important to choose the right tool for the job because sometimes the issue can be benign. However, using a specific type of microphone for a particularly inappropriate project can even damage the microphone or even other equipment. Most microphones work by sound vibrating of a diaphragm located internally, usually moving a magnet near a coil, and this in turn converts the sound into small electrical currents. Fortunately, most microphones can be separated into two categories and these include both dynamic and condenser microphones.
A dynamic microphone is the spherical object and image that most would associate with a microphone. Dynamic microphones are typically used for loud sounds, live instruments, amps, and drums, and these microphones typically always function in the way talked about above. There are pros and cons to each type of microphone, and dynamic microphones are considered cheap, durable, and in most cases don’t require a source of immediate power. The biggest con to owning a dynamic microphone is that they are not very sensitive to quiet or high frequency sounds. Condenser microphones are more precision based and the diaphragm is much weaker and is ribbon like. Most condenser microphones require a source of phantom power and are used to capture more complex sounds with a greater range of frequencies and are considered very sensitive and accurate. Condenser microphones are usually much more expensive and do not deal with loud sounds very well, and using a condenser when you should be using a dynamic is a sure fire way to ruin your microphone. Have you ever thought about the intricacies of microphones? If you found this information helpful, make sure to like let me know and give me some suggestions for topics to talk about in the future.
I will catch you in the next one. Stay Classy!