Microphones

Boundary Microphones

Microphones: Manufactures, Types, Features & Applications

Microphone Overview

A microphone is a fundamental tool for capturing sound, playing a major role in various fields such as music recording, interviews, and live events. In its simplest form, a microphone transforms sound waves into electrical signals, enabling recording or amplification. This will help you get into the world of microphones, exploring their types, features, historical evolution, and applications, and spotlighting key manufacturers in the industry.

Microphone Value

Understanding microphones is essential for achieving high-quality audio across diverse settings. Whether you’re a musician, content creator, or audio engineer, selecting the right microphone significantly impacts the clarity, richness, and overall quality of the sound you capture or reproduce.

Microphone Styles

They come in various types, each tailored to specific use cases:

1. Dynamic Microphones:
   Robust and durable, ideal for live performances and recording instruments with high sound pressure levels.
2. Condenser Microphones:
   Sensitive with a higher frequency response, commonly used in studio recordings, voiceovers, and podcasting.
   
3. Ribbon Microphones:
   Known for their smooth, warm sound, often used for recording vocals and acoustic instruments.
   
4. Specialized Microphones:
   Lavalier microphones, small and discreet, are often used in broadcasting and video production.
   
5. USB microphones, increasingly popular for direct computer recording, are ideal for podcasting, streaming, and home recording.
   

Microphone Origins

The evolution of microphones has been significant, playing an important role in audio recording and communication:

• In 1876, Emile Berliner developed the first microphone, utilizing a carbon transmitter for sound wave conversion.
  
• The 1920s saw the introduction of the ribbon microphone by Walter H. Schottky, favored for its sensitivity in early radio broadcasts.
  
• James B. Lansing invented the dynamic microphone in 1931, known for its durability and affordability, becoming a standard for broadcasting.
  
• The condenser microphone, invented by E.C. Wente and Albert Hull in 1916, offered increased sensitivity and accuracy, making it a studio favorite.
  
• In the 1960s, the electret microphone, developed by Gerhard M. Sessler and James E. West, provided a compact and cost-effective design, popular in consumer electronics.
  

Modern Microphones
Today, they come in various shapes and sizes, finding applications in a wide range of scenarios. Advancements in technology have led to the development of new types, such as USB microphones for direct computer use and wireless microphones for enhanced mobility.

Features of Microphones

These are devices that convert sound waves into electrical signals. There are various types of available on the market, each with its own unique features. Some of their essential features are:

1. Sensitivity: This describes how well a microphone translates sound pressure into an electrical signal, with higher sensitivity capturing sound more effectively.
   
2. Directionality: This is the ability to pick up sound from a specific direction. They can be directional or omnidirectional, focusing on particular sources or capturing sound from all directions.
   
3. Frequency Response: It refers to the range of frequencies a microphone can detect, with different types suited for specific audio recordings.
   
4. Noise Reduction: They can reduce background noise and unwanted sound, either through built-in features or external filters.
   
5. Impedance: Measures a microphone’s resistance to an electrical current, impacting signal quality and compatibility with devices.
   
6. Size and Design: They come in different sizes and designs, ranging from handheld to desktop and wearable, each serving specific purposes.
   
7. Connectivity: They can connect using various methods, including USB, XLR, or wireless connections, influencing signal quality and ease of use.
   

Microphone Classification

Microphones are classified based on their design, technology, and application. Their three most common types are dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones.

1. Dynamic Microphones: They capture sound waves using a moving coil, known for durability, affordability, and directional capabilities.
   
2. Condenser Microphones: Use a capacitor and diaphragm to convert sound waves, offering sensitivity and accuracy, commonly used for vocals and studio work.
   
3. Ribbon Microphones: Capture sound with a thin metal ribbon, providing a warm, natural sound suitable for delicate recordings.
   
4. USB Microphones: These connect directly to a computer, popular for voiceovers, podcasting, and home recording due to their simplicity and low cost.
   
5. Polar Patterns: Directionality of microphones, with cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 being common patterns, each serving specific recording needs.
   

In conclusion, microphone classification is important for choosing the right microphone for a specific application. Understanding their different types and polar patterns can help achieve the desired sound quality and minimize unwanted noise.

Click here to learn about Boundary Microphones and Gooseneck Microphones.

Benefits of Using a Microphone

In many different situations, including music production, live events, broadcasting, podcasting, and conferencing, using a microphone has many advantages. The following are some of the main advantages of using a microphone:

1. Better sound quality: Compared to using a built-in microphone or recording device, they capture sound with greater clarity and detail. This enhances the overall audio quality of both recorded and live performances.
   
2. Increased volume: They amplify sound, enabling performers to be heard over background noise and in large venues.
   
3. Directionality: By allowing users to concentrate on specific sound sources, directional microphones help cut down on background noise and enhance clarity.
   
4. Consistency: Using a microphone helps maintain a consistent sound quality across different recordings or performances, reducing the need for additional post-production work.
   
5. Flexibility: Users can choose the best microphone for their unique needs from a variety of styles and types available for microphones.
   
6. Accessibility: Microphones are easily accessible and usable by everyone, making them a valuable tool for both personal and professional use.
   
7. Safety: Using a microphone can lessen the need for people to speak loudly or lean in close to a microphone in some applications, like broadcasting and conferencing, which lowers the risk of spreading germs or infections.
   

Click here to learn about Noise-Canceling Microphones and Ceiling Microphones.

Microphone Brands

High-quality microphones are produced by numerous companies for a variety of uses, including broadcasting, live performances, and professional studio recording. Listed below are some of the leading producers of microphones:

Shure:
Shure is a well-known producer of dynamic and condenser microphones of exceptional quality for live performances and studio recordings. Shure is a leading manufacturer of microphones and audio equipment. Here are some of the major products produced by it:

 

• Shure SM7B – Dynamic Microphone
• Shure SM58 – Dynamic Microphone
• Shure Beta 87A – Condenser Microphone
• Shure KSM32 – Condenser Microphone
• Shure MV7 – USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone
• Shure Beta 52A – Dynamic Kick Drum Microphone
• Shure PG42 – USB Condenser Microphone
• Shure Super 55 – Dynamic Microphone

 

 

Sennheiser:
Sennheiser manufactures an extensive selection of microphones, ranging from dynamic handhelds to studio-grade condenser microphones. They are renowned for their outstanding durability and sound quality.Here are some of the major products produced by it:

 

• Sennheiser e935 – Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone
• Sennheiser MD 421 II – Dynamic Microphone
• Sennheiser MK 4 – Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
• Sennheiser MKH 416 – Shotgun Condenser Microphone
• Sennheiser e609 – Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
• Sennheiser MKH 8020 – Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
• Sennheiser e845 – Supercardioid Dynamic Microphone
• Sennheiser e965 – Dual-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

 

 

Audio-Technica:
Audio-Technica produces a range of microphones, including condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones for studio recording, live performance, and broadcasting.Here are some of the major products produced by it:

 

• Audio-Technica AT2020 – Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone
• Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB – Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR Microphone
• Audio-Technica AT4050 – Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• Audio-Technica AT875R – Line + Gradient Condenser Microphone
• Audio-Technica ATR2500x-USB – Cardioid Condenser USB Microphone
• Audio-Technica AE5400 – Cardioid Condenser Handheld Microphone
• Audio-Technica AT4040 – Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• Audio-Technica AT2035 – Cardioid Condenser Microphone

 

 

Neumann:
Neumann is a high-end microphone manufacturer known for their high-quality condenser microphones for professional studio recording.Here are some of the major products produced by it:

 

• Neumann U87 Ai – Large-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
• Neumann TLM 102 – Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• Neumann KM 184 – Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
• Neumann U47 FET – Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• Neumann KM 185 – Hypercardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
• Neumann TLM 103 – Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• Neumann KMS 105 – Cardioid Condenser Handheld Microphone
• Neumann KM 183 – Omnidirectional Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone.

 

 

AKG:
AKG manufactures a variety of microphones, such as condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones, for a range of uses, from live performance to studio recording. Here are some of the major products produced by it:

 

• AKG C414 XLII – Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone
• AKG D5 – Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
• AKG C214 – Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• AKG P220 – Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• AKG C451 B – Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
• AKG Perception 170 – Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone.

 

 

Rode:
Rode is a well-known microphone producer best known for their premium condenser microphones for podcasting, voiceover work, and music recording. Here are some of the major products produced by it:

 

• Rode NT-USB – USB Condenser Microphone
• Rode NT1-A – Cardioid Condenser Microphone
• Rode VideoMic Pro+ – Shotgun Microphone for Video
• Rode PodMic – Dynamic Podcasting Microphone
• Rode NTG3 – Shotgun Condenser Microphone
• Rode NT5 – Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Matched Pair)
• Rode Procaster – Dynamic Broadcast Microphone
• Rode M5 – Compact Cardioid Condenser Microphone (Matched Pair)

 

 

Electro-Voice:
Electro-Voice produces a range of microphones, including dynamic and condenser microphones for live performance and broadcasting. Here are some of the major products produced by it:

 

• Electro-Voice RE20 – Cardioid Dynamic Microphone
• Electro-Voice PL-80a – Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
• Electro-Voice RE320 – Variable-D Dynamic Vocal and Instrument Microphone
• Electro-Voice ND767a – Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
• Electro-Voice ND46 – Cardioid Dynamic Instrument Microphone
• Electro-Voice RE50/B – Omnidirectional Dynamic Handheld Microphone
• Electro-Voice ND96 – Supercardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone
• Electro-Voice RE27N/D – Cardioid Dynamic Microphone.

 

 

Many companies make high-quality microphones; these are just a few examples. When choosing a microphone, it’s crucial to take the specific application into account and pick one that best fits your requirements and price range.

Microphone Questions

What is phantom power?
Condenser microphones need a power source called phantom power in order to function. The internal electronics of the microphone are powered by it, which is typically provided by an audio interface or mixing console.

What are polar patterns?
The directional sensitivity of a microphone is described by polar patterns. Cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-8 are the three most typical polar patterns.

What is a microphone’s frequency response?
The spectrum of frequencies that a microphone is capable of picking The frequency response of a microphone, which is frequently measured in hertz (Hz), can have an impact on the overall sound quality. Overall sound quality is often measured in hertz (Hz).

What is microphone sensitivity?
Microphone sensitivity refers to how well a microphone can pick up sound waves. It is often measured in decibels (dB) and can affect the overall sound quality and volume of a recording or performance.

What are some common applications for microphones?
They are used in a wide range of applications, including music production, live performances, broadcasting, podcasting, conferencing, and more.

How do I choose the right microphone for my needs?
Choosing the right microphone depends on several factors, including the application, environment, and budget. It’s important to research their different types and read reviews before making a purchase.

How do I care for my microphone?
To prolong the lifespan of your microphone, it’s important to handle it carefully, avoid dropping it, and keep it clean and dry. It’s also recommended to store your microphone in a protective case when not in use.