Which microphone for which purpose?

In a dynamic microphone a coil is moved within a magnetic field, inducing a current. This converts sound pressure into an electrical signal. There are two types of dynamic microphone..

• Moving coil microphone: Its name comes from the technical arrangement of its elements, where the magnet coil “moves” within the magnetic field.
• Ribbon microphone: The ribbon microphone uses a diaphragm of thin, corrugated aluminum placed between two magnets.
  
  

In a condenser microphone the capacitor comprises a diaphragm and a metal plate. Vibrations change the distance between the diaphragm and the plate, creating a capacity which is converted into an electrical signal. There are two types of condenser microphone.

• Large diaphragm condenser: Has a diaphragm diameter that is larger than the standard 2.54 cm.
• Small diaphragm condenser: Has a diaphragm diameter that is smaller than the standard 2.54 cm.
  
  

Dynamic microphones are robustly designed (apart form ribbon microphones) and thus are particularly suitable for live performances. They can sustain impacts and falls, but aren’t designed for low and soft signals because of their restricted sensitivity. They’re great for live vocals, guitar, snare, bass drum and brass. No external power supply is needed when using a dynamic microphone.

Large diaphragm condenser microphones are more sensitive and therefore ideal for studio use. They’re high-resolution and are used for vocals, guitar, flute and room sound. A power source known as phantom power is required for using this microphone.

Small diaphragm condenser microphones have a more neutral sound as a result of their smaller diaphragm and respond better to higher sound pressure. However, they have higher self-noise. These microphones are often used for strings, flute, acoustic guitar and as an overhead microphone for drums. They require phantom power.

Ribbon microphones belong to the dynamic microphone family, but are used less frequently in production, because they are very expensive and are very delicate because of their design, as described above. Fans of ribbon microphones enjoy using them for their soft, warm sound, ascribing a certain magic to their sound. Strings, wind instruments and guitar amps sound full and round. For the majority of recordings, these microphones don’t require phantom power.

Every microphone has its own directional properties. This describes the microphone’s sensitivity to sound depending on the direction it’s coming from. As this is an important criteria for use, it’s good to be informed about this before buying. The standard properties are briefly described here:

Here’s a sample of microphones according to application:

Vocals:

Dynamic mics: Shure SM 58, Shure SM7B,

Large diaphragm condenser: Neumann TLM 49, Neumann U87, AKG C12, Rode NTK, t.bone SC450

Small diaphragm condenser: mikros: Rode NT3

Ribbon mics: Royer Labs R121

This article has given you a quick overview of the different types of microphones. Got any tips or ideas of your own on this topic?
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