Types Of Microphones For Home Recording Studios
If you are creating your own home recording studio, you have a great deal to consider. You will need to choose a variety of equipment, software, soundproofing and more. In this article, we will look at the different types of microphones that are available to help you assess your microphone needs.
Microphones turn acoustic sounds into electrical energy and have been around since the latter half of the 19th century. Today's microphones are obviously a good deal more sophisticated, and there are many types available; two of the most common types are condenser microphones and dynamic microphones.
The first type is a condenser microphone, and these are generally the most common type used in studios. They also usually have a steeper price tag. Because they are so sensitive to loud sounds, they are rarely used in concerts and live musical performances. They also require an external power source, known as phantom power. Most of the mixers on the market will have this source, however, so it isn't difficult to find.
Dynamic microphones are a bit less delicate and are more likely to be used on stage as they can take more abuse. They also do not require their own power supply and typically cost a little less than the condenser mics because they don't generally have the same sound quality.
So what should you choose? That depends on many factors, including what you are recording, the types of instruments you are using and how much you can afford to spend. If you are going for a home podcast, a decent dynamic microphone might be fine or possibly a lower end condenser mic. If you are recording music, such as acoustic guitar, a small-diaphragm condenser microphone is a good choice. For recording vocals, consider large-diaphragm condenser mics. The large-diaphragm mics also are good for larger instruments, such as bass or cello.
If you have multiple instruments, as well as vocals, you probably need to purchase several microphones to meet your needs. With drums, you'll probably need dynamic mics just for the drums, and then consider condenser mics for vocals and guitars. Prices for mics begin at around $99 and climb upward to several thousand dollars. You probably should be prepared to spend at least $300 on a microphone if you want one that truly meets your needs and offer high quality sound.
Be sure to get some professional advice prior to setting up your studio. A retailer of recording studio equipment and software, such as AudioDawg.com, can be a helpful resource. Not only can they help you stay within your budget, they can offer plenty of good advice to get you started.
Microphones turn acoustic sounds into electrical energy and have been around since the latter half of the 19th century. Today's microphones are obviously a good deal more sophisticated, and there are many types available; two of the most common types are condenser microphones and dynamic microphones.
The first type is a condenser microphone, and these are generally the most common type used in studios. They also usually have a steeper price tag. Because they are so sensitive to loud sounds, they are rarely used in concerts and live musical performances. They also require an external power source, known as phantom power. Most of the mixers on the market will have this source, however, so it isn't difficult to find.
Dynamic microphones are a bit less delicate and are more likely to be used on stage as they can take more abuse. They also do not require their own power supply and typically cost a little less than the condenser mics because they don't generally have the same sound quality.
So what should you choose? That depends on many factors, including what you are recording, the types of instruments you are using and how much you can afford to spend. If you are going for a home podcast, a decent dynamic microphone might be fine or possibly a lower end condenser mic. If you are recording music, such as acoustic guitar, a small-diaphragm condenser microphone is a good choice. For recording vocals, consider large-diaphragm condenser mics. The large-diaphragm mics also are good for larger instruments, such as bass or cello.
If you have multiple instruments, as well as vocals, you probably need to purchase several microphones to meet your needs. With drums, you'll probably need dynamic mics just for the drums, and then consider condenser mics for vocals and guitars. Prices for mics begin at around $99 and climb upward to several thousand dollars. You probably should be prepared to spend at least $300 on a microphone if you want one that truly meets your needs and offer high quality sound.
Be sure to get some professional advice prior to setting up your studio. A retailer of recording studio equipment and software, such as AudioDawg.com, can be a helpful resource. Not only can they help you stay within your budget, they can offer plenty of good advice to get you started.
About the Author:
Lance Bratten loves blogging and discussing audio issues. To get more details about an audio recording equipment supplier in Dallas or to find a RODE microphones supplier, please visit the AudioDAWg website now.