Types of Microphones and Their Use in Radio
Recording Audio and How to Choose the Right Microphone
To simplify the recording process regardless of whatever other recording equipment is being used, whenever audio is not being recorded by being directly injected into the recording equipment, a microphone of some sort is necessary to pick up the audio. This audio may vary widely from the human voice on one hand, be it spoken, shouted, whispered or sung, to various and divergent sounds such as acoustic instruments, sound effects, mechanical, or natural sounds on the other.
The Right Microphone for the Recording
There are, therefore, varying types of microphones fit for each purpose. Various microphones may be equipped to record a broad spectrum of sound, but it is useful when trying to achieve the best quality of audio recording possible, to be aware of the various options available to the sound recordist.
There are two main types of Operating Systems for all microphones:
- Dynamic. These are simple and rugged pieces of equipment. They handle varying and extreme volume levels without distortion, and are used primarily for live work on stage.
- Condenser: Lightweight and sensitive, these mics precisely and smoothly capture most sound nuances. They are powered by battery or a phantom power supply and are used primarily in studios.
Any person recording audio in any situation, should be aware of the ‘Polar Pattern’ for that particular microphone, the Polar Pattern, being the area of sound that that mic picks up. Again there are two main types.
- Cardiod. Picks up sound from the front and some from the sides, and is generally less susceptible to picking up feedback, or howl round when working at high volume. It is ideal therefore for live or stage work. There are various sub divisions of this category, again without being too technical they are Super-cardiod, Hyper-cardiod, and Half-cardiod each with varying degrees of sound isolation.
- Directional. These mics have particular characteristics that allow the user to pick up specific desired sources of sound, and again there are two main types. Omni directional, which is equally sensitive to sound from all directions, but cannot be aimed to isolate one area, and Bi-directional which picks up sound equally from the back and the front of the microphone.
Another important ingredient in good sound recording is the frequency response, or the range of sound that the mic can reproduce. This varies from
- Flat, being consistent throughout the frequency range.
- Tailored, or tuned to specific types of voices or instruments and
- Adjustable, where the frequency response is interchangeable.
Listen Back Through Headphones
Perhaps the most important feature to bear in mind is that there are many different types of microphones for many different uses, and many sound engineers will have their own particular favourites and uses. This is gained only through their own experience, and when recording outside of the studio environment, by listening through a good set of headphones. Microphones pick audio differently to the human ear, and the results will only truly be heard through headphones or on playback.
Dynamic Microphone
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Studio Microphone
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