Microphones

What is a microphone?

Microphones are a must in professional recording studio as well as in home recording studios. Speech, vocals, music and individual instruments are recorded with a microphone. Choosing the right microphone depends on many factors and technical specifications.

When buying a microphone, it first depends on what type of sound you want to record with the microphone: different models are needed for voice recordings, instrumental recordings or vocal recordings. A good recording studio therefore always has several devices to choose from. In a home recording studio, one or two microphones are usually sufficient. It is important that they are the right microphones – studio microphones are best suited for beginners.

The biggest difference is the design of the appliance: The most common models work according to the condenser principle or the dynamic principle. The size of the diaphragm also plays an important role. But the microphone connection also has a major influence on the sound quality of the recording.

Microphone – Structure

Most microphones have a similar structure. However, there are also special designs with a different structure. A microphone consists of three parts: the microphone grille, the microphone body and the connector. Other parts can also be attached to the microphone, for example a spider or a pop screen. Depending on how the microphone sounds, it has either one or more “ears” at the front.

Microphone types

There are different types of microphones. They differ in how they convert the sound waves into voltage. Most models in recording studios are condenser microphones or dynamic microphones. USB microphones are also used in home studios.

The design of the model determines what type of microphone it is. A distinction is made here between condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. These classes can then be further subdivided. However, the sound quality does not initially depend on the type of microphone.

How does a condenser microphone work?

In a condenser microphone, the microphone diaphragm is part of a capacitor. The counter electrode is live and has a high-impedance resistor. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, the capacitance of the capacitor changes. This change in capacitance is converted into electrical signals by the microphone.

This type of sound measurement is very accurate and enables detailed recordings. In contrast to dynamic microphones, condenser microphones are susceptible to low background noise, but they also pick up quiet sound waves reliably. The sound is clear and realistic.

In contrast to dynamic microphones, condenser microphones are not particularly robust due to their construction – they are therefore more suitable for studio microphones. 90 % of all studio microphones with condenser technology are so-called electret microphones. Speech or vocals are usually recorded with a large diaphragm, while instruments or vocals are recorded with a small diaphragm condenser microphone.

Condenser microphones are particularly suitable for voice and instrument recordings in recording studios. Vocals can also be recorded with a condenser microphone, but a dynamic microphone is preferable for this. Studio microphones are usually large-diaphragm condenser microphones.

How does a dynamic microphone work?

A dynamic microphone is usually used for live performances. Dynamic microphones generate an electromagnetic voltage according to the induction principle. Most of these models work according to the so-called moving coil principle and are therefore also called moving coil microphones. The way they work is very simple.

The microphone diaphragm is attached to a copper coil that protrudes into the microphone body. Inside this coil is a free-floating permanent magnet. As soon as sound waves hit the diaphragm, the coil moves backwards and the magnet penetrates deeper into the coil. The resulting induction is converted into a voltage by the microphone.

Dynamic microphones are very robust. They have a lower sound pressure level than condenser microphones. The sound is transmitted clearly and faithfully, and moving coil microphones in particular are insensitive to background noise. In addition to live use, dynamic microphones are also increasingly being used for vocal recordings in home studios.

In addition to being used as a vocal microphone/stage microphone, a dynamic small diaphragm microphone is also ideal for vocal recordings in the home studio. The insensitivity to background noise is an advantage here and phantom power is not required for these models.

Although the signal from this condenser microphone is very precise, it is far too weak to deliver reasonable results without assistance. It needs a little help, which it receives in the form of a special electronic circuit. This requires an external power supply, known as phantom power.

Some condenser microphones are so sensitive in a positive sense that you could probably still hear the grass grow. If a light breeze blows around your nose at an open-air concert, the microphone will also pick up the breeze acoustically. This has to be finely adjusted on the mixing console. Nevertheless, many musicians also swear by these microphones live.

The special feature is simply that the diaphragm has an extremely low mass and can therefore react quickly to vibrations. And – unlike ribbon microphones – up to the highest frequency ranges. The original signal from the voice or instrument remains correspondingly rich in overtones.

It is not only important how quickly and authentically a vibration is recorded. It is just as important that the sound is precisely terminated and not spongily overlaid by resonances from other sources.

In terms of transmission quality, frequency response, vibration conversion and speed, condenser microphones are the clear winners. A precision of the frequency spectrum that cannot be expected from dynamic microphones.

Microphone diaphragms: the key factors for sound quality

The choice of microphone diaphragm is a decisive factor for the sound quality and the possible uses of a microphone. While the diaphragm size has no direct influence on the sound quality, it determines the wide range of possible applications.

Large diaphragm microphones with a diaphragm size of ≥ 1 inch are particularly popular in the studio and for vocal recordings. They are often associated with better sound quality, although the quality depends on other factors. They are ideal for vocal recordings, podcasts and YouTube videos as their heavy diaphragms deliver silky highs and are less susceptible to background noise. However, large diaphragm surfaces can lead to partial vibrations that affect recording quality.

Small diaphragm microphones with a diaphragm size of < 1 inch deliver crystal-clear recordings and are versatile in use. They are ideal for vocals, stage and instruments, both in dynamic and condenser versions. Thanks to their lightweight diaphragm, they capture precise sound details and are able to pick up distant sound waves. However, they are more susceptible to background noise and errors in the recording setup.

Overall, the choice of microphone diaphragm should match the specific requirements and intended use. Large diaphragm microphones offer a warm sound and are ideal for studio recordings, while small diaphragm microphones are more versatile and enable precise sound reproduction, but can be more sensitive to ambient noise.

Microphone – The connection

The microphone connection is important for the quality and usability of the device. Here you have the choice between XLR microphones (analog) and USB microphones (digital). With a USB microphone, the device is connected directly to the computer; the integrated A/D converter is already in the microphone. An XLR microphone must be connected via an audio interface as the analog signals have to be converted into digital signals. The preamplifiers are therefore particularly important when choosing an audio interface.

The technical data is particularly important for a USB microphone. As no external audio interface is used here, the features of the microphone itself must be of very high quality. The sampling rate and the bandwidth of the A/D conversion should be correspondingly good. The quality of the microphone preamps should also meet the user’s requirements. The rule here is: inform yourself, try it out and find the best microphone for your own requirements.

What types of microphones are there?

If you are clear from the outset about the purpose you want to pursue with your microphone, you can choose between a number of predefined microphone types. Here, the technical features and structural conditions are geared towards a single purpose. This results in ideal sound quality for these recording scenarios and perfect usability. The reason for the subdivision into these different microphone types is simple: there is practically no such thing as a universally applicable “all-round” microphone.

The studio microphone

Studio microphones are usually large-diaphragm condenser microphones that are used for recordings in recording studios. The combination of a large microphone diaphragm and condenser design combines the advantages of both characteristics: The large diaphragm ensures silky highs and insensitivity to background noise, while the condenser design ensures a clear and detailed recording. A very popular studio microphone for home studios is, for example, the Rode NT1-A.

Studio microphones usually have an XLR connection, as a USB connection would limit user-friendliness and maximum sound quality. The phantom power required for condenser microphones can also only be provided via an audio interface. With a good interface, the preamps can also significantly improve the sound quality. Audio interfaces from Focusrite or Steinberg are usually used in home recording studios.

The stage microphone

Stage microphones are often dynamic and have a small microphone diaphragm. The dynamic design makes the microphone very robust and insensitive to disruptive and unwanted background and ambient noise. The small diaphragm transmits the sound faithfully and clearly to the speakers. The XLR connection is standard here, as a USB connection would make it impossible to use on stage ( Mixing consoles speakers and other accessories can hardly or not at all be addressed via USB).

The YouTube microphone

It has never been easier to start your own YouTube channel. Many users are therefore longing for their own YouTube microphone. The requirements for these devices are clear: insensitivity to background noise, USB connection and good recording quality for voice recordings. Condenser microphones with a large diaphragm and USB 2.0 connection are usually chosen. With a YouTube microphone, voice can be recorded easily and without much know-how or capital investment.

A microphone for YouTube is usually a simple USB microphone that is primarily suitable for voice recordings. These universal devices are often condenser microphones with a small diaphragm. These models are also more affordable in terms of price.

The podcast microphone

The podcast microphone is classically aimed at a similar target group as the YouTube microphone. In contrast to the latter, however, the podcast microphone usually has an XLR connection. The reason is simple: the sound quality requirements of podcasters are usually higher than those of YouTubers. It should also be possible to use an audio interface for several microphones so that interviews or podcasts with several speakers, for example, can be recorded and synchronized without any problems.

The PC microphone

The term “PC microphone” is usually used for small diaphragm condenser microphones with a USB connection, which are primarily aimed at users in home recording studios. The small diaphragm in combination with the condenser design and the USB connection make the microphone universally applicable for all types of recordings. This microphone class is not particularly good at anything, but it can do a little bit of everything. No matter whether voice, music or vocal recordings: With an inexpensive PC microphone, recordings can be made at home in acceptable quality.

The headset microphone

Headset microphones are small condenser microphones that are attached to headsets (e.g. computer headphones). Headset microphones are characterized by a very small microphone diaphragm and a very narrow directional characteristic. Only the spoken word of the user should be recorded, but also quiet noises. Headsets are often used to record YouTube videos. However, this solution cannot compete with a real external YouTube microphone – especially when it comes to the sound quality of the recordings.

Microphone manufacturer

The choice of the best microphone manufacturer is often subjective and depends on individual requirements. Nevertheless, German brands dominate the market for high-quality models, but manufacturers from Australia and Asia also offer high-quality options.

German manufacturers such as Neumann and Brauner are synonymous worldwide with first-class sound quality at recording studio level. The Neumann U87 and the Brauner Phantom Classic are prime examples of outstanding studio microphones.

In the mid-price segment, Rode from Australia and Audio Technica from Asia are popular options. Rode microphones offer unbeatable value for money, while Audio Technica models are slightly superior in terms of sound quality.

Rode microphones are a good choice for beginners, while microphones from Neumann or Brauner are recommended for advanced users. In the lower price segment, manufacturers such as Samson, Pronomic, Auna and Marantz offer solid options with a good price-performance ratio.

For home recording studios, a microphone, an audio interface and a studio headphones are often sufficient. A recommended set offers excellent value for money and is suitable for both beginners and advanced users. Professionals may prefer high-end devices, but this set offers high-quality equipment for around 400 euros and is a perfect introduction to the home recording studio.

List of microphone manufacturers

• AEA
• AKG
• Auna
• Audio Technica
• Audix
• Brown
• DPA
• IK Multimedia
• Manley
• Marantz
• Microtech
• Miktek
• Mojave
• Neumann
• Pronomic
• Rode
• Samson
• Shure
• Telefunken