Today we’re talking about Microphones. People frequently question why there are so many different microphones on the market, what microphone will best suit their needs, and what applications each mic is ideal for. The simple answer is that there is no such thing as a perfect microphone. Every microphone has versatile features but will excel for some applications and not others. Some voices will be captured perfectly by one mic but are let down by another.
There are three main types of handheld microphones you are likely to find in common use. They are:
The focus of this post is not so much the types of mics but to explain different pickup patterns. Knowing the pattern of your microphone is very important as this will affect how the mic performs in the setting you place it.
The most popular microphone pattern is heart-shaped and called “cardioid” (pronounced kar-dee-oid). It has a lower sensitivity to sound entering from the sides and the highest sensitivity to sound entering from directly in front of the microphone capsule (0º).
The next most common kind of microphone pattern we encounter is a super-cardioid, which has a very directional polar/pickup pattern. With null points at 127° and 233° and a rear lobe of sensitivity, it is most sensitive to noises that are on-axis (where the microphone "points"). Hyper-cardioid microphones are used frequently in film and video production because of their high level of directionality, which allows you narrow focus on sound even at a distance, such as sporting events.
The amount of air released into the back of the microphone capsule shapes the patterns. So, if the sound guy yells at you for holding your microphone too close to the base of the capsule, it's because you’ve smothered the microphone, preventing your $600-$700 investment from doing its job.
Omni microphone patterns allow you to pick up practically all noise in 360 degrees. They've seen widespread studio and film use, delivering tremendous benefits for capturing ambient sound and atmospheres. Perfect for capturing a group of vocalists or the ambience of a room.
Figure 8 microphone patterns are simple to understand. They form a figure 8 shape around the capsule with complete rejection to the sides of the capsule - this is done via the microphone using two capsules; this is an excellent way to mic singer-songwriters recording both vocals and guitar at the same time, with a clean vocal that doesn't bleed into the guitar.
A great and dependable super-cardioid microphone that has been used by performers such as Sting for nearly 30 years. The Sennheiser 865 is a condenser microphone, which means that, unlike a dynamic microphone, it must be powered. We frequently see these microphones returned to the store, claiming to be broken when, in fact, they only require a microphone power solution. It produces exceptionally pure and consistent vocals.
Another popular option in our selection is the Beyerdynamic M88 Dynamic Hypercardioid Microphone. For almost 50 years, it has been a renowned fixture in the music industry, from Bob Dylan's vocals to John Mayer and Joe Bonamassa - it's even been hailed as the ultimate method for mic'ing up a kick drum.
The SE T2 includes a changeable pattern on the microphone, making it ideal for studio applications. This means you can shape and regulate the microphone's pattern to be a cardioid pattern, a hyper-cardioid pattern, an omni pattern, or a figure-8 pattern.
A new flagship tube microphone delivering the pristine, musical sonic character & uncompromising performance of the world's most prized recording equipment. The Rupert Neve RNT is a tube-driven condenser microphone with an external power source that allows for changing patterns, allowing you to adjust, tune, and dial-in the right microphone pattern for your purposes. Everything from figure 8 to cardioid to omni and all stops in between is available. This microphone, which is controlled by a tube, has a wonderful valve in it that creates a nice rich tone and warm sound that is ideal for recording in the studio.
Like we said at the start, not every microphone suits everyone or every situation, not every voice or source sounds the same and that is why the range of microphones on the market continues to grow and change. If you’re still a bit puzzled as to what microphone you may need, feel free to give us a call or drop into the shop yourself and have a chat to our team, and we can help you find the microphone that’s perfect for your needs.