What To Look For In A Microphone – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

Microphones are complex pieces of electronics but their basic understanding will help you make the right pick the first time.

Purchasing your first microphone can be an overwhelming experience, not only because of the variety on the market but the technical jargon that describes these products. You will find yourself browsing through video reviews and articles but will not get much value out of them without understanding the basics of microphones. Understanding the fundamentals of different microphones and their features helps in identifying their potential applications, consequently compelling you to make the right choice.

In this article, I’ll go over the basics of microphones so you can understand what to look for when you are in the market to purchase a new mic. Let’s get to it.

1. Awareness of Desired Applications

There are an array of reasons why someone may want to purchase a microphone, but no single microphone is good enough for all applications. You must be aware of what you want to do with a microphone to make the right decision.

For example, the right microphone for someone looking to improve the quality of their voiceovers is different from someone who needs a mic for live performances. Similarly, a microphone intended for gamers and other live streamers would not work as well for vocal recordings of a piece of music.

Thus, you must figure out exactly what you want to do with a microphone and then browse the market accordingly. It will help you narrow down the choices.

2. Types of Microphones

Mics can be divided into several different categories based on their applications, designs, and diaphragm styles. Let’s take a look at them one by one.

a). Based on Microphone Capsule

The capsule of a microphone is perhaps the most important component because it detects sound waves and converts them into electrical signals. While it sounds simple, the mechanism of how a microphone does this differs greatly in two common types of microphones: condenser and dynamic mics.

i) Condenser Mics

The anatomy of condenser microphones consists of two components: diaphragm and electrically charged backplate. As the sound waves strike the diaphragm, the movement generates a difference in capacitance, which is then transferred as a sound signal to the processor which can either be an audio interface or a mixer. 

The mechanism used by condenser mics to produce the difference in capacitance is delicate, allowing them to detect even minor changes. It makes condenser microphones more sensitive, allowing them to capture a wide range of frequencies with precision.

That said, the delicate structure has some downsides to it, including the inability to withstand higher sound pressures such as that of live performances. That said, there are some tricks you can do to make condenser microphones work for live performances as well.

Furthermore, you need a constant power supply to keep the backplate electrically charged known as Phantom Power. Thus, you cannot use a condenser microphone if it is not powered by Phantom Power, which is usually supplied via a mixer or an audio interface.

Condenser microphones can be further divided into two types: large diaphragm and small diaphragm.

Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones	Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Condenser mics with a diameter of half an inch or lower are known as small diaphragm condenser mics. They have neutral sound reproduction, superior transient response, and generally come with an end address (record from the top). Best for recording acoustic instruments and other applications that require natural sound reproduction.	Condenser mics with a diameter of half an inch or lower are known as small diaphragm condenser mics. They have neutral sound reproduction, superior transient response, and generally come with end address (record from the top). Best for recording acoustic instruments and other applications that require natural sound reproduction.

ii) Dynamic Mic

Dynamic microphones feature a simple design compared to their condenser counterparts. They rely on the principles of electromagnetic conduction and use a magnet and a coil attached to the diaphragm. As the sound waves strike the diaphragm, the movement generates an electrical current which is transmitted via lines for further processing.

It is a rather simple design and requires intense sound waves to create the movement. Thus, these microphones are generally not as sensitive as condenser microphones, especially when it comes to lower notes. You will have to use gain to augment the lower notes and make them audible in the final output.

However, the said design has its benefits and the most important of them is the ability to withstand loud sound pressures. Therefore, these are generally preferred mics for live performances, whereas condenser microphones are generally used for studio recordings.

Furthermore, the dynamic microphone does not require phantom power to generate audio signals, allowing you to use them without extra equipment such as an audio interface or mixer.

Dynamic microphones can also be further divided into two broad categories; moving coil dynamic mics and ribbon mics.

Moving Coil Dynamic Microphone	Ribbon Mics Dynamic Microphone
Use a coil of wire attached to the diaphragm to generate electrical current as it moves between magnets. Relatively Less Sensitive Best to use for live sound performances and sound isolation.	Use a thin strip of magnet suspended between the magnets, which act as a diaphragm.  More Sensitive Best to use to get smoothness and subtly into the audio, especially during studio recordings.

b) Based on Design

Both condenser and dynamic microphones come in different shapes, which also influence their applications. Thus, you should also be familiar with them to make the right choice.

i)  Studio Mics

It is the most widely used shape of the microphone, generally used in studios. Such microphones are used with other accessories such as shockmount and pop filters to get the best results.

ii) Handheld Mics

Handheld mics, as implied in the name, are intended to be held in hand. They are generally used for live performances but can also work as studio mics when used with an appropriate mic stand.

iii) Lavalier mics

These mics can be attached to the clothing of a speaker, allowing them to move around during the speech. Such mics are used to record interviews, and church sermons, and to present a presentation in business meetings.

iv) Headset mics

These mics are incorporated into the headsets and are generally used for video calls and to improve communication while playing multiplayer video games.

v) Shotgun mics

Shotgun mics are small and compact in size and can be attached to cameras, laptops, and smartphones. They are generally used to record vlogs and interviews. 

c) Based on the Connector Type

Microphones can also be divided based on the connector types. These include;

i) XLR mics

The XLR microphone uses the XLR connector, which is a three-pin connector. Most condenser microphones use XLR connectors because a pin can be used to supply phantom power. The transmission through XLR cable is superior and thus they offer superior sound quality. Furthermore, XLR is the standard connector for studio equipment, allowing users to upgrade whenever they want.

ii) USB Microphone

USB mics are also known as plug-and-play microphones. You can plug them directly into the USB ports of your devices and they will start working without needing any further drivers or applications. These microphones have a built-in analog-to-digital converter, eliminating the need for extra equipment such as an interface or mixer.  Most USB mics are dynamic and their quality is often inferior to USB mics. Some USB mics can be connected to the audio interface too.

iii) 3.5mm Connectors

These microphones are also plug-and-play and connect to the 3.5mm jack output in your devices. Such microphones are typically used with video cameras and smartphones for vlogging.

iv) Wireless microphones

Wireless microphones use a transmitter which is connected directly with the microphone and a receiver that receives the signal from the transmitter. Such mics are generally dynamic and are used for live performances.

3. Polar Patterns

Polar pattern determines the directions of microphones that are sensitive to sound waves coming from different sound sources. Primarily, there are two types of polar patterns: cardioid or omnidirectional polar pattern and omnidirectional polar pattern.

a) Cardioid Mics

Cardioid mics pick up sound from one direction only and block the other sound sources by a phenomenon known as off-axis rejection. Such types of mics are best when you require sound isolation like during studio recordings. 

The downside of a cardioid pattern is it only allows you to record one sound source at a time. Thus, if you want a mic to record multiple sources at once, these are not the right options.

b) Omnidirectional Microphones

Omnidirectional mics record sound from all directions allowing you to record multiple sound sources simultaneously. The downside to them is you cannot use them in noisy environments because they do not have a mechanism to block unwanted background noise. 

Modern microphones often come with the option of switchable polar patterns, making them more versatile. You should pick them if you want different applications from a single mic.

4. Maximum Sound Pressure Level

Maximum Sound Pressure Level or Max SPL is a parameter that describes how well a microphone can perform under loud sounds without distorting the audio signal. Typically, dynamic microphones have higher max SPL, allowing them to be used for live performances and with loud instruments such as kick drums. 

Condenser microphone, on the other hand, generally offers low max SPL, which means they cannot withstand louder instruments such as drum kits. However, they can be used to record acoustic instruments such as guitars, pianos, and snare drums.

So, if you are looking for a microphone to record or perform with loud instruments, you should look for a product with a higher max SPL for the best results.

5.  Frequency Response

Frequency response represents how a microphone records or responds to sound at different frequencies. It is expressed in graphs so consumers can get an idea about what to expect from a particular microphone. You should look for a wide and flat frequency response if you want to get neutral and natural output. 

However, if you want a microphone to augment lower notes and suppress higher notes, look for a mic with a response that peaks at the lower end of spectrums and rolls off at the higher ends. 

The market also offers mics with tailored frequency responses for specific applications such as recording vocals. If you want a mic for one application strictly, these are the best choices.

6. Compatibility With Your Devices

Compatibility is not an issue if you are looking for a microphone with an XLR connector, but it is an important consideration while purchasing a mic with a USB, TRRS, and 3.5mm connector. You must ensure that the microphone is compatible with your devices before purchasing one.

7. Durability

Last but not least, a feature to look for in a microphone is its durability, especially if you are a frequent traveler. Generally, dynamic microphones are more durable than condenser microphones, allowing them to withstand abuse from frequent traveling offers. 

However, modern condenser mics have also become pretty durable thanks to the use of a metallic frame and grille which prevents damage to the internal components and keeps the microphone functional.

Frequently Asked Questions