A microphone is a device that converts sound waves into electrical signals, which can be used to turn voices and music into sound on a speaker or amplifier. Most microphones use a process called electroacoustic transduction to convert sound waves. Some microphones use sound vibrations from piezoelectric materials to create electrical signals. Microphones come in several varieties. They range from small hand-held devices attached to a smartphone or camera to larger studio microphones or recording session microphones. When recording music, you need to have the right equipment. Microphones are an important aspect of this equipment, and if you don’t know what to look for, you may end up with a bad microphone.
How Microphone works
A microphone picks up the sound from your voice and amplifies it. The sound waves are amplified through vibrations, and then the vibrations are picked up by the diaphragm, which converts the vibrations into electrical signals sent as sound through speakers.
The boom mic is the most commonly used microphone in audio recording. Its name stems from its long, tubular shape that creates a long, narrow “boom” or “handle.” This cylindrical shape allows the microphone to pick up sound from a wide area in front of the microphone.
The Types of Microphones
With so many different types of microphones available on the market, it’s sometimes difficult to know which one is right for you or which type will be best for your application. In this article, we’re going to explain the two main types of microphones, their important features and functions, and where you might use them in your studio.
Dynamic Microphone
Microphones designed for smartphones are improving all the time. For example, dynamic microphones improve traditional condenser microphones, which work by detecting vibrations on moving airwaves, usually through two plates. Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, detect vibrations using piezoelectric elements.
Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are the backbone of microphone technology. Their use in recording and broadcasting started in the 1920s. These microphones are most commonly used for music recording. Condenser microphones are distinguished by their large diaphragm, which is attached to the top of a tube. A small hole in the diaphragm allows air to be pumped into the tube to create a large pressure wave.
This type of microphone uses an electromagnet to vibrate a membrane, much like an accordion, allowing the air inside the microphone to vibrate. This vibration is what causes the sound to be recorded. Condenser microphones are the perfect solution for many videographers because they produce a higher quality recording than portable mics. With a built-in preamp, they are more reliable than mics that require an external preamp to improve sound quality.
Ribbon Microphone
The ribbon microphone has a thin conductive sheet, usually paper, that sits above the membrane. An electrical current is applied to the ribbon, which causes vibrations that produce sound. The sound waves are then collected and amplified.
Polar Pattern
The microphone is an essential component in many professional digital audio recording devices. Polar patterns, which describe the spatial distribution of electrical charge, are employed in microphones for capturing sound. The sound is amplified primarily towards the front of the microphone when recording with a cardioid polar pattern. A cardioid polar pattern offers a more direct, focused, undistorted sound element for recording.
So, many different types of microphones are suitable for different applications. A close-ended microphone, for example, is best used to pick up audio from a specific location in a recording session. The omnidirectional microphone, on the other hand, picks up sound from virtually everywhere, making it a great choice for live performances.