As a musician, chances are at some point you've wondered about the possibility of recording your music, whether it be for a demo, to share with friends, or simply for the thrill of hearing yourself perform. With all the new technologies emerging in the music world today, it would be a sin not to consider the home recording facilities for your own recordings.
It has become easier to do it at home without needing some engineer paid around 35$/h, or more to do the job. If you’re in the process of setting up a home recording studio, microphone basics are a must.
Learn more about the variety of options
This article is focused on two main categories of microphones:
- dynamic microphones
- condenser microphones.
1. Dynamic microphones
This type of microphone is usually used in a more robust design. They are resistant to moisture and less expensive. Internally, the magnetic field has a diaphragm attached to a coil of wire placed within the magnet. The coil will move when there is a variation in pressure on the diaphragm to generate a varying electric current, which requires amplification.
Dynamic microphones tend to have thicker diaphragms than condenser microphones because it is necessary to directly attach the coil to the diaphragm. Subsequently, as they are less sensitive to high frequencies than the condenser microphones, the recording is now also less precise. Shure SM57 and SM58 are two recognized models of dynamic microphones.
For dynamic microphones to operate, they don’t need electrical power, and they are ideal for all-round high sound pressure life.
2. Condenser microphones
3. How to make a choice
Below are some models of both condenser and dynamic microphones.
Sanken COS-11D
This condenser microphone has an omnidirectional pattern, hence making it a great microphone of an industry-standard miniature lavalier. It is an electret microphone powered by DC-biasing and does not include an output transformer. It has a single diaphragm and a pre-polarized capsule. It is used with a wireless system.
Neumann TLM 103
This condenser microphone has a large diaphragm, and it does not have a transformer because of its externally polarized capsule and impedance converter powered by a phantom.
Other common condenser microphones are:
- Rode NT1-A
- Sony C-800G
- Neumann KM 184
- DPA 4006A
- Sennheiser MKH 416
- Cylewet CYT1013
- Blue Yeti
Shure SM7B
Some of the best dynamic microphones we have around are products of Shure Company. This particular one has a flat frequency, providing you with crisp and clean output. It doesn’t create any delay during practice or recording sessions. The good thing about the microphone is that it captures sound flawlessly. It shields you from interference generated by nearby devices such as phones and monitors.
Behringer Ultravoice Xm8500
With little to no effort, this microphone can capture the essence of your instruments and vocals. For those who are currently on a tight budget, the price is phenomenal.
Other dynamic microphones are:
- MXL BCD-1
- Shure SM58S
- Sennheiser E83
- Shure SM57-LC
- AKG D5
- Shure PG58-XLR
- Audio-Technica ATR2100
- Pyle-Pro Professional