When it comes to sound production, a studio engineer, vocalist, and sound technician require a better microphone to make the performance lit. There are a variety of microphones in the market today; thus, you might have a hard time getting a better one. If you want a better microphone for your performance, there are some factors to consider to get the best microphone.
1. The Microphone Basics
Generally, the function of a microphone is to convert physical pressure waves to electrical signals. If you are searching for a better microphone, ensure you know the microphone's operation; hence go for the specific microphone used for that purpose. For instance, if you are a vocalist, you should be able to know which Shure SM to choose for your recording. At the same time, a video maker can identify a condenser microphone with selectable directionality to allow you to move freely. A studio environment will not allow you to select the best microphone because they have experts who will help you in sound selection. You can have your microphone if you have unique sounds that you feel the sound engineers don’t have.
2. The Polar Patterns of The Microphone
Microphones are categorized based on their polar patterns. If you are selecting microphones for your sound, you should choose them based on the information about polar patterns. There are three types of microphones based on the polar pattern. They include; omnidirectional, bidirectional, and unidirectional microphones. Polar patterns are designed specially to allow the capture of sounds. The polar pattern of the microphone determines the area from which you can make your production i.e.
3. The Vocals
This is another helpful tip when selecting a microphone. The vocals determine the purpose of the microphone. Suppose you are a musician and want to purchase the right microphone for your performance. In that case, the vocals microphone guide will help you determine the right microphone depending on where the concert will take place, which might be a live performance or a studio. Sound engineers recommend performers have their personal mic’ during a live performance to enhance better hygiene hence the need to choose a better microphone.
If you choose a microphone for studio performance, ensure it has a phantom power provided by the mixer or a preamp. The microphone you select should be of high quality to enhance quality sound production.
4. Ability To Handle Noise
The microphone's diaphragm converts vibration from a sound wave into electrical signals. The diaphragm can’t differentiate between sound vibration and unwanted vibration like the tapping of the mic’s case. To develop a quality sound, you should identify a microphone that has some sort of protection from such noise.
Another thing to consider when selecting a microphone is the ability to mix sound with the drum sound. It is a bit challenging to choose a microphone for the drum company. Drums are so complicated because of their size and the range of volumes. If you want to select a microphone that suits the company of drums, ensure you get a well-placed condenser microphone placed over the top of the kit. This microphone will help you control the main aspects of the equipment and produce a quality sound of house mix.
5. Frequency Response
When choosing a microphone for your performance, you should consider the microphone's frequency response. Different microphones have different reactions to frequencies. Some microphones have exaggerated frequencies, while others have reduced frequencies. When selecting an ideal microphone, you should consider the one with flat frequency response. A flat frequency response produces a pure quality sound.
When selecting a microphone for performance, take note of the response pattern to avoid wrong frequencies. For instance, if you pick a vocal mic’ that will be a poor selection of mic with low frequency. The frequency response of microphones is an ideal determinant of suitable microphones.
6. Determine The Usability
Generally, the function of a microphone is to convert physical pressure waves to electrical signals. If you are searching for a better microphone, ensure you know the microphone's operation; hence go for the specific microphone used for that purpose. For instance, if you are a vocalist, you should be able to know which Shure SM to choose for your recording. At the same time, a video maker can identify a condenser microphone with selectable directionality to allow you to move freely. A studio environment will not allow you to select the best microphone because they have experts who will help you in sound selection. You can have your microphone if you have unique sounds that you feel the sound engineers don’t have.
2. The Polar Patterns of The Microphone
Microphones are categorized based on their polar patterns. If you are selecting microphones for your sound, you should choose them based on the information about polar patterns. There are three types of microphones based on the polar pattern. They include; omnidirectional, bidirectional, and unidirectional microphones. Polar patterns are designed specially to allow the capture of sounds. The polar pattern of the microphone determines the area from which you can make your production i.e.
- Omnidirectional – this microphone picks sounds from all sides; whether you sing from the left or left, the mic should hear you.
- Bidirectional- this microphone only picks up sensitive sound from the front and back. And very poor from the side.
- Unidirectional- this microphone picks sounds from one direction.
3. The Vocals
This is another helpful tip when selecting a microphone. The vocals determine the purpose of the microphone. Suppose you are a musician and want to purchase the right microphone for your performance. In that case, the vocals microphone guide will help you determine the right microphone depending on where the concert will take place, which might be a live performance or a studio. Sound engineers recommend performers have their personal mic’ during a live performance to enhance better hygiene hence the need to choose a better microphone.
If you choose a microphone for studio performance, ensure it has a phantom power provided by the mixer or a preamp. The microphone you select should be of high quality to enhance quality sound production.
4. Ability To Handle Noise
The microphone's diaphragm converts vibration from a sound wave into electrical signals. The diaphragm can’t differentiate between sound vibration and unwanted vibration like the tapping of the mic’s case. To develop a quality sound, you should identify a microphone that has some sort of protection from such noise.
Another thing to consider when selecting a microphone is the ability to mix sound with the drum sound. It is a bit challenging to choose a microphone for the drum company. Drums are so complicated because of their size and the range of volumes. If you want to select a microphone that suits the company of drums, ensure you get a well-placed condenser microphone placed over the top of the kit. This microphone will help you control the main aspects of the equipment and produce a quality sound of house mix.
5. Frequency Response
When choosing a microphone for your performance, you should consider the microphone's frequency response. Different microphones have different reactions to frequencies. Some microphones have exaggerated frequencies, while others have reduced frequencies. When selecting an ideal microphone, you should consider the one with flat frequency response. A flat frequency response produces a pure quality sound.
When selecting a microphone for performance, take note of the response pattern to avoid wrong frequencies. For instance, if you pick a vocal mic’ that will be a poor selection of mic with low frequency. The frequency response of microphones is an ideal determinant of suitable microphones.
6. Determine The Usability
If you want a better microphone for your performance, choose the one that requires a few steps to set up. A microphone that requires a few steps to set up takes a short to record your performance. You don't have to undergo technical problems to set up your microphone for any performance.
The main idea behind choosing a high-quality microphone is to get the best voice for sound production. When selecting a good microphone, don’t base it on price; only consider other factors to enhance a fantastic performance. Ensure the mic you set does justice to your voice and explores your talent well. If you have no idea on the best microphone to select, identify the feature of the mic you want, then check out a review of microphones and identify the one that suits your preference.
The main idea behind choosing a high-quality microphone is to get the best voice for sound production. When selecting a good microphone, don’t base it on price; only consider other factors to enhance a fantastic performance. Ensure the mic you set does justice to your voice and explores your talent well. If you have no idea on the best microphone to select, identify the feature of the mic you want, then check out a review of microphones and identify the one that suits your preference.
