“So you finally had that stash of cash ready to run out and buy your first microphone. Buying your first microphone wasn’t so easy as you thought. Let’s look at those basics and when to use which.”
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are probably what you always have seen on-stage, in karaoke halls and almost anywhere when speech amplification is needed. These guys are tough and they can withstand the craziest abuse and also endure high sound pressure levels.
High Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) : Sound pressure. Normally reference with sound pressure in air. Heavy ones like the kick of a bass drum kick? You can feel that air kickin’ can you?
These microphones are cheaper than condensers microphones because of the way its built with less construction to it, but because of that, dynamic microphones doesn’t not have a large frequency response. By frequency response, it means the ability to capture a wide spectrum of sound frequencies from bass to treble. Though dynamic microphones have found uses in studio such as recording percussion, where it’s reduced frequency response have a produces an interesting natural compressed like sound.
Popular dynamic microphones includes the Shure SM57, Shure SM58. The Shure SM57 have reached a legendary status where every studio in the world has to have a SM57 under it’s boot. Great uses of these microphones are when performing or recording vocals, percussions, congas, guitar amps and snare drums.
Condenser Microphones
Condensers have made their name well in studio and recording environments. You probably seen many videos and image of people singing into these fat looking condensers on the internet. Beware! This babies are not as rugged as their dynamic counterparts. They are more fragile, so do not drop them! They are also more expensive compared to dynamics, but this isn’t the case now. Many budget but great condensers are creeping their way into the market.
The main advantage and why the condenser is favorite over the dynamic is because of its extended frequency responses. If you tried recording your vocals on a condenser versus a dynamic, you’ll find your vocals warmer and fatter on a condenser. Also, condensers are more sensitive, and you might end up recording your aircon hum, your computer whirrr or even your dog scratching itself. Your condenser also needs phantom power to operate. Not much of a problem as most reliable audio interfaces, such as the M-Audio Fast Track has phantom power functions.
Good and easy to work with condensers are the Rode NT1-A, M-Audio Nova, M-Audio Sputnik. They are large diaphragm condensers, and there are also small diaphragm condensers, like the M-audio Pulsar II.
So Which One?
Many arguments over which to use over different recordings and modes, but here are some fundamentals.
1. How loud is your sound source?
2. Does your sound source have a wide frequency spectrum?
3. Does your sound source have a sharp and fast attack, like a snare?
Said YES to No.1? Then probably a dynamic microphone would be your best bet. If you said YES to 2 and 3, then maybe the condenser microphone would be your best bro.
There are many techniques and ways producers and recording engineers are recording and making full use of dynamic and condensers likewise. And there is no right rules to do it, there are only guidelines. A lot of it depends on your sound source, what you trying to achieve, your sound mix and budget constraints. These should be good enough for you, the newbie to ponder before buying!
If you would like to know more about microhones and sound technology like we all do. Be sure to take part in our ongoing courses, in Penang and now available in PJ!
www.thecatstudio.com.my/FutureMusicInstitute – Future Music Institute. Secrets to your industry success!
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Reuben is a producer and one of the authors of FMI, Future Music Institute. For more questions and queries, do not hesitate to mail at reuben@thecatstudio.com.my.
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