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Microphones / Miking

Microphones & Miking Techniques: An Introduction

When you enter the world of audio recording, one of the first tools you'll encounter is the Microphone. But with the variety available and the myriad ways to use them, it can be a daunting journey. This explainer aims to simplify that process for you.

1. What is a Microphone?

A microphone is a device that converts sound waves into electrical signals. At its core, it captures vibrations (from voices, instruments, or any other sounds) and translates them so they can be amplified, recorded, or transmitted. Different microphones are designed to capture sound in various ways and have distinct characteristics that make them ideal for specific tasks.

2. Types of Microphones

  • Dynamic Microphones - These mics are rugged, moisture-resistant, and can handle high sound pressure levels (SPL), making them perfect for live sound environments and studio applications. They use a diaphragm attached to a coil of wire, placed within the magnetic field of a magnet, which means they don't need a power source.
  • Condenser Microphones - These are more sensitive and offer a higher frequency response and louder output than dynamic mics. They're commonly used in studio recording settings. They require power (from batteries or phantom power) to charge their internal electronics.
  • Ribbon Microphones - Known for their high quality and smooth character, ribbon mics capture sound with a thin strip of metal suspended in a magnetic field. They're fragile and typically used in studio environments.
  • Lavalier Microphones - These are small clip-on mics often seen in broadcasting for interviews and presentations.
  • Shotgun Microphones - With a very narrow area of sensitivity, or "polar pattern," these mics are used to pick up sound from a specific direction. They're commonly used in film and TV production.

3. Miking Techniques

  • Close Miking - Placing the microphone close to the sound source. This technique captures the direct sound and reduces the amount of ambient noise. It's commonly used in both live sound and studio recording.
  • Ambient Miking - Mics are placed at a distance from the sound source. This captures more of the room's acoustics and ambient noise, providing a more "natural" or "live" sound.
  • Stereo Miking - Uses two microphones to capture a stereo image. Common techniques include X/Y (where two cardioid mics are placed close together at a 90-degree angle) and spaced pair (where two mics are several feet apart).
  • Miking Drums - Each drum or cymbal can be miked individually (close miking) or a few overhead mics can be used to capture the entire kit (ambient miking).
  • Miking Guitars - For acoustic guitars, placing a mic near the 12th fret captures a balanced sound. Electric guitars are often miked by placing a microphone close to the amplifier's speaker.

4. Polar Patterns

This term refers to the sensitivity of a microphone to sounds arriving from different directions:

  • Cardioid Picks up sound best from the front.
  • Omnidirectional Picks up sound equally from all directions.
  • Bidirectional (or figure-of-eight) Picks up sound best from the front and back.
  • Supercardioid and Hypercardioid Have a narrower front pickup area but a small rear pickup area.

Explore Further

Choosing the right microphone and employing the best miking technique can dramatically impact the quality of your recordings. Whether you're capturing vocals, instruments, podcasts, or on-field sounds, understanding the basics outlined above can set you on the path to producing professional-level audio. Remember, experimentation is key: try different mics and techniques to find what works best for your unique situation! And check out all of the Sound On Sound articles listed below for plenty of buying advice and 'how to' techniques.

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    Audio-Technica ATS99

    Audio-Technica ATS99

    Dynamic Microphone

    If you want to add a little weight to your live vocal sound, A‑T’s new handheld dynamic mic could be just the ticket.

    Reviews Jun 2023
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    Audio-Technica ATM350GL

    Acoustic Guitar Miking Kit

    Audio-Technica's popular ATM350a mic is now available with a dedicated acoustic guitar mount. We put it to the test!

    Reviews Jun 2020
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    Choosing A USB Microphone | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    These audio examples accompany our main USB Microphones round-up article in SOS June 2020 issue.

    Reviews Jun 2020
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    Audio-Technica 3000 Series

    Wireless Microphone System

    Digital wireless systems are all the rage these days, but good old UHF still has some unique advantages.

    Reviews Feb 2019
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    Audio-Technica AT5047

    Capacitor Microphone

    Mic manufacturers can sometimes seem to be stuck in the past — but not so Audio-Technica, whose innovative capsule technology yields impressive results!

    Reviews Oct 2017
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    Audio-Technica ATM350a

    Instrument Miking System

    With multiple mounting options, the ATM350a system combines flexibility with all the quality we’ve come to expect from Audio-Technica.

    Reviews Jun 2017
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    Audio-Technica AE2300 & ATM230

    Dynamic Microphones

    These classy new moving-coil mics prove themselves more than capable on a range of common sources.

    Reviews Dec 2016
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    Audio-Technica BP40

    Dynamic Vocal Microphone

    If you’re looking for a mic that excels at speech intelligibility, Audio-Technica’s new broadcast model may be just what you’re after.

    Reviews Jul 2016
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    Audio–Technica AT4060A

    Valve Microphone

    The market for valve mics has changed a lot over the years. Has A–T’s rebooted classic got what it takes to keep up?

    Reviews Apr 2015
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    Audio-Technica AT5045

    Cardioid Electret Microphone

    A-T have used their innovative rectangular diaphragm concept to come up with this new instrument mic. Read our exclusive review!

    Reviews Nov 2014
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    Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+

    USB Capacitor Microphone

    Audio-Technica's AT2020 USB cardioid has been upgraded; how does it fare?

    Reviews Apr 2014
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    Audio-Technica AT2020 USB+

    USB Capacitor Microphone

    The improved AT2020 USB+ adds a headphones output to monitor what you recorded, and its bundled accessories include a conventional stand-mounting swivel clamp, a small tripod desk stand and a 10 foot USB cable.

    Reviews Mar 2014
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    Audio-Technica ATM510 & ATM610A.

    Audio-Technica ATM510 & ATM610A

    Dynamic Microphones

    Not every mic on stage has to be one of the usual suspects, as Audio-Technica prove with these two dynamic vocal mics.

    Reviews Apr 2013
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    Audio-Technica AT5040

    Large-capsule Capacitor Microphone

    Rather than rely on established designs, Audio-Technica have used some genuinely innovative thinking to come up with this unusual, multi-diaphragm vocal mic. How does it perform?

    Reviews Dec 2012
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    Audio-Technica ATM250DE

    Kick Drum Microphone

    This ‘two-in-one’ kick-drum mic aims to offer all the benefits of multi-miking techniques, but without the risk of phase problems.

    Reviews Apr 2012
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    Audio-Technica AT2031

    Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

    Audio-Technica’s latest ‘pencil’ mic is designed to provide a high-frequency boost. Could this help lift sources out of a busy mix?

    Reviews Mar 2012
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    Audio-Technica AT4047 MP

    Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone

    Audio-Technica have added multiple polar patterns to one of their already successful designs, bringing increased versatility in the studio.

    Reviews Dec 2010
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    Audio-Technica AT4047 MP | Media

    Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone

    Audio files to accompany the article.

    Reviews Dec 2010
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    Audio-Technica AT4050 ST

    Stereo Condenser Microphone

    There's more to this variation on Audio-Technica's flagship microphone than the simple addition of a second capsule...

    Reviews Nov 2010
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    Audio-Technica AT4080 & AT4081

    Ribbon Microphones

    A-Ts brand-new transducer technology has produced a robust design intended to deliver high signal levels as well as that prized ribbon character...

    Reviews Aug 2010
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    Audio-Technica AT2035 & 2050

    Condenser Microphones

    Industry stalwarts Audio-Technica introduce two new microphones that offer a similar character to their popular AT2020, but with better performance and additional features.

    Reviews Apr 2009

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