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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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    AEA R88

    Stereo Ribbon Microphone

    This new monster mic incorporates two separate ribbon diaphragms, allowing you to use either Blumlein or M&S stereo recording configurations.

    Reviews Dec 2005
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    AKG D22 & D11

    Instrument Microphones

    The new Crystal Clear Sound range of mics includes two models intended for instrument miking. They've got the prestigious AKG name, but they won't break the bank.

    Reviews Dec 2005
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    M-Audio Aries

    Hand-held Capacitor Microphone

    M-Audio are perhaps better known for their studio and computer-based peripherals, but they now have a microphone range, to which has been added a stage-specific model. We put the Aries through its paces.

    Reviews Dec 2005
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    SE Electronics Titan

    Multi-pattern Condenser Microphone

    The capsule within this microphone has a diaphragm coated with titanium, rather than the usual gold. We find out whether it makes any sonic difference...

    Reviews Nov 2005
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    Earthworks DK25/R

    Drum Microphone Kit

    This new set of high-resolution drum mics is also versatile enough for many general recording tasks.

    Reviews Oct 2005
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    Samson C02

    Condenser Microphone

    This new small-diaphragm mic provides a good upgrade path for home studios currently working with just dynamic models.

    Reviews Oct 2005
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    Enhanced Audio M600

    Universal Microphone Mount

    A range of impressive sonic claims are made for this unusual clamp design, but the physics behind it remains unclear (to me, at least).

    Reviews Sep 2005
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    Sontronics Orpheus & Helios

    Multi-pattern Condenser Microphones

    With a characterful sound to match their striking retro styling, these new mics set themselves apart from the crowd.

    Reviews Sep 2005
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    MXL V6 • 990 • 992

    Condenser Microphones

    Three new large-diaphragm mics from MXL include a model which attempts to recreate the sound of valves using solid-state technology.

    Reviews Aug 2005
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    Peter Freedman • Rode Microphones

    The Wizard Of Oz

    Australian manufacturers Rode started off making their mics with imported Far Eastern components, but as SOS's Editor In Chief found out on a visit to Sydney, these days their products are entirely conjured up in the land down under...

    People Aug 2005
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    Hebden Sound HS3000

    Modular Condenser Microphone

    This British multi-capsule mic brings Calrec know-how to the home studio.

    Reviews Jul 2005
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    SE Electronics SE1A • SE2A • SE3

    Condenser Microphones

    A new set of small-diaphragm mics offers solid and versatile performance at a fiercely competitive price.

    Reviews Jul 2005
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    DPA 4041T & HMA5000

    Condenser Mic & High-voltage Preamp

    DPA demonstrate the state of the art with their latest high-voltage designs.

    Reviews Jun 2005
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    Studio Projects B1

    Condenser Microphone

    The B1 may seem like just another cheap Chinese mic, but it punches well above its league.

    Reviews Jun 2005
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    Audix SCX25

    Condenser Microphone

    Large-diaphragm mics don't have to be bulky and unwieldy, as this compact new contender from Audix demonstrates.

    Reviews May 2005
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    BLUE Bluebird

    Condenser Microphone

    Although it may look very similar to their existing Baby Bottle, this new mic from BLUE turns out to be a different beast entirely.

    Reviews Apr 2005
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    Rode NT2a condenser.

    Rode NT2A

    Multi-pattern Capacitor Microphone

    Rode redesign their well-known NT2, and achieve a class-leading noise floor in the process.

    Reviews Mar 2005
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    ADK A48

    Multi-pattern Valve Mic

    This mic combines a colourful valve sound with the flexibility of nine different polar patterns.

    Reviews Feb 2005
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    CAD TSM411, ICM417 & KBM412

    Drum Microphones

    Three new mics from CAD offer impressive mounting hardware and audio specifications specially tailored to recording drums.

    Reviews Jan 2005
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