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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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    Gauge ECM-47

    Valve Microphone

    This classy valve mic proves its worth on a range of sources.

    Reviews Dec 2022
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    United Studio Technologies UT Twin87

    Large‑diaphragm Capacitor Microphone

    UST’s latest mic gives you two Neumann‑inspired classic flavours.

    Reviews Dec 2022
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    Warm Audio WA-47F

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    Large-diaphragm Capacitor Microphone

    How close does Warm Audio’s FET 47 recreation get to the revered original?

    Reviews Nov 2022
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    Hohm HR01

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    We try out the debut mic from a new boutique Australian manufacturer.

    Reviews Nov 2022
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    Neumann M49V

    Large-diaphragm Capacitor Microphone

    More than 50 years after it was discontinued, Neumann have reissued one of the greatest mics of all time.

    Reviews Nov 2022
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    Universal Audio SD-1 & SP‑1

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    UA’s affordable new microphones prove themselves to be capable and versatile workhorses in the studio.

    Reviews Oct 2022
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    Manley Reference Silver

    Large‑diaphragm Capacitor Microphone

    This classy valve mic adds a little Manley magic to the C‑37 formula...

    Reviews Oct 2022
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    sE Electronics DynaCaster

    Active Dynamic Microphone

    sE’s latest mic combines a moving‑coil capsule with the company’s Dynamite preamp technology.

    Reviews Oct 2022
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    Bernt Malmqvist - Pearl Milab

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    Bernt Malmqvist is one of the last remaining links to the golden age of microphone design. He talks to Sam Inglis about his extraordinary career and the unique design approach he learned from founder Rune Rosander.

    Music Business Oct 2022
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    Austrian Audio: Building Microphones

    In-house Capsule Design

    The capacitor microphone is an incredible feat of precision engineering. We go behind the scenes in Vienna to find out what makes it possible.

    Music Business Sep 2022
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    DPA 4055

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    We put DPA’s new kick mic to work on a series of major festival headline shows.

    Reviews Sep 2022
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    PreSonus Revelator Dynamic

    USB Microphone

    PreSonus’ new desktop mic gives you a broadcast‑ready sound out of the box.

    Reviews Sep 2022
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    Vanguard Audio V44S Gen2

    Stereo Microphone

    The glory days of the stereo microphone are long gone — or are they?

    Reviews Sep 2022
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    Audix A231

    Capacitor Microphone

    Every studio needs at least one good vocal mic. Is Audix’s A231 the right choice for yours?

    Reviews Aug 2022
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    Golden Age Premier GA‑47XT M7

    Valve Microphone

    Four years ago, Golden Age released an impressive homage to Neumann’s classic U47. And they’ve been improving it ever since...

    Reviews Aug 2022
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    sE Electronics Neom USB

    USB Microphone

    sE’s new desktop mic is good for more than just podcasting!

    Reviews Aug 2022
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    Warm Audio WA‑CX12

    Valve Microphone

    Warm Audio’s assault on the vintage mic market continues with this impressive take on an Austrian classic.

    Reviews Jul 2022
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    Austrian Audio OC16

    Capacitor Microphone

    The OC16 makes Austrian Audio’s impressive CKR capsule available at a new low price.

    Reviews Jul 2022
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    Shure A27M

    Stereo Microphone Mount

    Shure offer a very neat lateral‑thinking solution to mounting stereo microphone arrays quickly and accurately.

    Reviews Jul 2022
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    Hammer Audio HA-69

    Valve Capacitor Microphone

    This classy, handmade valve mic offers a wide range of tonal options.

    Reviews Jun 2022
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    Alder Audio H44

    Ribbon Microphone

    Alder Audio’s debut ribbon mic is at once innovative, classy and highly affordable.

    Reviews May 2022

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