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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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    Neumann Miniature Clip Microphone System

    Electret Instrument Microphone

    Neumann’s first ever pre‑polarised mic is designed to reach the parts where their other models won’t go!

    Reviews Feb 2023
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    Neumann Tileyard monitoring microphone demo event

    Neumann event at Tileyard

    16 November 2022

    Neumann are holding an event at Tileyard London's TYX studios, where attendees will be able to listen to and try out a selection of microphones and monitoring systems. 

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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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    Neumann M 49 V large diaphragm vintage valve microphone reissue

    Neumann M 49 V reissued

    Newly announced reissue of the classic M 49

    Neumann have reissued one of their most sought-after vintage microphones, the M 49.

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    Neumann Miniature Clip Mic System

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    New mic range goes on sale Spring 2022

    German microphone legends unveil their first-ever electret capsule.

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    Q. Why Are Some A-B Stereo Arrays Angled Outwards?

    Can you offer any guidance on what’s essentially an A‑B stereo array, but with the mics angled slightly outwards?

    Sound Advice Dec 2020
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    Q. What is making my 'kicksnare' mic distort?

    I couldn't use the Neumann TLM103 as my 'kicksnare' mic, as it couldn't handle the sound level produced by the drummer. Even with zero gain at the preamp this mic produced a distorted signal. What was I doing wrong?

    Sound Advice Apr 2019
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    Q. What are the US and European standards for microphone output impedance?

    Your article about matching mic and preamp impedances in the May 2014 edition of Sound On Sound...

    Sound Advice Jun 2017
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    Neumann U47 FET

    Capacitor Microphone

    Nearly 30 years after production of the original U47 FET ceased, Neumann have revived this iconic large-diaphragm capacitor mic.

    Reviews Jul 2015
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    AES 2014: Neumann U47 FET Collectors Edition (Video)

    Legendary studio mic back in production

    We brought you news only a few days ago that the U47 FET was to be produced...

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    Neumann reissue U47 FET

    Legendary mic goes back into production

    Neumann has resumed production of this classic mic, according to the original production documents and schematics.

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    AES 2013: Neumann TLM107

    First multi-pattern Neumman mic under $2000
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    Neumann TLM102

    Cardioid Condenser Microphone

    The new TLM102 embodies everything weve come to expect from a large-diaphragm Neumann studio mic — except the price!

    Reviews Jan 2010
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    Neumann KM184D

    Digital Microphone

    Digital technology opens up a world of possibilities when applied to Neumann's classic KM-series microphones.

    Reviews Mar 2007
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    Q. Can dust affect microphone performance?

    If I left my Neumann TLM103 mic out on its stand when not in use for long periods of time, would its performance be affected, by dust in particular?

    Sound Advice Oct 2004
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    Neumann KMS105

    Vocal Condenser Microphone

    Hugh Robjohns auditions the latest addition to Neumann's renowned range of KM-series condenser mics.

    Reviews Feb 2001
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    Neumann M147

    Tube Studio Condenser Microphone

    Neumann have rejuvenated one of their most celebrated capsule designs, allowing Hugh Robjohns to bask in that unmistakable glow...

    Reviews Dec 2000
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    Neumann TLM103

    Cardioid Condenser Microphone

    The TLM103 is, of course, a complete impossibility — it has supposedly been designed to a project studio price whilst retaining the qualities of Neumann's top-flight, large diaphragm U87.

    Reviews Jun 1998
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    Neumann TLM50

    Capacitor Microphone

    Neumann's versatile TLM50 omni-pattern mic combines transparency with a subtle high-end lift.

    Reviews Feb 1998
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