4 Types of Microphones: So Many Choices!

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There are many different types of microphones, from the dynamic microphone to the large ribbon microphone. Each type is designed with a different purpose in mind. If you’re starting to get serious about your recording studio, or just curious about the types of microphones out there, then you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll walk you through the differences between four different types of microphones: dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and piezo. We’ll also give you an overview of how each one works and what they’re best used for in terms of recording techniques and styles. Here’s a breakdown:

Dynamic microphone

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These are great for live performances because they’re relatively cheap and durable compared to condensers. These microphones are workhorses for any live performance settings. You’ll often find them attached to guitar amps or drum kits.

Dynamic microphones are usually used by drummers because they have a good rejection of low frequencies that can muddle up the sound of a snare drum. A dynamic mic will also generally have a better response at high volumes than a condenser mic due to its higher output level capability (the ability to withstand higher voltage without distortion). They may require more gain from your preamp or mixer than condensers do, though — so keep that in mind when setting up your equipment!

List of dynamic microphones commonly found in recording studios:

• Shure SM57

• Shure SM7B

• Sennheiser e945

• Audio Technica AT2005

• Electro-Voice RE20

• Beyerdynamic M160

Condenser microphone

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These are typically used in recording studios, as they’re known for delivering high-quality sound with less noise and distortion than other types. They’re also more sensitive than dynamic microphones and therefore require less gain from your preamp or mixer.

They also have a wider frequency response range than dynamic microphones, meaning they will capture more high frequencies and lower frequencies than dynamic mics can capture before distorting them due to their higher sensitivity. Condenser mics are most commonly used for recording vocals or other instruments that require high-fidelity sound reproduction such as piano music or string instruments like violins and cellos because they provide excellent clarity across all frequencies. They typically come in two types: large or small diaphragm microphones.

However, they require power from an external source so you will need either phantom power (which comes from your mixer, +48V) or batteries if you want to use one on stage during live performances where power outlets aren’t readily available.

List of condenser microphones commonly seen in recording studios:

• AKG C414

• Neumann U87

• Rode NT1

• Blue Yeti X

• Neumann TLM 102

• Audio Technica AT5047

Ribbon microphone

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These are very sensitive and have an incredibly wide frequency response range — which is why they’re often used on acoustic instruments like violin, double bass, piano, etc. because they have very little proximity effect (how sounds change as they get closer or farther away from the source). They are also used in radio broadcasting and have a smooth, warm sound that makes them perfect for capturing intimate performances.

However, they tend to pick up a lot of background noise — so if you’re using one in a studio environment where there isn’t much going on around you (e.g., if it’s just you playing an instrument), then this shouldn’t be an issue! But if there’s a lot of ambient noise around (e.g., if someone is singing with a noisy background) you may have to reduce the background noise in post-production.

List of ribbon microphones typically found in a high-end studio:

• Royer 121

• Avantone CR-14

• Audio Technica AT4081

• AEA R84

• Royer R-10 Matched pair

• Royer SF-12

• Coles 4038 Studio

Piezo microphone

Photo from Ebay

Piezo microphone uses ceramic crystals that convert vibrations into electrical signals when pressure is applied directly against them through contact pressure or vibration (as opposed to acoustic pressure). Piezo mics are good for recording instruments like drums because they have a high signal-to-noise ratio that helps eliminate background noise during playback. However, they don’t reproduce high frequencies very well — so if you’re recording vocals or acoustic instruments that require high notes like violins or flutes, this might not be the right choice for your needs.

Piezo mics are often used in handheld devices such as lavalier microphones (located on lapels or collars), as well as instruments such as guitars and drums where they are typically placed directly against the body instead of inside an instrument case or other enclosure where vibrations might otherwise dampen sound quality by distorting frequencies.

List of a few piezo microphones:

• KORG CM-300

• Adeline AD-35 Mini Piezo

Conclusion

There are many types of microphones, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some microphones are better suited to recording than others, but all can be used successfully in the right application. For more short video tips and tricks on mixing music and other audio-related topics, follow us on Instagram @anadigisoundlab. And do let us know which microphone is your favourite and how it has helped your recording journey by leaving a comment.

3 February 2023