How Do I Choose the Right Microphone?

Regardless of what other equipment you have, good microphones are a prerequisite for good sound in the studio, live, webcast, or for conferences. Microphones come in different formats, with different technologies and with different properties. Using the right microphone in the right way (placement, angle, distance) is crucial for good sound in the signal chain.

Dynamic and Condenser Microphones

The Dynamic Microphone

A dynamic microphone works much like a regular speaker, but in reverse. The sound waves from your voice set a membrane in motion. The membrane is attached to a coil (think of a coiled garden hose, but an insulated copper wire instead of a hose). This means that the coil moves in time with the membrane and therefore your voice. Near (usually inside) the coil is a permanent magnet, and when we have a movement in the coil, an electric current is induced. It is a very small voltage that needs to be amplified. Regardless of the microphone type, this happens in a preamplifier, but more on that in another context! A dynamic microphone does not need a power supply, as it is passive (coil and magnet). However, there are some dynamic microphones with a built-in preamplifier that do need a power supply.

*_{^{Shure SM58 Switch (Dynamic Microphone)}}*

Some Popular Dynamic Microphones for rent at EdgeBlocks Rental

The Condenser Microphone

A condenser microphone has a much thinner and lighter diaphragm, and together with a back plate, an electric field is created between them when they are exposed to a voltage. This voltage comes either from a built-in battery, or from a voltage from the preamplifier (for example, built into the mixing console) which is called phantom voltage. It is usually 48V and is harmless to us humans. This voltage goes in the same cable that the microphone is connected to the preamplifier to transport the audio signal.

Since the diaphragm in a condenser microphone is significantly lighter than a diaphragm in a dynamic microphone, they can provide a more detailed sound image. They are more sensitive than dynamic microphones to shocks, wind, etc. A dynamic microphone is typically more durable, but has a more limited frequency range and is used for everything from vocals, drums and guitar amplifiers to wind instruments.

*_{^{Shure SM81 (Condenser Microphone)}}*

Wireless Microphones and Wired Microphones

Normally, microphones have a cable to an amplifier or mixer, but wireless microphones have their place for a number of (very) good reasons:

The ability for the talent to move around, without the limits of a cable that can be too short, get stuck somewhere, or can be a risk of tripping over. This has always been the number one benefit. It gives the talent freedom, safety and confidence.
When loading in and setting up monitors, amps, instruments, and microphones on a stage, you oftentimes need to be quite quick. Wireless microphones have the advantage that the cable run from receivers to stage boxes, audio racks or mixers is measured in one or two metres and there is little to no logistics planning involved. Speed is of an essence.
Quality cables are expensive! Stepping on a long microphone cable with a hard and sharp heel can get expensive -at the cost level of losing a microphone, really. Less cables on the stage or studio floor minimizes this risk.
The quality of microphone transmitters (built into the microphone) and bodypacks (when you want to hook up a microphone without transmitter) as well as receivers has increased tremendously the last decade. The sound quality and reliance difference between a wired and a wireless microphone has decreased to a minimum.

So what is the catch with all these benefits? Well, quality and sophisticated technology has a price tag. At the highest tiers, actually a quite hefty price tag too! They are much more expensive than wired microphones, so depending on your budget, you have to understand which way to go. Radio frequency planning is also a complex matter in crowded spaces/places especially if you have many wireless devices connected. We can definitely not recommend wireless systems that are sold cheaply and with unknown brands (there are lots of them and they usually end up in despair and panic, from experience) – choose cable instead!

EdgeBlocks Rental offers wireless microphone systems from Shure that you can rely on. The SLXD-series is also networked and integrated with our top Allen & Heath mixer systems (you can, for example, see the battery level of every transmitter directly on the mixing console). Don’t settle for less!

Some Examples of Wireless Microphones and Wireless Systems for rent at EdgeBlocks Rental

Small Diaphragm Microphone, Large Diaphragm Microphone, Ribbon Microphone, …

There is an almost countless number of types and variations of microphones, so it can feel overwhelming to choose one. After a while you will find your favorites, and there are really no rules for what is right or wrong. You can also consult us if you are unsure. For those of you who lack “that” microphone, or need more of the same, we have a range that suits many different needs.

Royer Labs R-10 Ribbon Microphone — *_{^{Royer Labs R-10 (Ribbon Microphone)}}*

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