You are here

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.

  • link

    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
  • link

    Austrian Audio OC16

    Capacitor Microphone

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

    Reviews Jul 2022
  • link

    Understanding Nearfield Miking

    How To Get It Right

    Extreme close miking can be an aesthetic choice or an uncomfortable necessity. Either way, it’s important to know how to get it right.

    Techniques Jul 2022
  • link

    Shure A27M

    Stereo Microphone Mount

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

    Reviews Jul 2022
  • link
    F7pGjHTAxCw.jpg

    NAMM 2022 - Warm Audio WA-CX12 and WA-47 FET

    Video report

    Warm Audio were at NAMM 2022, showing their recreations of the AKG C12 and Neumann U47 FET microphones. 

    News
  • link
    fDnZFGnvTfs.jpg

    NAMM 2022 - sE DynaCaster and Neom USB

    Video report

    We take a look at two products from sE Electronics: the DynaCaster and the Neom USB. 

    News
  • link
    dLflGEboc4Y.jpg

    NAMM 2022 - Tierra Audio New Twenties

    Video report

    Tierra Audio show us their New Twenties microphone, a combination of retro styling and modern sound character. 

    News
  • link
    5yqherLUwx4.jpg

    NAMM 2022 - Cloud 44 Passive

    Video report

    Cloud Microphones show us their new Cloud 44 passive ribbon microphone. 

    News
  • link
    iqrt3f1Mqe8.jpg

    NAMM 2022 - Austrian Audio

    Video report

    Austrian Audio show us four new products in their range of microphones.

    News
  • link
    1zTB8yZlp-w.jpg

    NAMM 2022 - Roswell Pro Audio Mini K67x

    Video report

    Roswell Pro Audio show us their Mini K67x microphone. 

    News
  • link
    -T_6NIBFMCY.jpg

    NAMM 2022 - Voyage Audio Spatial Mic Dante

    Video report

    Voyage Audio show us the new Dante-equipped version of their Ambisonics microphone. 

    News
  • link
    Austrian Audio OD303 vocal microphone

    Austrian Audio OD303 revealed

    Lower cost handheld joins the Austrian Audio range

    The OD303 from Austrian Audio aims to deliver their signature sound at a lower cost.

    News
  • link
    DPA 4055 Kick Drum Microphone

    DPA 4055 Kick Drum Microphone

    New kick drum focused condenser with signature neutral sound

    DPA are renowned for the clear and natural sound of their instrument and vocal microphones, they have now turned their attention to kick drums.

    News
  • link
    Aston Spirit Collector's Edition 5th Anniversary condenser microphone

    Aston Spirit Collector’s Edition

    Anniversary model features a fully engraved body

    Aston Microphones celebrate five years since the launch of the Spirit with a limited edition model.

    News
  • link

    Q. Can I use an inline booster with lavalier mics?

    I have a Tram TR50 lavalier mic with a very low output level. I was thinking about getting an inline gain booster for it, but someone told me that this kind of device was not appropriate for lav mics...

    Sound Advice Jun 2022
  • link

    Hammer Audio HA-69

    Valve Capacitor Microphone

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

    Reviews Jun 2022
  • link
    Warm Audio WA-47F and WA-CX12 microphones

    Warm Audio WA-CX12 & WA-47F microphones

    New recreations of two classic mics

    Warm Audio reveal the WA-CX12 and WA-47F, two new recreations of the AKG C12 and Neumann U47 FET.

    News
  • link
    Austrian Audio OC16

    Austrian Audio release OC16

    Company's signature sound now available at a lower cost

    Austrian Audio's OC16 promises to deliver high-end features and performance at an attractive price point.

    News
  • link

    Tascam TM-82

    Dynamic Stage Microphone

    Tascam’s new stage mic offers remarkable bang for your buck!

    Reviews May 2022
  • link

    Alder Audio H44

    Ribbon Microphone

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

    Reviews May 2022
  • link

    DynaMount X2-R

    Remote Controlled Mic Positioner

    Tired of running back and forth between the control room and live room? Meet your new robotic assistant...

    Reviews May 2022

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Microphones / Miking