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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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    DPA 2017

    Shotgun Microphone

    DPA’s new directional mic takes aim at an untapped mid‑level market in location recording kit.

    Reviews Jan 2024
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    Extinct Audio BoRbon

    Ribbon Microphone

    It might not look like a classic ribbon mic, but there’s a lot more to Extinct Audio’s BoRbon than meets the eye.

    Reviews . Jan 2024
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    Royer Labs FlexBar

    Dual Mic Utility Bar

    The FlexBar can make all sorts of dual‑mic placement jobs quick and easy.

    Reviews . Jan 2024
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    Handheld Capacitor Mics

    Spotlight Round-up

    Bring studio sound to the stage with these live‑oriented capacitor microphones.

    Reviews . Jan 2024
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    Unlikely Stories: The AKG DX11 Reverb Mic

    AKG's 1963 microphone with built-in spring reverb

    The 1960s: a time of sexual revolution, radical politics and microphones with built‑in spring reverbs.

    Reviews Jan 2024
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    beyerdynamic M Series

    Studio Microphones

    There’s something for everyone in beyerdynamic’s classic M Series microphone range.

    Reviews . Dec 2023
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    Shure SM7dB

    Active Dynamic Microphone

    Shure’s classic mic celebrates a milestone birthday with the addition of a built‑in preamp. We test the new SM7dB and explore its fascinating history.

    Reviews Nov 2023
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    Austrian Audio MiCreator

    Modular USB Microphone System

    Austrian Audio’s MiCreator is more than just a USB mic. It’s an entire family of mics!

    Reviews . Nov 2023
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    Audix PDX720 Signature Edition

    Dynamic Microphone

    Intended for both speech and music, Audix’s latest microphone demands to be seen as well as heard!

    Reviews Oct 2023
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    DPA 2012 & 2015

    Small‑diaphragm Capacitor Microphones

    These live‑oriented pencil mics offer excellent performance at a very attractive price.

    Reviews . Sep 2023
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    Lewitt Audio Pure Tube

    Valve Microphone

    Lewitt’s vocal‑oriented Pure Tube promises valve tone without the noise.

    Reviews . Sep 2023
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    Active Ribbon Microphones

    Spotlight Round-up

    Looking for that smooth ribbon tone with the convenience of a modern mic? Look no further...

    Reviews Sep 2023
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    Rode Wireless ME

    Wireless Microphone System

    Recording podcasts, interviews and video content couldn’t be easier with Rode’s compact new wireless mics.

    Reviews Jul 2023
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    Extinct Audio BM9A

    Active Ribbon Microphone

    Extinct Audio bring some fresh activity to their popular ribbon design!

    Reviews Jun 2023
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    Tierra Audio New Twenties | Audio Examples

    Hear For Yourself

    Here you'll find a range of audio files comparing the New Twenties microphone to my AKG C414, that accompany my review in SOS June 2023.

    Reviews Jun 2023
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    Audio-Technica ATS99

    Audio-Technica ATS99

    Dynamic Microphone

    If you want to add a little weight to your live vocal sound, A‑T’s new handheld dynamic mic could be just the ticket.

    Reviews Jun 2023
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    Tierra Audio New Twenties

    Cardioid Capacitor Microphone

    This handmade mic offers vibe in abundance.

    Reviews Jun 2023
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    Voyage Audio Spatial Mic Dante

    Ambisonic Microphone

    Has the addition of Dante allowed Voyage Audio’s Ambisonic mic to realise its full potential?

    Reviews Jun 2023
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    Lewitt Audio MTP W950

    Capacitor Microphone

    This classy vocal mic brings studio sound quality to the stage.

    Reviews May 2023
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    Rode NT‑USB+

    USB Microphone

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

    Reviews May 2023
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    Lauten Audio LA-120 V2

    Small-diaphragm Capacitor Mics

    Lauten Audio’s LA‑120 is not so much a pencil mic as an entire box of crayons!

    Reviews May 2023

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