How to choose a microphone for voice recording

A microphone is a device that allows you to amplify sounds and transmit it to others or write to storage media. There are several characteristics that will allow you to choose the right device. There are also several varieties of microphones, which have their own differences, advantages and disadvantages.

Criteria for choosing a microphone for voice recording

There are several basic criteria that you need to pay attention to when choosing a microphone:

  1. How sensitive he is. Sometimes you have to move around with the microphone in your hands or move away from it. High sensitivity reduces the loss of clarity of a person’s voice when moving or moving away from the device.
  2. Frequency range. This range shows which sources and sound instruments the device is capable of recording. Some models perfectly record low-frequency sounds, some high-frequency, and some balanced. This causes the same voice or sound to be recorded in different ways, depending on the type of microphone used.
  3. Power supply. Most microphone models require phantom power. Cheap models get energy from a sound card. But there are also expensive models that are already sold with a power source mounted in them. The selection according to this criterion depends on the operation of the microphone. If you need to constantly use it in one place, a device with one power source is suitable. If you travel constantly, phantom nutrition is best.
  4. Noise level. A serious drawback of cheap models. When the microphone is operating, extraneous sounds appear that interfere with the recording. The reasons may be sudden surges, network problems and congestion with other devices and cables.

What else is worth paying attention to

You should also pay attention to the types of devices:

  1. With omnidirectional radiation pattern.
  2. Unidirectional cardioid.
  3. Hypercardioid
  4. Bidirectional.

Attention! Each type has its own characteristics that are considered when choosing. Let's look at them.

With omnidirectional chart

  1. Depend on the acoustic characteristics of the room.
  2. Record the echo.
  3. No acoustic insulation.
  4. Not very sensitive to breathing sounds.
  5. The low frequency range is wide. This means that he is able to record instruments that have a low sound.

Cardiac

  1. Protected from extraneous sounds that may come from the side and back of the device.
  2. Weakly sensitive to the acoustic characteristics of the room.
  3. The difference between the signals coming from the back and side is maximum.

Hypercardioid

  1. Weakly sensitive to extraneous sounds coming from the side.
  2. Excellent insulation is installed, blocking extraneous noise, feedback and adverse characteristics of the room.
  3. Protected against sound leakage.

Bidirectional

  1. Used for voice recording.
  2. Protected from all extraneous and adverse sounds.

But also the microphone is divided into two other varieties:

  1. Capacitor. Suitable if you want a smooth sound with all the details. The device is used on stage if the room has excellent sound insulation, there are no reflections, and extraneous noise does not appear.
  2. Dynamic. Suitable for any conditions. Detailing the voice is worse, but it can be used in any type of room.

The best microphone models for voice recording

Below is a list of models that are currently considered the best.

TASCAM TM-80

The price is about 6000 rubles.

Budget but very good option. It is inferior to expensive models in signal frequency, and its neutrality is slightly lower. But the microphone is still good for recording.

SE Electronics X1 S

The price is about 7000 rubles.

It is considered the best device in the price category up to 10,000 rubles. It features a minimum amount of extraneous noise, excellent amplification, good sound quality. Great choice for a beginner.

AKG D5

The price is about 8000 rubles.

Universal device for vocal performances, which is suitable for both concerts and studios.

Samson C01

The price is about 8000 rubles.

Standard device with excellent sensitivity. Supports all major settings. Characteristics are average. Suitable for beginners.

How to choose a microphone based on customer preferences, you can understand by reading all the characteristics of such devices. Since there are different types of voice amplifiers.

Watch the video: How to Choose the Right Microphone for Voice Recording (March 2024).

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