In addition to the myriad of equipment and other items needed for a home recording studio, every studio needs to have at least one good quality microphone. But what type do you need, and how much will you have to spend? Here are some helpful guidelines.
Microphones were first used as voice transmitters for telephones and have actually been around since the late 1870s. In today's world of microphones, there are several methods of creating electrical energy from acoustic sounds, but the two types of microphones you will typically hear about are condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages.
Condenser mics or capacitor mics are perhaps the most common type you will find on the market, and they are typically more expensive. Condenser mics are often used in studios because they are more sensitive to loud sounds than dynamic microphones.
Dynamic microphones are the other common variety of mic. While an expensive condenser microphone can be ruined easily by a drop to the floor, these dynamic mics can take the abuse of live concert performances and live to see many more days. They are also generally cheaper than condenser mics, but the sound quality is not as good.
When choosing a mic for your own home studio, consider your needs and budget. If you are producing a spoken podcast, you can probably just use a less expensive dynamic mic. If you are recording music with acoustic guitar or smaller stringed instruments, consider a small-diaphragm condenser microphone. If you are recording cello or bass, you will need a large-diaphragm condenser mic.
If you have a full band with drums, consider a mix of both dynamic mics and condenser mics. You can place the dynamic microphones by the drums, and use condenser mics for the vocals, although there are some very high quality dynamic microphones out there today that can be used for vocals. Prices for good quality microphones begin at around $100 and head up to more than $1,000. Typically, you will probably find what you need in the $300-$400 range, especially when you are just beginning.
Be sure to get some professional advice prior to setting up your studio. A retailer of recording studio equipment and software, such as AudioDawg.com, can be a helpful resource. Not only can they help you stay within your budget, they can offer plenty of good advice to get you started.
Microphones were first used as voice transmitters for telephones and have actually been around since the late 1870s. In today's world of microphones, there are several methods of creating electrical energy from acoustic sounds, but the two types of microphones you will typically hear about are condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages.
Condenser mics or capacitor mics are perhaps the most common type you will find on the market, and they are typically more expensive. Condenser mics are often used in studios because they are more sensitive to loud sounds than dynamic microphones.
Dynamic microphones are the other common variety of mic. While an expensive condenser microphone can be ruined easily by a drop to the floor, these dynamic mics can take the abuse of live concert performances and live to see many more days. They are also generally cheaper than condenser mics, but the sound quality is not as good.
When choosing a mic for your own home studio, consider your needs and budget. If you are producing a spoken podcast, you can probably just use a less expensive dynamic mic. If you are recording music with acoustic guitar or smaller stringed instruments, consider a small-diaphragm condenser microphone. If you are recording cello or bass, you will need a large-diaphragm condenser mic.
If you have a full band with drums, consider a mix of both dynamic mics and condenser mics. You can place the dynamic microphones by the drums, and use condenser mics for the vocals, although there are some very high quality dynamic microphones out there today that can be used for vocals. Prices for good quality microphones begin at around $100 and head up to more than $1,000. Typically, you will probably find what you need in the $300-$400 range, especially when you are just beginning.
Be sure to get some professional advice prior to setting up your studio. A retailer of recording studio equipment and software, such as AudioDawg.com, can be a helpful resource. Not only can they help you stay within your budget, they can offer plenty of good advice to get you started.
About the Author:
Lance Bratten loves blogging and discussing audio matters. To get more details about an audio recording equipment supplier in Dallas or to find a RODE microphones supplier, please check out the AudioDAWg site now.
