How to choose a microphone: types, useful tips, TOP-5 of the best models

Microphones are widely used at various events, concerts, recording studios. And with the advent of portable and computer technology, this equipment has become available and often used in home use. How to choose a microphone so that it meets all the necessary requirements - read on.

General concepts and types

A microphone is a modern electro-acoustic device that converts sound vibrations into an electrical signal. Thanks to the specified properties, this device converts voice, music and any other sounds, transmitting them to special equipment (PC, audio and video device) that amplifies or reproduces received electrical frequencies.

Microphones are conventionally divided into three types. Each of them has its own characteristics and advantages.

Lapel

Lapel microphones are equipped with a clothespin, with which they can be easily fixed on clothes. Devices of this type are compact in size, providing convenience in the process of their operation. They do not take up much space, so they are often used on television or when recording videos for YouTube. Lapel microphones are divided into two types:

• wired;
• wireless.

The main advantage of this equipment is a high level of comfort during use and budget cost. The main disadvantage of lapel microphones is the low sound quality.

Tabletop

The design of desktop microphones includes a mandatory stand, with which the equipment is installed in the right place. Modern devices of this category are not available without a special platform that provides not only stability, but also additional functionality. Stand for desktop microphones equipped with buttons that simplify the management of equipment.

Depending on the type of connection between the main unit and the stand, desktop microphones are divided into two types:

• separate;
• inseparable.

Modern models are compact in size, but in size they are still inferior to lapel counterparts. Therefore, before buying a desktop microphone, you must make sure in advance that there is enough free space for its placement.

Kinds

According to the principle of operation, microphones are divided into several types, which differ in characteristics and are suitable for different purposes.

Studio

Microphones of this type are characterized by a simple and universal design. The main advantage of this equipment is its low cost. To use a studio microphone, you do not need to connect additional devices. Due to the minimal sensitivity to extraneous noise and echo, models of this category are widely used for recording live performances. The main disadvantage of studio microphones is the low quality of sound recorded from a long distance. A clear and clean recording can only be obtained close up.

Capacitor

Microphones in this category are of higher quality than studio counterparts, and have a range of advantages:

• transmission of all shades of sound;
• the ability to record from any distance;
• low level of own noise.

The main disadvantage of condenser microphones is the high cost and the need to connect additional equipment. They will not work without a phantom power supply, pop filter, echo-protective screen. Capacitor models are also more sensitive to external noise and echo, which is why they are rarely used for studio recording.

Dynamic

Microphones in this category are the most popular and common. They allow you to work with high sound pressure, but at the same time are characterized by low cost. The main advantage of dynamic microphones is their durability. There are a large number of varieties of these devices, depending on the purpose. The most popular of them are used to remove sound from the drum and to sound the double bass.

Stage

Stage microphones have a special design, which includes a mixer. This device allows you to mix sounds, due to which the device can be used for high-quality transmission:

• vocals;
• speech;
• playing musical instruments.

Devices in this category are divided into wired and radio microphones operating using a sound-collecting antenna. Stage microphones are characterized by high quality, but are expensive.

Measuring

These microphones belong to special equipment. With their help, the measurement and analysis of the acoustic parameters of various devices is carried out:

• Headphones
• hearing aids;
• phones.

Laryngophone

This category is represented by special devices that are fixed on the larynx of a person. They are used in environments with a high noise level and provide speech volume amplification. In their professional activities, most often, pilots and tankers use laryngophones.

Hydrophone

Hydrophones also belong to a special category of devices used underwater. Devices of this type are widely used in sonar and measuring purposes. Expensive hydrophones not only record sound, but can also transmit it.

Computer

Most often, computer microphones are represented by a portable headset, which additionally includes headphones. The devices are connected in a common design, equipped with a special holder. With it, the microphone is always at the level of the mouth, providing high-quality sound transmission.

The main advantage of computer microphones is ease of use and affordable cost. But because of its design features, this equipment is not suitable for any other purpose besides performing the functions of a headset for a computer. Therefore, microphones in this category are most common in home use.

Specifications

Microphones differ not only in design features, but also in technical characteristics. The main parameters by which you can determine the quality of the device are:

1. frequency range. The wider this parameter, the better the sound will be. For example, the frequency range of a human voice varies from 0.1 to 10 kHz. Therefore, in order to ensure perfect sound transmission during communication, a microphone with similar capabilities is sufficient. If you need equipment for high-quality transmission of vocal data and music, the frequency range should be much wider.
2. Directivity. This parameter indicates how sensitive the microphone is to sounds coming from different directions. Most commercially available models are non-directional. Despite this, they are well suited for use at home, as their ability to pick up sound is enough for basic requirements. Narrowly directed microphones are used only if you need to make high-quality sound recording.
3. Sensitivity level. This characteristic indicates the minimum indicator of sound vibrations. The sensitivity level is selected depending on the purpose of using the microphone. The higher this parameter, the more susceptible the microphone is to pickup sounds. But this feature can bring both benefit and harm. If the microphone is not used for professional sound recording, but during normal communication, it will create too much interference.
4. Sound pressure. This parameter is measured in decibels and indicates the maximum sound power that the device has. Sound pressure is limited by the indicator of high-quality transmission of electronic oscillations without distortion. If the microphone can sound louder, but with interference, this will not be reflected in the characteristics.

The listed parameters are enough for a user who does not have professional knowledge to be able to choose a suitable microphone for his purposes.

For skype

The microphone for Skype is selected depending on the sound frequency of a human voice. Accordingly, the optimal indicator for this device should be 80-1400 Hz. Another important indicator when choosing a microphone for Skype is the sensitivity. The lower this parameter, the worse the voice is heard. For other characteristics, there are no strict requirements when buying a microphone for Skype.

The most suitable models are:

• SteelSeries Siberia Headset v2 - for regular communication on Skype;
• HyperX Cloud II - for communication while playing on a computer;
• SteelSeries Arctis 7 - wireless headset;
• Sony MDR-XB950AP - headphones for using Skype on a smartphone;
• A4Tech HS-60 - a budget headset for communication through a computer or laptop.

For karaoke

Models designed for this purpose are conditionally divided into two categories:

• condenser - devices with high sensitivity that respond not only to voice, but also extraneous sounds;
• dynamic - devices that cut off third-party noise and provide high-quality sound in a small room.

Microphones of the second type are best suited for home karaoke. They are quite practical and hardy, due to which they provide comfort and convenience during use.

When choosing a microphone for karaoke should take into account its focus. If equipment is required for solo singing, unidirectional models are bought. Omni-directional microphones are more effective when singing in chorus.

The highest level of quality is distinguished by karaoke equipment from brands:

• AKG;
• Shure

At the moment, there are a large number of wireless microphones on sale. The advantage of these devices is portability, so they can be used in almost any environment. But they are more expensive than wired analogs, so ordinary microphones are also suitable for home use. Standard equipment requires a three-meter wire, which is enough for amateur karaoke.

To voice the video

When choosing a microphone for dubbing a video, you must consider that it meets the following requirements:

• clean and clear sound recording without noise and wheezing;
• the ability to connect to a computer or laptop via a USB connector;
• support for any sound cards.

If the last two points are not met, additional equipment will be required to use the microphone.

The most suitable models for high-quality sound recording are:

• Audio-Technica AT2020;
• Shure PG27-USB;
• Blue snowball;
• Samson C01U Pro;
• Rode VideoMic Pro;
• Samson Meteor Mic;
• Blue Microphones Spark Digital.

The microphones listed are distinguished by sufficiently high parameters so that they can be used for studio recording. The disadvantage of such equipment is its high cost.

If you plan to record a video for a YouTube channel or other similar resources, you can use more budget devices. Lapel microphones, which are much cheaper, are suitable for recording several people.

Authors of blogs and game videos prefer to use capacitor models. Their cost is quite high, but the recording quality is much higher than a budget headset. The most popular and affordable microphone model suitable for these purposes is Blue Yeti.

Other important constituents

When choosing a microphone, you must first determine for what purpose it will be used. An important component that simplifies the operation of the device is the headphone output. This design feature is required for interactive listening. Headphones are connected when:

• recordings of speech and vocals;
• commenting on games.

Using headphones is easier to set up a microphone, providing a clean and clear signal. The connector should be a standard size. Otherwise, an adapter is required. If this device is not complete, a microphone with a non-standard connector is not suitable for household use.

Some models are equipped with accessories, including:

• tripod;
• wind protection;
• pop filter;
• case.

Their presence simplifies the use of a microphone and provides a range of additional benefits.

TOP 5 best models

• ASUS ROG Strix Magnus. This model was created specifically for gaming streams. It is equipped with three capacitive modules and environmental noise reduction technology. Switching from cardioid to bi-directional recording is provided. Thanks to this stream can be conducted independently, or in tandem with someone.

• Razer seiren. Universal model, connected via USB-port. It has a stable aluminum base. It is equipped with a headphone amplifier, which provides high-quality listening to the current recording.

• Creative iRoar mic. Dynamic microphone for solo performances and karaoke. It is distinguished by its small size and additional devices with which it can be fixed on clothes during use. Another advantage of this model is the ability to connect to a portable speaker Creative iRoar.

• Trust Emita Studio (USB). Condenser microphone that connects to the equipment via a USB port. It is used to record a video stream, vlog or the sound of musical instruments. It comes with a pop-filter, a sturdy tripod, anti-vibration basket and aluminum case.

• Trust madell. Desktop Condenser Microphone. The model is equipped with a built-in pop-filter, making it suitable for recording vlogs or voice communication in electronic programs on PC devices. In the configuration there is a tripod with which the microphone can be placed anywhere.

You can learn more about how microphones differ depending on cost and which model is better to choose by watching this video:

When choosing a microphone, it is recommended to give preference to condenser or dynamic models, since they differ in the optimal ratio of cost and quality indicators. Having carefully studied the functional features and characteristics, you can easily choose a microphone suitable for the intended purpose.