{"id":6678,"date":"2021-01-21T13:57:41","date_gmt":"2021-01-21T13:57:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sonarworks.com\/soundid-reference\/blog\/?p=6678"},"modified":"2021-01-21T13:58:50","modified_gmt":"2021-01-21T13:58:50","slug":"choosing-your-first-mic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sonarworks.com\/blog\/learn\/choosing-your-first-mic","title":{"rendered":"Choosing Your First Mic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This topic may seem obvious, but recent innovations require that we rethink this discussion. Never before have there been so many valid options and also such diverse feature sets among the available microphone choices. I recently visited a local retail electronics\/appliance chain store and I was surprised to see microphones on their shelves that I would actually use in my studio for music recording, podcasting, and video productions. These low-cost microphones serve consumers well but will also fit the bill for professional users in certain applications.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing a microphone entails a certain amount of understanding microphone types and applications, but instead of organizing mics by their technical descriptions, this article will organize mics in a more thoughtful way\u2014 by price range. We won\u2019t get deep into the technical considerations of microphones, which is an entire study unto itself, but we will consider which microphones are worth considering at various price points. Cost doesn\u2019t define the usefulness or musical quality of a mic, but it does play into build quality and features that make each price point unique and worth consideration.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quick reminder about microphone types. Dynamic mics do not require phantom or battery power. They are rugged and handle loud sound sources very well. Condenser microphones are more sensitive to softer sounds, require phantom power, and may be more fragile than dynamic mics. Both types produce excellent results and are equally common. Ribbon mics fall under the dynamic category and tube mics fall under the condenser category.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One consideration that we will largely ignore for this article is the option of large vs. small diaphragm mics. In general, small-diaphragm mics are technically more sonically accurate while large-diaphragm mics can provide more desirable sonic coloration and, surprisingly, a lower noise floor. Dynamic mics usually have medium-sized capsules and many USB and inexpensive condenser mics use medium-sized condenser capsules. As an all-purpose mic, I would simply recommend starting with a large-diaphragm mic and adding a small diaphragm option down the road, when you need more mics or desire more sonic options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Yeti from Blue Microphones is a full-featured USB mic.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

USB mics [$75 – $300+]<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

USB microphones have erupted in availability over the last year, especially as the popularity of videoconferencing, podcasting, and vlogging has grown. USB mics offer simplicity, a large feature set, and excellent sound capture for dialog. In addition to spoken voice, USB mics may work OK for instrumental and vocal recording, but they typically have a limited ability to handle really loud or soft sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expect respectable audio quality with a sound tailored to help your speaking voice sound great. Don\u2019t expect extremely high fidelity or extremely loud headphone outputs. USB microphones are powered through the USB connection and contain built-in preamps and converters, so no mic preamps or audio interfaces are needed. Your computer will also route its audio output to the mic\u2019s built-in headphone jack, so you can simply plug your headphone into the mic to hear your audio. USB mics are not compatible with outboard signal processors, like compressors, so any dynamic control or tone shaping must be done after recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respected studio mic manufacturers as well as consumer electronics companies produce USB mics. A USB mic\u2019s price may not dictate its features but more expensive USB mics will provide higher build quality and often more accessories. Some USB mics provide selectable pickup patterns, onboard DSP to reduce background noise, and even rechargeable batteries and built-in SD cards for recording while away from the computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

USB Mic Pros:<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n