Choosing the right microphone

Podcasting Microphones 

• Microphone Type: Dynamic
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Additional Considerations: Look for a microphone that has good background noise rejection and a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds. It's also important to consider the microphone's frequency response to ensure your voice is captured accurately.
• Connection Type: Determine whether you need a USB microphone for direct connectivity to your computer or an XLR microphone for use with an audio interface. USB microphones are generally more plug-and-play, while XLR microphones offer greater flexibility and professional audio quality.
• Budget: Consider your budget range for a podcasting microphone. There are options available across various price points, so finding a suitable microphone that fits your budget is important.
• Durability and Portability: If you plan to record podcasts on the go or frequently move your equipment, consider a microphone that is durable and portable. Look for models with sturdy build quality and compact design.
• Headphone Monitoring: Some podcasting microphones feature built-in headphone jacks for real-time monitoring. This allows you to hear your voice and any potential audio issues during the recording process, enhancing the overall audio quality.
• Accessories and Bundles: Check if the microphone comes with any useful accessories or bundles, such as a desktop stand, shock mount, or carrying case. These additional items can contribute to the convenience and value of your podcasting setup.
• Software Compatibility: Consider the compatibility of the microphone with the recording software or digital audio workstation (DAW) you plan to use for podcasting. Ensure that the microphone is compatible with your operating system and preferred recording software to avoid any compatibility issues during setup and recording.
• Gain Control: Look for a microphone that provides gain control or sensitivity adjustments. This feature allows you to fine-tune the input level of the microphone, ensuring optimal recording levels and minimizing the need for excessive post-processing.

• Recommended Options: 
  • Shure SM7B
  • Electro-Voice RE20
  • Rode Podmic
  • Blue Yeti
  • Shure MV7
  • Neuman TLM 102

Microphones for Vocals

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid
• Power Requirements: Condenser microphones typically require power to operate, either through batteries, phantom power from an audio interface, or USB bus power. Make sure to check the power requirements of the microphone and ensure that it aligns with your recording setup.
• Sensitivity: Condenser microphones are known for their high sensitivity, which allows them to capture subtle details and nuances in vocals and instruments. However, this sensitivity can also pick up unwanted background noise. Consider the environment where you'll be recording and choose a microphone with appropriate sensitivity to strike a balance between capturing desired sound and minimizing unwanted noise.
• Diaphragm Size: Condenser microphones come in different diaphragm sizes, typically ranging from small diaphragms (SD) to large diaphragms (LD). Small diaphragm condensers are often preferred for capturing acoustic instruments and high-frequency detail, while large diaphragm condensers are popular for vocals and studio recordings due to their warmer sound and increased sensitivity.
• Accessories: Check if the condenser microphone includes accessories such as a shock mount, pop filter, or foam windscreen. These can help reduce handling noise, plosive sounds, and minimize wind noise during recording.
• Room Acoustics: Consider the acoustic characteristics of your recording space. Condenser microphones are highly sensitive and can pick up room reflections and reverberations. If you're recording in an untreated room, you may want to look into additional acoustic treatment or consider using a dynamic microphone, which tends to be less sensitive to room reflections.

• Recommended Options: 
  • Neumann U87
  • AKG C414
  • Audio-Technica AT4053b
  • Shure SM7B
  • AKG Pro Audio C214
  • Audio-Technica AT4050

Microphones for Instruments 

• Microphone Type: Depends on Instrument Type
• Polar Pattern: Varies Depending on Instrument
• The best microphone for recording instruments will depend on the type of instrument being recorded. It's also important to choose a microphone that can handle the instrument's sound pressure level without distorting the sound. 
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Handling: Consider the instrument's sound pressure level, which refers to the loudness of the instrument. Some instruments, like drums or brass instruments, produce high SPL. Ensure that the microphone you choose can handle the instrument's SPL without distorting the sound or causing unwanted clipping.
• Polar Pattern Selection: The choice of polar pattern depends on the instrument and the desired sound capture. Cardioid patterns are commonly used for isolating the instrument from surrounding sounds, while omnidirectional patterns capture a more ambient and roomy sound. For instruments with a wide sound dispersion, such as a piano, a stereo or matched pair of microphones with different polar patterns (e.g., X/Y or ORTF) can be used to achieve a balanced stereo image.
• Placement and Distance: Experiment with microphone placement to find the best spot for capturing the instrument's sound. Close-miking techniques are often used for instruments that benefit from capturing more direct sound, while room-miking techniques capture the instrument's natural ambience and reverberation. The distance between the microphone and instrument can affect the balance between direct sound and room ambience.
• Multiple Microphone Setup: Depending on the instrument and the desired sound, you may consider using multiple microphones. Techniques such as stereo miking, overhead miking, or spot miking can help capture different aspects of the instrument's sound and provide more control during the mixing process.

• Recommended Options: 
  • Drums
    • Shure SM57 
    • Sennheiser e604 
  • Acoustic Guitar
    • AKG C451B
    • Shure KSM137 
  • Piano
    •  Neumann U87 
    • Audio-Technica AT4050 

 Microphones for Live Events

• Microphone Type: Dynamic
• Polar Pattern: Varies Depending on Use
• Additional Considerations: For live events, durability and ease of use are key factors to consider. Look for a microphone that has a rugged construction and can handle high sound pressure levels without distorting. The microphone's polar pattern will depend on its use - for example, a cardioid pattern is often used for vocals, while an omnidirectional pattern is better for capturing ambient sounds.
• Durability: Live events can be physically demanding, with microphones being subjected to handling, transportation, and potential accidental drops. Look for microphones that have a rugged construction and are built to withstand the rigors of live performances. Models with metal casings and durable components are often preferred for their longevity.
• High Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Handling: Live events can involve loud instruments, amplifiers, and vocal performances that produce high SPL. Ensure that the microphones you choose can handle these high sound pressure levels without distorting the sound or causing unwanted clipping. Dynamic microphones are generally more robust in handling high SPL compared to condenser microphones.
• Polar Pattern Selection: The choice of polar pattern will depend on the specific application during a live event. For vocal performances, a cardioid pattern is commonly used to capture the intended sound while minimizing feedback from stage monitors. For capturing ambient sounds or capturing the entire ensemble, an omnidirectional pattern can be more suitable.
• Ease of Use: Consider the ease of setup and use during live events. Look for microphones with features such as built-in on/off switches or quick-release clips for easy and efficient handling on stage. These features can provide convenience and flexibility during live performances.
• Wireless Options: In live event settings, wireless microphones offer greater mobility and freedom of movement. Consider wireless microphone systems that have reliable signal transmission, good range, and secure frequency options to ensure uninterrupted performance.

• Recommended Options: 
  • Vocals
    • Shure SM58
    • Sennheiser e835 
  • Instruments
    • Shure SM57 
    • Audix i5 

Microphones for Voice-Over

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid or Supercardioid
• Additional Considerations: Look for a microphone that has a clear and detailed sound, with low self-noise and high sensitivity to capture the nuances of your voice. A low-cut filter can also help to reduce any unwanted low-frequency rumble or noise. 
• Pop Filter or Windscreen: When recording voice-over, it's important to reduce plosive sounds and minimize any unwanted breath noise. Look for a microphone that includes a built-in pop filter or windscreen, or consider adding one separately to the microphone setup. These accessories help to soften and diffuse the bursts of air created by certain speech sounds, resulting in cleaner recordings.
• Shock Mount: A shock mount is another accessory worth considering for voice-over work. It helps isolate the microphone from vibrations and handling noise, resulting in clearer and more focused recordings. A shock mount can be particularly useful if you have a setup where you are using a microphone stand or boom arm.
• Room Acoustics: Pay attention to the acoustic characteristics of your recording environment. Consider treating the room with sound absorption panels or foam to minimize reflections and reverberations, which can improve the overall clarity of your voice recordings. You may also want to position the microphone in a way that minimizes pickup of room reflections and background noise.
• Microphone Placement: Experiment with microphone placement to find the optimal position for capturing your voice. Generally, positioning the microphone slightly off-axis (at a slight angle) can help reduce plosives and sibilance. Start with the microphone about 6-12 inches away from your mouth and adjust the distance and angle as needed to achieve the desired sound.
• USB vs. XLR: Consider whether you prefer a USB microphone for its simplicity and ease of use, or an XLR microphone for its flexibility and potential for higher audio quality. USB microphones are often plug-and-play and can be directly connected to your computer, while XLR microphones require an audio interface for connection. XLR microphones also offer more options for adjusting gain and using external preamps.
• Vocal Booth or Reflection Filter: If you have the means and space, consider setting up a dedicated vocal booth or using a reflection filter. These tools help isolate the microphone and reduce room reflections, resulting in cleaner and more professional-sounding voice recordings.

• Recommended Options: 
  • Neumann TLM 103
  • Audio-Technica AT4053b
  • Sennheiser MKH 416
  • Electro Voice RE20
  • Shure SM7B
  • Audio-Technica AT2020

Microphones for Voice Acting 

• Microphone Type: Condenser
• Polar Pattern: Cardioid or Supercardioid
• Additional Considerations: Look for a microphone with a natural and detailed sound that can capture the nuances of your voice acting. It should have a low self-noise rating and high sensitivity to accurately capture the dynamic range of your performance. A shock mount and pop filter can also help reduce any unwanted noise or plosives. It's important to consider the microphone's frequency response to ensure it's suitable for your voice type.
• Dynamic Range: Voice acting often involves a wide range of vocal dynamics, from whispers to loud expressions. Ensure that the microphone you choose can handle the dynamic range of your voice acting without distortion or clipping. A microphone with a wide frequency response and high SPL handling capability can accurately capture the nuances of your performance.
• Neutral Sound Character: Look for a microphone that provides a natural and transparent sound reproduction. Voice acting requires the microphone to faithfully capture the character and emotions of your voice without adding coloration or altering the sound. This allows for flexibility during post-production and ensures your voice is portrayed accurately.
• Comfort and Ergonomics: Since voice acting sessions can be lengthy, consider the comfort and ergonomics of the microphone. Look for a microphone that is comfortable to hold or mount, with easy access to any controls or switches. This will allow you to maintain a relaxed and natural performance throughout the recording session.
• Connectivity and Compatibility: Consider the connectivity options and compatibility of the microphone with your recording setup. USB microphones offer simplicity and direct connection to your computer, while XLR microphones require an audio interface. Ensure the microphone you choose is compatible with your chosen recording software or digital audio workstation (DAW).
• Reflection Filters or Vocal Booths: To minimize room reflections and ambient noise, consider using reflection filters or setting up a dedicated vocal booth. These tools help create a more controlled recording environment, allowing your voice to be the primary focus without interference from room acoustics.
• Professional-Grade Features: If you're pursuing voice acting professionally, consider microphones with additional features such as multiple polar patterns (e.g., cardioid, figure-8, omnidirectional) or variable pickup patterns. These features provide flexibility in capturing different voice acting techniques or recording setups.

• Recommended Options: 
  • Rode NT1-A,
  • Audio-Technica AT4053b
  • Neumann TLM 103