The Universe of Microphones

What is a microphone?

Microphones are transducer devices that convert sound waves into electric signals by capturing the audio from an instrument or a person (Christensson, 2013).

Most common microphones could be very well categorized as

Dynamic microphones and Condenser microphones (Yamaha Corporation, 2018)

DYNAMIC MICROPHONES:

These microphones are more robust and less sensitive compared to the latter. It is quite inexpensive and can be readily stocked in a studio (Adorama, 2018, para. 4).

Dynamic microphones are built on very few components such as a thin diaphragm, coil and a magnet which utilizes electromagnetic induction. While the diaphragm vibrates from the incoming sound waves, the coil behind it starts to vibrate and charges the magnet causing an electric current in the coil that runs along the wire (Adorama, 2018, paras. 5 & 6).

Dynamic microphones are very versatile. They can be used to mic guitar amplifiers and be used for snare drums (Adorama, 2018, para. 4).

The process can be described below with a few examples,

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Fig. 1 (Media College, n.d.).

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Fig. 2 from right to left, Neumann KMS-105, Neumann U87 and Shure SM58 (Albano, 2016).

CONDENSER MICROPHONES:

The latter of the two microphones are condenser microphones. It is expensive, sensitive and delicate. These microphones are quite the opposite of dynamic microphones (Adorama, 2018, para. 12).

Condenser microphones operate more scientifically. There are two plates inside the microphone that act as a capacitor. While one of them is made of a fragile material also known as the diaphragm, the other is an electrically charged plate. When the diaphragm moves back and forth in sympathy to the sound waves, this changes the field of electricity between the plates, and this produces audio signals which correspond to sound (Shure, 2012).

This process requires power which is described as phantom power (+48V). Thus condenser microphones either need a battery or an external source of power (Adorama, 2018, para. 15).

These microphones are reliable in a studio to record vocal melodies, an acoustic stringed instrument or a piano (Adorama, 2018, para. 20).

Given below is the process in an image and examples,

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Fig. 3 (Dark Horse Institute, 2013).

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Fig. 4 from right to left, Rode NT5, Rode NT2-A M-Audio Solaris (Davids, 2011).

REFLECTION:

These two microphones are used for various reasons and purposes on many different occasions. I favor the dynamic microphones because of the sturdiness it inherits, and while it does not have to be sensitive, it can be used for many other purposes with the quality it brings out such as recording in the studio and performance at live stages.

As addressed by RØDE (n.d., para. 5, 7) it is proven that dynamics microphones are indeed sturdy and straightforward. These microphones described by the blog has also been a significant part in various live settings. As a musician, I enjoy a great deal of sound coming from my instrument(s), and dynamic microphones are very popular in handling high sound levels without damaging the mic.

REFERENCES:

Adorama. (2018). What Are the Different Types of Microphones? Retrieved from https://www.adorama.com/alc/what-are-the-different-types-of-microphones

Albano, Joe. (2016). Fig. 2 [Image]. Retrieved from https://ask.audio/articles/dynamic-vs-condenser-microphones-conventional-wisdom-examined

Christensson, P. (2013). Microphone Definition. Retrieved from https://techterms.com/

Dark Horse Institute (2013). Fig. 3 [Image]. Retrieved from http://darkhorseinstitute.com/microphone-101-condensers-dynamic-ribbon/

Davids, B. (2011). Fig. 4 [Image]. Retrieved from https://music.tutsplus.com/tutorials/quick-tip-microphone-basics-dynamic-and-condenser--audio-10812

Glynn, L. (2016). The different types of microphones explained. Retrieved from https://www.dawsons.co.uk/blog/the-different-types-of-microphones-explained

Media College. (n.d.). Fig. 1 [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/dynamic.html

RØDE Microphones. (n.d.). Dynamic vs. Condenser: Which live mic is right for you? [Blog Post]. Retrieved from http://en.rode.com/blog/all/dynamic-vs-condenser-which-live-mic-is-right-for-you

Shure. (2012, March 19th). Understanding Mic Specifications – Part I – Operating Principle [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mxp3eCCQyas

APPENDIX:

https://www.gearank.com/guides/best-dynamic-microphones

https://www.mixonline.com/technology/microphones-instrument-recording-427438

https://www.videomaker.com/article/c4/14111-which-is-best-a-dynamic-microphone-or-a-condenser-microphone