subject: Gooseneck Microphone [print this page] Despite the peculiar name, gooseneck microphones have become a valuable part of the professional sound engineer's arsenal. The name is sometimes used to refer to the stand that holds a microphone, one that has a flexible metal end to allow adjustment in any direction, somewhat like the end of a bendable straw. More specifically, however, gooseneck microphone refers to a small, slender, condenser microphone that is used when larger microphones are impractical or undesirable.
Gooseneck microphones are often used for large group amplification or recording. For example, they are frequently used in churches that have large choirs. The microphones are hung from the ceiling over the choir, as their small size and light weight make installation much easier. Similarly, They are also used to record crowd noise at live events, amplify wind-instrument ensembles, or to capture natural sounds in rural areas.
In most cases, such microphones are condenser mics, which means that they gather sound from every direction, as contrasted with a uni-directional mic. This is great if you need to capture ambient sounds, or if you need to amplify a large group without over-emphasizing a particular sound. For instance, in a choir application, condenser microphones pick up a larger spread of voices, rather than a traditional microphone, which may just pick up the sound immediately in front of it. However, if you're amplifying a large group, this can sometimes lead to feedback problems in live sound applications.
Gooseneck microphones are also used in specialized applications for a single user. For instance, when the President or other dignitary gives a speech, often times they will be using a gooseneck microphone that is mounted on a podium. This is primarily because the gooseneck's slender design is far less obtrusive than a traditional microphone setup. Compare videos from past presidential speeches when they used the traditional large microphones, and you can immediately see the appeal of the gooseneck.
Many professional speakers and pastors use a wireless headset-model of gooseneck for speaking, as the flexible mount allows for proper placement, and the condenser properties provide more natural sounding voice amplification.
There are many different brand names that one can choose from when selecting a gooseneck microphone. Currently, the industry leaders are Shure, Countryman, Byerdynamic, and Sennheiser. Countryman is especially noted for headset-model gooseneck mics; many professional speakers and lectures prefer Countryman over any other microphone. More economical options include Audio-Technica, Cadre, and Speco.
