subject: Microphones: Types And Design [print this page] Microphones are usually the first device in the recording signal flow. They are a transducer, meaning they convert one type of energy (sound waves) into anothe type of energy (electrical signals). Depending on quality of the microphones pick up, the design, placement and acoustic environment a microphones sound quality changes. The information here is just to get you thinking about the gear in your home music studio or gear you're thinking of purchasing. There is however one rule and that is there are no rules, only guidelines, so get excited if you find a five dollar microphone at a pawn shop because it might record the sound you want. By understanding the basic principles of microphones you can apply them to the right recording situations.
A very cost effective and basic microphone is the dynamic microphone. The dynamic microphone works on the principle of electromagnetic induction. This means when sound pressure hits the microphone the diaphragm moves a sound coil up and down. Since the sound coil is situated between a magnet that movement causes the electrical signal. Dynamic microphones do not require phantom power when used with a mixer or preamp.
Another type of microphone is the ribbon microphone. The ribbon microphone works on the same concept as a dynamic microphone. the main differences are that ribbon microphones have a very fragile design and can be expensive due to there "better" sound. The ribbon microphone does require phantom power because it has a very thin diaphragm that requires power to create an electrical signal that can be used by your recording equipment.
A very popular type of microphone used in recording is the condenser microphone. The condenser microphone works on the theory of electrostatic induction. Electrostatic induction means there are two plates, one movable called the diaphragm and one plate, which is fixed. These two plates form a capacitor and electrical signal that passes through will move these plates together or move them apart this movement determines the amount of signal being picked up. Condenser microphones are widely used in recording situations because of there warm "tube" sound and even harmonic distortion.
Every microphone has in its specifications frequency response. Frequency response is a measure of a microphones characteristics. Frequency response is represented by a graph showing how a microphone responds to frequencies at a certain db. Frequency response is different for every microphone because every microphone has a different tonal quality. Knowing how to understand frequency response you can do accurate experimentation with microphones and instruments.
So armed with frequency response and different types of microphones you can apply microphones to specific recording situations or do different types of experimenting. Just remember, when you are utilizing your home music studio you need to remember that these specifications are guidelines and you should feel free to experiment any way you choose.
