Beginner Guide to Microphones

A microphone is the most important thing when it comes to streaming, conferencing, or gaming setups. Finding the right mic can be difficult with so many different options on the market right now. If there is one thing your trusted audio visual systems manufacturers can tell you is that you need a beginner guide to microphones before making your first purchase. Although general prices for microphones often reflect the quality of the sound, there are other important factors that you should consider before purchasing the perfect mic for you.

Beginner Guide to Microphones

Today, we will discuss different types of microphones that can work for your AV system, gaming system, recording studio, or other purposes. You can browse our online inventory for additional accessories and useful tools that will help you amplify your microphone usage ASAP.

How to Choose the Right Type of Microphone for Your Setup

Your recording quality will depend on the type of microphone that you use. There are two types of microphones: condenser and dynamic microphones. Each comes with specific benefits and drawbacks that could be perfect for you. Here's how to find out which one is best:

Dynamic Mics

Dynamic microphones have high SPL capabilities and use inductive coils for diaphragm expansion. These microphones are ideal for concerts and live events. They can also be used to record. Dynamic microphones come in wired and wireless options. Some are even made for specific instruments, such as percussion. Dynamic mics are a great choice for those looking to record on the fly.

Condenser Mics

Condenser mics use a thin conductive microphone attached to a plate. This changes the distance between the output and voice vibrations. This electronic signal is much easier to capture using recording devices. A condenser microphone is the most popular choice for live streaming or recording.

How to Read Mic Specs

It can be difficult to find the right microphone for you without a basic understanding of microphone measurements and specifications. Here's a list of microphone specifications that you should be familiar with:

Proximity Effect

This is not a specification, per se, but more of a feature that mics can have in different ways. The proximity effect is when certain bass frequencies become louder and more obvious the closer they are to the microphone. If you're a musician who wants to make use of the various sounds produced by the microphone, this can be used to your advantage. It is important to understand the proximity effect of the microphone you select.

Frequency Response

A microphone's frequency response tells you how wide a frequency range it will cover. Frequencies are measured as hertz. A mic's average response rate is between 80 and 15 kHz.

Polar Patterns

Each microphone has its own field, also known as a Polar pattern. Bi-directional microphones pick out sounds from both the left and right, while filtering out those from other locations. Omnidirectional microphones on the other side will pick up sound from all directions.

Which Microphone is Right for You?

To get the most out of your microphone, you don't need to rely solely on its specs. To maximize its performance and features, attach accessories like the microphone input amplifier. This will allow you to enhance your sound quality.

It can be overwhelming to consider all of the options and types, but it doesn't mean you have to go out looking for the best mic. Kanex Pro will help you find the perfect microphone for your needs, as well as provide you with technologies that can help you seamlessly integrate a microphone with your existing AV system, such as the mic input amplifier with 3 different inputs available. We can help you learn as much as you want about recording no matter what level of experience you have, so get in touch with us today to start your recording journey!