Microphones For The Home Recording Studio

Per request for a simplified microphone primer, the topic today is…. you bet. Microphones!

Given you are interested in music production and/or home recording in the modern project studio… Microphones, (Mics) are the fundamental front-end capture device for audio recording. It will behoove you to get aquainted with some basic terms, as well as try to get your hands on different mic’s to listen for any distinguishable characteristics you can identify… By the way, there’s no shame in going to guitar center and asking to A/B some microphones. So this will be a relatively quick breakdown the kinds of microphones used in music production, and some key notes and concepts to become aware of. As always,  I love to hear your feedback, so let me know if this is helpful info/not what you are interested in knowing, have other questions… etc. Happy Music Making!

What Does a Microphone Do?

When dealing with analog audio, (vibrations in the air) a microphone changes “sound waves” into an electrical signal. Microphones receive and transmit signals in several different ways. While each method varies in design, all transducer microphones turn audio vibrations(sound) into voltage amounts.
In short… Mics capture audible vibrations, turn them into electrical signal, and send them down the signal chain to their routed destination. Ultimately being one of two places… To a recording device, or to speakers.
Saving Polar Patterns for another day… Lets get into what you need to familiarize yourself with and understand about the categories and uses of these important tools, first.

The 3 Categories of Microphones Used in Music Production Are:

Dynamic Microphones:  http://www.audiomecca.com/dictionary/dynamic-microphone

Saving some techno babble… Dynamic microphones are reliable, flexible, durable, inexpensive (in most cases) microphones used in stage performance, and recording studio’s of all sizes. Their low noise ratio, and attractive price-tag, (compared to the mid–>high end condensor mics price point) make them ideal for use in less than optimized acoustic spaces, home recording rooms, and project studios. Dynamic mics are often seen on stage, as they are ‘generally preferred’ for stage performance for many of the aforementioned qualities and characteristics. For example, weighing in at about $90 u.s.d. (yes, less than $100!) The Shure SM57 has long been the worlds most popular and widely used microphone. It is an infamous staple of reliability and durability; and a commonly used “go-to-mic” for recording/live sound engineers on a number of sources including guitar amps/cabs, snare drums, and vocals.

Condensor Microphones: http://www.audiomecca.com/dictionary/condenser-microphone

Condensor mic’s are generally preferred in recording studio’s because they can capture very distinct details and nuances of a performance, as well as add varying supplementary characteristics to the source they’re recording. Condensor microphones come in all shapes and sizes, price and prestige, as well as diversity of tone, timbre & texture. Mic selection is a learned process of understanding the sound and characteristics of the microphone, as well as its suitable applications. Given proper mic placement and recording techniques, one can be tastefully selected by an experienced producer who understands the strengths and weaknesses of the different microphones in his arsenal to compliment the source or style of the recording.

Ribbon Microphones: http://www.audiomecca.com/dictionary/ribbon-microphone

Ribbon Microphones offer a rich, natural sound, that can sound very warm and pleasing. They are extremely fragile, even to blowing into them. BE WERY WERY CAREFUL!

Especially for home recording on a budget, and for those just getting their feet wet and learning about microphones and music production in general… I think it’’s safe to say that ribbon mic’s are more of a specialty microphone. I’d recommend investing in a dynamic and/or a budget condenser first.
Just buy one microphone first. Get to know it. It will be your FIRST microphone!

My recommendation would be to start off with a large diaphragm cardioid condensor (Budget LDC microphone), or a dynamic microphone. There are a slew of great budget mic’s in the 50-$300 range, that can offer satisfying results as you grow in knowledge and technique.
Microphones are obviously an integral part of your front end recording chain…  don’t sweat the selection process too intensely, but do your homework to find out what will work for what you will be recording primarily at this point in your home recording journey. (recording vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, etc.)

Budget (large diaphragm) Condensor Mics can be had for a couple hundred, and can be used to produce very professional results.
For some fundamental microphone placement and audio recording techniques, as well as some more detailed explanation on microphone types, feel free to visit my article on microphones here…  Yes, its free. No, you don’t have to sign up for anything.  http://www.audiomecca.com/articles/aaa-17
Happy home recording!