The world of microphones is diverse and has a huge range of models. On the shelves of specialized stores you can see devices of different shapes and sizes. And if earlier the consumer could independently navigate all this diversity, today the types and types of microphones will easily confuse even experts in this matter.
The domestic market is literally oversaturated not only with smart models from Europe, but also with dubious devices from Asia, so the choice of a microphone more and more often resembles a lottery, and with minimal chances of getting a lucky ticket.
Let's try to figure out what this device is, what types of microphones are and what points you need to pay attention to first of all before taking your hard-earned money to the cashier of a music store. The opinions of experts in this field and feedback from the owners will be taken into account.
Device types
Microphone is almost a ubiquitous thing. It is in players, computers, phones, camcorders, that is, in almost all, as they say, bilateral gadgets and devices. However, in this article, we will consider a specific group of devices.
Variety microphones
A pop, dynamic or stage microphone is a device that was originally designed for certain areas. Such models are most often associated with hand-held devices, where there is a handle and a primer protected by a mesh from the wind.
The microphone device of this kind is not diverse. Almost all models have a similar appearance, and the problem here is not that the designers have run out of thoughts and ideas for visualization - it's just that all manufacturers are striving for unification. That is, a standard device is well and securely fixed in the same standard rack holders, and besides, it is much easier to pick up a replacement windscreen for unified models, unlike their "refined and glamorous" counterparts.
In turn, there are reel and ribbon microphones. That is, in the first case, the diaphragm is connected to the coil, which is located in the gap of the magnetic system, and in the second, a corrugated aluminum foil tape acts instead of the coil. Both the first and second types have both their advantages and disadvantages. Coil devices are mainly used on stage due to their reliability, but at the expense of quality, and a ribbon microphone is most often used in recording studios for clearer voice transmission.
Variety devices can be ungrouped into wired and wireless. In addition to the models that are used on stage, there are also headsets and lavaliers. Moreover, there are also subgroups of these devices: for songs, voice, piano andguitars and backing microphones.
Report microphones
The scope of such devices is more than clear from the name. A reporter's microphone is a device that is not afraid of wind, as well as low or high temperatures. Models can be wired, wireless, used as a headset, for hidden wear. There are also simple manual types.
Such devices cost very even round sums, therefore, before buying such a microphone, carefully and comprehensively study the model you are interested in, and then draw the appropriate conclusions. It may well turn out that all these "bells and whistles" will be of no use to you.
Studio devices
A studio microphone is a small device, usually lavalier or head-mounted, that operates on radio waves, but conventional hand-held varieties can also be found.
Besides, in television studios desktop devices like "tablets" are in use. They have a flat outline and are almost invisible on the tables of reporters. Their main task is to fix all the waves above the table. The top of such a microphone is omnidirectional, and the bottom is simply not covered.
Broadcast microphones
This type of device is used for radio broadcasts and television broadcasts. Such devices are intended both for live broadcasting and for recording radio and TV programs.
The design and functionality of such devices is designed to work withordinary speech. Such devices have a recognizable appearance, because they are designed for mounting on a special “spider” type rack. She got her nickname thanks to the shock-absorbing receiver with a ring and rubberized ears. In addition, a kind of microphone adapter acts as a "spider" body.
Very often, such devices are additionally equipped with a switch, where, if necessary, you can change the directional characteristics. More expensive models can work "in a circle": cardiods, "eights" and supercardiods.
Music Studio Devices
This group is also divided into several types of devices: instrumental, speech and vocal microphones. Each category has its own appearance. Speech and vocal patterns, as a rule, are very similar in appearance, and can only be distinguished by a specific wind protective grille. In addition, they have special brackets with which they are mounted on racks with shock-absorbing suspensions.
Instrument devices are reminiscent of conventional studio or stage microphones for vocals. The design and functionality of these devices creates all the conditions for perceiving the smallest details of sound, and at the highest resistance to sound pressure. This effect is achieved thanks to the built-in attenuator, which prevents microphone overload.
Summing up
If you are looking for a microphone, you should clearly understand for yourself that there are simply no universal models, and a good device costsfar from cheap. And do not listen to sellers who describe the versatility of the model - you need to buy a microphone for specific purposes and tasks.
For vocals - one thing, for drums - another, for piano - the third, etc. In addition, do not be tempted by the low price of a device from a well-known brand. Even the most venerable manufacturers do not sin to throw budget devices on the market for mass production. Remember that good professional microphones don't come cheap.
