The complexity of choosing a microphone for vocals lies in the ambiguity of the characteristics of this device in terms of revealing the individual voice qualities of the performer. Ideally, each user strives to choose a model that would best emphasize the merits of his vocals and also hide the flaws. Determining how a particular microphone will be able to cope with this task is not so simple. What's more, even buying a costly premium version with advanced performance will not guarantee its performance in a variety of applications. And yet, you can choose the optimal microphone for vocals if you take into account its operational properties in the complex, not forgetting about functional features and structural ergonomics.
Main selection criteria
The working properties of the microphone make it clear how accurately a particular model can reveal the vocal data. This does not mean that it will best reflect them, but the very fact of such a potential is the basis for the choice. So, it is recommended to pay attention to such indicators as sensitivity, amplitude-frequency range and directional features. These are the main features that distinguishvocal microphones of different models. In practice, these parameters can affect the detail of the sound, the absence or presence of blockages of individual frequencies, the stability of volume support, etc.
The amplitude-frequency spectrum in audio equipment is most often represented by the same values, so they do not pay much attention to this value. However, in the case of microphones, every detail is important and taking into account the impulse response is of great importance. For example, if a microphone is selected for recording vocals, then this characteristic will determine how effective the device's response to electrical impulses will be. Taken together, the sensitivity, frequency spectrum and directivity type of the device will provide one or another character of interaction not only between the performer and the microphone, but also with additional equipment. Do not forget that other specialized equipment is also involved in the recording and playback process. The microphone should at least match the quality characteristics of the main equipment. And vice versa, if a high-quality modern microphone was purchased, then its function may be ineffective when used in combination with budget equipment. For example, performance may not be revealed even if a cheap speaker cable is used.
Microphone sensitivity
The level of voltage that is formed at the output of the microphone in the process of sound exposure depends on the sensitivity. In other words, this is the electrical output of the acoustic impulse received at the time of executionvocal parts. Usually, the concept of sound pressure is used to evaluate this indicator, but experts still recommend using an integrated approach, that is, taking into account both the frequency of the sinusoidal signal of the sound wave and the output voltage. How does the sensitivity of the microphone affect the quality of its work? At first glance, it may seem that a high value as such indicates the possibility of revealing the wide potential of vocal data. But this is not entirely true, and just the sensitivity demonstrates the deceitfulness of high performance as a guarantee of the quality of the device.
Sensitivity only gives information about the device's ability to pick up a signal with one or another strength, which will be expressed in the power of feedback with sound reproduction. However, the quality of the microphone, precisely from the point of view of acoustic properties, depends to a minimum extent on sensitivity, since a high degree of membrane susceptibility can be reduced to zero by distortion and interference, the significance of which also increases. Despite this, the microphone for vocals should be selected taking into account the optimal sensitivity indicator. If you plan to perform on stage, then this figure should be high, but for a recording studio there is no need to increase susceptibility. By the way, for universal needs, the digital model will be the best choice, as it allows you to flexibly adjust the sensitivity value for specific tasks and conditions for using the device.
Accounting for directivity parameters
BIn a sense, the directivity of the microphone is also related to the sensitivity. The sensitivity indicator, as already noted, expresses the ability of the device to capture the strength of the sound signal, then converting it into voltage. The radiation pattern, in turn, indicates from which side the device perceives the signal in the best way. For example, omnidirectional vocal microphones work equally well with lateral sensitivity, in processing front and rear sound waves. Bi-directional models are generally lateral oriented, but do not accept front and rear signals.
The most popular unidirectional modifications, which provide three patterns to choose from. What does this mean in practice? These are sound capture circuits that are represented by cardioid, supercardioid and hypercardioid pattern patterns. At the same time, all three options are insensitive to off-axis and rear-axis sound, which comes from sources located behind or to the side. For example, the traditional cardioid-type chart resembles a heart in its coverage. In this configuration, the device ignores sounds in the front zone and partly from the side. Hypercardioid and supercardioid configurations differ in that they leave narrow sound spectrum coverage areas at the side and front. A modern microphone for vocals in some performances also provides the ability to adjust sensitivity zones. These are circular or multi-chart models that allow you to switch the device to different capture directions independing on the conditions of use - for example, in the studio or on stage.
Frequency range
The amplitude-frequency spectrum determines the range of values within which the output signal will be formed. At the moment, the segment of vocal models represents devices operating in the range of 80 Hz - 15 kHz. This is the optimal spectrum for a vocal instrument. If you need a professional microphone for vocals, tom-toms and snare drums, then it is better to turn to versions with a range of 50 Hz or more. Devices operating with frequencies from 30 Hz are no longer just professional, but specialized, which are used for non-standard recording tasks.
Frequency spectrum can be related to sensitivity. So, if the susceptibility of the signal determines how much the microphone is able to pick up the walking signal, then the frequency spectrum indicates the ability of the device to work with the transmission of the output signal at different levels. This is a very important dependence in terms of individual choice. Even with the nominal support of the aforementioned spectrum, different microphones can handle frequencies in their own way. Some models work better with the upper ranges, while others work better with the lower ones. Moreover, the volume of the microphone as a means of correcting the indicators of frequency processing and playback will not help. What matters is the basic potential of the ability to cope with the peaks and valleys of the output signal. The so-called proximity effect should also be taken into account. It is expressed in the fact that as the microphone approachessound source, the low frequency spectrum becomes more detailed and deep. In fact, this phenomenon refers to distortion, but in some cases, sound engineers use it as an additional acoustic effect.
Dynamic or ribbon mic for vocals?
The working basis of a dynamic microphone is a combination of an inductor and a sensitive element in the form of a membrane. In the process of exposure to a sound signal, the voltage in the coil changes under the action of the membrane itself with its vibrations. Moreover, the coil operates in a constant magnetic field. This is the optimal microphone for voice, which is designed for use in concerts. The design of dynamic models is characterized by a massive body and the presence of a special mount for holding in the hand. In terms of performance, they focus on live recording, ignoring off-axis sounds.
Tape-type models, on the other hand, have a fragile design and more sensitive internal filling, which focuses on more accurate and detailed signal processing. Instead of a membrane, such a microphone uses a thin tape, due to the vibrations of which the voltage indicators change. The operation of the tape device is characterized by a soft susceptibility, which makes it possible to use it more efficiently in sound recording, not only of voices, but also of musical instruments. However, a microphone for studio recording can also be found in the lines with dynamic models. Usually thisuniversal devices, thanks to the settings of which you can solve different tasks.
If we talk about working with recording instrumental sounds, then you should also pay attention to specialized modifications. For example, the same dynamic microphones are available in versions for drums, tom-toms, wind instruments, etc. Usually such modifications are provided with a wide range of regulation parameters, both in terms of sensitivity and signal capture direction.
How is a condenser microphone different for stage use?
This version of the vocal microphone contains a sensitive thin tape and a metal plate in its internal design. This combination forms a kind of capacitor, to which a charge is supplied from a network source or battery. Direct voltage fluctuations occur due to the interaction of the vibrating tape and the plate. This is a good microphone for recording in the studio, but it does not perform well in open concert venues. However, there are different modifications of condenser microphones. For example, a whole line of devices designed to work with musical instruments, from strings to drums, is popular.
In some versions, condenser devices are supplemented with special switches that expand the acoustic capabilities of the device. So, the roll-off system is designed to correct the frequency range at a low level. Also, with its help, if necessary, you can lower the sensitivity - this function is especially important when usingmicrophone in the studio. But it should be borne in mind that additional equipment with options also increases the price tag of the model. The answer to the question of how much a microphone with a roll-off switch costs may involve amounts of about 40-50 thousand rubles. True, this applies to products of well-known companies, famous for their good quality. Wide-membrane capacitor models are also common. These versions are characterized by a large construction and a large membrane diameter of about 3 cm. They are also intended for sound recording, but mostly for amateur needs.
Shure Model SM-58
The American company Shure is one of the leaders in the segment of the production of audio equipment. In this case, the SM-58 dynamic microphone model is considered, which is suitable for use in concerts and in studio recording. This "Shur" microphone is good not only for the main performance characteristics, but also for the ergonomics of the design. The developers of this company traditionally produce compact hand-held models with comfortable shapes, and this version fully fits into the concept of comfortable minimalism.
As for the acoustic capabilities, the filling is sharpened for deep processing of all the main shades of the voice. The device works with a cardioid polar pattern, which allows you to rationally distinguish between the target and third-party sound areas. The frequency range varies from 50 Hz to 15 kHz. This spectrum allows you to count on the disclosure of the possibilities of vocals with a clear and transparent sound. The question of how much the microphone costs in this performance,also will not disappoint fans of the brand: the average price tag is 10 thousand, which is not bad for a high-quality device of this level. Especially if we take into account the presence of technological features that are expressed both in the original design and in the device of switching systems.
Model Neumann U 87 Ai
High-quality and technologically advanced model designed for professional studio recording. This device is considered by some experts as the standard of studio microphones today. The device is distinguished by several radiation patterns, including circular, eight-shaped and cardioid. And if the Shur microphone in the SM-58 modification is rather designed to use one specific sound coverage spectrum, then in this case the user can use the selector to select the most appropriate configuration in narrow directions. In addition, the possibility of performing a cutoff of frequencies and lowering the signal is also provided. This concerns the processing of the lower spectrum.
If we talk about design features, they are expressed in an increased size of the membrane, the use of a new generation XLR3F connector, as well as a switchable 10 dB attenuator. This model is also optimally suited for amateur tasks, since the ergonomics of adjustment and control are implemented according to the traditional scheme. But, there is also a drawback that this microphone has. The price of the device is about 220-230 thousand. For this reason, this modification is mainly used by large music studios and television companies,who need high-quality, clear sound.
Sennheiser MK 8 model
German manufacturer Sennheiser is rather known for traditional acoustic equipment, as well as headphones for professional and amateur use. But successful microphones often appear in the families of this brand. In particular, a good MK 8 microphone can be used both at home and in studio recording. This is a double-diaphragm condenser model, characterized by accurate and soft sound transmission. For maximum disclosure of vocal data, the developers have provided the possibility of using circular, extended, supercardioid and standard cardioid directivity configurations.
Another feature of the model is also noteworthy. The fact is that the MK 8 user gets the opportunity to adapt any type of mixer to the audio path through a three-stage attenuator. In general, a set of accessories included with this model made the device almost universal, in any case, this applies to the channels for connecting the model to third-party equipment in addition to the mixer. High-quality filtering systems also deserve special attention, which, if necessary, can eliminate both the mentioned effect of approaching the sound source and the effect of structural noise. In general, we can state that this is a technological, functional and simply high-quality microphone. The price of the model, however, is also rather big and amounts to about 50 thousand
How to choose the best option?
When choosing a microphone, it is difficult to focus on specific characteristics without having a clear understanding of the future operation of the device. So, differences in approaches to the choice are determined not only by the scope, but also by the subtleties of the technical organization of the workflow. The connection method, recording requirements, as well as possible external influences on the design of the device are important.
At the same time, when choosing a device for universal needs, experts recommend sticking to average characteristics, with an emphasis on advanced technologies. For example, the standard XLR microphone connector for balanced connection is gradually giving way to the more advantageous XLR3F format. True, such changes mainly affect accessories and external fittings. The internal filling with the structural device of the same tape membranes retains the fundamental configuration with the tolerance of minor adjustments. In any case, you will have to count on a high-quality implementation of the technical device of the microphone only if you purchase a model from a major manufacturer. Even if a budget modification from a little-known manufacturer has similar nominal characteristics, this does not mean at all that in practice the model will provide the same sound quality. However, there are exceptions.
