Archives for May 2017

“Audio Visual Edit” wrote an article on this as well. They go into detail describing seven different types of microphones! IN my post, I say there are really only 2 main types – dynamic and condenser (sometimes called “electret”). Ribbon mics could be called a 3rd type, though they are really just a different kind of dynamic mic, basically.

So I find it interesting that AVE talks about 7 types. Check it out at the link at the end of this page.
AVE describes how the different kinds of microphones work, and their unique features.
The microphone types include: Dynamic, small and large-diaphragm, vacuum-tube, ribbon, electret, and piezo. They also detail which scenarios each type of microphone would be best suited for.
For instance, the small-diaphragm microphone would be a solid choice if you need a microphone with very accurate sound. The writer provides an excellent resource for anyone who is involved with recording and performance, giving a great summary of the various types of microphones, without being too complicated or wordy.

Key Takeaways:

• Overall, there are still only 2 main types of mic – dynamic and condenser. All the other “types” are categories of one or the other.
• Condenser mics (large diaphragm, small diaphragm, and tube mics) require external power called “phantom power” to work.
• Because of the different ways that these microphones treat and reproduce sounds, each type works better for certain instruments and situations and less well for others. So it’s a good idea to have a variety in your collection to cover all situations

“The advantages of the dynamic mic are its simplicity and robustness. The disadvantage is that the diaphragm is weighed down a little by the coil, hence it isn’t quite as responsive to quickly-changing transients as other types of mic.”

Read the Audio Visual Edit take on this topic here: http://www.audiovideoedit.com/2017/01/18/microphone-types/