If you need a microphone, you will have to decide between a condenser mic and a dynamic mic. So which one is better? The answer is: neither. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages, making each better suited for specific applications. We will give a definition of a condenser microphone and examine how one works and what makes it different from a dynamic … [Read more...] about What Is A Condenser Microphone? (Definition And Best Uses)
Microphones
Preamplifier Vs Amplifier (What’s The Difference And Do I Need Both?)
The terms sound similar, but the two devices perform different functions. If you're setting up a studio, whether professional or just for fun at home, you have undoubtedly come across the terms amp and preamp. And naturally, you're wondering what the difference is. More importantly, do you need one, or both, of them? Good preamps and amps are not cheap, so you … [Read more...] about Preamplifier Vs Amplifier (What’s The Difference And Do I Need Both?)
What Does A Mic Preamp Do?
So, you've read you need a preamp for your mic. You're trying to set up a little recording studio or simply trying to use a microphone to record your voice or an instrument. Whatever your purpose for getting a microphone, you've just learned you're going to have to spend even more money on a microphone preamplifier. Quite a bit of money, in fact, if you want a quality … [Read more...] about What Does A Mic Preamp Do?
Best Preamp For Rap Vocals (Options For All Budgets)
Let's clear something up right off the bat. There is no best preamp for rap vocals. In fact, there are no microphone preamps made specifically for rap. They key for rappers, as for any vocalists, is to find the preamp and mic combination that best suits their voice and vocal style. Personally, I prefer to use a transparent microphone preamp. Transparent preamps … [Read more...] about Best Preamp For Rap Vocals (Options For All Budgets)
Best Mic Preamp For Vocals (All Budget Levels)
If you have a microphone to record your vocals, you need a preamp. The reason is simple. A microphone produces a very low voltage output that is between 50dB and 80dB quieter than the line-level output from electronic instruments. The preamplifier boosts the mic-level signal up to the same strength of a line-level signal. It ensures the sound the mic picks up is just … [Read more...] about Best Mic Preamp For Vocals (All Budget Levels)
What Type Of Microphone Do I Need?
So, you're looking for a microphone and you've realized just how many different types there are to choose from. You've read terms like 'condenser', 'dynamic', 'cardioid', 'figure 8', etc. But what do they all mean? More importantly, which one of those terms describes the mic you want for your specific needs? In this article, I look at a number of common situations … [Read more...] about What Type Of Microphone Do I Need?
Microphone Polar Patterns Explained (Cardioid + Other Pickup Patterns)
Do you keep coming across terms like cardioid or supercardioid? Those are two types of microphone pickup patterns and I realize reading that probably doesn't clear much up. But we'll take care of that. Microphone patterns show the zones around the microphone where that mic picks up sound well and where it does not pick up sound at all. Depending on your needs, you … [Read more...] about Microphone Polar Patterns Explained (Cardioid + Other Pickup Patterns)
Best Vocal Microphone For Live Performance
You need a special kind of mic for a live performance. In studio singing, clarity is the most important feature. But when performing live, you need a mic that can ignore all the background noise and only pick up your voice. This means you want a dynamic microphone. Condenser microphones might sound better, but they are too sensitive for live performances. They … [Read more...] about Best Vocal Microphone For Live Performance
Best Microphone For Singing At Home (And Recording Vocals)
Two types of singers need a microphone for home use: those who want to record a few tracks for fun and those who want professional level recordings. If you just want a mic to play around with and you don't want to spend too much, you might want to check out the best USB mics for singing, instead. They cost a lot less, don't require additional equipment, and are much … [Read more...] about Best Microphone For Singing At Home (And Recording Vocals)
Best USB Microphone For Vocals (Singing Or Rapping)
USB microphones might not be right for you. Yes, they are inexpensive and convenient. But they have their drawbacks. The main disadvantage is quality. Sure, some USB mics actually produce great sound quality, like the three below. But most do not and even the best don't come close to an XLR mic. You probably already know this and are just looking for the best USB … [Read more...] about Best USB Microphone For Vocals (Singing Or Rapping)