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Buying Microphones For Home Recording

By Bruce Hathaway

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Published: 03Dec2010
Word count: 589
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Buying Microphones For Home Recording Technology today has given professional and aspiring musicians alike the opportunity to create music without so much as leaving the basement. Musicians who also record their own music will tell you that although with instruments it is possible to get away with direct input, good recording microphones are extremely important to the quality of the recording.

There are lots of mics available as any music store will show, but not all microphones are created equal and even then the right one to buy depends on type. For those who are looking to buy microphones for home recording, here's some advice.

First of all, there are two types of microphones. Dynamic and condenser. A condenser microphone will pick up more sound and is more sensitive than its dynamic counterpart. The degree of sensitivity is determined by the size of the microphone's "diaphragm". The larger the diaphragm the more sound these mics will pick up. A dynamic mic is less sensitive but is useful in cases where the home recording studio is not enclosed and thus more likely to have background noise.

Given the choice between a cheap condenser and a cheap dynamic- it kind of depends on how cheap. But going with extreme lower end cheap, the dynamic should get the nod. If money is not too much of a concern however, for at home recording a quality condenser mic is usually the best choice with a few exceptions. Couple the condenser with a slightly cheaper or equal dynamic recording mic and you will be prepared for just about anything.

As obvious as it sounds, the first thing to do is look at the purpose of buying the microphone. If your intention is to record live performances or instrumentals, a combination of both types of microphones is beneficial. If the microphone is going to be used exclusively for vocals, it is best to go with the condenser.

Condensers generally record better than dynamics for vocals. Where the dynamic becomes a hands down better choice is when dealing with a louder voice. A condenser will sound terrible when the vocalist is too strong for it. If you're dealing with multiple vocalists, it's a good idea to have more than one type of mic on hand just in case.

Another thing to look at before buying the mic the type of DA converter. (But thats another article in itself) Make sure that the inputs match or that you can find way a to connect the mic into your mixer or recording device. Fortunately, most inputs today can be fixed up with connectors that will accept one plug type and allow an individual to plug it into another. This is kind of an iffy practice to be honest though, because the bad connection can certainly affect the quality of the recording. Still, it can be done and whether there is a trade-off will depend primarily on its use.

When looking over a mic, take note of where it will pick up. Some mics pick up fine in any direction while others operate primarily from one. This can be an issue while recording some instruments or vocalists. For this one, it's may be necessary to take the studio layout into account when buying a mic.

There are of course, more specialized and microphones such as the ribbon mic. But when starting out with a single mic, the more versatile the better. As you upgrade and expand it may become essential to buy those very delicate and more expensive pieces.

Bruce Hathaway is a renowned recordist, film composer and producer. Through his experience in the studio and on the stage, he has become an expert on microphones for recording, stage performance and podcasting. Click on the link above where you'll find great deals on microphones and useful information.

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