How to Choose a Vocal Microphone
The type of microphone that you choose should be decided by its application – Live or Studio. Beyond that, trying out as many different microphones as you can to find the one most suited to your voice and style of music is the best way to find the best vocal microphone for you.
Live Vocal Microphones
A live vocal microphone needs to have a good sound quality, be rugged enough to get knocked around on stage, survive episodes of feedback and perform consistently in any environment.
Dynamic microphones are a relatively simple design of microphone and fit this description perfectly. They are relatively inexpensive and are the most widely used microphone for live vocals.
Studio Vocal Microphones
A studio microphone needs to have excellent sound quality, but doesn't need to be rugged in the same way that a live microphone does. Condenser microphones are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones; however the relatively safe studio environment suits them perfectly.
Of course there are occasions where dynamic microphones can be used in the studio and where condenser microphones can be used on stage, however for the reasons outlined above; there are good reasons why most people use them in their more typical environments.
In conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing your vocal microphone, follow the rules above, but try out as many different varieties of each microphone as you can to find one that suits you. Think about microphones like musical instruments, each model has a slightly different characteristic, which will make some microphones suited to your vocal more than others.
By: Gemma King
About the Author:
Live Vocal Microphones
A live vocal microphone needs to have a good sound quality, be rugged enough to get knocked around on stage, survive episodes of feedback and perform consistently in any environment.
Dynamic microphones are a relatively simple design of microphone and fit this description perfectly. They are relatively inexpensive and are the most widely used microphone for live vocals.
Studio Vocal Microphones
A studio microphone needs to have excellent sound quality, but doesn't need to be rugged in the same way that a live microphone does. Condenser microphones are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones; however the relatively safe studio environment suits them perfectly.
Of course there are occasions where dynamic microphones can be used in the studio and where condenser microphones can be used on stage, however for the reasons outlined above; there are good reasons why most people use them in their more typical environments.
In conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing your vocal microphone, follow the rules above, but try out as many different varieties of each microphone as you can to find one that suits you. Think about microphones like musical instruments, each model has a slightly different characteristic, which will make some microphones suited to your vocal more than others.
By: Gemma King
About the Author:
Gemma King is a professional singer, songwriter and vocal coach. You can find more of her articles on her website becomeasinger.net
Different Kinds Of Wireless Microphones And Their Advantages
A wireless microphone, as the name implies, is a microphone without a physical cable connecting it directly to the sound recording or amplifying equipment with which it is associated. Wireless microphone systems are a key component in almost every broadcast, motion picture, theatrical and sound stage production, as well as corporate, religious and educational venues.
The professional models transmit in VHF or UHF radio frequency and have true diversity reception which eliminates dead spots and the effects caused by the reflection of the radio waves on walls and surfaces in general. The VHF band is located in the frequency range between 30 MHz and 300 MHz. This is the other common band used in wireless microphone systems, but it is not used as commonly as UHF.
VHF wireless microphones are typically those of the fixed frequency type, meaning that the user has no opportunity to switch frequencies if interference is encountered. The UHF band is located in the frequency range between 300 MHz and 3 GHz and is the most common band used in wireless microphone systems. Depending on national regulations, which differ for every country, wireless microphones may operate in the range between 470 MHz and 865 MHz. These frequencies are shared with over-the-air TV broadcasts. So when selecting a frequency, the user must know what frequencies to stay away from to avoid interference.
Advantages and disadvantages of wireless microphones
The biggest advantage of a wireless microphone system is its freedom of movement. Since a wireless microphone is not connected by any cable, the user does not get restricted by the length of the cable. Wireless microphone sends audio signals over the air, rather than through microphone cables. The microphone is attached to a transmitter and the signals are received by a receiver connected to the audio console or recording device. The user can avoid cable problems which frequently occur because of the constant moving and stressing of the cables.
Though wireless microphones are in use everywhere, it has its disadvantages too, regardless of its state of the art technology. It has only a limited operation time due to low battery life. It does not work if the user takes the microphone out of range. Sometimes there may be the possibility of interference with other radio equipment or other microphones.
Different kinds of wireless microphones
Generally they are two types of wireless microphones - handheld wireless microphone and bodypack wireless microphone. Handheld microphone is like a normal wireless microphone, but it has a bigger body to accommodate the transmitter and battery pack. Bodypack microphone is a small box housing the transmitter and battery pack, but not the microphone itself. It is attachable to the belt or elsewhere and has a wire going to headset, lavaliere microphone or a guitar.
Some of the manufacturers of wireless microphones offer a plug on transmitter for existing wired microphones which plugs into the XLR output of the microphone and transmits to the receiver. This offers many of the benefits of an integrated system, and also allows microphone types to be used without a cable.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
The professional models transmit in VHF or UHF radio frequency and have true diversity reception which eliminates dead spots and the effects caused by the reflection of the radio waves on walls and surfaces in general. The VHF band is located in the frequency range between 30 MHz and 300 MHz. This is the other common band used in wireless microphone systems, but it is not used as commonly as UHF.
VHF wireless microphones are typically those of the fixed frequency type, meaning that the user has no opportunity to switch frequencies if interference is encountered. The UHF band is located in the frequency range between 300 MHz and 3 GHz and is the most common band used in wireless microphone systems. Depending on national regulations, which differ for every country, wireless microphones may operate in the range between 470 MHz and 865 MHz. These frequencies are shared with over-the-air TV broadcasts. So when selecting a frequency, the user must know what frequencies to stay away from to avoid interference.
Advantages and disadvantages of wireless microphones
The biggest advantage of a wireless microphone system is its freedom of movement. Since a wireless microphone is not connected by any cable, the user does not get restricted by the length of the cable. Wireless microphone sends audio signals over the air, rather than through microphone cables. The microphone is attached to a transmitter and the signals are received by a receiver connected to the audio console or recording device. The user can avoid cable problems which frequently occur because of the constant moving and stressing of the cables.
Though wireless microphones are in use everywhere, it has its disadvantages too, regardless of its state of the art technology. It has only a limited operation time due to low battery life. It does not work if the user takes the microphone out of range. Sometimes there may be the possibility of interference with other radio equipment or other microphones.
Different kinds of wireless microphones
Generally they are two types of wireless microphones - handheld wireless microphone and bodypack wireless microphone. Handheld microphone is like a normal wireless microphone, but it has a bigger body to accommodate the transmitter and battery pack. Bodypack microphone is a small box housing the transmitter and battery pack, but not the microphone itself. It is attachable to the belt or elsewhere and has a wire going to headset, lavaliere microphone or a guitar.
Some of the manufacturers of wireless microphones offer a plug on transmitter for existing wired microphones which plugs into the XLR output of the microphone and transmits to the receiver. This offers many of the benefits of an integrated system, and also allows microphone types to be used without a cable.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, DJ equipment, recording equipment, speakers, subwoofers, and Wireless microphone system, Handheld wireless microphone, Bodypack wireless microphone.
Different Uses of Various Microphones
Microphones are used in many applications such astelephones, tape recorders, hearing aids, motion picture production, live and recordedaudio engineering, in radio and television broadcasting and in computers for recording voice, VoIP, and for non acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic checking.
A microphone is a device made to capture waves in air, water or hard material and translate them into an electrical signal. The most common method is via a thin membrane producing some proportional electrical signal. Most microphones in use today for audio use electromagnetic generation are dynamic microphones, capacitance change condenser microphones or piezoelectric generation to produce the signal from mechanical vibration.
Uses of different kinds of microphones
Condenser microphones span the range from cheap instruments to high quality instruments. They generally produce a high quality audio signal and are now the popular choice in laboratory and studio recording applications. They require a power source, provided generally from microphone inputs from a small battery.
Professional microphones often sport an external power supply for reasons of quality perception. Power is necessary for establishing the capacitor plate voltage, and is also needed for internal amplification of the signal to a useful output level. Condenser microphones are also available with two diaphragms, the signals from which can be electrically connected such as to provide a range of polar patterns such as cardioid and omnidirectional.
Carbon microphone, formerly used in telephone handsets, is a capsule containing carbon granules pressed between two metal plates. The carbon microphone can also be used as a type of amplifier, using a small amount of sound energy to produce a larger amount of electric energy. Carbon microphones were used as early telephone repeaters, making long distance phone calls possible in the era before vacuum tubes.
Crystal microphones used to be commonly supplied with vacuum tube or valve equipment such as domestic tape recorders. Their high output impedance matched well to the high input impedance of the vacuum tube input stage. They were difficult to match to early transistor equipments and were quickly supplemented by dynamic microphones for a short while, and later small eletret condenser devices. The high impedance of the crystal microphone made it very susceptable to handling noise, partly from the microphone itself, but also from handling of the connecting cable.
Shotgun microphones are high directional microphones. They have small lobes of sensitivity to the left, right, and rear but are significantly more sensitive to the front. This results from placing the elements inside a tube with slots cut along the side and wave cancellation eliminates most of the off axis noise. Shotgun microphones are commonly used on TV and film sets, and for field recording of wildlife.
Conclusion
The microphone is a ubiquitous piece of equipment and comes in a number of models. Found in everything from telephones to computers to recording studios, microphones are part of our daily life. It is perhaps the most critical part of the audio chain. A good quality microphone will provide the basis for excellent audio, whereas a poor quality will mean poor quality audio, no matter how good the rest of the system is.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
A microphone is a device made to capture waves in air, water or hard material and translate them into an electrical signal. The most common method is via a thin membrane producing some proportional electrical signal. Most microphones in use today for audio use electromagnetic generation are dynamic microphones, capacitance change condenser microphones or piezoelectric generation to produce the signal from mechanical vibration.
Uses of different kinds of microphones
Condenser microphones span the range from cheap instruments to high quality instruments. They generally produce a high quality audio signal and are now the popular choice in laboratory and studio recording applications. They require a power source, provided generally from microphone inputs from a small battery.
Professional microphones often sport an external power supply for reasons of quality perception. Power is necessary for establishing the capacitor plate voltage, and is also needed for internal amplification of the signal to a useful output level. Condenser microphones are also available with two diaphragms, the signals from which can be electrically connected such as to provide a range of polar patterns such as cardioid and omnidirectional.
Carbon microphone, formerly used in telephone handsets, is a capsule containing carbon granules pressed between two metal plates. The carbon microphone can also be used as a type of amplifier, using a small amount of sound energy to produce a larger amount of electric energy. Carbon microphones were used as early telephone repeaters, making long distance phone calls possible in the era before vacuum tubes.
Crystal microphones used to be commonly supplied with vacuum tube or valve equipment such as domestic tape recorders. Their high output impedance matched well to the high input impedance of the vacuum tube input stage. They were difficult to match to early transistor equipments and were quickly supplemented by dynamic microphones for a short while, and later small eletret condenser devices. The high impedance of the crystal microphone made it very susceptable to handling noise, partly from the microphone itself, but also from handling of the connecting cable.
Shotgun microphones are high directional microphones. They have small lobes of sensitivity to the left, right, and rear but are significantly more sensitive to the front. This results from placing the elements inside a tube with slots cut along the side and wave cancellation eliminates most of the off axis noise. Shotgun microphones are commonly used on TV and film sets, and for field recording of wildlife.
Conclusion
The microphone is a ubiquitous piece of equipment and comes in a number of models. Found in everything from telephones to computers to recording studios, microphones are part of our daily life. It is perhaps the most critical part of the audio chain. A good quality microphone will provide the basis for excellent audio, whereas a poor quality will mean poor quality audio, no matter how good the rest of the system is.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, music equipment, speakers, and different microphone models.
Microphones Used in Recording Studios
A microphone is an example of a transducer, a device that changes sound from one form to another. Sound exists as patterns of air pressure; the microphone changes this into patterns of electric current.
Microphones vary greatly in quality. A top end recording studio microphone may cost thousands and in many cases they are needed for the very best recordings. A variety of mechanical techniques can be used in building microphones. The two most commonly found in recording studios are the magneto-dynamic and the variable condenser designs.
All microphones convert sound energy into electrical energy, but there are many different ways of doing the job, using electrostatics, electromagnetism, piezo-electric effects, or even through a change in resistance of carbon granules. When it comes to microphones used in recording studios, the vast majority of microphones used are either capacitors, electrostatic, or dynamic.
Both types employ a moving diaphragm to capture the sound, but make use of a different electrical principle for converting mechanical energy into an electrical signal. The efficiency of this conversion is very important, because the amounts of acoustic energy produced by voices and musical instruments are so small.
Different types of microphones used in recording studios
In live sound, nearly all the microphones used are dynamics. In the studio, instruments such as drums, electric guitars, and basses are recorded using dynamic microphones. Dynamic microphones have the advantages of being relatively inexpensive and durable, and they don't need a power supply or battery to make them operate.
Dynamic microphones are most effective when working with relatively loud sound sources that do not contain a lot of very high-frequency detail. They are also tough instruments which make them good for recording studios. Another type of dynamic microphone is the ribbon microphone, but this is only used in fairly esoteric recording applications by engineers who appreciate the subtleties of the ribbon sound.
These microphones are comprised of a thin metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field, and when sound energy is encountered, the electrical signal generated is induced in the ribbon itself rather than in a voice coil. The main advantage of ribbon microphones is their smooth, detailed sound which makes them perfect for studio environment.
Capacitor microphones are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts, and they are also much more sensitive, and can capture high-frequency detail much more accurately. Even though they are relatively efficient like dynamic microphones, capacitor microphones produce such a small electrical signal that they require a special type of built-in preamplifier to bring the signal up to usable levels. Thus they are not fit to be used in live concerts or open air concerts. Capacitors are used mostly in recording studios where there is less noise.
Conclusion
The microphone is a ubiquitous piece of equipment. Found in everything from telephones and computers to recording studios, microphones are part of our daily life. A professional studio will accumulate a varied collection of microphones. The top studios use microphones such as Shure SM58s and 57s, AKG D112s, or Sennheiser 421s.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Microphones vary greatly in quality. A top end recording studio microphone may cost thousands and in many cases they are needed for the very best recordings. A variety of mechanical techniques can be used in building microphones. The two most commonly found in recording studios are the magneto-dynamic and the variable condenser designs.
All microphones convert sound energy into electrical energy, but there are many different ways of doing the job, using electrostatics, electromagnetism, piezo-electric effects, or even through a change in resistance of carbon granules. When it comes to microphones used in recording studios, the vast majority of microphones used are either capacitors, electrostatic, or dynamic.
Both types employ a moving diaphragm to capture the sound, but make use of a different electrical principle for converting mechanical energy into an electrical signal. The efficiency of this conversion is very important, because the amounts of acoustic energy produced by voices and musical instruments are so small.
Different types of microphones used in recording studios
In live sound, nearly all the microphones used are dynamics. In the studio, instruments such as drums, electric guitars, and basses are recorded using dynamic microphones. Dynamic microphones have the advantages of being relatively inexpensive and durable, and they don't need a power supply or battery to make them operate.
Dynamic microphones are most effective when working with relatively loud sound sources that do not contain a lot of very high-frequency detail. They are also tough instruments which make them good for recording studios. Another type of dynamic microphone is the ribbon microphone, but this is only used in fairly esoteric recording applications by engineers who appreciate the subtleties of the ribbon sound.
These microphones are comprised of a thin metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field, and when sound energy is encountered, the electrical signal generated is induced in the ribbon itself rather than in a voice coil. The main advantage of ribbon microphones is their smooth, detailed sound which makes them perfect for studio environment.
Capacitor microphones are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts, and they are also much more sensitive, and can capture high-frequency detail much more accurately. Even though they are relatively efficient like dynamic microphones, capacitor microphones produce such a small electrical signal that they require a special type of built-in preamplifier to bring the signal up to usable levels. Thus they are not fit to be used in live concerts or open air concerts. Capacitors are used mostly in recording studios where there is less noise.
Conclusion
The microphone is a ubiquitous piece of equipment. Found in everything from telephones and computers to recording studios, microphones are part of our daily life. A professional studio will accumulate a varied collection of microphones. The top studios use microphones such as Shure SM58s and 57s, AKG D112s, or Sennheiser 421s.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, DJ equipment, recording equipment, speakers, subwoofers, and Dymanic microphones, Capacitor microphones, Ribbon microphones.
Basic Guideline for Getting your Microphone Repaired
Microphones are one of the most sensitive instruments. They can stop performing due to various small problems. The first step lies in identifying the cause for the non functional state of the microphone.
However, before you start repairing your microphone here are a few general tips to help you to stop it from failing again. The microphone being a responsive object is sensitive to even slight changes in the weather. It is always advisable to keep them inside a box wrapped in moisture absorbents. If the humidity or the moisture content in the air affects the membrane of the microphone, the sound quality may start distorting or sometimes even disturbing the entire signal flow.
Various microphones are found faulty due to various reasons. You can find a microphone with no transmission or low or erratic RF output. In certain microphones the ON and OFF switch is sometimes faulty. When the ON and OFF switch is faulty, you can be assured that at least the audio output is not affected. However, a faulty R.F. output or driver transistor can produce some symptoms that may partially or fully disturb the sound content and quality.
You can use a bridge rectifier to protect rig against reverse polarity. Applying a light oil or WD40 to the contacts can in most of the cases, cure noisy crackling that is caused by a microphone switch. It can also be used in crackling squelch or volume controls and to clean the outside of rigs and to improve the clarity of channel displays.
In order to avoid confusion you can follow this small advice that will help you to cope with all your extension problems even in the future. Instead of having several power leads with different plugs trailing across the repair bench, cut all your power leads down to 6 inches and fit them to a connector block with just one pair of wires going back to the power supply. Thus, this will make your work much more easier.
Whatever you do be sure that most of the power transistors and regulators usually contain poisonous substances, in order to be safe and sure, wash hands and nails scrupulously after handling broken or cracked devices and various parts of the microphone.
A danger also exists on some home based rigs and power supplies. They have only two core cable or switches in the neutral wire. So be aware. The earth tags should be bolted to chassis and not pop riveted to a transformer plug.
Another important thing that you should remember is about microphone socket pins. The microphone socket pins splits can often close up and can further cause a bad connection. In a microphone when the knob is loose, do not wrap knob along the diaphragm with a tape to solve the problem. Use a screwdriver to tighten the knob.
Hence, getting your microphone repaired is no rocket science. Anyone can do it provided he or she is well adapted to the mechanism of a microphone and can identify the areas of problem.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
However, before you start repairing your microphone here are a few general tips to help you to stop it from failing again. The microphone being a responsive object is sensitive to even slight changes in the weather. It is always advisable to keep them inside a box wrapped in moisture absorbents. If the humidity or the moisture content in the air affects the membrane of the microphone, the sound quality may start distorting or sometimes even disturbing the entire signal flow.
Various microphones are found faulty due to various reasons. You can find a microphone with no transmission or low or erratic RF output. In certain microphones the ON and OFF switch is sometimes faulty. When the ON and OFF switch is faulty, you can be assured that at least the audio output is not affected. However, a faulty R.F. output or driver transistor can produce some symptoms that may partially or fully disturb the sound content and quality.
You can use a bridge rectifier to protect rig against reverse polarity. Applying a light oil or WD40 to the contacts can in most of the cases, cure noisy crackling that is caused by a microphone switch. It can also be used in crackling squelch or volume controls and to clean the outside of rigs and to improve the clarity of channel displays.
In order to avoid confusion you can follow this small advice that will help you to cope with all your extension problems even in the future. Instead of having several power leads with different plugs trailing across the repair bench, cut all your power leads down to 6 inches and fit them to a connector block with just one pair of wires going back to the power supply. Thus, this will make your work much more easier.
Whatever you do be sure that most of the power transistors and regulators usually contain poisonous substances, in order to be safe and sure, wash hands and nails scrupulously after handling broken or cracked devices and various parts of the microphone.
A danger also exists on some home based rigs and power supplies. They have only two core cable or switches in the neutral wire. So be aware. The earth tags should be bolted to chassis and not pop riveted to a transformer plug.
Another important thing that you should remember is about microphone socket pins. The microphone socket pins splits can often close up and can further cause a bad connection. In a microphone when the knob is loose, do not wrap knob along the diaphragm with a tape to solve the problem. Use a screwdriver to tighten the knob.
Hence, getting your microphone repaired is no rocket science. Anyone can do it provided he or she is well adapted to the mechanism of a microphone and can identify the areas of problem.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, music equipment, speakers, subwoofers, and microphones, microphone switch.
Functioning and Features of Dynamic Microphones
Perhaps the most preferred and definitely the best microphone for sound and music reproduction is the dynamic microphone. It is really dynamic. It works like a loudspeaker but reversed. For managing high volume levels from musical instrument or amplifiers these microphones are the perfect choice, that do not even need batteries or any kind of external power and does not have internal amplifier too. Moreover, they are best suited for guitar amplifier, drums and back up for vocal sound. Infact these are even ideal for general use.
Switching over to the functioning of the dynamic microphones, as mentioned earlier that its workings are almost like loudspeakers but in a reverse form. Rather we can say that they are the loudspeakers in reverse. Generally, loudspeakers converts electric signal into sound waves. Whereas, microphones do just the opposite. Although any all microphones follow the same principle but dynamic ones demonstrates it just perfectly.
We are familiar with a common process that moving a magnet near a coil of wire can generate electric current. Dynamic microphones, follows this electromagnet principle to create audio signal using wire coil and magnet. A diaphragm is attached to a coil of fine wire, which is mounted in the gap of the magnet so that it can move backward and forward. The diaphragm vibrates with the movement in the sound waves making the coil to move backward and forward in the field of magnet. And as this movement occurs, an electric current is induced in the wire. However, it should be noted that the current produced depends on the motion of the coil and this current is the electrical form of the sound wave.
However, there is a vital and technical point that the frequency level is not uniform in case of the dynamic microphones. Rather, they have customized frequency response for specific applications and moreover the response is very limited too. But in case of the neodymium magnets that are basically powerful and flexible and so can be made smaller which will result into high output level with linear frequency response.
Next come the features and the advantages of the dynamic microphones. First of all, these microphones do not require any external power like battery or phantom power which is essential in other type of microphones. They have the ability to stand high sound pressure and thus good for live vocals, drums and loud guitar amplifiers. Moreover, they are pretty rough and tough and well built. They are even resistant to moisture and can face any kind of accidental misuse. And this is the reason that they are extensively used for stage performances by singers and musicians.
Shure microphones like Shure SM57 and Shure SM58 are much in use and are quite popular models of dynamic microphones because of their sound quality and also because they can survive any mistreatment. Infact, these microphones are the first choice of the rock performers. Although other types of microphones are also there, that function mostly like the dynamic ones but their features differ. Even though they have wide range of frequency response and good transient response too (like the condenser microphones), but lacks other qualities like toughness and sound. And moreover, they just cannot go without power source.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Switching over to the functioning of the dynamic microphones, as mentioned earlier that its workings are almost like loudspeakers but in a reverse form. Rather we can say that they are the loudspeakers in reverse. Generally, loudspeakers converts electric signal into sound waves. Whereas, microphones do just the opposite. Although any all microphones follow the same principle but dynamic ones demonstrates it just perfectly.
We are familiar with a common process that moving a magnet near a coil of wire can generate electric current. Dynamic microphones, follows this electromagnet principle to create audio signal using wire coil and magnet. A diaphragm is attached to a coil of fine wire, which is mounted in the gap of the magnet so that it can move backward and forward. The diaphragm vibrates with the movement in the sound waves making the coil to move backward and forward in the field of magnet. And as this movement occurs, an electric current is induced in the wire. However, it should be noted that the current produced depends on the motion of the coil and this current is the electrical form of the sound wave.
However, there is a vital and technical point that the frequency level is not uniform in case of the dynamic microphones. Rather, they have customized frequency response for specific applications and moreover the response is very limited too. But in case of the neodymium magnets that are basically powerful and flexible and so can be made smaller which will result into high output level with linear frequency response.
Next come the features and the advantages of the dynamic microphones. First of all, these microphones do not require any external power like battery or phantom power which is essential in other type of microphones. They have the ability to stand high sound pressure and thus good for live vocals, drums and loud guitar amplifiers. Moreover, they are pretty rough and tough and well built. They are even resistant to moisture and can face any kind of accidental misuse. And this is the reason that they are extensively used for stage performances by singers and musicians.
Shure microphones like Shure SM57 and Shure SM58 are much in use and are quite popular models of dynamic microphones because of their sound quality and also because they can survive any mistreatment. Infact, these microphones are the first choice of the rock performers. Although other types of microphones are also there, that function mostly like the dynamic ones but their features differ. Even though they have wide range of frequency response and good transient response too (like the condenser microphones), but lacks other qualities like toughness and sound. And moreover, they just cannot go without power source.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, music equipment, speakers, and dynamic microphones, shure microphones.
Wireless Microphones Buying Guide
Wireless Microphone Buying Guide
A wireless microphone is all about convenience and a great sound quality at the same time. As the name implies, a wireless or cordless microphone is a device that has no cables altogether. It is a higher version of a typical wired microphone apart from the fact that this model is cordless and bit bigger than the conventional microphone as it houses a battery pack and he transmitter. With some of the great technological features, the wireless microphone is nearly getting perfect in all the aspects like interference, range, battery life, and sound quality. That is why, in today’s scenario, the wireless microphone is extremely popular and comes handy for any onstage performance.
The wireless microphone is very much beneficial for the professionals as it gives them freedom to use the stage at will without the tangling of cables anymore. Such freedom is required for any music concert, presentation, karaoke, competitions, and many other such events, which calls for absolute flexibility without compromising on the sound quality. That is where the wireless microphone comes as an apposite solution. As come the advantages, so are the disadvantages of using a wireless microphone. For instance, a wireless microphone can help you to get rid of the cabling problems of a typical wired microphone, generally caused by constant moving and stressing the cables but at the same time, many of the models offer a limited range that makes them useable within a range of 100 meters. Another typical problem still faced with some low-end wireless microphones is of the interference with other radio equipment or other microphones. The answer to this issue can be found in the new models well equipped with many frequency-synthesized switch-selectable channels. Another typical problem faced with the wireless microphone is of the operations time as it works on the battery.
That is why we have some suggestions that will help you to choose the right kind of wireless microphone from the available lot of products. Here is a buying guide for wireless microphones.
Step#1
Make a list of features you want in the wireless microphone. This can include range, operation time, no. of channels, and other important aspects.
Step#2
Once you have defined your requirement, you are now ready to search for the right model from the available range of wireless microphones.
Step#3
Identify if a body pack microphone or a standard handheld microphone fits the bill. They offer the same features but can be used differently. In the body-pack microphone the body-pack is a small box, generally the size of a cigarette packet, houses the transmitter and the battery pack. The body-pack transmitter easily clips to the user's belt or can be worn on the body. Whereas a handheld wireless microphone is more like the conventional microphone with the basic difference being that in place of the cable this is bit bigger to house the transmitter and the battery pack.
Step#4
Once you have decided on that, it is time to look at the prices of the short listed microphones. Compare the products well and then make your choice.
Step#5
Before you finalize a wireless microphone make sure to take a trial if you are shopping physically. If shopping online, make sure to read the reviews carefully.
By: Dhiraj Bandurkar
About the Author:
A wireless microphone is all about convenience and a great sound quality at the same time. As the name implies, a wireless or cordless microphone is a device that has no cables altogether. It is a higher version of a typical wired microphone apart from the fact that this model is cordless and bit bigger than the conventional microphone as it houses a battery pack and he transmitter. With some of the great technological features, the wireless microphone is nearly getting perfect in all the aspects like interference, range, battery life, and sound quality. That is why, in today’s scenario, the wireless microphone is extremely popular and comes handy for any onstage performance.
The wireless microphone is very much beneficial for the professionals as it gives them freedom to use the stage at will without the tangling of cables anymore. Such freedom is required for any music concert, presentation, karaoke, competitions, and many other such events, which calls for absolute flexibility without compromising on the sound quality. That is where the wireless microphone comes as an apposite solution. As come the advantages, so are the disadvantages of using a wireless microphone. For instance, a wireless microphone can help you to get rid of the cabling problems of a typical wired microphone, generally caused by constant moving and stressing the cables but at the same time, many of the models offer a limited range that makes them useable within a range of 100 meters. Another typical problem still faced with some low-end wireless microphones is of the interference with other radio equipment or other microphones. The answer to this issue can be found in the new models well equipped with many frequency-synthesized switch-selectable channels. Another typical problem faced with the wireless microphone is of the operations time as it works on the battery.
That is why we have some suggestions that will help you to choose the right kind of wireless microphone from the available lot of products. Here is a buying guide for wireless microphones.
Step#1
Make a list of features you want in the wireless microphone. This can include range, operation time, no. of channels, and other important aspects.
Step#2
Once you have defined your requirement, you are now ready to search for the right model from the available range of wireless microphones.
Step#3
Identify if a body pack microphone or a standard handheld microphone fits the bill. They offer the same features but can be used differently. In the body-pack microphone the body-pack is a small box, generally the size of a cigarette packet, houses the transmitter and the battery pack. The body-pack transmitter easily clips to the user's belt or can be worn on the body. Whereas a handheld wireless microphone is more like the conventional microphone with the basic difference being that in place of the cable this is bit bigger to house the transmitter and the battery pack.
Step#4
Once you have decided on that, it is time to look at the prices of the short listed microphones. Compare the products well and then make your choice.
Step#5
Before you finalize a wireless microphone make sure to take a trial if you are shopping physically. If shopping online, make sure to read the reviews carefully.
By: Dhiraj Bandurkar
About the Author:
Looking for more information on Buying Wireless Microphones check out www.WIRELESS-MICROPHONES.NET" target="_blank">www.WIRELESS-MICROPHONES.NET”">www.WIRELESS-MICROPHONES.NET your guide to Wireless Microphones Buying.
Types Of Throat Microphone And Its Uses
Have you ever wondered how a band vocalist reaches out to so many people in a packed and excited auditorium? If you are a music buff, you must have come across recordings of live performances, which sound pretty clear, as if they had been recorded in a studio. Sometimes even a small whisper made by a vocalist becomes distinct enough to add to the music mood. Or else, if you go to watch a play and find no microphones hanging over the actors, you wonder how come the actors speak so loud and clear. Well, in many such cases the credit goes to the throat microphone.
Throat microphone is a kind of microphone, which stays connected with the throat of the speaker. It has got a strap that ties down the microphone with the neck of the person speaking. This microphone reacts directly to the vibration of the neck. It gives a clear sound and it can capture your voice even it is kept far from your mouth.
The best thing about this microphone is, it can pick up sound in loud environments such as night clubs, discs etc. it has got a specific design that helps this microphone to copy these kind of sounds. It is different from the other conventional microphones. In a nightclub, the conventional microphones will not be able to copy one voice distinctly. The voice will not be prominent because of the ambience sound. It can even copy the whispers. The aircrafts of the World War 2 era used this microphone.
There are different kinds of throat microphones used for different purposes. Below we are providing you the list of some such microphones.
Mission sniper pro throat microphone:
The army mainly uses this kind of microphone. This microphone is specially made for environments, which are tough and operational. The law enforcement, HAZMAT, military use them.
For such operation purpose, this mike offers a lot of facilities. It gives you a clear sound even in a crowded place. You can get the sound without any ambience noise. Even the whisper sounds clear in this mike. It can be used with helmets and gas masks.
PC throat microphone:
This microphone is specially made for online gamers. It gives you a clear sound. While playing this microphone helps you to play the game properly. It has got an acoustic ear coil attached with it. It gives you comfort. It also looks pretty trendy.
Cell phone throat microphone:
I think you have already understood what this mike does from its name. It is made for the cell phones. It gives you a hands free comfort. You need not hold the phone anymore. Just plug it in with your phone and you are on to a conversation and that too without using your hands.
It gives you a clear sound and cuts down all the background noise. So, from now on you will not have to hear the yelling of her mother while talking to your girlfriend. It will cut down all the noise.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Throat microphone is a kind of microphone, which stays connected with the throat of the speaker. It has got a strap that ties down the microphone with the neck of the person speaking. This microphone reacts directly to the vibration of the neck. It gives a clear sound and it can capture your voice even it is kept far from your mouth.
The best thing about this microphone is, it can pick up sound in loud environments such as night clubs, discs etc. it has got a specific design that helps this microphone to copy these kind of sounds. It is different from the other conventional microphones. In a nightclub, the conventional microphones will not be able to copy one voice distinctly. The voice will not be prominent because of the ambience sound. It can even copy the whispers. The aircrafts of the World War 2 era used this microphone.
There are different kinds of throat microphones used for different purposes. Below we are providing you the list of some such microphones.
Mission sniper pro throat microphone:
The army mainly uses this kind of microphone. This microphone is specially made for environments, which are tough and operational. The law enforcement, HAZMAT, military use them.
For such operation purpose, this mike offers a lot of facilities. It gives you a clear sound even in a crowded place. You can get the sound without any ambience noise. Even the whisper sounds clear in this mike. It can be used with helmets and gas masks.
PC throat microphone:
This microphone is specially made for online gamers. It gives you a clear sound. While playing this microphone helps you to play the game properly. It has got an acoustic ear coil attached with it. It gives you comfort. It also looks pretty trendy.
Cell phone throat microphone:
I think you have already understood what this mike does from its name. It is made for the cell phones. It gives you a hands free comfort. You need not hold the phone anymore. Just plug it in with your phone and you are on to a conversation and that too without using your hands.
It gives you a clear sound and cuts down all the background noise. So, from now on you will not have to hear the yelling of her mother while talking to your girlfriend. It will cut down all the noise.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, music equipment, speakers, and throat microphones, microphones.
What is Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones work via electromagnetic induction. They are robust, relatively inexpensive and resistant to moisture, and for this reason they are widely used on-stage by singers. Moving coil microphones use the same dynamic principle as in a loudspeaker, only reversed. A small movable induction coil, positioned in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet, is attached to the diaphragm. When sound enters through the windscreen of the microphone, the sound wave moves the diaphragm. When the diaphragm vibrates, the coil moves in the magnetic field, producing a varying current in the coil through electromagnetic induction. A single dynamic membrane will not respond linearly to all audio frequencies. Some microphones for this reason utilize multiple membranes for the different parts of the audio spectrum and then combine the resulting signals. Combining the multiple signals correctly is difficult and designs that do this are rare and tend to be expensive. There are on the other hand several designs that are more specifically aimed towards isolated parts of the audio spectrum. The AKG D 112, for example, is designed for bass response rather than treble[2]. In audio engineering several kinds of microphones are often used at the same time to get the best result.
Ribbon microphones use a thin, usually corrugated metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field. The ribbon is electrically connected to the microphone's output, and its vibration within the magnetic field generates the electrical signal. Ribbon microphones are similar to moving coil microphones in the sense that both produce sound by means of magnetic induction. Basic ribbon microphones detect sound in a bidirectional (also called figure-eight) pattern because the ribbon, which is open to sound both front and back, responds to the pressure gradient rather than the sound pressure. Though the symmetrical front and rear pickup can be a nuisance in normal stereo recording, the high side rejection can be used to advantage by positioning a ribbon microphone horizontally, for example above cymbals, so that the rear lobe picks up only sound from the cymbals. Crossed figure 8, or Blumlein stereo recording is gaining in popularity, and the figure 8 response of a ribbon microphone is ideal for that application.
Other directional patterns are produced by enclosing one side of the ribbon in an acoustic trap or baffle, allowing sound to reach only one side. Older ribbon microphones, some of which still give very high quality sound reproduction, were once valued for this reason, but a good low-frequency response could only be obtained if the ribbon is suspended very loosely, and this made them fragile. Modern ribbon materials, including new nanomaterials[3] have now been introduced that eliminate those concerns, and even improve the effective dynamic range of ribbon microphones at low frequencies. Protective wind screens can reduce the danger of damaging a vintage ribbon, and also reduce plosive artifacts in the recording. Properly designed wind screens produce negligible treble attenuation. In common with other classes of dynamic microphone, ribbon microphones don't require phantom power; in fact, this voltage can damage some older ribbon microphones. (There are some new modern ribbon microphone designs which incorporate a preamplifier and therefore do require phantom power, also there are new ribbon materials available that are immune to wind blasts and phantom power.)
By: draeger
About the Author:
Ribbon microphones use a thin, usually corrugated metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field. The ribbon is electrically connected to the microphone's output, and its vibration within the magnetic field generates the electrical signal. Ribbon microphones are similar to moving coil microphones in the sense that both produce sound by means of magnetic induction. Basic ribbon microphones detect sound in a bidirectional (also called figure-eight) pattern because the ribbon, which is open to sound both front and back, responds to the pressure gradient rather than the sound pressure. Though the symmetrical front and rear pickup can be a nuisance in normal stereo recording, the high side rejection can be used to advantage by positioning a ribbon microphone horizontally, for example above cymbals, so that the rear lobe picks up only sound from the cymbals. Crossed figure 8, or Blumlein stereo recording is gaining in popularity, and the figure 8 response of a ribbon microphone is ideal for that application.
Other directional patterns are produced by enclosing one side of the ribbon in an acoustic trap or baffle, allowing sound to reach only one side. Older ribbon microphones, some of which still give very high quality sound reproduction, were once valued for this reason, but a good low-frequency response could only be obtained if the ribbon is suspended very loosely, and this made them fragile. Modern ribbon materials, including new nanomaterials[3] have now been introduced that eliminate those concerns, and even improve the effective dynamic range of ribbon microphones at low frequencies. Protective wind screens can reduce the danger of damaging a vintage ribbon, and also reduce plosive artifacts in the recording. Properly designed wind screens produce negligible treble attenuation. In common with other classes of dynamic microphone, ribbon microphones don't require phantom power; in fact, this voltage can damage some older ribbon microphones. (There are some new modern ribbon microphone designs which incorporate a preamplifier and therefore do require phantom power, also there are new ribbon materials available that are immune to wind blasts and phantom power.)
By: draeger
About the Author:
I am a author from www.cheaponsale.com
When Technology Defines The Accessories For Your Microphones
The audio system is an ever-changing technology. With the recent changes in the audio market, the microphones available are various, meeting different needs of those who are looking for it. However, we should remember that the basic designing structure of a microphone stays the same.
Sound is created by pressure and thus microphone works on this principle. The accessories for your microphones though basically stay the same, slight changes may occur depending on the type of microphones. However the basic fact that remains the same is that a purely mechanical system shows how much energy the vibrations in the air can have and thus further create sound. Various types of microphones are discussed below in details that will help you to identify the reason why you need different accessories for each of them.
The very first microphone was designed by using a metal diaphragm, which was attached to a needle, and this needle scratched a pattern onto a piece of metal foil. The pressure differences in the air that occurred, when one spoke towards the diaphragm moved the diaphragm. This moved the needle, which was recorded on the foil. Later when the needle was ran back over the foil, the vibrations scratched the foil. Then this will move the diaphragm and recreate the sound.
All the latest and modern microphones still work on the historical principles. They still accomplish the same thing as the original, but do it electronically rather than mechanically. A microphone takes varying pressure waves in the air and converts them into varying electrical signals. There are five different technologies commonly used to accomplish this conversion.
The oldest and simplest microphone is a carbon microphone. It uses carbon dust. The carbon dust has a thin metal or plastic diaphragm on one side. As sound waves hit the diaphragm, they compress the carbon dust, which changes its resistance. By running a current through the carbon, the changing resistance differs the amount of current that flows.
A dynamic microphone on the other hand takes advantage of electromagnet effects. It functions when a magnet moves past a wire. The magnet induces current to flow in the wire. The diaphragm then moves either a magnet or a coil when sound waves hit the diaphragm, and the movement creates a small current. Where as in a ribbon microphone, a thin ribbon is suspended in a magnetic field. Sound waves move the ribbon, which changes the current flowing through it. Thus, sound is generated.
A condenser microphone is also addressed as a capacitor. It has one plate of the capacitor moving in response to sound waves. The movement changes the capacitance of the capacitor, and these changes are amplified to create a measurable signal. Condenser microphones usually need a small battery to provide a voltage across the capacitor.
In crystal microphones certain crystals attached in the diaphragm change their electrical properties as they change shapes. By attaching a diaphragm to a crystal, the crystal will create a signal when sound waves hit the diaphragm.
A variety of accessories fused with technology have been linked to convert sound waves into electrical signals. However even with the variety in accessories the common accessories for all is the diaphragm. The diaphragm collects the sound waves and creates movements in a method based on the technology, used to create the signals.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Sound is created by pressure and thus microphone works on this principle. The accessories for your microphones though basically stay the same, slight changes may occur depending on the type of microphones. However the basic fact that remains the same is that a purely mechanical system shows how much energy the vibrations in the air can have and thus further create sound. Various types of microphones are discussed below in details that will help you to identify the reason why you need different accessories for each of them.
The very first microphone was designed by using a metal diaphragm, which was attached to a needle, and this needle scratched a pattern onto a piece of metal foil. The pressure differences in the air that occurred, when one spoke towards the diaphragm moved the diaphragm. This moved the needle, which was recorded on the foil. Later when the needle was ran back over the foil, the vibrations scratched the foil. Then this will move the diaphragm and recreate the sound.
All the latest and modern microphones still work on the historical principles. They still accomplish the same thing as the original, but do it electronically rather than mechanically. A microphone takes varying pressure waves in the air and converts them into varying electrical signals. There are five different technologies commonly used to accomplish this conversion.
The oldest and simplest microphone is a carbon microphone. It uses carbon dust. The carbon dust has a thin metal or plastic diaphragm on one side. As sound waves hit the diaphragm, they compress the carbon dust, which changes its resistance. By running a current through the carbon, the changing resistance differs the amount of current that flows.
A dynamic microphone on the other hand takes advantage of electromagnet effects. It functions when a magnet moves past a wire. The magnet induces current to flow in the wire. The diaphragm then moves either a magnet or a coil when sound waves hit the diaphragm, and the movement creates a small current. Where as in a ribbon microphone, a thin ribbon is suspended in a magnetic field. Sound waves move the ribbon, which changes the current flowing through it. Thus, sound is generated.
A condenser microphone is also addressed as a capacitor. It has one plate of the capacitor moving in response to sound waves. The movement changes the capacitance of the capacitor, and these changes are amplified to create a measurable signal. Condenser microphones usually need a small battery to provide a voltage across the capacitor.
In crystal microphones certain crystals attached in the diaphragm change their electrical properties as they change shapes. By attaching a diaphragm to a crystal, the crystal will create a signal when sound waves hit the diaphragm.
A variety of accessories fused with technology have been linked to convert sound waves into electrical signals. However even with the variety in accessories the common accessories for all is the diaphragm. The diaphragm collects the sound waves and creates movements in a method based on the technology, used to create the signals.
By: Victor Epand
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, music equipment, speakers, subwoofers, and carbon microphone, dynamic microphone.