When it comes to making music at home, one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need is a microphone. It allows you to record your voice or instruments and it's a crucial element in the recording process. However, with so many different types of microphones available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll go over the different types of microphones and their uses to help you make informed decisions. 

First, let’s start with the basics. Microphones come in two main categories: dynamic and condenser.

Dynamic microphones:

+ Can handle high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for live performances and for recording louder instruments such as drums 

+ They are less sensitive to background noise, so they wont pick up as much room reflections if your room doesn’t have acoustic treatment 

+ No need for external power

+ Affordable (Often cheaper than condenser mics) 

- Not as suitable for for recording high-frequency sounds 

- Less sensitive

Condenser microphones:  

+ Very good sound quality

+ more sensitive and can pick up a wider range of frequencies, making them great for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, and other sounds 

- They are mostly more fragile and more expensive compared to dynamic mics. 

- Some condenser mics suffer from self-noise that could negatively impact your recording

Polar patterns

Another important factor to consider when choosing a microphone is the polar pattern. This refers to the way the microphone picks up sound. The most common polar patterns are cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight. Cardioid microphones are the most popular and the best for recording solo vocals or instruments. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound from all directions, making them ideal for recording a group or a room. Figure-eight microphones pick up sound from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides, making them perfect for recording a dialogue between two people. 

Microphone connectors

One more thing to consider when choosing a microphone is the connector. USB microphones are popular among home studio enthusiasts because they are easy to connect to a computer and do not require an additional audio interface. XLR microphones are the standard for professional recording and live performance, and they require an audio interface to connect to a computer. 

If you want to get into recording, it would be a good idea to start with the XLR from the start. It will be easier to upgrade your gear as you go when all your audio gear is compatible with each other. 

Good model options for different mics 

Dynamic mics: 

• Shure SM57 - the most durable, affordable and versatile dynamic mics ever made 
• Shure SM7B - Working best on vocals, reasonable price and makes best value for the money for its price (Michael Jackson's Thriller album was recorded with this mic)
• Sennheiser e 906 - a supercardioid instrument microphone, works well on guitar cabinets

Condenser mics:

• Audio-Technica AT2020 - affordable, very good mic for someone starting their audio recording journey. 
• AKG C414 (or a bit cheaper version AKG C214) - A very good all-around mic for recording almost any instrument or vocals
• Neumann TLM 103 - Cheap for a Neumann mic, basically a cheaper version of U 87 Ai. Very good for vocals but also works great with acoustic guitars, drum overheads, piano, classical strings and much more. 

The conclusion 

In conclusion, when choosing a microphone, it’s important to consider what you’ll be using it for, your budget, and the features you need. Dynamic microphones are great for live performances and louder instruments, while condenser microphones are ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and other softer sounds. By considering all these factors, you will be able to find a microphone for your needs and take your recording to the next level.