When choosing a microphone, you are faced with many options,
several of which could most likely work for your particular situation. Sometimes a specific mic is selected because
of its size, pick-up pattern, or build and type. This is important, as different types of
microphones yield different results.
Here, we will take a look at three common types, and how and when they
should be used in order to achieve the best results.
Whether you’re performing or recording, the right mic is
essential. The three types discussed
here are: dynamic, ribbon, and condenser.
Each type is constructed differently, and has its own set of
requirements. We’ll start with dynamic
mics.
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are constructed to work by
electromagnetic conduction. They are
generally rugged, and can, therefore, withstand the riggers of the road that
come with constant performing, as well as the slight mishaps that may occur in
the studio when they are accidentally dropped.
They are also relatively inexpensive, which makes them an even more
desirable choice.
Typical dynamic microphones are made with a small induction
coil that is positioned in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. Thw magnet and coil are attached to the
diaphragm, a piece of plastic film that is placed inside the mic to help
conduct the sound.
When sound enters through the part that covers the
microphone called the windscreen, the diaphragm is moved and begins to
vibrate. When this occurs, the coil then
moves in the magnetic field, and a varying current is produced in the coil
through electromagnetic induction.
Because there are several brands and types of dynamic microphones, it is
sometimes necessary, when recording, to use them in combination with each other
to obtain the desired sound. This is due
to the frequency and make up of each particular mic. Dynamic mics can be used
for miking drums, vocals, and other musical instruments.
Ribbon Microphones
A ribbon microphone is constructed so that a thin ribbon
made of corrugated metal material is suspended in a magnetic field. The ribbon is electrically connected to the
output of the mic, and the vibration it makes within the magnetic field is what
generates the electrical signal.
Though this works
very much like a dynamic type, it does not share many characteristics with the
coil dynamic microphone. Both do,
however, use electromagnetic induction, but that is where the similarity
stops. Instead, the ribbon microphone is
very unique and fragile, and is thus virtually used exclusively in the
studio. Ribbon microphones often break
when dropped, and can even malfunction if the level of the source being miked
is too strong. This type of mic is often
used for miking drums and other musical instruments. It can also be used for miking vocals.
Condenser Microphones
With a condenser microphone, also known as a capacitor mic,
the diaphragm acts as one plate of a capacitor.
Here, the vibrations produce changes in distance between plates. Though condenser mics are not quite as rugged
as the dynamic type, they are more durable than ribbon microphones, and for
that reason, are often used both on the road and in the studio. Some condenser mics require phantom power,
which means a power source must be used in order for them to work. Many audio boards are equipped with a phantom
power option. Other condenser mics take
batteries that supply the necessary power.
Condenser mics can be used to mic a variety of sources such as: drums,
vocals, and other musical instruments.
Dynamic, ribbon, and condenser microphones are all available
in different varieties. These types can
be used in combination with each other to mic larger sources such as drum kits,
or when the objective is to obtain a certain sound or warmth that isn’t being
captured by one lone mic. No matter
which type you use, it is important to understand its structure and durability,
in order to know what situations call for what types.
