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How Do Wireless Microphones Work?

All microphones implement the same basic internals, which is a transducer that converts sound energy into electric energy. One of the main ways to differentiate microphones is that some have cables while others are wireless.

Wired microphones have their time and place, yet in certain use cases, they are not ideal. For instance, they invite all kinds of accidents if used on stage. If the wires are all over the ground, there is a risk that the performer can trip over the wires and injure him or herself.

To avoid problems like those and to improve usability in many situations, wireless microphones were invented in 1957. They have become the best way to transmit sound or speech in public places. The widespread availability of wireless microphones has made it so that there are many affordable options for those on a budget.

In this article, we discuss how wireless microphones work and features to look out for when shopping for one so that you can make an informed choice when you go out to buy one.

Difference Between Wired and Wireless Microphones

Cabled microphones convert sound waves into electric signals directly. The signal goes into the sound system, and it comes out as audio.

Wireless or cordless microphones divide this process into two parts. The microphone that you see upfront contains only a transmitter that operates by battery.

The transmitter transmits the audio signals into the receiver through radio signals. The receiver converts the radio frequency waves into an audio signal that feeds into the sound system in audio form.

To summarize, you could say that the cordless microphone and the transmitter do the work of a radio station, and the receiver does the job of radio. You can tune the radio to match the exact frequency of the transmitter!

Advantages of Wireless Microphones

They free movement because you don’t need your other hand to adjust the cable.

No chances of mishaps or problems of tangling of cables while performing on stage.

Clean and pleasing appearance

Many wireless microphones are available on the market by different brands so that you can pick and choose based on your needs.

Where Are Wireless Microphones Used?

Public meetings

Professor

Instructor

Broadcasters

Political leader

Film and video production

Plays

Meetings by business people.

Court

Auctioneers

Components of Wireless Microphones

The wireless microphone consists of mainly three components. The components are the microphone, transmitter, and receiver. We will discuss the components one by one in detail.

#1. Microphone

Cordless microphones are also transducers like their wired counterparts and are available in various transducer principles like moving coil, condenser, or ribbon dynamic. The sound waves vibrate the microphone’s diaphragm, which then converts the acoustic energy into an electric signal. Sometimes the signal is even amplified within the body of the microphone before its output. But the body of the wireless microphone differs from the wired microphone.

The wireless microphone is available in three types.

#1a. Handheld wireless microphone

The handheld microphone provides you the best sound quality in comparison to other wireless microphones. You will find a transmitter inside the handle of the wireless microphone.

However, they require batteries to perform cordlessly, so they are a bit heavy in comparison to the wired handheld microphone. These mics are an excellent option for giving presentations or delivering a speech on stage. They are an old-fashioned mic, but they are sturdy and durable. With a handheld wireless mic, you do not need to use both of your hands while delivering a speech on stage.

#1b. Lavalier Or Clip On Microphone

If you do not want to use your hands during your performance, I suggest you purchase a lavalier or clip-on microphone. You will find numerous mounting options here. For instance, you can fasten them on the collars of your shirt, ties, or any other portion of your clothing. They are quite comfortable to use.

The caveat is that the smaller size here means that the quality of the audio is not that good in comparison to the handheld cordless microphone. Clip-on microphones link to the transmitter, which then sends the radio signal to the receiver.

The lavalier or clip-on microphones have a thin cable that connects to the transmitter. These transmitters are mainly attached to the belts to the user. Therefore, they do not qualify as wireless mics. You can also connect a wireless mic to a PC or Mac.

Lavalier microphones can be directional or omnidirectional. Omnidirectional wireless lavaliers can pick up sound in any direction.

That is not any problem when the mic is close to the sound source. Still, if you keep the lavalier microphone away from the sound source, it can pick up so much additional sound, which may hamper your presentation or deliver a speech on stage.

These microphones are ideal for shooting videos or speaking in front of a public audience.

#1c. Countryman Microphone

These microphones are lightweight and consist of high-quality materials. They are small but more advanced than the lavalier microphone. You can quickly fix these microphones on your hair as well as your skin. The capsule in these microphones is resistant to sweat or moisture.

Most countryman microphones have omnidirectional polar patterns, i.e., it picks up sound from all the angles.

These microphones are ideal for theatres, public speaking, television, and interviews.

#1d. Fitness Headset

If you spend most of your time on physical activities and need a microphone that can handle your fitness, purchase a fitness headset. The fabric in these microphones repels moisture, i.e., they are hydrophobic. So, indirectly, it protects the cartridge from corrosion which may occur in a location where it is more humid.

They are ideal for aerobic instructors or fitness instructors.

#1e. Headset Microphone

Headset microphones are worn over the head. It is lightweight and allows you complete freedom to move your hands or to move independently. However, it includes a bodypack transmitter and a wireless receiver along with it.

#2.Transmitter

The transmitter is a component of the microphone that transfers the audio signal to the receiver. There are three types of transmitter. Let’s discuss them one by one in detail.

#2a. Handheld microphone transmitter

The handheld microphone transmitter is present inside the body of the microphone. It operates with the help of a small battery. The handheld transmitter’s job is to convert the sound waves into radio waves, and then they are broadcast from the antenna, which is present at the base of the microphone.

#2b. Belt Pack Transmitter

If you use a lavalier microphone or headset microphone, you need to use a belt-pack transmitter. It is a small box shape that usually attaches to the belt, or you can keep it inside the pocket. The shape of the box is similar to a cigarette packet.

#2c. Plug-In Transmitter

Plug-in transmitters are a type of transmitter box in which you can plug your regular microphone. It can transform wired microphones into wireless.

#3. Receiver

The transmitter does the work of converting the audio signal into radio waves. These waves are transferred to the receiver, transforming into an audio signal that you usually hear from the sound system.

The receiver has mainly two antennas so that it can pick up the signal correctly from the transmitter.

There are three types of receivers, and each receiver has a different method to receive the signal.

#3a. Non Diversity receiver

The non-diversity receiver has one antenna to receive the signal from the transmitter. As it has one antenna, its performance is not that good in comparison to another receiver. Sometimes there is a total loss of the audio signal in this receiver.

#3b. Diversity Receiver

Two antennas are present in these receivers to capture the signal from the transmitter. If one antenna has issues or weakly receives the signal, then the receiver uses the other antenna to receive the signal.

This receiver can strengthen any weak signal that is transmitted by the transmitter. But it may also sometimes weaken the strong signal.

#3c. True Diversity Receiver

In two diversity receivers, you will notice two antennas separated at a distance of two inches from each other. These antennas are placed at an angle of 45 degrees.

The receiver receives a signal from both antennas but chooses the most robust signal to convert into an audio signal.

What is Wireless Microphone Frequency?

We measure frequency in terms of Hertz. The human ear can register frequencies ranging from 20Hz to 20,000Hz.

The wireless mics transmit the sound in terms of operating frequency. We also call this operating frequency radio frequency. There are three types of this operating frequency.

#1. Frequency Modulation

Most wireless microphones use frequency modulation for the transmission of a signal to the receiver by radio waves. But to do so, they need to achieve a maximum of 200 kHz bandwidth. Now, what is bandwidth? Bandwidth is the difference between the upper and lower frequencies in a continuous band or cycle. To access 200 Khz bandwidth, radio frequencies consist of two types.

VHF(very high frequency ), which is in between 30 to300MHz

UHF(Ultra high frequency), which is in between 300Mhz to 3GHz

Very High Frequency

The wireless microphone system setup is quite simple in VHF wireless microphones. It is simple because they operate in just one frequency. But there is a lot of disturbance because another wireless device may share the frequency.

Ultra-High Frequency

Here you always have an option to change the frequency. So, this makes it possible to use multiple radio mics at one time.

We call the 300MHz to 3GHz frequencies a television band. The television band in Europe is 470 to 614MHz.

Remember that the transmitter and receiver should operate at the same frequency to send the signal properly from transmitter to receiver. You can think of your transmitter as a radio station that sends the audio from the microphone. A disturbance may happen if there are other transmitters and they will be sending the signals with the same radio frequency, which is called radio frequency interference. You can quickly solve this problem by using good quality wireless systems that quickly change the transmitted frequency.

#2. Fixed Frequency

These devices have a fixed frequency which you cannot modify. That’s why you can use these devices only in a particular area.

#3. Frequency Agile

The frequency-agile system is an advanced system that captures the best frequency for you.

How to Choose a Wireless Microphone

#1. Range

The range or distance covered by a microphone usually differs from one microphone to another. Some may have a very short range, while others may have a 1000 feet range.

#2. Size

The size of wireless microphones vary quite a bit, and you ought to choose a size that fits your use and preferences. If you want to hold onto your mic while delivering a speech or presentation, you can invest in a handheld microphone. Some people don’t like to touch the microphone while giving a speech, so lavalier mics could be better for these folks.

#3. Battery Life

Wireless microphones mainly use AA batteries. Alkaline batteries are the best non-rechargeable batteries because they are durable.

Some microphones use rechargeable batteries, which are convenient because you don’t need to buy separate batteries or swap batteries ever. Most rechargeable batteries last for five hours.

#4. Latency

Latency means the time taken by the wireless microphone to convert a signal into audible sound. Latency within 15ms is good if you are using a wireless microphone in conferences. If the latency is high, then it becomes a problem for the presenter.

The wireless microphones convert analog to a digital signal and then again into an analog signal which happens in just a few seconds. But this also adds some latency to the microphone. If you invest in a cheap wireless microphone, you may have to deal with high latency, which can be a problem while delivering a speech on stage.

#5. Type of Microphone

In the market, you will find two types of wireless microphones, i.e., analog and digital.

Analog microphones convert the acoustic wave into an electric signal via cables.

A digital microphone always produces a digital signal which transmits through the air to the receiver. The receiver receives it and converts it into sound. The main challenge for digital microphones is latency, though this becomes less of an issue with more expensive digital mics.

Why Are Digital Wireless Systems Better Than Analog Wireless Systems?

Digital system microphones are always better than an analog system. It is so because the audio information is coded and decoded. Some digital microphones may involve encryption. Here the encryption means the data is jumbled up, which may be beneficial for a presentation in a business meeting. The company can maintain confidentiality with digital mics.

Wireless systems always operate in fixed frequency bands. They may be licensed or unlicensed and shared with various technologies like radio and television. The bandwidth is limited in an analog system, whereas in a digital system is global and license-free.

Digital systems are portable.

Digital systems are more efficient in comparison to analog systems. They require less power to operate and have good battery life.

You can easily filter the noise by the digital wireless microphones because this involves coding and encoding data.

Disadvantages of Wireless Microphones

Wireless microphones usually have a short range.

There are some places where the wireless microphone won’t work. Such locations are called dead spaces.

Battery-operated wireless microphones usually won’t work during charging.

You need to buy the receiver, transmitter, and mic from the same brand or the same manufacturer. If you mix other brands, then that may create interference. The receiver and the transmitter should operate at the same frequency.

Parting Words

Wireless microphones can be incredibly beneficial for the right user. With wireless mics, there is no hassle with tangled cables and no risk of tripping on stage. Lavalier mics or handset mics are two exceptional types of wireless mics that are great for delivering a presentation on stage.

I hope this article has given you some ideas related to the wireless microphone and how it works. Please do share your comments and suggestions for this article in the comments section below.

from https://beststudiomics.com/how-do-wireless-microphones-work/

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beststudiomic · 3 years

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How Do USB Microphones Work?

The microphone plays a vital role in audio production. People use microphones for all sorts of purposes that involve audio, including musical performance, recording, and giving presentations or speeches in front of an audience.

A microphone is a device that converts acoustic energy into electric energy. Various microphones are available in the market, including wired microphones, wireless microphones, and USB microphones. In this article, we discuss specifically USB microphones.

What are USB microphones? USB microphones have a converter that can convert an analog signal into a digital signal so that you can connect it directly to the USB port of your computer. They are very easy to set up and do not require any extra equipment to use. Most USB microphones have a headphone port that will enable you to listen to the sound you have recorded on your computer.

One great advantage of USB microphones is that you will find a lot of choices that are cost-effective, and they will allow you to record quality recordings on most of your devices. This article will discuss how USB microphones work in detail and provide information on how to find a suitable microphone for yourself.

How Do USB Microphones Differ From Other Microphones?

A USB microphone is a microphone that has a USB output. Let us discuss how they differ from other types of microphones.

An analog microphone can record audio on the computer. Still, you need extra equipment to convert the audio signal into a digital signal so that the computer program can understand. But in a USB microphone, there is a built-in analog to digital converter. You only have to connect it to your computer.

USB microphones are portable, so they can be taken anywhere you want with ease. This can be useful if you record audio on the go using a laptop or tablet.

How Do USB Microphones Work?

The USB microphone works quite similarly to other traditional microphones; the only difference is that the USB microphones have an audio interface.

To understand how USB microphones work, you should understand a bit about the traditional microphone.

There are mainly three types of microphones. They are as follows:

Moving Coil microphone

Condenser Microphone

Ribbon Microphone

#1. Moving Coil Microphone

A moving coil microphone is also known as a dynamic microphone. We call it a dynamic microphone because it varies greatly in dynamic range compared to a condenser microphone.

The moving coil dynamic microphone or transducer converts the acoustic energy into electric energy by electromagnetic induction.

Now, what is electromagnetic induction? When the conductor is kept stationary, and the magnetic field lines are varied, or when the magnetic field is static, and the conductor is varied, the electromotive force or voltage in both cases induces in the conductor, and this is called electromagnetic induction.

Features of moving coil microphones

Loud sound

Low-frequency signal

Do not require any external power

Low cost

The dynamic microphone has mainly five components. They are as follows:

Diaphragm

It is a thin membrane that is usually present inside the mic. It moves when it is subject to the change in the sound pressure and finally begins the transducer process of converting the acoustic wave into a mic signal. It usually consists of polyester, but the thickness and quality vary from one microphone to the other.

Moving coil

The moving coil attaches to the groove of the diaphragm. It is a tightly woven coil and consists of mainly copper in most dynamic microphones. The copper helps to increase the electromagnetic induction and produce a robust audio signal. It is also a very conductive material.

Permanent magnet

Magnets produce a magnetic field inside the microphone. Without this permanent magnet, there will not be any electromagnetic induction inside the dynamic microphone.

The magnet ring usually consists of ferrite or neodymium. The poles of the magnet consist of soft iron.

Housing

The diaphragm, moving coil, and the permanent magnet are housed inside the microphone.

Electrical Lead

After converting the sound signal into an electric signal, the electric signal passes through the electrical lead circuit.

Working Principle

The sound waves cause the diaphragm of the microphone to move in backward and forward directions. When the diaphragm moves, the coil also moves. The coil attaches to the magnet. When the coil moves back and forth in the magnetic field, alternating current induces in the coil rather than direct current, usually taking place in dynamo.

#2. Condenser Microphone

The condenser microphone converts acoustic waves into audio by the electrostatic principle. The condenser microphone is named as such because it consists of a capacitor that plays a vital role in converting acoustic energy into electric energy.

The capacitor consists of two metallic plates placed very close to each other but has a voltage between the plates.

Features of condenser microphones

Suitable for a high-frequency signal

Ideal for distant objects

Its size is small because there is no coil or magnet inside the mic.

It requires an additional power source

Some condenser mics are not suitable for loud sounds.

The high temperature and humidity can affect the condenser mics greatly.

It is a bit complex in comparison to dynamic mics.

The condenser mics are expensive.

People use these mics in film production

The condenser microphone consists of mainly four essential components. They are as follows:

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is the main component of the condenser microphone. Its movement changes the sound energy into a mic signal and consists of metal that is extremely lightweight.

Backplate

The backplate consists of solid brass and plays a vital role in converting one form of energy into another.

Housing

The capacitor is present inside the microphone.

Electrical Lead

When sound energy converts into electric power, the electrical energy flows in a circuit due to a voltage. The voltage encounters some resistance or impedance, expressed in ohms.

Working Principle

The diaphragm serves as the front plate of the capacitor in the condenser microphone. When the pressure of the air varies, then the gap between the capacitor plates also changes. So, the voltage in between the plates of the capacitor also changes. This change in voltage is the electric signal.

But this voltage needs some boosting because it produces a minimal current, which is insufficient for working a condenser microphone. That is why it needs a power source for amplifying or strengthening the signal.

There are different ways to amplify the signal:

#A. Phantom Power

This is one of the best power sources for condenser microphones to strengthen the signal. Phantom power is the supply of direct current to the mic for amplifying the signal.

The phantom power or direct current supplies the mic in two ways:

By battery that is present inside the mic.

The preamplifier or mixer provides the direct current, which is supplied to the mic by cables of the microphone.

The phantom power is usually within 11 to 52 volts. The studio mics need phantom power of 48 volts. You will see a button on the preamplifier labels as 48 volts. You just have to turn on and off this switch as per your requirements. In a cheap or old mixer, you will find a phantom power option to strengthen the signal. You will need to add an external supply of phantom power so that your condenser mics will work properly.

#B. Vacuum Tube

You can supply power to the condenser mics by the vacuum tube to boost the signal. It is one of the oldest methods used for amplification.

#C. Electret

The electret is a dielectric that can supply constant power to the mic. It is a thin material usually applied on the back of the backplate or the diaphragm.

#3. Ribbon Microphone

The ribbon microphone is similar to a dynamic microphone, but the diaphragm shape is a ribbon. The variation in the pressure of sound causes the diaphragm to move. It attaches to the coil. So, when the ribbon diaphragm moves, the coil also moves. The coil attaches with the permanent magnet. When the coil moves across the magnetic field lines, an electromotive force induces on the moving coil. This voltage produces an alternating current. Musicians and engineers mainly use a ribbon microphone.

Analog to Digital Converter

An analog to digital converter is present in the USB microphone, and it converts an analog signal into a digital signal within the microphone. The ADC in the microphone converts the digital signal in different resolutions in different microphones. The digital audio consists of samples, and each sample represents the waveform digitally.

The resolution is expressed in two forms, i.e., sample rate and bit depth.

Sample rate represents how many times the audio samples within a second. The sample rate is expressed in terms of Hertz. Here are some common sample rates:

44.1 kHz

48 kHz

88.2 kHz

96 kHz

Bit depth refers to how many amplitudes each sample has. It is expressed in terms of bits. The most common bits are:

16 bit

24 bit

Applications Of USB Mics

#1. Podcast

A USB microphone is used in some podcasts. The USB microphone has a plug-and-play nature which can make your work easier and comfortable. You just need to connect the USB microphone to the port of your computer and try to record the podcast and share it with everyone.

#2. Quick Recording

If you are a guitarist or a singer and traveling. a USB microphone could be a great portable choice for you. You can record the audio within a few minutes. But you should have a laptop or tablet along with you.

#3. Interviews

Taking wired or wireless microphones in interviews can be inconvenient for you. But if you take a USB microphone, you can quickly eliminate all these problems and focus only on the interview.

#4.Voiceover

The quality of the sound plays a vital role in voiceover. You can have good quality audio just by plugging the USB microphone into the USB port of your laptop.

Benefits of USB microphones

#1. Inexpensive

USB microphones are available at an affordable price. So you don’t have to invest a lot of money if you purchase a USB microphone. If you are a beginner and need only one microphone channel to record audio, USB mics are worth a try.

#2. Simple to Set Up

The simplicity of the USB mic encourages people to purchase this mic. You don’t need any external hardware device for setup. You just have to plug it on the computer, and it is ready to record audio.

#3. Portable

The USB microphone allows you to carry your production easily from one place to another.

Disadvantages of USB Microphones

#1. Low-Quality Materials

Some USB mics are made of low-quality materials to keep their cost low. It is advisable to invest in an better quality USB microphone to avoid need for repairs in the future.

#2. Single Channel Interface

Here, single-channel interface means when you connect the USB microphone to the port of your computer, the computer communicates only with it. It stops connecting with other hardware sources.

You may notice the problem when you connect your computer with more than one microphone.

#3. Latency

Latency means the time taken by any microphone to convert the signal into the sound, which is audible to everyone. Almost all digital microphones have latency, either high or low. Cheap USB microphones have more latency. So the audible sound is a bit delayed compared to high-quality microphones, which can be a problem during a user’s performance.

#4. Digital Resolution

The digital resolution of the USB microphone is lower than other microphone types.

#5. Control

USB microphones do have options to mute or monitor control options. But they don’t have a wide variety of choices to control, like phase flips, as you see in various analog microphones.

How to Use a USB Microphone

USB mics are easy to use. You just have to plug on the port of your computer, and they are ready to play.

The computer connects automatically with the USB microphone via the driver. It automatically chooses the microphone as an input device.

Some models may vary in how they are connected, so take a look at the following steps for setting one up:

The USB microphone and computer connect with the help of a cable. You will get the proper USB cable at the time of purchase. So you don’t have to invest separately. Then plug the USB microphone into the port of the computer by the USB cable.

The user will download the correct driver to communicate adequately with the computer and the USB microphone. Sometimes your laptop already has a driver to communicate with any external device.

Laptops usually have two locations to plug your microphone. One is for microphones, and the other is for headphones. On the desktop, you will find a jack on the panel of the system. You will also find two jacks. One is for the headphone, and the other is for the microphone. Both the jacks have different purposes. The jack for headphones transmits sound from the computer to headphones to listen to the recorded audio, but the jack for the microphone transmits sound from your USB microphone to the computer.

Go to the settings of your computer and select the sound options. Then select the USB microphone as an input device. Choose your output device to be headphones if you want to listen to the audio recordings on your headphones.

Check if your USB microphone is muted or unmuted. If it is muted, then turn it on. Now, you may start recording.

Headphone Amplifier

Some USB microphones have a headphone amplifier that allow you to monitor your recording with headphones. Due to the headphone amplifier, the USB microphones tend to have zero latency, which benefits the performer.

Latency is the time taken to process the digital data. It can happen at a higher rate in a USB microphone because the audio signal gets coveted into a digital signal. Then they are fed into the computer. These digital signals are back into the mic by converting into audio signals, which takes time. But the headphone amplifier solves this problem. It works as an output interface.

What Should You Look For in a USB Microphone?

#1. Format of USB Microphone

USB microphones are available in numerous formats like other microphones. Most USB microphones are condenser mics which are best for recording voice or pianos. But if you want to record a loud sound like a drum or guitar, then you will need to choose dynamic USB microphones.

#2. Resolution

USB mics can convert audio signals into digital signals. The best USB mics have a depth of 24 bits and a resolution of 96KHz. But you will find some USB microphones that are limited to 16 bit and 44.1KHz resolution.

#3. Cost

Most USB microphones are available at a low cost while still be fairly durable.

#4. iOS

Most USB microphones available in the market are compatible with iOS. USB microphones that support iOS come in various formats like handheld models for interviews and laptop models for podcasts.

Note that not all USB mics support iOS. Double-check the features of the microphone before you decide on it. Again you need to check the digital resolution of the USB microphone which you intend to buy.

#5. Connections

Some USB microphones have headphone jacks so that the user can connect the headphones and listen to the audio which he has recorded. But all the microphones do not have this capability, so this is something you will want to check before buying if you intend to make use of it.

Can You Use More Than One Microphones at a Time?

USB microphones always act on a single interface. So can you use more than one USB microphone at a time?

Indeed, yes it is possible. You can record and monitor the audio on your computer by connecting two USB microphones, which can be only possible if you have a new interface that will connect all the signals from each USB microphone that connects with your computer.

Although you can do this process by using software, I will advise you never to try connecting more than one USB microphone to your computer. It will confuse the system, and the audio quality may be inferior.

But if you have made up your mind to connect two USB microphones at a time, there are numerous ways which you can try doing so:

#1. Try Using Rode Connect Software

If you have a Rode NT USB mic, then use Rode connect software, the best practical method for recording more than two USB mics on a single computer.

When people have more than one USB mic, they connect it to their laptop, tablet, or desktop. The software is free, but Rode NT USB mics may cost you $99.

#2. Voicemeeter

Use Voicemeeter to record the audio using two USB mics on a single computer with a windows operating system. It is free software that can manage different audio sources.

#3. ASIO4ALL

ASIO4ALL is a slightly tricky process. You need separate software, i.e., Adobe Audition, to make use of it.

The audio driver itself is entirely free. It will help you to connect more than one USB microphone to your computer. It even allows you to connect two USB mics of a different model. This software powers your computer’s sound card so that it can access numerous input and output at a time independently.

You first need to download the software from ASIO4ALL.com and install the ASIO4ALL driver on your computer. Remember that all the DAW(Digital Audio Workstation) programs will not communicate effectively with ASIO4ALL software. So to communicate two USB microphones with the ASIO driver, you need to open a DAW that is well compatible with the driver.

Now you need to open the settings of ASIO4All and then click on the USB microphone to activate it. Now the DAW will recognize each microphone from the interface. Then select each microphone that needs to be input into the system and start recording the audio.

#4. Use Numerous Computer

You can use multiple laptops if you want numerous USB microphones at the same time. Connecting one USB mic to each computer may seem like an easy process compared to the above, but when you combine all the audio signals, it can take a lot of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

#1. Are USB Mics Any Good?

USB mics can certainly be good if you choose a reliable one. They are portable and convenient to use, and are generally less expensive than other types of mics.

You don’t need to invest in a sound card when purchasing a USM microphone. The computer has an inbuilt sound card to play the sound.

#2. How Do I Fix My Microphone Quality?

To fix the quality of the microphone, you need to follow the below steps. – Go to the control panel of your computer. – Click on hardware and sound. – Click sound and choose headset mic. – Right-click on the headphone and select properties. – Click levels and adjust the mic’s sensitivity.

#3. How Do I Make My Microphone Sound Clearer?

You can make the microphone sound clear in the following ways.

– You should switch off any device producing noise in the room where you are recording audio by the microphone. – You should keep your microphone at some distance away from your mouth.

Parting Words

The USB microphone is quite widespread nowadays due to its affordability and ease of use. You can carry this microphone anywhere you like for recording audio. They can be a great value of recording audio if you choose a good model from a reputable company.

I hope this article has given you enough information regarding the USB microphone and its workings. Please share your suggestions and any questions you have about this article in the comments below.

from https://beststudiomics.com/how-do-usb-microphones-work/

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beststudiomic · 3 years

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What is a Condenser Microphone?

The microphone is essentially a transducer that can convert sound waves into electric energy, and can be used in a variety of settings where audio is needed, such as for recording audio, delivering lectures and presentations, and broadcasting on television or radio.

There are various kinds of microphones available on the market. Each of them uses different methods in converting sound energy into electric energy. For instance, dynamic microphones convert sound energy into an electric signal by electromagnetic induction. Sometimes you don’t want to hold the microphone and walk independently. For these cases, wireless microphones like lavalier mics can easily be attached to your dress’s collar. USB microphones can be connected to the USB port of your computer and record audio easily. Every microphone requires a preamplifier to strengthen the signal so that it is audible.

In this article, we discuss specifically condenser microphones. What is a condenser microphone? At its core, it converts the acoustic energy into electric waves via the process of electrostatics. Let us go into more detail now.

The Condenser Microphone

The condenser microphone is a transducer that converts sound into audio by the electrostatic principle. In this microphone, you will notice a diaphragm just like all other microphones. This diaphragm acts as one of the plates of the capacitor. It responds to the change in pressure of the sound waves. You will also find another plate that serves as the other plate of the capacitor. Another thing you will notice is the impedance converter circuit for charging the electric power properly.

People usually use condenser mics to record audio in studios. These microphones respond to a wide frequency range in comparison to dynamic or other microphones. But their input sensitivity is a bit lower, i.e. they pick up input signals fast. So, to avoid this, you should use these microphones in a quiet place like a studio.

Benefits of Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones are small in size. It is so because they don’t have any moving coil or magnet within them.

It has very high sensitivity. So, it can record the sounds of the instruments.

It responds to a wider frequency range because the diaphragm moves at a fast rate.

Light in weight.

Limitations of Condenser Microphones

The condenser microphone requires external power to operate.

They are expensive in comparison to other microphones.

It can handle a certain amount of input signal.

External temperature and humidity affect condenser microphones.

If you invest in cheap condenser microphones, then it can generate noise.

Working Principle of Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones are just like other microphones, i.e. they also convert sound waves into an electric signal. They do so by electrostatic principle.

These condenser microphones are parallel plate capacitors. A capacitor is an electric component whose main aim is to store electric energy. They are in the form of two metallic plates separated by a dielectric medium. The dielectric can be air, glass, paper, or an oxide layer.

The diaphragm is the principal component of microphones. It is a thin membrane that connects to the capsule of the microphone, mainly around the perimeter. The diaphragm consists of extremely lightweight material. The condenser diaphragms mainly consist of gold-sputtered mylar, but the diaphragm consists of thin metal foil if you use old condenser mics.

When the mechanical wave energy, i.e., acoustic energy, vibrates, the diaphragm or the front plate of the capacitor also moves. The other plate, known as the backplate, is static. The backplate mainly consists of brass. How can the moving plate in the condenser microphone or parallel capacitor convert the sound energy into electric energy?

The first principle of electrostatics says that the voltage between the two parallel plate capacitors is the product of the charge between the plates and the capacitance.

In equation form,

V = Q ×C

Where V = voltage in between two plates

Q = Electric charge in between two plates

C = capacitance of a capacitor(the ability of the parallel plate capacitor is storing charge.

The SI unit of Capacitance is Farad(F). One Farad of Capacitance means electricity of one coulomb changes the electric potential between the parallel plates by one volt. As the plates are very close to each other, the opposite charges in them attract each other. So the capacitor stores more charge for a given voltage.

We need to charge the capacitor to function correctly. In actuality, the condenser microphone holds a fixed amount of charge. That is why these mics need an external power source to work, and the capsule of the microphone maintains high impedance to prevent the drainage of the charge.

Now let’s discuss our second electrostatic principle. The second electrostatic principle says that capacitance is always equal to the dielectric constant multiplied with the quotient of area and diameter of the plate

Here C = capacitance

∈0 = dielectric constant

A = Area of the plate

D = Diameter of the plate

Now, if I combine both the equations by assuming the dielectric constant and the area of the plate constant, then we have the following relationship:

This indicates that the voltage of a parallel plate capacitor depends mainly on the distance between the plates.

We know that the sound waves have the power to vibrate the diaphragm or the upper plate of the capacitor. Now when the diaphragm vibrates, there is a change in distance between the plates. It causes voltage in between the plates. This AC voltage is known as an electric signal. So this proves that the condenser microphone is a transducer.

But there is a problem with the condenser microphone. The signal generated by the condenser microphone has a high impedance which means the condenser mics have low current but have high voltage. So the signal needs to pass through an impedance converter so that the microphone can use this signal.

What Is a Condenser Microphone Capsule?

You can refer to the entire component of the transducer as the capsule of a condenser microphone. It has a housing that holds both the back and front plate of the capacitor. The electric leads emerge from both the plates, and effectively it carries the signal produced by the condenser microphone to the impedance converter.

Polar Patterns of Condenser Microphones

Polar pattern is an essential specification of a condenser microphone. The polar pattern of a condenser microphone depicts the response of your mic towards each direction. It will tell you which direction the microphone will accept or reject sound. You can avoid unwanted sounds that may interfere while recording by selecting a microphone’s correct polar pattern. The polar pattern differs from situation to situation.

To understand the polar pattern of a condenser microphone, imagine a 360-degree field that surrounds your mic while performing on stage. The front of your mic is zero degrees, where almost all microphones have high sensitivity, i.e., they accept almost all the sound waves.

The 360-degree field consists of smaller circles, and each circle has 5 decibels to decrease insensitivity.

The most popular polar pattern seen in most condenser microphones is a cardioid pattern. The word cardioid comes from a Greek word meaning heart. We have an in-depth article explaining What is a Cardioid microphone, which may be interesting to read. So, this polar pattern condenser mic picks up sound from a heart-shaped area. If you imagine in three dimensions, then the polar region will be like an apple.

This polar pattern makes the condenser mic unidirectional, i.e. they pick up sound only from one side of the microphone. In other words,they are best sensitive at zero degrees and least sensitive at 180 degrees.

Aside from cardioid, there are various other polar patterns:

#1. Super-Cardioid Condenser Microphone

People usually misunderstand super-cardioid condenser microphones as cardioid condenser microphones. But the super-cardioid microphone is entirely different. These microphones have a directional polar pattern, i.e., they are pretty sensitive on their axis and null at 127 degrees and 233 degrees. People use these microphones for shooting films.

The super-cardioid polar pattern is more direct in comparison to the cardioid polar pattern. Super-cardioid mics are mainly found in shotgun mics or on the top of the camera.

These polar patterns pick up sound from behind the microphone. So if you are using a super-cardioid polar pattern microphone on your camera, you will need to keep the operating noise as low as possible. Our write up titled What is a Supercardioid microphone may be of interest.

#2. Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone

The omnidirectional condenser microphone picks up sound from all directions, i.e. a full 360 degrees. They are suitable for recording acoustic instruments or in the orchestra.

One limitation of this microphone is that they do not have any null point. So the omnidirectional condenser microphone cannot reject unwanted sound. They are least sensitive to the noise of wind in comparison to other polar pattern condenser microphones.

Another thing you should keep in mind is that when the microphone’s body becomes larger, it becomes difficult for the sound waves to reach the body of the microphone. It affects the ideality or capability of picking up sound with an omnidirectional condenser microphone.

#3. Bidirectional Condenser Microphone

We call the bidirectional condenser microphone the figure-8 microphone, because it picks up sound from both front and back sides and rejects the sound from both sides. In this microphone, the diaphragm of both sides is exposed equally to the pressure of sound.

Impedance Converter

The impedance converter is the internal preamplifier of the condenser microphone. It helps in boosting the voltage of the signal produced by the capsule of the microphone.

The microphone should have a very high impedance to hold a constant charge between two parallel plate capacitors. The high impedance prevents the drainage of the charge when there is a poor signal.

Another thing I want to say is that when the microphone has a high impedance, the signal finds it challenging to travel in the signal wire and almost degrades before it reaches the desired device. So you need an impedance converter immediately after the capsule of the condenser microphone. It helps strengthen the signal, and finally, there will be a minimum signal loss between the microphone capsule and the integrated circuit.

These impedance converts play a vital role in condenser microphones. We measure the impedance in ohms. There are two main types of impedance converters. They are as follows.

#1. Vacuum Tube Impedance Converter

You can call this vacuum tube condenser microphone an electron tube. It is an electronic device that controls the current flow between the electrodes, mainly when voltage applies to these electrodes.

This process takes place in a vacuum. It will be critical if little oxygen is present inside the tube. Remember that your device may burn if little oxygen is present in the tube during the transmission of the signal.

The vacuum tubes of the condenser microphone require three electrodes, i.e., anode, cathode, and control grid. That is why you can call them triodes. The outer covering of the vacuum tube converter consists of either glass or ceramic. The flow of electrons in the tube produces an electric current inside the tube.

The vacuum tube impedance converter has mainly four components:

Heater

Anode

Cathode

Grid

The condenser microphone requires an external power source to heat the heater inside the vacuum tube.

When the heater heats in a good manner, the cathode starts emitting electrons. These electrons will repel each other but will attract towards the anode. So the electric current will start flowing from cathode to anode.

But the current will have a low impedance in comparison to the output of the capsule of a condenser microphone. This current is constant until the signal passes over the grid of the vacuum tube.

Now comes the importance of triode. In a triode, there is an introduction of a third electrode called grid which is present between the cathode and anode. The grid consists of a cylindrical screen or a helix of fine wire, but it never touches the cathode. The wire can resist very high temperatures, and they do not emit electrons by themselves. It serves as the input of the vacuum tube and acts as a gate for electrons.

The grid controls the flow of electrons from the cathode to the anode. If there is a greater amount of negative voltage on the grid, then most of the electrons coming from the cathode will repel, and very few can enter the anode. If there is a greater positive voltage on the grid, more electrons will attract the anode. So the change in voltage in the grid affects the current flow. The vacuum tube amplifies the signal and creates an impedance that the circuit of the condenser microphone can easily handle.

Remember that you can get better amplification if you place the grid closer to the cathode than the anode.

#2. Field-Effect Transistors

The transistor is a semiconductor component that is present inside the condenser microphone for amplification. Semiconductors are materials that have conductivity in between the conductors and nonconductors. But by adding some amount of impurities to the pure semiconductor, you can increase the conductivity of silicon. You can call this process doping. When the pentavalent metal adds to the silicon, i.e., the element with five valence electrons in the valence band, they are called n-type semiconductors. If the trivalent metal, i.e., three electrons on the valence band, are added to the pure silicon, they are called p-type semiconductors.

The p-type semiconductor has more holes, and the n-type semiconductor has more electrons.

There are various types of transistors, including bipolar junction transistors and field-effect transistors. The bipolar junction transistor uses both holes and electrons to carry charge. It is a current controlled device. But it generates more noise, and radiation affects it.

Nowadays, condenser microphones are coming with field-effect transistors as impedance converters. They are accurate, small in size, and less expensive in comparison to vacuum tube impedance converters. They even require less power for amplification. They take the high impedance signal from the condenser microphone capsule and convert it into a low impedance signal.

The field-effect transistor is a three-terminal device, consisting of a source, gate, and drain. It is a voltage-controlled device. The current flows on the path of the semiconductor called the channel. At both the ends of the channel, you will find two electrodes called drain and source. The gate acts as a control electrode. The voltage application in between the gate and source varies the current flow from source to drain. In this way, the field-effect transistor amplifies the weak signal from the microphone capsule.

The are two main types of field-effect transistor:

#1. Junction Field Effect Transistor

In a junction field-effect transistor, an N-type bar or P-type bar consists of silicon, and its side contains PN junctions.

They are of two types, one in the N channel and the other in the P channel. In the N channel, you will find the channel consists of N-type material with the two sides containing P-type material. You will find three terminals, i.e., source, drain, and gate, here. A depletion region forms in between the two P channels when you connect them. Remember that the depletion region is free from charge carriers. The drain current depends on the potential difference between the gate and the source.

When you connect the drain and the source terminal to a battery, the current will flow from the source towards the drain, and the electronic flow will flow from the drain towards the source.

But after increasing voltage to a certain extent, the width of the N channel reduces. So there is obstruction of current. You can control the flow of electrons via the gate terminal. The potential difference between the gate and the source controls the depletion region or the output current.

#2. Metal Oxide Semiconductor FET

MOSFET is also a field-effect transistor with four terminals: source, gate, drain, and body terminal. They also amplify the weak signal produced by the capsule of the condenser microphone.

Power Requirements of Condenser Microphones

The condenser microphones require external power to polarize the capsule or run their PCB. The mic also needs power for the impedance converter, preamplifier within the microphone, and the circuit.

Now, how do these microphones get power? Well, there are various options to supply power to the microphone:

#1. Phantom Power

Phantom power is one of the best external power sources for condenser microphones compared to other power sources.

It is a process of supplying direct current to the condenser microphone to run its circuit. Sometimes the battery that is present inside the microphone delivers phantom power. But in most cases, the mixer provides the direct power source, and it carries over to the microphone by the cables. The standard value of phantom power is within 11 to 52 volts, but the studio microphone usually has 48 Volts. You will find a button on the preamplifier, i.e., of 48 volts. You just need to switch on and off according to your needs.

In some cheap condenser microphones, you will not find a button of phantom power. You need to add phantom power externally and between the mic and the preamplifier to function correctly.

Now, why do we call this power source phantom power?

In the early 1900s, people used condenser microphones. Those mics require a power source to operate. That power source was very close to the mic, and it was very large and heavy. So, these mics were not very comfortable to use. Then research went into improving condenser mics. After some development, an external board was implemented, which supplied the external power to the microphone, and it worked properly but was invisible. So, people started calling this power supply phantom power.

You can apply this power source to other microphones like dynamic microphones. But many microphones, except condenser microphones, do not require external power. However, do read the instructions from the manual before supplying an additional power source to any kind of mic.

#2. External Power Supply Units

These power units connect the plug of the wall and the microphone to supply the power required by the microphone.

If your condenser microphone uses a vacuum tube as an impedance converter, I suggest using the external power supply units for your mic.

#3. T Power

Earlier, people used T power to supply power to the microphone. They provide the 12-volt DC to the microphone by audio cables. However, it is not that safe. So, the phantom power replaced it.

#4. DC Biasing

Biasing refers to the supply of DC voltage externally to set a fixed current and voltage. The microphone used a junction field-effect transistor as an impedance converter and used DC biasing as an external power source. A low direct current voltage ranges within 1.5 to 9.5 volts transmits along with the microphone by the audio cables.

#5. Plug-In Power

Plug-in power is the low current of five Volt DC voltage that supplies to the condenser mic as an external power source.

#6.USB power

USB power is mainly five volt DC voltage, which supplies power to the field-effect transistor impedance converter in the mic and the analog to digital converter.

#7. Battery

A battery can supply the power source externally to the condenser microphone.

What Are The Various Types Of Condenser Microphones?

There are different types of condenser mics. Let me describe all the types of mics in detail.

#1. Electret Condenser

Electret condensers do not require any external bias. Electret is a dielectric material usually present on the plate of the parallel plate capacitor. This material has high resistance and is chemically stable. Electret material in condenser microphones will not decay for more than a hundred years.

The electret condenser is obtained when you melt a dielectric material like plastic or even wax, which contains polar molecules, and then solidify them again in an electrostatic field, which permanently creates an electrostatic bias.

The modern electret condenser uses Teflon material as an electret material. They have a built-in negative charge. In an electret condenser, you will find a diaphragm like all other condenser microphones. Here also, you will find a backplate, but on the backplate, you will find a film of Teflon material with negatively charged particles. That’s why the diaphragm will have positively charged particles. Both positive and negative charge particles will create a voltage in between the plates.

Now we know voltage is the ratio of built-in charge between two capacitor plates and the capacitance.

V = Q ×C

The second electrostatic principle says that capacitance equals the dielectric constant multiplied by the plate’s area and diameter quotient.

Now when the sound waves strike the diaphragm, then the diaphragm displaces. When the diameter in between the plates decreases, the capacitance will increase. Now the voltage is inversely proportional to the voltage. So, when the capacitance rises, the voltage drops.

Similarly, when the diameter of the plates increases, the capacitance will decrease. So the voltage will increase. So the voltage difference generates an electric signal from the electret condenser microphone.

Characteristics of Electret Condenser Microphones

Sensitive to high temperature and humidity.

Excellent frequency response.

No need for any external bias.

Applications of Electret Condenser Microphone Microphone

Radio microphone at sports meets.

Tie clip microphone for lectures.

#2. Externally Polarized True Condenser

A true condenser needs an external power source to polarize the capsule. The power source is mainly phantom power of 48 volts. But the requirement of power is steady here. In contrast, in an electret condenser, we don’t need to supply any external force to the capacitor plates of the condenser microphone, which is the main drawback of a true condenser.

But still, reputed companies manufacture true condensers, and their popularity is not less than electret condensers in the market.

#3.Tube Condenser

The tube condenser uses a vacuum tube as an impedance converter. These condensers are not that precise compared to tube condensers, but they produce excellent sound quality.

#4. FET Condenser Microphone

The FET condenser microphone is also known as a solid-state condenser microphone. These condenser microphones use a field-effect transistor as an impedance converter.

Transistor technology is quite popular in most condenser mics, making these mics inexpensive to manufacture. It requires a small amount of power for charge polarisation compared to a tube condenser.

The microphone capsule converts the acoustic energy or sound waves into electric energy. But the signal has impedance, and the level is very low. The FET transistor in this microphone can effectively convert poor signals into proper signals when it is out from the microphone.

The field transistor is mainly of two types, i.e., MOSFET and JFET. The MOSFET is quite common in digital microphones, whereas your FET condenser microphone uses JFET (junction field-effect transistor) in the microphone.

#5. Audio Frequency Condenser and Radio Frequency Condenser Microphones

The working principle of audio and radio frequency condenser microphones is the same, i.e., both the microphones contain capsules that have a front plate and backplate. As the distance between the front and backplate changes, the charge changes and converts the audio signal into a mic signal.

However, both differ by the impedance converter. The audio frequency microphones have a circuit of high impedance. When the air contains more water vapor, the charge inside the microphone capsule tries to escape into the air rather than the circuit. It creates a popping sound and decreases the signal level from the output of the microphone. The dust particle also accumulates in the microphone’s diaphragm because of high biasing voltage, which finally reduces the efficiency of an audio frequency condenser microphone.

Another microphone called the radio frequency microphone works much better in humid environments than the audio frequency microphone. Radio frequency microphones have a circuit of low impedance. In this condenser, the change in capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor changes the circuit’s resonant frequency.

#6. Small Diaphragm and Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

We can divide the condenser microphone by the size of the diaphragm in two ways, i.e., small and large-diaphragm condenser microphone.

By the rule of thumb, the large-diaphragm condenser microphone is one inch or more than one inch in diameter. The small diaphragm is one inch or less than one inch in diameter. But the reality is different because you may find large-diaphragm microphones whose diaphragm size is less than one inch, so it can become confusing.

Let’s talk more about small and large diaphragm condenser microphones in detail.

The large-diaphragm condenser microphone emerged first in the market in 1930. The large diaphragm captures more sound energy and generates a high voltage signal. Their size is quite large in comparison to a small condenser microphone. The main aim of these microphones is to produce a louder sound, giving the feeling of recorded sound.

They use any polar pattern, but their pattern is not that consistent compared to small-diaphragm condenser microphones. These microphones are used by singers and those giving a presentation in front of the public. Apart from vocals, people use them for recording instruments. You can find these large-diaphragm condenser microphones at all sorts of price levels on the market.

Small diaphragm condenser microphones are pencil-shaped and emerged in the market in the year 1950. They have an excellent signal-to-noise ratio. Their frequency response is beyond the hearing of human beings.

Their polar pattern is very consistent, and these microphones use any polar pattern. The main aim of these microphones is to produce a neutral and uncolored sound, and you will always like to capture the sound produced by these microphones originally. It never adds any flavor to the sound. So, you can use these microphones for any purpose. Again you can find these microphones at a range of prices in the market; we’ve written an in-depth article on how much microphones cost.

So, while choosing any of these microphones, you cannot say a particular microphone is good or bad. Both are pretty good as recording instruments. You would need to choose according to your purpose or need for recording.

Let me distinguish these two microphones in the table below.

TypeSmall Diaphragm Condenser MicrophoneLarge Diaphragm Condenser MicrophoneDiameterLess than one inchOne inch or more than one inchTransient responseVery accurateThey are not that much accurateResponse towards frequencyFlatter and more extendedMore coloured mainly at high endPolar patternAny polar pattern but they are consistentAny polar pattern but they are not that much consistentSelf-noiseMoreLess

#7. Miniature Diaphragm Condenser Microphone

The wireless systems use a miniature diaphragm condenser microphone. It connects to the wireless transmitters, and those transmitters send signals without the cables. They also provide suitable DC voltage to the impedance converter so that they can work properly and you can get a good quality sound.

Miniature diaphragm condenser microphones are popular in lavalier or lapel microphones.

Applications of Condenser Microphones

You can use the condenser microphone everywhere, but these are used more often for recording sound in studios.

Here are some of the common applications of condenser microphones:

Shotgun microphones which are for recording videos or film

Wireless lavalier microphones

Consumer device

Instrument mic

Vocal mics in the studio

Voice over mic

How Do Condenser Microphones Differ From Dynamic Microphones?

Condenser microphones are far different from dynamic mics. Let me list out all the differences in detail. Read our article on the differences between condenser and ribbon microphones.

The condenser microphone uses the electrostatic principle in converting the audio signal into a mic signal. Still, the dynamic mic uses the electromagnetic induction principle in converting the sound into a mic signal.

The condenser microphone is highly sensitive, but dynamic mics have low sensitivity.

The condenser microphone requires an external power source to operate, but dynamic mics don’t need any external power to operate.

The size of the condenser microphone is small as they don’t have a moving coil or permanent magnet. The size of the dynamic mic is a bit large because dynamic microphones contain a coil and magnet inside the microphone.

The transient response of the condenser microphone is fast, but the transient response of the dynamic mic is slower.

The condenser microphone produces self-noise, but dynamic mics do not produce any self-noise.

The maximum sound pressure level is within the limit for condenser microphones, but the sound pressure level is beyond the limit for dynamic microphones, which is difficult to measure.

The frequency response for condenser microphones is flat or extended, but for dynamic microphones, it is colored.

Read more with our guide to What is a Dynamic microphone?.

How Do Side Address Microphones Differ From Front Address Microphones?

The driving feature of the large-diaphragm condenser microphone’s design is that they pick sound from one side or both sides of the microphone but not from the end sides. So, people call them side-address microphones.

Small diaphragm condenser microphones are pencil-shaped and capture sound from the end but not from the sides. Thus, they are known as end-address microphones.

Both side-address microphones and end address microphones play an essential role in recording sound. The location of your microphone’s focal point will help you visualize the polar pattern so that you can use it properly at an audio source.

Frequently Asked Questions

#1. Should I Use a Condenser Mic or Dynamic Mic?

You can use a dynamic mic to capture loud sounds. So if you are doing a live performance, then opt for dynamic mics. But condenser mics capture delicate sound. They can respond to high frequency. So if you are searching mic for studio vocals, then go for a condenser mic.

#2. What Are The Three Types of Microphones?

There are three types of microphones. They are as follows: – Dynamic microphone – Condenser microphone – Ribbon microphone

#3. What Is The Most Common Type of Microphone?

The most common type of microphone is an electret condenser mainly found in good studios or film production sets.

#4. What happens if you don’t use phantom power on a condenser microphone?

Phantom power plays a vital role in supplying external power to the condenser mic, which helps in converting the sound energy into an electric signal that is audible to everyone. But if you don’t use phantom power, you may get an electric signal, but that signal is so weak that no one can hear it.

Parting Words

Condenser mics use capacitor plates inside the microphone capsule, and the change in capacitance helps convert the sound energy into an electric signal. But they need an external power source to make that electric signal audible to everyone. People mainly use these microphones for studio applications as they produce good quality sound. For more reading, our very thorough guide to Ribbon microphones may also be useful.

I hope this article has helped you in understanding the condenser microphone and its workings. Keep some of the information here in mind if you intend to buy a condenser microphone in the near future.

Please do share your suggestions for this article in the comments below.

Further reading

What Is a Hypercardioid Microphone?

What Is an Omnidirectional Microphone?

from https://beststudiomics.com/what-is-a-dynamic-microphone/

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beststudiomic · 3 years

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What is a Cardioid Microphone?

The cardioid microphone is one of the most used, widely preferred options for studio recordings, broadcasting, and live performances.

Cardioid microphones get their name from the Latin term meaning heart shape, representing the shape of their polar response graph. These heart-shaped polar patterns are also referred to as kidney and unidirectional.

This article will walk through microphones in general and discuss cardioid microphones in depth.

Types of Microphones

A microphone is an electronic appliance that converts sound energy to electrical energy. Markets today are flooded with many varieties of microphones, thoughtfully designed to cater to a variety of needs. Let us begin our discussion by looking at the different types of microphones.

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic microphones are versatile and are used for all sorts of audio in studios. For example, one can spot dynamic microphones on guitar amps and snare drums. Our write-up on what is a dynamic microphone is a more in-depth guide. They tend to be the most affordable among all categories of microphones. Dynamic microphones tend to add warmth to sound and can generally handle high sound pressure levels.

Condenser Microphones

The first condenser microphone was invented in 1916. Since the transient response of condenser microphones is outstanding, they can capture the sound of a musical instrument accurately.

Condenser microphones are intended for soft sounds. They can be spotted in use in studios. Compared with their dynamic siblings, they are usually significantly more expensive. We have a worthy read on what is a condenser microphone which goes into more detail.

Condenser microphones offer more polar patterns than dynamic microphones. They can be divided into three categories based on their diaphragm sizes.

First, let us understand the role diaphragms play in microphones.

The Role of Diaphragms in Microphones

Microphones pick up their sound through a diaphragm. The diaphragm is a thin material that exhibits vibration when it comes in contact with sound. Here, we discuss three different sizes of diaphragms and how they differ.

Small Diaphragm

Microphones with small diaphragms have a thin, cylindrical shape. They are light, making them easy to position and reposition. However, microphones with small diaphragms exhibit low sensitivity and increased internal noise.

Medium Diaphragm

Microphones with medium size diaphragms combine certain features of both small and large-diaphragm microphones. Akin to small diaphragms, they retain high-frequency content. On the other hand, similar to large diaphragms, microphones with medium diaphragms catch warm sounds.

Large Diaphragm

Due to their size, large diaphragms exhibit even more freedom of movement and hence, pick up even the slightest of sounds. As a result, large-diaphragm condenser microphones capture low sounds and are not very good at capturing highs. Owing to this attribute, large-diaphragm microphones may distort sound when sound pressure level is high.

Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon microphones are always bidirectional. They are used for softer sounds and need to be handled with utmost care. Unfortunately, they tend to be very expensive and are fragile. For further reading, we have written a complete guide to what is a ribbon microphone. The Royer R-121 is a popular ribbon mic.

Let us now look into polar patterns and their importance in the world of microphones.

Polar Patterns and Microphones

What are polar patterns?

Polar patterns refer to the response of any microphone to sounds arriving from different directions. These patterns help in comprehending the sensitivity of sounds from various directions. Polar patterns are documented in the form of a 2D graph for better understanding.

The three most common polar pickup pattern types are unidirectional, bidirectional, and omnidirectional.

Can polar patterns affect the sound of a microphone?

Yes, polar patterns can affect the sound in microphones, since different polar patterns result in different frequency responses.

How do I read a polar pattern diagram?

As we will be using the terms polar pattern and pickup pattern several times in this article, I feel it necessary to give the reader a brief overview of how a polar pattern diagram is interpreted. A polar pattern diagram is a 2D representation of how a microphone responds to the sonic energy in its surroundings. Imagine everything in 3D to better understand the directionality of different microphones, as you know the following lines. The circles represent 360 degrees and are labeled clockwise. The concentric circles on the inside refer to the sensitivity of sound, which

is expressed in decibels. You can now see and analyze the polar pattern diagrams for different microphones.

The solid portion or shape on the graph indicates all the directions from where a given microphone can capture sound. On the other hand, the voids or empty parts signify that the microphone does not capture sound from those directions.

This directionality of sound is harnessed to attain clean, isolated sound and successfully cancel all background noise.

How does a cardioid microphone work?

Now that we have looked into polar patterns, let us understand the functioning of a cardioid microphone from its polar pattern response graph. The polar pattern diagram of cardioids is heart-shaped. If you imagine this shape in 3D, it will look similar to an apple.

0 degrees

The polar pattern is the most sensitive at 0 degrees.

90 and 270 degrees

The cardioid polar pattern is half as sensitive to the sides.

Null point

As the name implies, the null point is the point where no sensitivity is observed. A null point is precisely the mirror image of the direction it is pointing to at 180 degrees. The cardioid microphone’s rear rejection allows for easy positioning of cardioid mics.

This characteristic ensures that only the sound to which the microphone faces gets picked up. Conversely, putting the microphone away from the sound source you do not wish to pick up will ensure that a particular sound doesn’t get picked.

As a result, the sound quality in cardioid microphones is clear, clean, and isolated from unnecessary background noise.

Cardioid microphones have a unidirectional pickup pattern. The term unidirectional implies that they are sensitive to sound coming from one particular direction. Cardiac microphones are capable of detecting on-axis sounds.

How did Cardioid Microphones come into existence?

Cardioid mics came into existence when audio engineers fused figure-8 and omnidirectional signals. Today, they are the most common unidirectional microphones. They have been developed and improved to the extent that it is often said that a cardioid doesn’t just hear; it listens! Continue reading ahead, and you will understand this better.

Omnidirectional Microphones

Omnidirectional microphones pick up gain from all sounds in all directions. The use of omnidirectional microphones is hence desirable in situations where capturing noise from all directions is desirable. Yes, this means that even if you speak into the microphone from the side or behind, it will still capture the noise.

Bidirectional or Figure-8 Microphones

Figure-8 microphones are named after their polar response pattern, which resembles the number 8. At 0 degrees and 180 degrees, figure-8 microphones have the same sensitivity. T 90-degree and 270-degree angles have the least amount of sensitivity. Sometimes, they are also referred to as figure-of-eight microphones. Figure-eight implies a bi-directional pickup pattern, which is sensitive to sound coming from only the front and back. The sound coming from the sides won’t be captured by figure-8 microphones because they detect pressure differences. This is done by measuring the pressure difference between each side of the open diaphragm. These microphones have a minor bass response. However, they are susceptible to wind sounds and other background noises.

Figure 8 microphones are somewhat rare these days. However, manufacturers such as Neumann do make them.

Where are figure-8 microphones ideally used?

Recording studios may capture multiple artists and instrumental sounds simultaneously. Despite all the sounds playing simultaneously in a space, you can still capture clean sound with figure 8 microphones.

The birth of Cardioid Microphones

To develop the cardioid microphone, engineers combined omnidirectional patterns with bidirectional patterns.

Multi-pattern Microphones

Multi-pattern microphones were developed after cardioid microphones and are designed for even more specific sound isolation.

Supercardioid Microphones

Supercardioid mics can be sensitive to sounds that are directly behind the mic. Supercardioids require the user to maintain the same distance from the mic at all times to attain the best possible results. These microphones are best suited for live performances since they allow for very high gain before feedback. We have written the article titled what is a Supercardioid microphone, which goes further in depth.

Hypercardioid Microphones

Where considerable isolation is needed between sound sources, you can spot hypercardioid devices at work. Hypercardioid microphones are more sensitive to sounds coming from the rear. As a result, they provide extreme rejection of ambient sound sources. Because of this back rejection, one might have to reposition stage monitors and other instruments from time to time. In addition, hypercardioid microphones are used for recording instrumentals. Recommended reading: What is a hypercardioid microphone?

Are hypercardioid and supercardioid the same?

Hypercardioid and supercardioid microphones are very similar, but the former offers a narrower picking pattern relative to the latter.

What is the difference between cardioid and supercardioid?

Cardioid microphones are less directional than supercardioid microphones. Supercardioid microphones, on the other hand, have high directionality.

Wide Cardioid Microphones

The subcardioid microphone or wide cardioid microphone has no null points at all. It is produced with about a 7:3 ratio with a 3-10 dB level between the rear and front pickup. Wide cardioid or subcardioid microphones are a fusion of omnidirectional (What is an Omnidirectional microphone) and cardioid microphones. Hence, they have the advantages of both. For example, podcasts or studio recordings that need little of the proximity effect are covered with these microphones.

Subcardioids are unidirectional while they also pick up sounds from other directions with less amplitude. This characteristic enables the recordings to turn out more realistic with desirable warmth in the sound. Wide cardioid mics are also preferred for recording multiple instruments.

Shotgun Microphones

Shotgun is also a variation of conventional cardioid microphones. They are called shotgun microphones due to their thin, long appearance.

These microphones pick up sound in high quality, even from considerable distances. Shotguns can be spotted in use on TV sets, broadcasting events. It is conventional to use a shotgun to shoot scenes where dialogue is recorded while ensuring no microphones can be seen.

A scene can be shot with shotgun microphones placed at a certain distance away from the camera. Azden’s SGM-20 is one such microphone.

The Cardioid family of microphones

What is noteworthy about all microphones with the cardioid suffix is that they have their primary sensitivity in front of the microphone. It is incredible how sound engineers have designed so many different options and variations of cardioid microphones. One is likely to find the microphone that meets their needs among the available cardioid microphones.

Microphones and the Proximity Effect connection

What is the proximity effect?

The proximity effect is a phenomenon that leads to an increase in low-frequency response as the microphone is moved closer to the source. Generally, frequencies below 200 Hz are considered low frequencies..

The Proximity Effect in Microphones

The amount of proximity effect differs from microphone to microphone. The pickup pattern of a microphone is responsible for the same. The highest proximity effect is observed in figure-8 microphones and the lowest in cardioid microphones. On the other hand, omnidirectional microphones do not exhibit the proximity effect at all.

Where is a cardioid microphone used?

Rear rejection and unidirectionality make cardioid microphones ideal for use in broadcasting, studios, and stage.

Live concert

In a live concert, there will be musical instruments playing in the foreground, the audience in the front, and the performing artist. In this case, it would be ideal to eliminate all background noises so that a microphone captures the artist’s voice solely. Cardioid microphones are useful in this situation since they prevent leakage of sound from one instrument into another.

Drum

With cardioid microphones, miking drums is very convenient and produces high quality results post-production.

Miking One Source at a Time

Cardioid mics are placed such that they point away from stage monitors. The cardioid mic here is pointing towards the singer. Hence, the singer can be spotted singing into the mic, which ensures the singer’s noise gets registered while noise from the monitor doesn’t get registered.

Spaces with poor acoustics

Miking with cardioids at close proximity can work wonders in untreated rooms. In addition, cardioid microphones can minimize the reflected sound and are therefore appropriate for rooms with poor acoustics. If you are a beginner with limited funds, a good secondhand cardioid from a reliable brand would be a good investment.

Other instances of miking single sources are miking instruments in music performances to end up with multiple individual sounds, all of which are clear and premium quality.

This will help an individual’s voice turn out crystal clear and disturbance-free even with significant background noise.

Microphones and their Frequency Responses

To better understand how a cardioid microphone works, let us also look at the cardioid microphone’s response to change in frequencies.

A microphone’s frequency response is a microphone’s response to a given frequency. Sonic energy reaches the microphone in the form of sound waves. As sound energy is converted to electrical energy by the microphone, audio signals are produced.

These audio signals are in the frequency range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. Therefore, frequency response is the particular range of a specific microphone that lies among these frequency values.

Cardioid mic’s response to higher frequencies

Cardioid microphones generally become more directional at higher frequencies.

Cardioid mic’s response to lower frequencies

On the other hand, in response to lower frequencies, cardioid microphones lose their rear null point and exhibit changes in their cardioid polar pattern.

Cardioid Microphone vs. Omnidirectional Microphone

Understanding microphones becomes a lot easier when we compare the characteristics and features of the two. So let us look at cardioid microphones and omnidirectional microphones to understand both of them better.

Capturing Sound

Cardioid microphones capture sound only from the front and do not register sound from the rear. On the other hand, omnidirectional microphones are likely to capture almost every sound around them and cancel out nothing.

Capturing group performances

Have you seen a group of performers standing in an arch-shaped formation with only one microphone in the middle? Now that you know enough about cardioid microphones, you can comprehend what is likely to happen in such a situation if the microphone is cardioid. The microphone will register the voice of only the performer in the middle standing right in front of it. Hence, in situations where capturing group performances regularly is a necessity, an omnidirectional microphone would be a better buy.

Utilizing all sounds for a natural effect

For some recordings, artists might desire a more natural effect. This natural effect does not come from isolated sound but by preserving natural characteristics such as reflections. These add to the overall ambiance and natural character of the sounds. Here, the use of omnidirectional microphones becomes imperative. Conversely, cardioid microphones are meant to isolate sound, and they won’t capture further minute details in the foreground that might sometimes be desirable.

Proximity effect

Avoiding proximity effects is possible in omnidirectional microphones. However, doing the same in cardioid microphones may not always be possible.

Why should you use a cardioid microphone?

The two most important traits of cardioid microphones are rear rejection and unidirectionality. These attributes make cardioid microphones suitable for broadcasting, stage performances, and other settings where noise isolation is crucial.

What are the advantages of cardioid microphones?

Noise reduction and feedback suppression

The cardioid microphone’s front focused pattern helps suppress feedback and isolate unwanted noise. This quality of cardioid microphones makes their use suitable for concerts, live performances, recording podcasts, and karaokes.

More Rear Rejection

Cardioid microphones have better rear rejection than hypercardioid and supercardioid microphones.

Variety in the Cardioid Microphone Market

Cardioid microphones have been around for quite a while now. Technology has advanced to the point where you will find countless cardioid microphones in the market. As a result, you will see a variety of prices, aesthetics, sound quality, wireless connectivity, and practically anything else the user might desire.

What are the disadvantages of cardioid microphones?

Proximity effect

The low bass frequencies when capturing sound will increase when the microphone is brought closer to the source.

Which are the best cardioid microphones?

Here is our list of some of the best cardioid microphones available.

Shure SM58

Shure is one of the most renowned names in the world of music, and their SM58 mic has been around for a while.

Why should I invest in a Shure SM58?

Robust and Durable

Shure SM58 is very well built so that you need not worry about its durability.

Voice quality

The microphone is designed so that its built-in pop filter and spherical mesh grille prevent it from registering the wind noises.

Handles High Sound Pressure Levels

It can take a good deal of sound pressure and can for all sorts of instruments, from drums to guitars.

Value for Money

The Shure SM58 is value-for-money for the quality it offers. The microphone originally retails for $149. However, you can often find it for $120 or so during discount offers and the sale periods.

What are the disadvantages of Shure SM58?

The microphone does not come with a boom mic stand, and it comes with a standard microphone stand.

Audio-Technica AT2020

The AT2020 is preferred for smaller studios and live recordings. This offering by Audio-Technica has a comprehensive frequency response and low noise pickup.

What makes the Audio-Technica AT2020 worth buying?

Handles High Sound Pressure Levels

One can use the Audio-Technica AT2020 for recording string instruments, vocals, and a Leslie amp too.

Noise Isolation

Cardioid microphones and superb noise isolation go hand in hand. The same applies to Audio-Technica AT2020. Its noise isolation trait helps in recording vocals and sounds clean and clear. If you are in the music industry or happen to be a music enthusiast, you might have come across artists expressing how they wish to have a certain ‘warmth’ in recordings. The Audio-Technica AT2020 gets a thumbs up in this particular requirement.

Aesthetics

The microphone weighs 0.76 lbs and has an aesthetically appealing design.

What are the disadvantages of Audio-Technica AT2020?

Pop Filter Not Included

You might want to get hands-on with an external shield or pop filter because the microphone can pick even the slightest extraneous sounds, such as from wind. However, you can always order from customized bundles where sellers have already grouped accessories to be used with a product in one package. For example, an Audio Technica AT 2020 bundle may comprise a boom arm, a pop filter, and XLR cables, along with the microphone itself.

Neumann TLM 103

TLM 103 is easily TLM’s most successful and beloved product. The capsule design is derived from Neumann’s legendary U87A.

What are the advantages of Neumann TLM 103?

Handles High Sound Pressure Levels

The TLM 103 can handle sound pressure levels of up to 138 decibels. Along with this, it can handle the slightest whispers (7 dBA) too. Because of its large diaphragm, the Neumann TLM 103 can take anything from whispered dialogue to the most potent bass instruments. The number of positive reviews and the market presence of this product testify that all the claims the company makes are valid.

Sound quality

The Neumann TLM 103 offers superior quality balanced sound with enhanced presence. It is also used in classical recordings where cello and double bass need to be recorded.

What are the drawbacks of Neumann TLM 103?

Price point

The Neumann TLM 103 is priced above 1000 dollars, making it a tough price point to justify for beginners.

Sennheiser MD 421-II

The Sennheiser MD 421-II is also a top name among the world’s best microphones. Let us see what makes it worth buying.

Is the Sennheiser MD 421-II a good buy?

Handles High Sound Pressure Levels

The Sennheiser MD 421-II can cope with high sound pressure due to its large diaphragm and dynamic element. Its dynamic capsule allows it to handle nearby signal responses and high SPL (Sound Pressure Levels).

Robust

Sennheiser’s MD 421-II is a rugged, professional microphone. The device weighs just 200 grams and is both dust and humidity-resistant. Sturdy and lightweight, this product has a good feel to it.

Five-Position Bass Roll-off

The five-position roll-off switch provides the user with flexible bass attenuation. The ability to conveniently change bass allows the use of the Sennheiser MD 421-II in various situations.

What are the drawbacks of the Sennheiser MD 421-II?

Microphone clip design

The microphone’s clip design may not be convenient for everyone. As a result, it has mixed reviews; some love it, while some are concerned they might damage the microphone.

Choosing the Right Microphone

Here are some important elements and features to consider when looking for the right microphone for yourself.

Frequency Response Range

It is important to compare and analyze the frequency response range of each microphone you are considering purchasing. For example, the frequency response range for a vocal microphone should look something like 80 Hz to 15 kHz. However, for a microphone to be used with a bass drum, the minimum frequency can be around 30 Hz.

The Microphone’s Directionality

Determine your desirable directionality for your use case. You can then search for microphones that support it.

Price Point

Microphones are available from $100 to beyond $1000. Understand that expensive does not always mean better. Read reviews and try to test microphones with your voice. You can also opt for second hand microphones. It would be best to keep in mind that you might need to buy additional supplementary accessories such as a pop filter, cables, and more. Our article on How much microphones cost may be a useful read after this.

Durability

Look for a robust microphone that is built to quality materials. Many microphones these days are built well, and a well-built microphone will last you a long time.

Discuss with acquaintances in the music space

If you have a musician friend, do not hesitate to reach out to them. They can help you with some shopping advice that you may not have considered prior.

Experiment and see what works best for you

For music lovers and those who record podcasts and albums, you would want to know why cardioid microphones are so great. Using various instruments, you can observe the differences by recording multiple devices with different polar patterns in various setups. From my personal experience, I can tell you condenser microphones are good for home studio recordings. You will also be able to find the setup and microphone combination that works best for you in this way. However, there are no rules. You chose what works for you. Try different permutations and combinations until you achieve your desired sound quality. Some people may want a balanced sound; some might be looking for natural effect and warmth; requirements are bound to vary.

Which type of microphone is best for singing?

Singing without a microphone and with a microphone is not the same. The bass tends to rise as the distance between the performer and the microphone decreases because the proximity effect springs into action. Differences in tonal balance may surface if you constantly change the distance between yourself and the microphone while performing. A seasoned performer may already have a good idea of these intricacies and can handle these situations.

How to take care of microphones?

Here are some basic tips for taking care of your microphones.

Screen pop filter

Put a pop filter over your microphone when recording vocals. Not only will this prevent extraneous noises, it will also prevent saliva from accumulating inside the device.

Cover the microphone when not in use

Not all microphones are dust and moisture resistant. Thus, keep your microphones wrapped securely in the product cover or plastic to prevent dust particles from building on and inside the microphone.

Parting Words

Now that we have reached the end, let us know in the comments section below if you managed to find answers to your queries on cardioid microphones. If you liked what you read, share this article with your friends and peers too.

from https://beststudiomics.com/what-is-a-cardioid-microphone/

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What Microphones do Youtubers Use?

Do you have a hidden talent but do not know how to bring it to the limelight? If you have that tickling urge to bring forth your unique skill, YouTube is the perfect platform that can shoot you to the world of fame. However, is your expertise sufficient to pull the crowd?

As easy as it may seem, becoming a Youtuber is not an easy task. Apart from your unique skills, you need the right tools to become a crowd puller. Even if you already have your channel, the key to becoming famous on YouTube is to gear up with the right equipment.

Just as a cook needs the right tools to become a Master Chef, and a student needs appropriate books to ace the competitive exams, a YouTuber needs the relevant gadgets to grow their audience. You cannot reach out to your audience if you lack clarity in your voice.

Thus, a mic is one of the most valuable tools that you should possess. Here, we have shortlisted YouTuber’s most preferred microphones and everything you should know about them. You can thank us later.

How Will This Article Help You?

In this article, you will find –

The most preferred microphones that YouTubers, vloggers, gamers, and streamers use.

Understanding of diverse kinds of mics and their applications to specific users.

Cost comparison of the mics and the ones that fit in your budget.

YouTubers And Content Creators Most Preferred Microphones

Our extensive study of microphones and consultation with the most popular YouTubers and content creators has helped us compile the list of the best microphones for Youtube. After all, having over 150 million subscribers is no joke.

Here is the list of microphones that are in demand by the pros. You should consider them if you want to become the topmost YouTuber. The list is in order of most popular and down.

Shure SM7B

Rode Video Micro

Rode Broadcaster

Rode VideoMic Pro+

Sennheiser Me 2-II

Electrovoice RE20

Rode Procaster

Rode NTG3

Sennheiser MKH416

Shure MV51

AKG C414

Neumann TLM 103

Which Microphone Is The Best For YouTubers?

You can see the most sought-after YouTube microphones by the pros in the list above.

Though Shure SM7B microphones are much in demand, it may not be a money-wise choice.

The mic costs a whopping $400, which is not suitable for budding YouTubers. Well, does that mean you may have to compromise with quality? Of course not!

Let us explore more budget-friendly alternatives that match the quality of Shure SM7B without compromising with the resolution.

Which Type Of Microphone Is YouTube-Friendly?

If you are not the type who is attracted to brand names, styles, and models, then instead of looking at brand names, try to understand the type of microphone that is more popular. Below is our research on which “type” of the mic is most preferred:

XLR Cardioid Dynamics

3.5mm Supercardioid Condensers

XLR Cardioid Condenser Microphones

XLR Supercardioid Condensers

Wireless Omnidirectional Lavalier

Omnidirectional / Unidirectional Headset mic

Unidirectional / Cardioid USB mic

Largely you can see that the mics are of three types, sorted as per popularity:

Cardioid

Supercardioid

Omnidirectional

Let us dwell deeper to understand the basics of microphones before you put a hole in your pocket.

What Are Cardioid Microphones And What Are Their Functions?

The polar pattern Cardioid microphones work best when the voice source is from the front. It blocks all other chaos of the surroundings. The polar pattern describes the sensitivity of the mic capsule to the sounds from diverse directions.

If you are a YouTuber or a vlogger, being heard is your primary concern. Cardioid microphones could be the one for you if you want to speak to your audience directly into the mic while eradicating the background sound.

Classification Of Cardioid Microphones

As we delve deeper, we explore that cardioid microphones fall under two broad categories – Dynamic and Condenser mic.

Dynamic mics

Have you ever experienced a lack of clarity in your voice? It could be the sound of your ceiling fan trying to silence your voice or the jarring phone ring that hampers your recording.

Even the echo of your voice in an empty room cannot hinder a clear voice. Dynamic mics isolate the sound waves coming from a multi-direction. It is no wonder why live performers and YouTubers prefer dynamic mics, for it has a drop-off in sensitivity feature.

Condenser mics

If you yearn for cleaner and softer voice quality, you may feel more inclined towards condenser mics than dynamic mics.

Its polar pattern harmonizes better than its counterpart, making it an ideal choice for a recording studio. However, condenser mics have a catch. Their sensitive sensor picks up unwanted sounds from the surroundings.

What Are Supercardioid Microphones And What Are Their Functions?

Unlike what you might think, super-cardioid microphones are not a particular form of cardioid ones. Though it has increased directionality compared to the latter, it has extreme sensitivity at the ear lobe.

Also, super-cardioid microphones are sensitive to on-axis noise consisting of total points at 127 degrees and 233 degrees. It is apt from the film industry, live performances, and recording amidst noisy environments.

Off-Camera Supercardioid

The super-cardioid mic is better known as shotgun mic, and the super-cardioid mic picks up sound from the target while excluding the surrounding noise.

It is the ultimate choice of film industries and soaps, where mics cannot be placed in front of the speaker. Supercardioid is a narrow tube installed on a boom arm to capture the dialogues of the actors. The over-head mounted mics seamlessly trap the voice with clarity during shootings.

Camera-Installed Supercardioid

Yet another kind of super-cardioid mic that YouTubers and Vlogger seek is the camera-mounted mic. Their most common choice is Rode VideoMic Pro.

It meets the parameters of a shotgun mics without holding it on a boom arm. The microphone is the hands-free version of a shotgun mic that attaches to the camera and seamlessly captures the sound in the direction it is pointed.

No wonder, camera-mounted Supercardioid is the first choice of vloggers and YouTubers for its convenient features. It is portable and saves you from the clutter of carrying the boom arm for recording.

Omni Directional Microphones

Let us spill the beans on how YouTubers and vloggers have crisp sound in their videos. They make it possible with the help of omnidirectional microphones.

If you want surround sound, you can count on omnidirectional mics, which are not sensitive to any one direction. It picks up random sounds from the background while validating the sound coming from the speaker.

It indiscriminately covers a full circle capturing sound from 0 degrees to 360 degrees with its polar plot feature. Since they attach effortlessly to your collar or lapel, they are commonly known as collar mic or lapel mic. An easy clip-on mic allows you to move around conveniently.

Wouldn’t you like to know the field where you can use omnidirectional mics? These circular pattern mics are trending with the topmost sensation of the cyber-world. They include:

Teachers

Life Coach

Vloggers

Streamers

Gamers

Podcasts on YouTube

Interviewers

And more

Let Us Look Individually At:

Streamers and gamers;

Vloggers;

Teachers, Coaches, and Trainers;

Podcasts and Interviews on Youtube

Microphones Popular With Top Gamers and Streamers

Youtube is a favorite platform among gamers and streamers for creating videos. Let us read about different mics preferred by some of the top gamers and streamers:

PewDiePie

PewDiePie is a Swedish YouTuber who is famous for his ‘Let’s Play’ videos. His popularity is reflected in the number of subscribers he enjoys. His number of subscribers is second, with the Indian T-Series record firm being number one.

What mic does PewDiePie use?

PewDiePie uses the [amazon link=”B006VSM8WS” link_text=”AKG C414 mic”], which comes often as a surprise for the experts.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

You can find the AKG C414 mic mostly in studio recordings. People often love to use it on guitars, vocals, drums, and any other musical instrument. These condenser mics give a refined output and are more sensitive than other mics, such as RE20 or SM7B.

Thus, these mics are known to give a better result. Also, the output given by the said mic depends entirely upon the room you are using for recording, its noise level, and any acoustic treatment.

Now, PewDiePie must be able to afford a well-treated recording room. This implies that he can use the AKG C414 without the danger of background noise hampering the recording.

Flamingo

Flamingo is a popular gaming channel trending on Youtube. It enjoys many subscribers who visit the channel every day in search of exciting games to play.

What mic does Flamingo use?

Flamingo makes use of [amazon link=”B00AAO3FQ2″ link_text=”Neumann TLM103″], which is one of the costliest mics available in the market.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Neumann TLM103 is a cardioid microphone having a large diaphragm capsule. This mechanism makes it a common choice among musicians and recorders. The best part about the mic is that it offers fabulously clear and flawless audio signals.

However, this mic is not helpful for all kinds of recorders. The reason is that these mics are highly sensitive and can pick up even the slightest background sounds. Then, why does Flamingo use it? They must possess an isolated recording environment, where the risk of these background noises is significantly reduced.

EposVox

EposVox is a Stream Professor, which offers tutorials, how-to, gear reviews, tips, and benchmarks associated with technical aspects.

What mic does EposVox use?

Though EposVox uses various mics to test them, they usually go with [amazon link=”B00KCN83V8″ link_text=”RE20″] and [amazon link=”B001R747SG” link_text=”Samson Q2U”].

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

RE20 is a dynamic microphone that is used mainly for purposes such as sound engineering, broadcasting, and podcasting. The mic is famous for offering noise isolation, a perfect sound base, and high-build quality features.

However, the mic is not well within budget limits, and thus EposVox recommends the Samson Q2U for people seeking something more affordable.

The Samson Q2U is a perfect choice for YouTubers and streamers who have budget constraints. The mic provides good quality for audio recording and also gets rid of maximum background noises.

Microphones Popular With Top Vloggers

Vlogging is an art form that is more associated with the features of YouTube as you make use of videos to connect with your clients. Now, what mics do these Vloggers often use? Let us read about these mics in detail:

Casey Neistat

Casey Neistat is an influential Vlogger on YouTube who has many subscribers to his share. His vlogs mainly concentrate on topics such as travel, lifestyle, as well as consumer tech.

What mic does Casey Neistat use?

Casey Neistat uses [amazon link=”B00YAZHRZM” link_text=”VideoMic pro”], which he attaches to his camera for recording.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

The mic is of great use to Neistat as he usually shoots his videos while traveling only. His videos range from South African beaches to driving cars in Las Vegas, etc.

The best part about the mic is that it easily clips on the camera’s top, and you can easily carry it everywhere along with you.

Kara and Nate

Well, this is a YouTube channel run by newlyweds who love to travel to different locations, flying from one location to another.

What mic do Kara and Nate use?

Kara and Nate use the [amazon link=”B015R0IQGW” link_text=”VideoMicro”], the younger sibling of VideoMic Pro.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

This mic is highly suitable for offering perfect professional audio quality, and it also comes with a shock mount for providing an ideal acoustic environment.

The only concern with the mic is that it is tiny in size. Thus, Kara and Nate have to make additional efforts to pack the mic.

Well, this is why they make use of Rode VideoMicro and Sony Alpha a6500 as well as it can easily fit in the user’s pockets.

Microphones Popular With Top Teachers, Leaders, and Trainers

Peter McKinnon

The youtube channel run by Peter McKinnon is about teaching essentials regarding cinematography and photography to the viewers.

What mic does Peter McKinnon use?

Peter McKinnon makes use of [amazon link=”B0002E4Z8M” link_text=”SM7B”] mic and [amazon link=”B0749GV5L3″ link_text=”Rode VideoMic Pro+”] for his videos.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Peter McKinnon uses the SM7B for podcast recordings. However, this mic is not suitable for video shoots. Now, since Peter takes cinematography lessons, he needs a better mic as well.

He uses Rode VideoMic Pro+ for also capturing audio along with video shoots.

Graham Stefan

Graham Stefan is known for shooting videos while standing in front of expensive and luxurious cars while telling their success stories to the viewers.

What mic does Graham Stefan use?

Graham uses [amazon link=”B0711SN3JM” link_text=”Sennheiser Pro Audio ME2-II”] for his videos.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Since Graham’s videos focus mainly on aesthetics, he needs this mic to easily capture perfect quality audio.

Think Media

Think Media is a Youtube channel owned by Sean Cannell. The youtube channel is created to assist YouTube content creators in getting the best results for their videos.

What mic does Sean Cannell use?

Sean uses [amazon link=”B010W6WFEA” link_text=”Shure MV51″] and Rode VideoMic Pro+ for their Think Media videos.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Shure MV51 has an in-built audio interface and a sensitive control panel. This panel works in direct contact with the mic’s recording app, useful with podcast recording apps for iPhone too.

Jeven Dovey

Jeven Dovey is a famous adventurer and a filmmaker who has created a Youtube channel about filmmaking tips and storytelling essentials.

What mic does Jeven Dovey use?

Jeven Dovey makes use of the [amazon link=”B081S9BCHF” link_text=”Rode VideoMic NTG”] for his videos.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Rode VideoMic NTG is known for offering versatility as well as perfect audio quality. Thus, Jeven can easily use this mic for his videos which he sheets at home only.

Microphones Popular With Top YouTube Product Reviewers

Marques Brownlee

Marques Brownlee is a famous American YouTuber who brings out technology-based videos. His channel enjoys more than 10 million subscribers.

What mic does Marques Brownlee use?

Marques Brownlee makes use of Shure SM7B along with [amazon link=”B00030679K” link_text=”Sennheiser MKH416″] for his videos.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Marques uses Sennheiser’s mic to get excellent audio quality while he needs to stay off the camera. Also, Sennheiser is a direction-sensitive mic, which implies that it can focus on the direction they are aimed at.

Linus Tech Tips

Linus Tech Tips is a channel concentrating on diverse tech topics such as iPhones, Tesla cybertruck.

What mic does Linus Tech Tips use?

Linus makes use of Rode Videomic Pro for his on-site videos and [amazon link=”B07KQF165L” link_text=”ModMic 4.0″] for his storytime videos.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Linus uses Rode Videomic Pro for capturing the best quality audio for his video shoots. However, he makes use of ModMic 4.0 for its flexibility. You can directly attach it to your headphones, offering you a way to capture your voice recordings.

Thus, this mic is highly suitable for people who want to use their headphones to record their voice without having a significant mic in front of their face.

Parker Walbeck

Parker Walbeck runs a channel that intends to assist videographers and filmmakers in developing their skills.

What mic does Parker Walbeck use?

Though Parker Walbeck uses diverse mics, he often uses Shure SM7B and Rode NTG3.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Parker is in love with SM7B because it is perfect for up-close voice recording. However, since SM7B is not suitable for on-screen recordings in some sets, this is when Parker uses NTG3. NTG3 is a mic that is often used in TV and films.

Potato Jet

Potato Jet makes videos concentrating mainly on gear used in filmmaking.

What mic does Potato Jet use?

Potato Jet is a huge fan of SM7B.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Since Potato Jet shoots his videos with a ‘direct-to-camera style, he needs a camera to remove any unnecessary background noise. Well, this is where SM7B comes into the picture.

Microphones Popular With Top How-To Video Makers

Matti Haapoja

Matti Haapoja is a YouTuber who makes different videos on filmmaking. He has even collaborated with Peter McKinnon for different videos.

What mic does Matti Haapoja use?

Matti Haapoja uses the Shure SM7B.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Since Matti invites guests on his channels, he needs a mic that can record perfectly clean audio that concentrates on the speaker. Thus, he uses SM7B.

Nick Nimbin

Nick Nimmin creates videos revealing tips and tricks to create successful YouTube videos. Thus, if you plan to make a YouTube channel, you need to view his videos.

What mic does Nick Nimmin use?

Nick Nimmin uses Rode mics, using the VideoMic Pro and the Broadcaster.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

The Broadcaster is a condenser mic and, as the name suggests, is used mainly in the broadcasting industry. However, the Broadcaster cannot diminish any background noise. Thus, when Nick is shooting videos while traveling, he uses the VideoMic Pro, which is compatible with location-based shooting scenarios.

DSLR Video Shooter

As the name suggests, this channel is all about videos concerning shooting tutorials for DSLR cameras.

What mic does DSLR Video Shooter use?

DSLR Video Shooter uses Rode VideoMicro, Rode Wireless Go, and Rode VideoMicro with a windscreen.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

DSLR videos require high sensitivity, accuracy, and direction-responsive mic. These features are found in the Rode VideoMicro mic. Also, Rode Wireless Go is another excellent mic that offers flawless audio quality along with a super-cardioid polar pattern.

Microphones Popular With Top Interviews

Powerful JRE

Powerful JRE is a channel by famous podcast celebrity Joe Rogan. His channel talks about different topics ranging from martial arts to politics to elk meat etc.

What mic does Powerful JRE use?

Powerful JRE makes use of Shure SM7B for his videos.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Joe Rogan shoots his videos in the studio with his guests sitting opposite each other. Thus, he needs to use Shure SM7B, which can easily pick up the speaker’s voice while blocking another speaker’s voice, if any.

No Jumper

No Jumper is a podcast channel that Adam22, an internet celebrity, runs.

What mic does Adam use?

Adam also uses SM7B along with ElectroVoice RE20.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Jumper makes use of two dynamic microphones as he needs to isolate the voice recordings of individual persons.

Gary Vee

Gary Vee is a channel emphasizing topics such as marketing, entrepreneurs, business, and life-related topics.

What mic does Gary Vee use?

Gary uses Shure SM7B and the Sennheiser Pro Audio ME2 lavalier mic.

What makes this mic a good choice for them?

Gary Vee uses Shure SM7B to diminish any ambient noises coming into the mic. At the same time, he uses Sennheiser Pro Audio ME2 in videos interviewing his guests.

from https://beststudiomics.com/what-microphones-do-youtubers-use/

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beststudiomic · 3 years

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Shure MV7 Versus Blue Yeti Nano Review

Whether you’re a podcaster, a streamer, or a YouTuber looking for a new mic to upgrade your audio content, chances are you came across models from the two biggest names of the industry: Shure and Blue.

In this article, we’re presenting you with a Shure MV7 versus Blue Yeti Nano review to help

Design

Before we dive into the performance and sound quality of these amazing microphones, let’s take a close look at their designs and how they’re built.

Shure MV7

It’s no secret that the MV7 is inspired by the SMV7, but this doesn’t mean they’re identical. For one, the design of the MV7 lacks the iconic oblong grille of the SMV7, and although the overall shape of the front-address is similar, the capsule is covered by a screw-on foam pop filter.

When this filter/windscreen, you won’t see a grille — just the unprotected dynamic capsule in direct view. As such, you should note that the filter must be properly intact to guard the capsule, which means that it’s removable only for color personalization purposes.

The Shure MV7 is available in black or silver finishes, with sturdy metal construction. The capsule has a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency range of 50Hz to 16kHz. As for the mic’s A/D converter, it can record 16-bit or 24-bit audio at a sample rate of 44.1kHz or 48kHz.

The MV7 comes with a swivel mount that you can screw into any standard mic stand, with an adapter for smaller thread mounts included in the box. However, if you want a desktop tripod stand, mic stand, or boom arm stand, you’ll have to pay extra.

Top Panel

The MV7’s top panel features a control strip running along the border of the filter’s edge. This strip carries touch-activated controls for Mute, a slider to adjust levels, and a button to switch the slider function between mic gain and headphone volume.

Additionally, if you hold the Mute and Level buttons at the same time, you’ll lock or unlock the control panel to prevent accidentally changing your settings.

Back Panel

As for the back panel of the Shure MV7, it’s equipped with an XLR connection for standard pro-studio cables, a micro USB connection, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack for live monitoring. You get two USB cables in the box; a USB-A and a USB-C.

App Support

The Shure Motiv app is available for PCs and mobile devices. It allows you to make full use of the MV7’s capabilities, featuring EQ presets, tone presets, monitor adjusting during playback as well as dynamic compression and limiting.

Users particularly enjoy that they get to control the mic’s parameters while recording in another app — all in real-time. The Motiv app also allows for quick Muting and Gain control via the software window, which means you don’t even have to touch the mic to make adjustments.

Compatibility

The MV7 supports Mac OS 10.13 to 10.15, Windows 10, iOS 12, as well as Android 8.0 and up. However, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper cables for the connection. For example, connecting to an iPhone requires a Lightning cable that’s not included in the box.

Blue Yeti Nano

As the compact version of the Blue Yeti series, the Nano measures 4.29 x 3.78 x 8.31 inches (L x W x H) when mounted to the included stand and weighs almost 1.4 pounds. It’s made from aluminum metal alloy and available in muted gold, black, red, and blue colors.

The Yeti Nano is equipped with condenser capsules that support two polar patterns; cardioid and omnidirectional. This means you can select the typical pattern to record vocals or choose the 360-degree recording field for field recordings, recording several musicians or speakers at the same time, or conference calls.

The Blue Yeti Nano records 24-bit, 48kHz audio and has a frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. Like many other Blue USB mics, this one doesn’t use DSP, which can be challenging at first trying to achieve the right balance between level gains and positioning.

Front Side

The overall look has a professional vibe, especially with the Blue logo situated right at the front along with an oversized headphone volume knob. This knob lights up green when you connect the mic to a computer and lights up red when you press it to serve as a mute button.

Since it’s a side-address model, you’ll need to speak into the grille above the front panel.

Stand

The included stand features a swivel mount that lets you direct the capsule in various angles to achieve the best recording position. Unlike most desktop stands and smaller USB mics, the Yeti Nano has an ideal height for desktop recording.

However, the stand will probably be a little low for closer scenarios. To pull off the ultimate sleek look, the base is designed with a canal to thread the USB cable through.

Bottom Side

When you look at the bottom of the mic, you’ll see a 1/4-inch thread mount that lets you attach it to different camera tripods. There’s also a 3/4-inch screw-in adapter that accommodates connection to any standard mic stand.

Additionally, the panel on the bottom has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a micro USB port.

App Support

Blue’s app support consists of Sherpa, which is a desktop application that grants you touchless mic control, including gain adjustment and switching polar patterns. This sheds light on the fact that the Yeti Nano doesn’t have a gain knob, so you’re basically forced to download a desktop app if you want to adjust gain levels.

Compatibility

The Yeti Nano is compatible with Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, and Mac OS 10.10 or higher. It requires USB 1.1, 2.0, or 3.0 connection cable.

Performance

Now that we’ve gone over the design, it’s time to talk about the performance.

Shure MV7

Right off the bat, the Shure MV7 offers users great versatility since it can work with an analog XLR-style setup or with a digital USB connection for PCs. As expected, the onboard gain controls and the headphone output don’t work in XLR mode, so it’s a typical analog signal with no DSP.

If your main use will be XLR, the SMV7 may be a better option to consider, but if you’re going to frequently or exclusively use the USB connection, the MV7 is definitely what you need. If you appreciate versatility, the Shure MV7 should be right up your alley. You’ll be able to record with XLR one session and use USB the next.

This mic is quite suitable for those with less recording experience since thanks to its plug-and-play setup that still delivers quality results. Combined with the Motiv app, you’ll get to apply DSP to make your vocals sound clean, dynamically even, and pop-free.

Blue Yeti Nano

The Yeti Nano offers an instant ready-to-go experience. Even if you don’t adjust the gain levels via the Sherpa software, you’ll find that the default levels are workable without distortion on typical vocals.

Unlike some USB mics that claim to be low-latency but still have minor slapback delay, the Yeti Nano is true to its claim. The sounds you hear in the headphones are in perfect sync with real-time audio in the room.

Keep in mind that the Yeti Nani isn’t a bass-oriented mic, instead, it focuses on clarity in the high-mids and highs. Still, you can bring the lows up a bit by adjusting the gain to higher levels, and recording from a closer distance.

Adjusting the mic levels in Sherpa is simple. Although the default gain level is pretty close to the idea, you’ll need to dial them back if you’re working with loud sound sources. Luckily, the Sherpa app is easy to use and makes adjusting the mic levels quite simple.

Specs

Feature Shure v7 MV7 Blue Yeti Nano Construction Material Metal Aluminum metal alloy Dimensions L x W x H: 6 x 3.6 x 6 inches (15.24 x 9.1 x 15.24 cm) L x W x H: 4.29 x 3.78 x 8.31 inches (10.9 x 9.6 x 21.1 cm) Weight 1.21 pounds / 0.55 kg 1.39 pounds / 0.63 kg Mounting 5/8″-27 Female 1/4″-20 Female, 5/8″-27 Female, Tabletop (included) Power USB or Lightning connector 5V 150mA Sound Field Mono Mono Polar Pattern Cardioid, Unidirectional Cardioid, Omnidirectional Orientation End Address Side Address Capsule Dynamic Condenser Frequency Range 50 Hz to 16 kHz 20 Hz to 20 kHz Sensitivity Unidirectional: -55 dBV at 1 kHz

Unidirectional: -47 dBFS/Pa at 1 kHz

4.5 mV/Pa at 1 kHz Maximum SPL Unidirectional: 132 dB SPL 120 dB SPL (1 kHz, .5% THD) A/D Conversion 16 / 24-Bit 24-Bit Sample Rate 44.1 / 48 kHz 48 kHz Headphone Output 1/8″ / 3.5 mm 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Compatibility Operating System: Android, Windows, iOS, macOS/OS X

Mobile Device Compatibility: iPad or Later, iPhone 6th Gen. or Later, iPod

RAM requirement: 2 GB minimum

Operating System: Windows, iOS, macOS/OS X

USB requirement: 1.1, 2.0, or 3.0

Pros

To help you choose between the two mics, we decided to sum up the advantages of each one:

Shure MV7

Flawless broadcast sound: this mic takes after the Shure SM7B, which is a staple in the industry and used on lots of podcasts and radio broadcasts.

Works with analog and digital setup: thanks to its multiple outputs, you can use this versatile mic with just about any podcasting setup.

Features a built-in pop filter: this addition helps protect against plosives and p-pops to simplify the editing process.

Has a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern: this allows the capsule to capture the sounds directly in front of it, which is the best way to naturally fight room noise.

Great dynamic mic for vocals.

Supported by Shure Motiv app which allows for real-time EQ and basic controls while recording.

Teamspeak and MFI certification

Blue Yeti Nano

Made for vocals: the mic is tailored to produce great vocals, making it ideal for podcasters, YouTubers, game streaming, and voice-over work.

True latency-free monitoring with real-time sync.

Flexible recording options: thanks to the dual-capsule design, this mic lets you choose between cardioid or omnidirectional polar patterns. As such, you can use cardioid to capture your voice and minimize room noise or use omnidirectional to pick up audio all around the mic and deliver a sense of the room.

Accommodates multiple mounting options.

Includes a USB cable and a 1/4″ to 5/8″ adapter.

Suitable for shoppers on a budget.

Cons

Now, it’s only fair to mention the cons of each mic.

Shure MV7

Available at a high price point compared to the budget-friendly Blue Yeti Nano.

The windscreen is a bit loose.

Doesn’t ship with a mic stand nor mount.

Blue Yeti Nano

Requires you to download the Sherpa desktop app to adjust gain levels.

Doesn’t feature a pop filter or windscreen.

Some users reported that the front dial feels loose and the ports are a bit flimsy.

Limited controls.

Wrap Up

To wrap up our Shure MV7 versus Blue Yeti Nano review, let’s tackle the million-dollar question: which one should you choose?

If you’re a podcaster, a YouTuber, or a gamer who’s looking for a premium mic with outstanding versatility, then you’re probably better off with the Shure MV7 since you can use it as a USB or XLR mic — or both simultaneously. It’s also ideal for streamers being Teamspeak and MFI-certified.

However, the Yeti Nano has a huge advantage for users on a budget as it offers excellent sound quality near-identical to high-end models at a lower price. So if you’re looking to take your podcast, streaming, or personal recording to the next level without breaking the bank, this mic may be just what you need.

The post Shure MV7 Versus Blue Yeti Nano Review appeared first on Best Studio Mics.

from https://beststudiomics.com/shure-mv7-vs-blue-yeti-nano-review/

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beststudiomic · 3 years

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The Ultimate PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio USB 2.0 Review 2021

Every musician or music producer relies on special software and hardware to bring their creation to life. So, what if we told you that you can find everything you’ll probably need to record tracks in one tiny device?

In this PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio USB 2.0 review 2021, we’ll tell you all about this buddy’s best aspects. Are you ready to dive in?

PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio Overview

Who doesn’t like a whole recording studio at their fingertips? Well, this is what PreSonus AudioBox 96 is hoping to deliver to enthusiastic musicians.

This unit gives you the chance to create multitrack recordings, make demos, record podcasts, and much more. With two inputs for a mic and an instrument, there’s a multitude of things you can do with such a small device.

Now, let’s explore each one of its features more in-depth.

The Amazing Features of PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio USB 2.0

Numerous qualities make this recording kit popular amongst people in the music industry. Here’s everything to admire about it.

Straightforward Audio/MIDI Interface

For all beginners out there, this box can seem like the perfect device to get to record music or audio. It all lies in how simple and easy this interface is to use. All you’ll have to do is plug in your mic, instrument, or both, and start recording right away.

The interface has two mic/instrument inputs, giving you a good level of versatility to suit basic recording purposes. This way, you could create high-quality live recordings, demos, and even field recordings to use as sound effects.

The USB port is the best thing about this audio box, allowing you to connect it to the majority of smart devices. For someone new to this game, things can’t get more simple.

Professional-Grade Quality

The quality of your recordings should be your top priority, and this guy here can help you out with this. For example, it supports a 24-bit resolution, which is the sound quality that all professionals work with.

Also, the kit comes with 96kHz converters to make your results top-notch. See, high-definition recording isn’t far-fetched after all.

What’s more to like about this beauty is that it involves high-performance microphone preamps. Along with the included condenser mic and HD headphones, you should be one step closer to all your musical dreams.

Maximum Compatibility

According to the manufacturer, you’ll only need a computer or laptop besides this unit to have a full-on studio. Even better, your job should be much easier since the AudioBox 96 Studio supports most recording software.

Whether you’re using Mac or Windows, this mini-studio will keep up with either operating system just fine. However, it won’t work on a Chromebook.

Studio One Artist Support

Here’s the real-deal feature that all entry-level artists could take advantage of. Studio One Artist is a software dedicated to music production and recording, and there’s a lot to love about it.

First off, this tool can offer you unlimited tracks and samples to take your music to the next level. It’s pretty hard to find this feature in other recording kits at the same price.

Second of all, Studio One Artist can make complex tasks a bit easier. Even if you’re working with numerous tracks, this application will help you stay focused and organized. This way, your inspiration will remain intact and not get lost in the middle of hundreds of ideas.

Also, this software grants you access to various editing tools so that music production can be a breeze for you.

Compact Design

If you’re the traveling type, you’ll most definitely appreciate how portable this recording kit is. All the components are small enough to put in a suitcase along with your laptop. So, the fun shouldn’t have to stop when you’re far from home.

The main unit only weighs about 4.8 pounds. Plus, the package where your AudioBox 96 Studio will be is just 18.54 x 7.91 x 3.78 inches. It’s impressive how such a little device can give you so much in terms of performance and quality.

Reasonable Price

The last thing we’d like to discuss is this product’s price. This little guy is one of the most affordable interfaces out there. And the best thing is that this convenient price doesn’t compromise the quality of the device one bit.

Of course, this makes the AudioBox 96 Studio USB 2.0 a great choice for beginners. This is because it combines solid, studio-like performance and a reasonable price. There’s plenty to admire about it, right?

FAQs

What makes the HD7 headphones so special?

The included HD7 headphones can give you impressive sound quality, from deep bass to upbeat treble tones. Their sensitivity to sound allows you to hear even the tiniest details in your audio to make your work easier.

Plus, the design of the headphones is ergonomic and adjustable so that everyone can use them comfortably. This may be exceptionally helpful if you spend hours recording music.

Are there any downsides to AudioBox 96 Studio?

Everything in life has pros and cons, but sometimes the upsides can dwarf the drawbacks a great deal. This is the case with our buddy here since it comes with minimal downsides.

For starters, some users stated that the mic was great for recording audio, but not the best for music. Yet, you could always plug in your instruments and save the microphone for vocals only.

Also, it may take you a while to figure out how to set up Studio One because the website might not be clear enough on directions. But once you find your way around installing the necessary drivers, your work should go smoothly from there.

Final Thoughts

After this PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio USB 2.0 review, we’re pretty sure that your interest was piqued. If you’re an entry-level artist looking for a sturdy recording kit to start your musical journey, here’s your shot.

The AudioBox 96 Studio can offer you an awesome balance of quality, portability, and affordability. So, are you prepared to take your music-making to the next level?

The post The Ultimate PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio USB 2.0 Review 2021 appeared first on Best Studio Mics.

from https://beststudiomics.com/ultimate-presonus-audiobox-review-2021/

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beststudiomic · 3 years

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FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone: Computer PC Microphone Kit Review 2021

If you’re an aspiring YouTuber, Twitch streamer, or podcaster, you need an audio kit that can stand up to the task.

Among all the microphone kits I’ve looked at, one, in particular, stood out: the FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Kit. Why? Because it offers superior sound quality at —get this— less than $100.

For budget-conscious individuals or those who are just starting off in the world of recording, this audio kit may be the answer.

I’ve written all my honest thoughts about the FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone Kit in the product review below. Is it your next audio kit? Let’s find out.

What’s In the Box?

Among thousands of budget microphones in the market, the FIFINE USB Microphone Kit is perhaps one of the best when it comes to value.

If the price wasn’t mentioned, you’d likely never guess that it costs less than $100!

Alongside the microphone itself, the FIFINE T669, this kit comes with the following:

Pivot mount

Shock mount holder

Dual-layer pop filter

Tripod stand

Scissor arm stand

20 ft. / 2.5M USB cable

Foam cover

User manual

One year warranty (two with online registration)

The FIFINE arm stand has a maximum extension length of around 76 cm, long enough for it to extend from the side of your desk to your mouth. With this, you won’t have to lean off to one side to talk to the mic.

This is especially helpful if you’re doing streams, vlogs, and product reviews that require you to position yourself in the middle of the video!

Moreover, it won’t get in the way or prevent you from making eye contact with your audience if you’re going live.

The boom arm stand, along with the shock mount, greatly reduces vibration or file flipping noise sounds from your workplace.

Another great addition to this microphone kit is the dual-layer pop filter. As the name suggests, a pop filter reduces unpleasant “P” and “B” popping sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast-moving air close to the microphone.

For on-the-road conferencing and outdoor vocal recording, the tripod and foam cover comes in handy. Setup is easy and quick, and you can throw the whole audio setup into a small backpack.

Technical Specs

Microphone type: Condenser

Polar pattern: Cardioid

Frequency response: 20-20kHz

Sensitivity (at 1kHz): -34d±30%

S/N ratio: 78dB

Tone: High-ends sensitive

Microphone size (height x diameter): 120 x 48 mm

Sound Quality

At the end of the day, it all comes down to sound quality.

Compared to dynamic microphones, the FIFINE T669 condenser microphone has the ability to follow sound waves acutely, therefore receiving a broader frequency response. As a result, the FIFINE T669 produces crystal clear sound quality.

Moreover, it has a higher sensitivity output and lower noise input than most other microphones in the same price range.

The frequency response and sensitivity are decent. They may not be suitable for professional ASMR videos and music covers, but they can handle high SPLs with little to no problem.

Also, the FIFINE T669 features a cardioid condenser capsule that has the capacity to reduce background noises significantly.

For best results, I recommend placing the mic roughly four inches away from your mouth, especially if you’re using it for podcasts, radio broadcasts, or gaming.

The FIFINE T669 microphone can be used directly out of the box. Even without changing your audio settings, it has great sound quality. However, you can increase the microphone’s audio quality by correctly configuring your audio settings found in your live broadcasting/recording software.

Don’t hesitate to play around with your settings until you find the perfect balance of soft and sharp.

Features

The FIFINE Studio Condenser is well-loved for its many features. Some of the most notable ones are as follows:

USB Plug & Play

Instead of worrying about a power source or searching for a dedicated plug, this mic works by simply plugging it into any USB port available. Luckily, USB ports come in abundance in PCs and laptops due to their universal application.

Unlike other microphones, no drivers or software installation is required to start using this mic. It works with all types of operating systems including Mac, Windows, and Linux.

High-Quality Build

The FIFINE Studio Condenser is incredibly solid and durable. It has a decent amount of weight to it; just enough to keep it standing so it won’t topple on its own.

Along with its metal body, it has a good-quality metal mesh and a fairly strong 1.8-meter cable.

The tripod and the other accessories are fairly well-made, especially for the price it comes with. All major parts are made of metal. I might even go as far as to say they’re on par with some of the more expensive accessories online!

Gain Knob

The FIFINE microphone features a built-in gain knob that allows you to adjust sensitivity with ease.

Depending on how close you have the microphone to your mouth, you can either increase or decrease the mic’s ability to pick up sounds. The louder the volume, the higher its sensitivity.

This way, you can make sure your voice is loud enough for your audience while gaming or streaming with just a twist of a button. You don’t have to adjust this setting from your recording software.

Easy-to-Attach Function

No one wants to spend ages setting up their audio equipment. Luckily, that’s not an issue with the FIFINE microphone.

The FIFINE 13″ scissor arm stand features a sturdy C-clamp and a detachable desktop combo mount. It also offers a 30″ reach and a low-profile, table-hugging design that’s especially suitable for on-air gaming and product reviews.

Bottom Line

The FIFINE Microphone Kit is a solid entry-level audio set. It performs exceptionally well when it comes to capturing audio and vocals, making it among the best budget-friendly microphone kits in the market. It’s praised for its incredible sound quality and background noise resistance. Plus, it looks and feels quite premium!

The post FIFINE Studio Condenser USB Microphone: Computer PC Microphone Kit Review 2021 appeared first on Best Studio Mics.

from https://beststudiomics.com/fifine-studio-condenser-usb-microphone-computer-review/

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beststudiomic · 3 years

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Mogami Gold STUDIO-100 XLR: Review 2021 Microphone Cable

Made by professionals for professionals, the Mogami Gold STUDIO-100 XLR is a microphone cable with impressive sound performance. For years, it has been mentioned in top-10 lists and XLR recommendations.

Is it really worth all the hype, though? What makes it special compared to other XLR cables? Read on to know more in this Mogami Gold STUDIO-100 XLR product review!

Mogami Gold STUDIO-100 XLR Overview

The Mogami Gold STUDIO-100 XLR is a professional XLR mic cable that offers excellent noise reduction, enhanced dynamic range, and superior clarity.

It comes in nine different length options that range up to a staggering 100 feet. Many hesitate to buy overly long cables because they often interfere with sound quality. Luckily, this isn’t the case with the Mogami Gold XLR.

Featuring a balanced 4-conductor cable, the Mogami Gold XLR is known to reduce unwanted background noise and amplify sound without the risk of feedback or distortion.

Wired with Neglex Studio Quad cabling, this XLR cable is as long-lasting as it is functional. It’s specifically designed to handle frequent patching and rewiring.

To further attest to its quality, Mogami offers a lifetime “No Excuses” warranty; something that you’d rarely see in equipment that has any kind of wiring.

Due to its overall premium build and performance, the Mogami Studio Gold XLR is listed at a premium price. However, those that have used it praise it for its exceptional quality.

Technical Specs

Connector 1: 3-Pin XLR M

Connector 2: 3-Pin XLR F

Cable length: 2′ – 100′

Insulation type: Polyethylene

Jacket type: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Contact plating: Gold

Shielding: Bare copper spiral

Conductor: Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC)

of Conductors: 4

Features

The Mogami Gold Studio XLR has consistently ranked near the top of “best XLR” lists. Let’s take a look at the features that make this XLR cable worth noting:

Four-Conductor Cable Design

Compared to standard XLR cables with two conductors, the Mogami Gold Studio has four. At first glance, the significance may not be as notable. However, four-conductor wires actually have a higher threshold when it comes to power than the two-conductor wires.

It also has a higher effective gauge, which further increases power delivery. As a result, Mogami Gold Studio’s four-conductor design produces exceptionally clear sound.

It’s also thanks to the Gold Studio’s quad cable design that this XLR has superior noise cancellation. In fact, some users report that it improves the rejection of noise by up to 95%. This makes it especially suitable for mixers, preamps, audio interfaces, loudspeakers, studio monitors, and more.

Gold-Pin Neutrik Connectors

Neutrik XLR connectors are well-loved for their robust construction, easy-to-assemble design, and effective “clamp” function. The gold-plate-over, while less conductive than copper, survives in harsh environments better. It’s also much easier to clean.

Gold doesn’t corrode, while silver tarnishes with sulfur. If given a choice, always go for gold! Another plus on Mogami for thinking this far ahead.

100% Coverage Spiral Copper Shield

Cable wiring comes in multiple shielding varieties, including braid, aluminum foil, conductive plastics, and, of course, spiral shield. Among all mentioned, my favorite type is hands down the spiral shield.

As the name suggests, spiral shields are manufactured by wrapping metallic strands in a spiral fashion around a cable core.

Compared to most other cable shields, spiral shields offer exceptional flexibility and flex life. As a result, they perform increasingly well in audio applications.

Durable Construction

The Gold Studio features Mogami’s trademark ‘NEGLEX’ Oxygen-Free-Copper colour-coded PVC insulation. It’s also covered by a low-profile super flexible PVC jacket that protects the cables from outside elements.

Oxygen-free copper is proven to run cooler than most other types of conductors. Due to its reduced oxygen, it’s far less likely to corrode and is quite resistant to accidental shorts. As such, the Gold Studio XLR has a longer life and greater reliability than most other XLR cables.

PVC jackets are quite popular and used in most cable designs. It’s tough and has decent mechanical strength. Moreover, it’s resistant to abrasion.

If that doesn’t convince you of Gold Studio XLR’s durability, allow Mogami’s lifetime warranty to speak for itself. If anything unfortunate occurs with the cable, all you’ll have to do is visit a Mogami dealer for an exchange or fill out the company’s online Warranty Request Form.

Broad Compatibility

The Mogami Gold Studio-100 XLR features an XLR 3-pin output and input, giving it a broad compatibility function.

The Gold Studio XLR is usually paired with preamps, power speakers, mixers, and audio interfaces. But that’s not all; it can also be used in vocalist mics and percussion in a recording studio, as well as studio monitors and loudspeakers.

Due to its plug-and-play design, the Gold Studio XLR uses the same cable for microphones, instruments, and multi-channel interfaces. It can be used with nearly any device that supports an XLR 3-pin input or output.

Noticeable Sound Difference

At the end of the day, it all comes down to sound. This is especially true if you’re a voice artist, as every component in your audio set must be as high-quality and dependable as possible. With this, the Mogami Gold Studio XLR doesn’t disappoint.

As soon as you plug your audio equipment into the cord, you’ll notice a significant sound difference in your audio.

Apart from noise cancellation, the Gold Studio XLR makes sure your voice is as true-to-life as possible.

Pros

Multiple cable length options

Superior build and shielding

Lifetime “No Excuses” warranty

Greatly enhances audio quality

Can be used in hectic studios with grounding and wiring problems

Impressive RF interference and noise-canceling

Maintains mic sound clarity

Sturdy and reliable

Cons

Not the most affordable

Heavier than typical mic cables

Roll-up storage can be challenging due to cable thickness

Bottom Line

Whether you’re a professional artist or simply want to upgrade your audio gear, the Mogami Gold Studio-100 XLR is a valuable addition to your set. Although it’s slightly more expensive than regular XLR cables, it’s well worth the price difference if you’re searching for exceptional audio quality!

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beststudiomic · 3 years

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Best Microphone Stand Extension Arm Review 2021

Have you ever recorded a long piece on your microphone, only to release that it had tons of background shock noises from the clutter on your desk? The best solution to this is by hanging your microphone boom on an extended arm.

If you’re looking for the best microphone stand extension arm, you’re in for a treat! In today’s article, we’ll walk you through a complete guide with everything you need to know so you can land the ideal pick for your needs.

So without further ado, let’s hop in!

Top 7 Microphone Stand Extension Arms Available on the Market

With all the options on the market, it might be quite overwhelming to pick the best microphone stand extension arm.

To help you with the search process, here are brief reviews of the best options that you’ll come across in the market:

1. RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Stand Extension Arm

kicking off the list with one of our favorite microphones stand extension arms on the market, the RODE PSA 1.

This extension arm keeps a balance between rugged built, easy use, high compatibility, as well as decent price, which makes it worthy of being the overall best recommendation.

The PSA 1 by RODE offers excellent rotation and adjustment, as it can be rotated up to a full 360 degrees, so you won’t have to unmount it to change its direction.

As for the arm itself, this one is designed to support a horizontal reach of about 32.5 inches as well as 33.0 inches of vertical reach.

The cables run through the tubing externally but the package comes with multiple velcro tape bands to fix the cables and secure them onto the arm.

The extension arm is designed originally for RODE Podcasters but can work with most microphones that weigh between 1.5 lbs and 2.4 lbs when combined with a 2 lbs shock mount for total support of 4.4 lbs.

One of the best things about this stand is how silent it moves, thanks to the special engineering of the internal springs, so you won’t have to worry about catching any squeaks or noises while recording with the extension arm.

The package also comes with different mounting accessories for different surfaces as well as 3/8 and 5/8 inches adapters, which allows you to attach it to different mics.

Pros

Highly stable performance

Quiet springs for noise-free adjustment

Comes with different adapters and accessories to attach different microphones

Cons

The cables run externally with velcro securing

2. TONOR T30 Microphone Stand Extension Arm

If you’re a beginner looking for a decent extension arm to start your streaming or podcasting career with, you might want to look for cost efficiency and stay within your budget. In that case, one of the best options to consider would be the TONOR T30.

This one is an upgraded version of the T20 and offers much better features and specifications for a slightly more expensive price.

For starters, it’s 9.4 inches longer than the T20, giving you a longer reach, so you can sit comfortably and have the mic close to you wherever you are.

Additionally, it has a maximum load capacity of 4.4 lbs, which is equal to the RODE PSA 1. This allows you to attach various microphones, even if it’s a bulky one like the BlueYeti.

It also comes with 3/8 and 5/8 inches adapters to allow you to connect them to a huge range of microphones, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility.

Pros

An excellent choice for beginners

The clamp fits thick tables and features a headset hook

Comes with an extra pop filter and a foam cover for microphones

Cons

Requires some lubrication to work properly

3. Samson MBA38 Microphone Stand Extension Arm

Next up, we have the MBA38 microphone stand extension arm from Samson. This one attaches quite easily to desks and other surfaces, so you can use them either vertically or horizontally!

This is achievable because this boom arm comes with a unique base as well as a c clamp structure with three bolts that allow you to install this stand with ease.

What makes this microphone pretty unique is that it can hold up quite a hefty microphone that weighs up to 5 lbs, so it’s an ideal choice for anyone that has a relatively expensive and heavy microphone in their setup.

The microphone stand is available in multiple reach distances that range anywhere between 18 to 48 inches. It also has well-built and designed springs that are quiet when they’re adjusted.

Moreover, all the body and springs are made of steel, making the extension arm quite durable and rugged for heavy use. When not in use, the arm can also be folded completely to save up on space.

Pros

Can be folded to save space when not in use

Supports pretty heavy microphones

Available in a variety of reach sizes

Cons

Can be quite heavy to move and adjust

4. Heil Sound PL-2T Overhead Broadcast Boom

Heil Sound PL-2T is one of the most criminally underrated microphones stands extension arms out there that deserve much more appreciation for its excellent build quality and design.

Although it might be a little on the pricier end of the scale, it does offer a sleek boom arm that is made of durable metal that will stand the test of time.

The design has a state of the art internal threading system that will hide away all the wirings of the microphone.

To do that, you only need to remove the top and back plates and thread the cables through the channel.

Another thing the Heil PL-2T microphone boom arm hides out of sight is the springs for adjusting the arm’s reach.

This isn’t only good for aesthetics and design but also helps in further muffling the sound of the springs, ensuring a completely noise-free quality that lasts with regular maintenance and lubrication.

The arm extension comes with a decent c clamp that allows you to secure the microphone on any desk even if it’s a relatively thick one.

Moreover, the package comes with an additional counterweight to balance the weight of the microphone.

The only drawback that this product has is that it only accepts 5/8 inches connections with microphones and shock mounts.

Pros

Aesthetically pleasing design that hides away the cables internally

Remarkably quiet performance

Comes with a counterweight and c clamp to mount easily on desks

Cons

Only accepts 5/8 inches microphones and shock mounts

5. Blue Compass Tube-Style Broadcast Microphone Stand Extension Arm

The Blue Compass is another fan favorite option that many content creatures rely on while recording or streaming. This one has an all-tube design made from extruded aluminum, which is durable enough to handle heavy use.

Additionally, the system has a special hidden channel that is specifically designed so that you feed the cable into and prevent wire clutter.

Moreover, it uses a swivel point that allows you to rotate the system in 360 degrees. The boom arm will support up to 2.4 lbs, which is suitable for medium microphones.

The only drawback about this great option is that it might be a bit pricey for an aluminum boom arm.

Pros

Fits most microphones with 3/8 and 5/8 adapters.

Easily tightening after adjustment for a relatively smooth operation

The internal springs design allow for a quiet performance

Cons

A bit pricey

6. K&M 23860 Microphone Desk Extension Arm

If you want to buy an extension arm that won’t require you to replace it any time soon, you should look no further than the K&M 23860.

Despite being one of the most expensive options on the market, it offers an outstanding level of craftsmanship in terms of durability and design. For that reason, a lot of top streamers and Youtubers have been using it in their videos.

The microphone stands extension arm offers a significantly longer reach of about 37 inches and is made from extremely durable steel.

It can support up to 3.2 lbs of weight, so you won’t have to worry about the weight of your microphone. It uses 5/8 inches thread connectors, which are commonly used in professional microphones used with this boom arm.

Pros

Used by professional streamers and top Youtubers around the world

Excellent construction in terms of both design and durability

Has a long reach

Cons

Premium price tag

7. InnoGear Microphone Stand Extension Arm

If you’re on a strict budget, you might want to get a relatively low-priced option that still holds up well. In that case, you might want to try the InnoGear microphone stand extension arm.

It might not be the best-looking option out there. However, it’s still a quite practical option that gets the job done. The stand is made of steel, which ensures durability and longevity.

It’s also durable enough to support a variety of medium-sized microphones and comes with the 3/8 and 5/8 inches adapter needed for most of the models on the market.

However, you should keep in mind that this one has maximum load support of about 3.3 lbs including the shock mount, so they’re not suitable for professional grade microphones.

The swiveling springs on the extension arm allow it to adjust at an angle of 135 degrees on the lower plate and 180 degrees on the top plate.

Pros

Ideal for buyers on a strict budget

Compatible with a variety of microphones

Quite easy to install

Cons

Lacks the aesthetics needed for streaming

Not suitable for professional users

What Are the Benefits of Having a Microphone Stand Extension Arm?

Having a microphone stand arm might provide you with a variety of benefits. Let’s have a quick look at some of the advantages of having a good boom arm:

Keeps Your Desk Neat and Tidy

Besides allowing for a hands-free operation, which is essential for all kinds of content creators that use a microphone, boom arms serve an additional benefit.

Traditional mic desk stands will take a lot of space on your workspace. Moreover, they’ll also leave the cables spread out everywhere.

However, extension arms use the vertical space to save up space and you can wrap the cables on them to keep things tidy and neat.

Allows You to Move Around

Another valuable benefit of having these microphone stand extension arms is that they can be easily adjusted to any position you’re at.

However, traditional desk stands will force you to always lean towards the mic, which might be unsuitable for what you’re doing.

Things to Look for While Shopping for a Microphone Stand Extension

You might think that all microphone stands are the same. However, there are various aspects that will dictate how cost-efficient your investment was.

This is because microphone stand extension arms have various features and buying points and tips that you need to know about before making up your mind on one. In this section, we’ll walk you through these points.

Materials and durability

Most microphone stand extension arms are made of metal, which is either steel or aluminum. If you’re looking for longevity and supporting relatively heavy or expensive microphones, you might want to consider steel ones.

One thing you should keep in mind is that they’re usually quite pricier than aluminum ones. The aluminum options are also quite handy because they are lightweight. Yet, they’re durable enough to handle lightweight to medium-sized microphones efficiently.

However, aluminum boom arms might not be too sturdy to support those remarkably heavy microphones and shock mounts.

In addition to metals, there are some microphone stand extension arms that are made of a combination of plastic and metal.

These ones are of course the cheapest. However, they’re also quite flimsy and won’t support medium to heavy microphones, so they’re not ideal for professional use.

Reaching Length

Another important aspect that you need to keep in mind while deciding on a microphone stand extension arm is its length.

Most boom arms vary in length, averaging from as little as 18 inches and as much as 60 inches. The choice here depends mainly on the size of your setup and how far should the microphone be away for you.

Ideally, some extension arms also offer vertical and horizontal reach. This depends mainly on how you mount and adjust the boom arm.

A good tip here is to always get an extension arm that has a length that is as close to the distance you expect as possible.

This is because going overboard with the reach length won’t only cost you more unnecessarily, but can also be quite long that you won’t be comfortable using it.

Holding Weight

You should always have a look at some specifications before you decide on a microphone stand extension arm.

This is because the microphone you have will dictate some specific features and specifications for you.

One of those essential specifications is the maximum holding weight of the microphone stand extension arm.

As a rule of thumb, a good boom arm will support a maximum weight of at least 3.0 lbs while the best ones will support anywhere between 4.0 to 5.5 lbs. Make sure that you know the overall of the microphone to pick a suitable boom arm.

One thing you should know here is that the shock mounts, clips, pop filter, and other microphone accessories will also be part of the overall weight that the arm will be able to withstand, so you have to keep them in mind.

Microphone Compatibility

As previously mentioned, not all microphones will be necessarily compatible with all boom arms out there.

The compatibility of the extension arm will depend on the installation adapter that connects the stand extension arm with the microphone.

Ideally, most microphones will use either 3/8 inches or 5/8 inches adapters. Some booth arms come with both adapters to stay compatible with most microphones out there while some have limited compatibility with other microphones.

If you’re getting a microphone boom arm that is specifically designed for your microphone, you shouldn’t worry about compatibility issues.

But other than that, always check that the model you prefer supports your type of microphones before you buy it.

Cable Management

Although this might not cross your mind while choosing, it’s still quite essential. Whether you’re a streamer, vlogger, or any type of content creator who’s speaking through a microphone, you don’t want the microphone cables dangling from the mic.

To avoid cable mess, most users will simply run the cable along the extension arm. For that reason, always look for boom arms that allow you to do this by supplying additional velcro tape straps to keep everything nice and tidy.

Even better, some extension arms come with an internal threading system that will simply run the cables inside the tube of the microphone stand arm.

These options are usually more expensive but they’re also quite handy if you want to keep your workplace as neat and mess-free as possible.

The aesthetics of the holder might not be a critical aspect of the microphone boom arm but it might still play a role in choosing between two similar options in terms of aspects and specifications.

Ease of Adjustment and Rotation

The engineering and design of the internal parts of the extension arm are crucial to the quality of the adjustment.

You typically want to adjust the arm without having them wobble around or change their position.

Swivel arms and springs inside are designed to offer you an extended adjustment and allow you to rotate the system 360 degrees.

Silent Performance

The springs responsible for adjusting the position of the microphone will likely produce some sound while you’re moving them. However, you don’t want this sound to be caught in whatever you’re recording.

The problem is, you might need to adjust the position of the extension arm and microphone while recording, so it would be terribly inconvenient to pause the recording just to change the orientation of the microphone.

For that reason, you need to make sure that the microphone springs are designed to stay as silent as possible

Mounting System

You should also make sure that the extension arm is fitted properly to the desk. The best way to fit the extension arm properly is by using a c clamp and fasten it to the desk. The wider the c clamp opens, the easier it’ll be for you to fit it on any surface.

Check the thickness of wherever you’re planning to fit it and compare it to the maximum opening distance of the clamp to find out whether it’s going to fit your setup.

Price and Your Budget

As you’ve noticed, the price range of the microphone stand extension arm will vary significantly depending on the model you’re going for.

In fact, a microphone boom arm on the market would cost you anywhere from less than $20 all the way to a few hundred bucks.

It’s essential that you set a specific budget for your boom arm that is suitable for the price of the microphone.

Ideally, you don’t want to spend hundreds on a microphone stand extension arm unless it’s carrying a microphone that’s worth thousands of dollars.

The majority of your budget should always go for the microphone then choose a boom arm accordingly.

Wrap Up

There you have it! A complete guide with everything you need to know so you can land the best microphone stand extension arm on the market.

As you can see, there are plenty of options that you can choose from depending on your preference, the type of microphone you have, and your budget.

Ideally, if you’re looking for a convenient microphone stand arm that combines between decent price and great performance, we recommend the RODE PSA 1 Swivel Mount Studio Microphone Stand Extension Arm.

But, if you’re a beginner who’s looking for a suitable microphone boom arm that won’t cost you a lot of money, the TONOR T30 Microphone Stand Extension Arm is your way to go.

This one has all the necessary features to get the job done without marking a dent in your wallet.

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beststudiomic · 3 years

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Best Audio Interface Review 2021

If you’re a musician who likes to record and play their musical instruments on their computer at high quality, you need an audio interface!

A good audio interface should allow you to get crisp sound and music in and out of your home studio.

In today’s article, we’ll walk you through the best audio interface reviews, so you can pick the one that suits you the most!

Top 7 Audio Interfaces Available on the Market

There are tons of audio interface devices on the market. However, not all of them are created equal.

To help you with the process of finding the ideal choice for you, we’ve scoured the market looking for the 7 best audio interfaces on the market. Here’s a brief overview of each one of them!

1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools

Kicking off the list with one of the overall best options that are known for their excellent performance and amazing features. The third-gen Focusrite Scarlett is available as solo, 2i2, and 4i4 microphone presets.

What we like about this audio interface is that it comes at a relatively affordable price when you compare it to the quality it offers!

One of the key factors to include this audio interface in the list is because it comes with powerful converters that allow you to enjoy recording and mixing with excellent audio results.

Also, the system gives you access to a variety of Pro Tools, such as First Focusrite Creative Pack and Ableton Live Lite.

This system features air mode, which adds a remarkable boost to your medium and high-frequency ranges, giving your recordings a wider soundscape and extra sound details to improve the sound quality.

The Focusrite Scarlett is connected via a USB Type C connection, which allows for easy connection to desktop devices.

Moreover, the Scarlett is an excellent choice for beginners as well as intermediate-level users because it comes with a Quick Start system that allows you to start using the system with relative ease.

The only downside about this audio interface is related to its driver’s installation on windows computers. Some musicians found these drivers a bit confusing and took a little longer than usual to install.

Pros

Excellent sound quality for its price

Compact and lightweight for a portable design

Has a remarkably low latency

Comes with access to Pro Tools

Cons

Drivers take a bit longer to install

2. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII is one of the top-line models that are available in the market.

For starters, this one comes with a Thunderbolt connection rather than a USB one, which guarantees an excellent transfer rate. It also has a superior bit rate of 24-bit and 196 kHz audio conversion.

The audio interface also comes with a processing unit, so you don’t have to overburden your computer with this task.

It also comes with a real-time UAD processing unit, which allows you to track vintage tape machines, compressors as well as guitar and mic preamps.

Moreover, it gives you two line outputs and 8 channels of digital input via an Optical connection in addition to 2 digitally controlled analog monitor outputs.

Pros

Comes with an excellent monitoring system

Features real-time UAD processing

Sleek design and compact size

Cons

Premium price tag

3. Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD 2-Channel Audio Interface

The Behringer U-PHORIA is also one of the best audio interfaces in its price range. It has multiple great features that make it a pretty decent value for its price.

It works through a USB 2.0 connection and has two connectors to allow recording from microphones and musical instruments.

Although a USB connection makes it a bit slower than other systems, it’s still good enough for most beginners.

The music clarity and audio quality in this one are quite decent for the audio interface’s cost. It offers a 192 kHz frequency and 24 bits audio resolution.

Another impeccable feature of this audio interface is that it’s compatible with some of the best DAW software and pro tools on the market, such as Avid Pro Tools, Steinberg Cubase, and Ableton Live.

Additionally, it features 2 I/O channels with relatively low latency and comes with 2 mic preamps with 2 48 volts phantom power supplies.

Pros

Relatively affordable price for entry-level users

Comes with 2 mic preamps

Compatible with most popular DAW systems

Has a simple design with a clear description of what every button and knob does.

Cons

Not suitable for those who require multiple input and output channels

4. Audient iD14 USB Audio Interface

The Audient iD14 is one of the best USB audio interface options on the market, making it an ideal choice for serious beginners who are looking for a feature-packed system. The system is compatible with desktops, Macs, iPads, and iPhones.

It comes with a huge variety of inputs and outputs, allowing you to connect up to 10 inputs and 4 outputs simultaneously without interference.

However, you might notice some gain noise when connecting all these devices to the audio interface.

Moreover, the Audient iD14 audio interface comes with 2 premium quality mic preamplifiers as well as 8 channels ADAT input and A/D Burr-Brown converters.

Pros

Simple layout to make it easy to use for beginners

Compatible with a wide range of devices

Has a large number of I/O connections with 10 inputs and 4 outputs

Cons

Might have some gain noise upon simultaneous connection

5. PreSonus AudioBox iOne 2×2 USB/iPad Audio Interface

If you’re looking for a remarkably simple audio interface that is affordable, easy to use, and compatible with a variety of devices without compromising on the sound quality, you should look no further than PreSonus AudioBox iOne Audio Interface!

This one also connects via a 2.0 USB connection and comes with a 24 bits resolution. It also features a sampling rate of 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz, which is quite impressive for its size and price!

Additionally, it comes with 2 high headroom and low noise mic preamps and Studio One DAW software as well as 6 GB access to multiple Pro tools along with the package.

The system also supports MIDI devices and accepts both XLR and quarters inch inputs, making it a complete solution audio recording.

Pros

Remarkably affordable price that comes with multiples freebies with the package

High sound resolution and various sampling rates

Simple as sleek design

Cons

Limit input and output connections

6. Maono Audio Interface with DJ Mixer and Sound Card

If you’re on a strict budget and looking for a decent audio interface that also doubles as a DJ Mixer, this one should be suitable for you.

Although it doesn’t offer super crisp sound quality, it does offer a variety of features that makes it ideal for beginner youtubers and podcast hosts.

It connects using a USB 2.0 Type C connection and offers a mixer with multiple controls for the audio.

In addition to powering the device and transferring audio, the USB connection also charges the device, which allows it to work for up to 8 hours when fully charged, making it a decent portable option.

Of course, such a device won’t be ideal for some professional sound engineer. However, it gets the job well done for someone looking for something rather simple and easy to deal with while costing you a fraction of what other budget audio interfaces would set you back.

Pros

Ideal for buyers on a very strict budget

Can be charged and work outdoors

Connects to a variety of devices

Cons

Has a relatively poor sound quality

7. SSL SSL2+ 2-In/4-Out USB-C Audio Interface

The SSL2+ is the updated version of the Solid State Logic audio interface. What’s new about this system is that it adds two new outputs to the already present 2 inputs and 2 outputs system.

The audio interface is quite compact and comes with professional features and easy USB 2.0 Type C connectivity.

The system comes with 2 x SSL-designed microphone preamplifiers as well as MIDI support and 2 professional Headphone Out slots. These allow you to monitor different mixes.

Moreover, it comes with a Legacy 4K button that adds some high-end essence to the sound quality.

Pros

Expanded I/O capacity

Supports MIDI systems

Solid and durable built

Cons

After some time, the audio interface might disconnect by itself

Do You Need an Audio Interface?

An audio interface is simply a device that allows you to connect various audio devices, whether they’re microphones or musical instrument cables.

The interface then directly connects them to your computer and allows you to listen to your recordings in real-time, whether through headphones, studio monitor speakers, or regular speakers.

You might be wondering how this can benefit your audio or music setup rather than relying on your computer sound card since it’s technically an audio interface.

Well, while sound cards can do some of the jobs, they won’t offer the quality or the quantity that an audio interface would do, so they’re not ideal for any kind of professional recording.

The vast majority of sound cards on the market are simply labeled as “consumer-grade”. This means that they don’t have the I/O capacity or sound quality needed for a professional audio production system.

This might be enough for entry-level audio professionals, whether you’re hosting a podcast or producing music.

But as time goes by and your listener base starts to grow, or you want to have better control of monitoring and mixing, investing in a good audio interface should be your next move.

Things to Consider While Shopping for Audio Interfaces

In order to make the ideal choice while deciding on the perfect audio interface for your needs, there are plenty of features and buying tips that you need to be aware of. Here’s a quick look at some of them.

Sound Clarity and Quality

Regardless of the features and functionality of any audio interface you buy, the primary consideration while buying an audio interface should always revolve around sound quality and clarity.

Of course, other features such as compatibility and connections are important, and we’ll address them shortly. However, none of these features would be of valid use if the audio interface doesn’t offer the quality that you’re expecting to have.

For that reason, always make sure that the audio interface you’re going for offers a studio-quality sound to produce clear and crisp vocals, sounds, or music!

DAW Compatibility

The Digital Audio Workspace (DAW) is the software system used for producing, composing, editing, and mixing audio. The compatibility of your audio interface with that system is one of the major features that you need to look for while shopping for an interface.

As a rule of thumb, a wide variety of modern audio interfaces today are compatible with DAWs. but since it’s one of the fundamentals of having an interface, it’s extremely essential that you check for it.

Type of Connections

One of the main advantages of having an audio interface is that it offers a wider range of connections to your system.

Of course, the more methods of connecting the audio interface offers, the merrier! Ideally, there are 4 major methods of connections available on the market, these options include

1. USB

The majority of new audio interface options will connect through the standard USB 2.0 ports. It’s one of the most versatile options and also the cheapest.

This makes them convenient for anyone with a strict or limited buying budget. However, you should keep in mind that this connection is also the slowest, although not by a huge margin.

Some of the Audio interface devices will use a USB Type C cable, which is more convenient to use and connects easily. However, it might be a problem for outdated computers.

2. Thunderbolt

Along with USB connections, thunderbolt is easily one of the most popular types of connection and is widely available in medium to high range audio interfaces.

This method of connection offers an extremely fast transfer rate, but it’s relatively costlier than standard and budget options.

3. Firewire

Firewire, also called “IEEE 1394” or “i. LINK”, is considered the middle spot between basic USB connections and semi-pro Thunderbolt ones.

They offer a speed that is higher than USB but lower than Thunderbolt, and therefore, priced between them. Firewire connections are suitable for anyone on a relatively relaxed yet limited budget.

4. PCI-E

The Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E or PCIe ) is considered the Cadillac of connections when it comes to audio interfaces.

They’re usually found in professional audio interfaces because they offer the fastest rate of data transfer and immense processing power. However, they’re usually extremely pricey.

Bit Depth and Sampling Rate

The bit depth of an audio interface relates to the dynamic range of the audio produced. To have a better understanding of bit depth, think of them as you’d think of pixels in an image.

The more bits that your audio interface will transfer in a second, the more “audible data” transferred, and therefore the more dynamic and clearer the sound will be. For example, CD-quality bit depth is about 16 bits per sample while DVD-quality is 24 bits per sample.

Similarly, the sampling rate or frequency is all about the speed of the transmission, which is measured in Kilo Hertz (kHz). Ideally, a studio-quality sampling rate would be 44.1 kHz.

Latency

Latency stands for the time needed for audio signals to be transmitted through your system. Ideally, you need to look for an audio interface with the lowest latency possible to cut down on the delay of transmission time whether it is coming out or going into your audio interface.

The Number of Inputs and Outputs (I/O Count)

Another extremely essential aspect in any audio interface is the I/O count. This one refers to the total number of audio channels that would be available in your audio interface simultaneously.

The larger the number of inputs and outputs that the device has, the more it’s going to cost you. For that reason, you have to consider the average number of connections that you’ll usually need while recording, especially if you’re on a budget.

Most audio interfaces will typically have as little as 1 or 2 connections and all the way up to 20 connections.

More simultaneous connections are necessary for musicians that incorporate multiple instruments in their system and composers who mix and monitor different musicians in a single session.

As a rule of thumb, solo musicians would require an audio interface with 2 to 5 connections, bands will usually go for 4 to 8, while professional sound engineers would need 16 or more connections.

MIDI Support

This is a bonus feature that is essential for musicians working with Musical Instrument Digital Interface. If the system you opt for supports MIDI input, you’ll be able to connect the interface directly to MIDI systems.

Budget vs. Variety of Features

This one isn’t a specific feature that you need to be on the lookout for but rather a buying tip or advice. In the end of the day, any product you buy is as good as you know how to use it.

What’s more important than checking all the features and aspects of the audio interface is to consider whether you need them and can use them or not.

For instance, if you’re just buying an audio interface only to convert your audio to digital or vise versa, you might not need an extensive one with tons of other features.

In that case, you should consider an affordable option and invest the rest of your budget in the rest of the setup, such as microphones or musical instruments.

However, if getting an audio interface is your transition level from a basic recording setup to a relatively better or professional one, then you might need to consider some of the premium options that will cost you a bit more.

How to Connect the Audio Interface to Your Studio Monitor?

Now that you know what audio interfaces do and what you should look for before buying a new one, all that’s left is to know how to connect it to your studio monitor! Here’s a step by step guide to walk you through the process:

Start by checking the back of your audio interface or wherever the output slots are located.

By looking at them, you’ll be able to figure out the kind of cables you need for the connection. Most monitoring output cables are either XLR or TRS. In most cases, the cable configuration would be XLR to XLR, TRS to TRS, or TRS to XLR.

Next, check the back of the studio monitor and look for the input section where the cable from the interface should be fitted.

Locate the female (XLR or TRS) connector in the balanced input section, then plug it into the TRS or XLR input in the interface, depending on your configuration.

Check the monitor section of the audio interface again and connect the input cable to the monitor and repeat the same for each speaker.

Wrap Up

With that said, you now have a complete guide with everything you need to know before picking the ideal audio interface system for your needs.

As you can see, there’s a wide range of audio interface systems on the market that come in a different price range.

As previously mentioned, the quality of the sound, as well as the type and number of connections, should be your main priority while picking an option.

Ideally, we pick the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface as the overall best option because it rounds up some of the best features you might need in an audio interface while staying relatively affordable.

However, if you’re not satisfied with anything but the absolute best regardless of the price, you might want to opt for our premium pick. The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII.

Although it’s going to cost you quite a hefty sum, it comes with a huge range of professional and advanced features that makes up for its price!

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