{"id":91948,"date":"2022-10-19T13:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-19T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=91948"},"modified":"2022-10-21T10:27:19","modified_gmt":"2022-10-21T09:27:19","slug":"how-to-choose-a-microphone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-microphone\/","title":{"rendered":"How to choose a microphone for your home recording studio"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 style=\"user-select: auto;\"><span style=\"color: #3366ff; user-select: auto;\">How do you choose a good microphone? Wait&#8230; what even is a good microphone?!<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s time we discussed<strong> <\/strong>how to choose a microphone for recording vocals and instruments. But choosing your first microphone can be a little jarring, and choosing a <em>good<\/em> microphone is difficult without an understanding of the jargon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot of people think that a &#8220;good microphone&#8221; is a universal tool that works well for everyone. Well, we&#8217;re going to explore that and see if it holds true.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Questions\">Questions to ask yourself<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#types-of-microphones\">Understanding the different types of microphones<\/a><\/strong><\/span><ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Dynamic-microphones\">Dynamic microphones<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Condenser-microphones\">Condenser microphones<\/a><\/strong><\/span><ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Large-diaphragm\">Large-diaphragm condenser microphones<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Small-diaphragm\">Small-diaphragm condenser microphones<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Phantom-power\">Phantom power<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#mic-preamp\">What does a mic preamp do?<\/a><\/strong><\/span><ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Solid-state-preamps\">Solid state preamps<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Tube-preamps\">Tube preamps<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#hybrid-amplifier\">Hybrid preamps<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#pick-up-patterns\">Microphone pick-up patterns<\/a><\/strong><\/span><ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Cardioid\">Cardioid<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Super-cardioid\">Super-cardioid<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Hyper-cardioid\">Hyper-cardioid<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Omnidirectional\">Omnidirectional<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#Bidirectional\">Figure of 8<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><a href=\"#frequency-response\"><strong>Microphone<\/strong> <strong>frequency<\/strong> <strong>response<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#microphone-sensitivity\">Microphone sensitivity<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#SPL\">Sound Pressure Levels (SPL)<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#connect-interface\">How to work a microphone<\/a><\/strong><\/span><ul><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#proximity\">The proximity effect<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Does a good mic make a difference?<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Questions\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Questions to ask yourself<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two questions to ask you yourself before you begin searching for a microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>What are you recording with your microphone? <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The first thing to think about is the instruments you&#8217;re going to record. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you recording loud sound sources like guitar cabinets and drums? Or are you looking to record vocals or instruments like acoustic guitars or violins? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Different instruments emit different sound pressure levels, and some microphones are better at others at registering high sound pressure levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Where will you be recording?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Another equally important factor to consider is the environment you&#8217;re going to be recording in. Poor acoustic spaces will reflect sound into your microphone and tamper with the quality of your recording. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, it&#8217;s important to record somewhere with minimal reflected sound. In fact, some microphones register sound from a wider range (even 360 degrees) while others register sound from a very narrow range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, a recording environment with poor acoustics will make it difficult to capture a professional recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Acoustically Treat Your Bedroom on a Budget\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TgLgUU6DqRk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"types-of-microphones\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Understanding the different types of microphones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three types of microphones but we&#8217;re only going to discuss two. The third, <strong>ribbon microphones<\/strong>, are an expensive type of microphone that are often unaffordable and unnecessary for beginners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But <strong>dynamic<\/strong> and <strong>condenser microphones<\/strong> are so popular that manufacturers design many models for beginners specifically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s talk about their builds, what makes them different, and the uses of these types of microphones so you can decide which is right for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Dynamic-microphones\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"IsM70dRaRl\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/what-are-xlr-cables\/\">Guide to XLR cables: what are microphone cables?<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Guide to XLR cables: what are microphone cables?&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/what-are-xlr-cables\/embed\/#?secret=IsM70dRaRl\" data-secret=\"IsM70dRaRl\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Dynamic microphones<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A dynamic mic is a type of microphone more capable of tolerating and recording loud sound sources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/SM57-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93550 lazyload\" width=\"486\" height=\"331\"\/><figcaption>Shure SM57 dynamic microphone<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A diaphragm oscillates back and forth in relation to the strength of the incoming sound wave. And a coil attached to the diaphragm oscillates with the diaphragm over a magnet which generates an electrical current relative to the strength of the sound.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dynamic-microphone-breakdown-1.png\" alt=\"In dynamic microphones a diaphragm oscillates back and forth in relation to the strength of the incoming sound wave. And a coil attached to the diaphragm oscillates with the diaphragm over a magnet which generates an electrical current relative to the strength of the sound.  \" class=\"wp-image-93566 lazyload\" width=\"490\" height=\"300\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Dynamic microphones have a lot of flexibility to respond to frequency fluctuations thanks to this build. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Condenser-microphones\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, these types of microphones are durable and can handle high sound pressure levels well which makes them great for recording loud sound sources and performing live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>Condenser microphones<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two types of condenser microphones: <strong>large diaphragm<\/strong> and <strong>small diaphragm<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like dynamic microphones, incoming sound waves vibrate a diaphragm, and this diaphragm is stretched in front of a metal plate called the backplate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Then, the distance between the diaphragm and the backplate changes as the diaphragm vibrates. This process creates an electrical current relative to the incoming sound wave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Condenser-microphone-breakdown.png\" alt=\"In condenser microphones an incoming sound waves vibrate a diaphragm and this diaphragm is stretched in front of a metal plate called the backplate. The distance between the diaphragm and the backplate changes as the diaphragm vibrates. This process creates an electrical current relative to the incoming sound wave.\" class=\"wp-image-93567 lazyload\" width=\"427\" height=\"358\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>But the electrical current that a condenser microphone can generate is pretty weak. Therefore you&#8217;ll need to amplify it before you can do anything with it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The design of condenser microphones and their dependence on external power makes them highly sensitive microphones. While dynamic microphones can handle loud sound sources, condenser microphones are good at handling quiet sources. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Large-diaphragm\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact. they can register the more intricate details of an acoustic instrument or the human voice that the majority of dynamic microphones can not.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Large-diaphragm condenser microphones <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Large-diaphragm condenser microphones are the most common microphone for professional studio recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/NT1-A-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93552 lazyload\" width=\"497\" height=\"415\"\/><figcaption>Rode NT1A Large diaphragm condenser<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>These microphones can&nbsp;capture a wide array of frequencies &#8211; from the bottom to the top end &#8211; and offer a fuller sound. That&#8217;s why they&#8217;re often the go-to choice for recording vocals, acoustic guitars,  and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Small-diaphragm\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, large diaphragm microphones have&nbsp;less self-noise which allows you to keep your recording clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Small-diaphragm condenser microphones<\/strong> <strong>(pencil microphones)<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Small-diaphragm condenser mics can respond to fluctuations in transient information and frequency like dynamic microphones can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Samson-C02-.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93568 lazyload\" width=\"457\" height=\"457\"\/><figcaption>Samson C02 pencil condenser microphone<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of microphone has an extended high end which makes them great for recording instruments that sit predominantly high in the frequency spectrum. Whether for drum kit overheads or capturing an entire orchestra, small diaphragm condensers are very useful tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Phantom-power\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, you can set them up in pairs and create a stereo image of your performance too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Phantom power<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>But, as we said, condenser microphones require external power. And it&#8217;s phantom power that supplies that boost in current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Condenser microphones have a lot of electrical resistance (impedance) so they need a powered circuit to reduce the resistance. Phantom power reduces the resistance and gives condenser microphones the power to output a louder signal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Audio-interface-phantom-power-switch-RouteNote-Blog-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93548 lazyload\" width=\"522\" height=\"354\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Audio interfaces not only supply phantom power for condenser microphones, but they also utilize microphone preamps too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"mic-preamp\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>What does a mic preamp do?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Why use a preamp? Well, preamplification is the process of boosting the signal strength of microphone signals. And this is necessary because microphones are weak electrical signals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"5C0mSvkVPa\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/audio-signals-explained\/\">How do audio signals work? How voltage and sound intertwine<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;How do audio signals work? How voltage and sound intertwine&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/audio-signals-explained\/embed\/#?secret=5C0mSvkVPa\" data-secret=\"5C0mSvkVPa\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Phantom power and preamplification are two different things though. While phantom power supplies condenser microphones with more current which makes them more sensitive and allows the to output a louder signal, a microphone preamp boosts the recorded signal itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it&#8217;s called &#8220;preamplification&#8221; because it occurs before a line-level signal is boosted to speaker-level! Let&#8217;s talk about the different types of microphone preamplifiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But you won&#8217;t need to invest in a mic preamp if you have an audio interface in your home studio. Though you may want a dedicated mic preamp, audio interface preamps are continuously improving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Solid-state-preamps\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, microphone preamps in audio interfaces allow you to capture professional recordings with ease. But that doesn&#8217;t mean we shouldn&#8217;t talk about the types of mic preamps&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Solid state preamps<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Solid state preamps are the most transparent-sounding microphone preamplifier there is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Solid-state-microphone-preamplifer.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93545 lazyload\" width=\"505\" height=\"286\"\/><figcaption>WA73 1073 solid state microphone preamplifier<br \/>Image Credit: Long &amp; McQuade<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Though they&#8217;re expensive (they can be priced between a few hundred to a few thousand dollars), they will give you a recording free of any distortion or coloring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A solid-state preamp and a high-quality microphone will get you a professional studio-grade recording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Tube-preamps\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, most audio interface preamps tend to offer transparent sounds like solid state preamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Tube preamps<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, some people enjoy a preamplifier that adds distortion and coloration to their input.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tube preamps add a unique character and coloration to an input signal because vacuum tubes add saturation and warmth to the signal.<strong><br \/><br \/><\/strong>Though each tube preamplifier will sound different than the last, each adds a highly sought-after character and coloration. But you can&#8217;t take that coloration out of the signal once it&#8217;s in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Tube-microphone-preamplifer.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-93546 lazyload\" width=\"498\" height=\"289\"\/><figcaption>API Select TUbe microphone preamp<br \/>Image Credit: KMR Audio<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><br \/>Tube preamps have actually become highly integrated into some musical styles. Jazz musicians, for example, love the warm sound that tube preamps offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"hybrid-amplifier\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>And because they&#8217;re so in demand they&#8217;re often pretty expensive &#8211; over \u00a31000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>What is a hybrid amplifier?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, a hybrid preamp is a blend of both solid state and tube preamps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While tube preamps are so expensive, a hybrid preamplifier offers some of that desirable coloration at a lower price. Meanwhile, hybrid preamps also give you some flexibility to achieve the transparent sound of a solid state too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"pick-up-patterns\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Understanding microphone pick-up patterns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Microphone pickup patterns dictate the direction(s) that a microphone can register sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, it&#8217;s a microphone pickup pattern that allows the microphone to detect soundwaves in front of it, behind it, or all around it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Cardioid\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s talk about 5 types of microphone patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Cardioid \/ Unidirectional<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Cardioid microphones are hugely popular for recording sessions as well as live sound scenarios. The cardioid pickup pattern makes a microphone super sensitive from the front. <br \/><br \/>Though a cardioid will register sound from its sides, these signals will be quieter than signals from the front. But any sound from behind the mic head is rejected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Cardioid.jpg\" alt=\"The cardioid microphone pickup pattern is hyper sensitive to sound at the front while sound at the sides is registered with less emphasis and sound from the rear is blocked.\" class=\"wp-image-93534 lazyload\" width=\"413\" height=\"413\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The somewhat isolated pattern makes cardioid microphones good for recording in poor acoustic spaces because they minimize feedback and reflected sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Super-cardioid\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Though poor acoustic spaces are always undesirable, cardioid microphones can help minimize the risk of registering reflected sound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Super-cardioid<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The super-cardioid pickup pattern microphones are most sensitive to sound directly in front of the mic head. But unlike cardioid microphones, super cardioid microphones also register sound at 180\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important that you don\u2019t have the rear of a super-cardioid microphone pointing toward monitors or any other source of feedback due to their sensitivity at 180\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Super-cardioid.jpg\" alt=\"The Supercardioid microphone pick up pattern is sensitive to sound from the front, less so at the sides, but does register sound at 180 degrees. \" class=\"wp-image-93535 lazyload\" width=\"428\" height=\"428\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, super-cardioid microphones are recognized for their stricter frontal signal reading compared to the cardioid pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Hyper-cardioid\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>But super-cardioid microphones are less sensitive to sound from the sides of the mic head. In fact, they have low to no sensitivity points at 127\u00b0 and 233\u00b0 where a cardioid microphone would register sound.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Hyper-cardioid<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The points of least sensitivity in hyper-cardioid microphones are 150\u00b0 and 200\u00b0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Hyper-cardioid.jpg\" alt=\"The hyper-cardioid microphone pickup pattern is sensitive to sound at the front and back but even less so at the sides.\" class=\"wp-image-93536 lazyload\" width=\"415\" height=\"415\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Omnidirectional\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the frontal registration of hyper-cardioid microphones is more refined again compared to super-cardioids. And they&#8217;re sensitive to a larger range at 180\u00b0, but slightly less sensitivity at their sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Omnidirectional<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Omnidirectional microphones are sensitive to sound all around the mic head &#8211; they can register sound within a 360\u00b0 range!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Omnidirectional microphones are great tools for recording big sound sources like orchestras, used as a room mic to capture session musicians, and so on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Omnidirectional.jpg\" alt=\"The omnidirectional microphone pickup pattern is sensitive to sound within a 360 degrees range.\" class=\"wp-image-93537 lazyload\" width=\"410\" height=\"410\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>But their 360\u00b0 range means they&#8217;re very vulnerable to reflected sound and feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"Bidirectional\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>Omnidirectional microphones will register unwanted signals and serious feedback in the wrong setup &amp; environment. Therefore, it&#8217;s a bad idea to use omnidirectional microphones in an untreated room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5><strong>Figure of 8 \/ Bidirectional<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, we have the Figure of 8 pickup pattern. Also known as bi-directional, a figure of 8 microphones is equally sensitive to incoming sound directly in front (0\u00b0) and behind (180\u00b0).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But bi-directional microphones are the least sensitive at 90\u00b0 and 270\u00b0. These microphones will register no sound here whatsoever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Figure-of-8-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"The figure of 8 microphone pickup pattern is sensitive to sound at the front an rear of the mic head but blocks any sound form the sides. \" class=\"wp-image-93539 lazyload\" width=\"424\" height=\"424\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Bi-directional mics aren&#8217;t so good in live situations or in untreated spaces. Signal bleeding from other instruments, reflected sound, and feedback are all potential hurdles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And figure of 8 microphones also has the lowest bass response of the cardioid patterns whilst being very sensitive to a change in pressure that elements like wind present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"frequency-response\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>What is the frequency response of a microphone?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Microphone frequency response refers to how a microphone registers sound across the frequency spectrum. A microphone with a &#8216;flat&#8217; frequency response registers sounds as evenly as possible by adding as few frequency cuts or boosts to the signal as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, the frequency response of a microphone is responsible for its characteristic sound. So the frequency response of microphones dictates what sound sources they&#8217;ll register well and not so well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Those 2 questions at the beginning of the article are very important here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li><strong>What are you recording?<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Where are you recording?<\/strong><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The answer to these questions dictates what a good frequency response for your microphone is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vocalists tend to require microphones with flat-frequency responses or those with a boost in the 5K range (<strong>the presence range<\/strong>). And someone recording guitar may enjoy a microphone that adds subtle frequency boosts too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Microphone-frequency-response-1.png\" alt=\"Microphone frequency response refers to how a microphone registers sound across the frequency spectrum. A microphone with a \"flat\" frequency response registers sounds as evenly as possible by adding as frequency cuts or boosts as possible.\" class=\"wp-image-93543 lazyload\" width=\"570\" height=\"324\"\/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Recording in isolated spaces like a vocal booth means reflected sound cannot tamper with your recording. But recording in untreated spaces means the mic will capture reflected sound (especially above 5k+). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In any case, no microphone has a perfectly flat frequency response. In fact, they tend to feature a small amount of <strong>2-3dB boosts or cuts<\/strong> in the lows and highs as these are the harder frequencies to reproduce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"microphone-sensitivity\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>And microphone sensitivity?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Microphone sensitivity dictates how a microphone responds to loud or quiet sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a microphone is less sensitive then your sound source needs to be louder before the microphone registers anything. But a more sensitive mic will capture quieter sound sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, different microphones will produce louder or quieter recordings even if the level of your sound source is constant. So mic sensitivity refers to the ability of a microphone to convert acoustic sound into electrical energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>High-sensitivity microphones require less preamplification before the signal reaches line level. In contrast, a microphone with less sensitivity needs more preamplification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"SPL\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Why do Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) matter?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>SPL is a measurement of the pressure level of a sound (measured in dB). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sound pressure&nbsp;is the difference in air pressure that a soundwave causes. When a sound source emits a sound wave, that wave travels through the air by vibrating air particles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, sound pressure&nbsp;is the difference in pressure within the sound wave and the surrounding air pressure. And a sound with a higher SPL rating is a more intense sound, and a more intense sound makes the diaphragm of a microphone oscillate faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>maximum sound pressure level<\/strong> a microphone can handle is the highest SPL that a microphone can handle before the signal begins to distort<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an important rating as it tells you if the microphone will be able to handle the sound pressure of your sound source. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In practice, drum kits and guitar cabinets emit a lot of sound pressure. In short, a microphone that can&#8217;t handle those high sound pressure levels is not a good microphone for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"connect-interface\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>How to connect your audio interface to your computer and audio interface<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Plug one XLR end into the mic connector &amp; the other into your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/how-do-audio-interfaces-work-why-are-they-important\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\">audio interface<\/span><\/a><\/strong> input.<\/li><li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/what-are-digital-audio-workstations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Open your DAW<\/a><\/strong><\/span> and talk into your mic whilst monitoring your peak meters for a response. <\/li><li>If your peak meters are not responding then make sure the settings on your audio interface are set to receive input signals from the input.<\/li><li>Finally, make sure your DAW settings are primed for recording too!<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that your microphone is hooked up to your interface, let\u2019s talk about how to mic up instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The amount of distance you\u2019ll want to leave depends on the instrument you\u2019re aiming to record. For example, many people mic up a snare drum with <strong>1.5 inches<\/strong> of distance but may mic up a piano with <strong>8-11 inches<\/strong> if they\u2019re using a single microphone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a rule of thumb, a distance of 4-6 inches is pretty common for most instruments. But if you\u2019re miking up an amplifier, place the microphone as close to the amp as you can without touching the grill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, where you position your microphone is important too. In practice, positioning your microphone in the wrong place can lead to a number of problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s important that you experiment with microphone positions to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Get the best tone<\/li><li>Achieve the cleanest signal <\/li><li>Avoid signal bleed from other instruments <\/li><li>Circumvent reflected sound and natural reverb. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"proximity\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<p>In summary, microphone positioning is key to ensuring you get a recording that replicates the original sound as closely as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>The proximity effect<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The proximity effect occurs when a sound source is too close to the microphone. Cardioid microphones are actually pretty vulnerable to the proximity effect due to their hypersensitivity to any signal in front of the mic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, the proximity effect amplifies low frequencies in the incoming signal, making bass tones more pronounced when the source is closer to the microphone.<br \/><br \/>But those with thin voices can use the proximity effect to their advantage. Someone with a thinner voice can make their vocals sound fuller by singing closer to the microphone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But anyone with a deeper voice will need to stand further away from the microphone. The proximity effect makes deeper voices sound overwhelmingly thick and may even distort the signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div align=\"center\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"VMBDvqoRMR\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/best-microphones-for-recording-vocals\/\">Top 5 studio microphones for recording vocals at home<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Top 5 studio microphones for recording vocals at home&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/best-microphones-for-recording-vocals\/embed\/#?secret=VMBDvqoRMR\" data-secret=\"VMBDvqoRMR\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<a name=\"final-thoughts\"><\/a>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3><strong>Final thoughts: does a good mic make a difference<\/strong>?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It should be clear now that a &#8220;good microphone&#8221; is always subjective to your needs. A microphone that&#8217;s good for a podcaster may not be good for a drummer, and what&#8217;s good for a drummer may not be good for an acoustic instrument player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good microphone for you is one that can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Register sound from the right places but rejects signal bleeding, reflected sound, and feedback<\/li><li>Doesn&#8217;t add undesirable coloration to your signal <\/li><li>Is sensitive enough to register the dynamic range of your instrument<\/li><li>Can handle the maximum SPL of your instrument without distorting <\/li><li>Doesn&#8217;t break the bank<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>A microphone that can do all of these things is the right microphone for you. And when you find this microphone it&#8217;ll be the most valuable buy you&#8217;ll ever make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, yes &#8211; a good microphone makes all of the difference. But what is a good microphone for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline\" class=\"underline\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Don&#8217;t forget to distribute your music your way with RouteNote. With 95% market coverage, we&#8217;ll distribute your music globally while you keep 85% of the revenue.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-routenote-blog wp-block-embed-routenote-blog\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"eWnTkO1Qci\"><a href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/home-recording-studio-basics\/\">Everything you need to record &#038; produce music at home<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;Everything you need to record &#038; produce music at home&#8221; &#8212; RouteNote Blog\" src=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/home-recording-studio-basics\/embed\/#?secret=eWnTkO1Qci\" data-secret=\"eWnTkO1Qci\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Choosing a microphone can be a little jarring, and choosing a good microphone is difficult without an understanding of the jargon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":93511,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1047,143],"tags":[845],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.4.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to choose a microphone for your home recording studio - RouteNote Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-microphone\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to choose a microphone for your home recording studio - RouteNote Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Choosing a microphone can be a little jarring, and choosing a good microphone is difficult without an understanding of the jargon.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-microphone\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"RouteNote Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-10-19T12:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2022-10-21T09:27:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/How-to-choose-a-microphone-for-a-home-recording-studio-RouteNote-Blog.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"3840\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"2160\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Connor Edney\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"RouteNote\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/\",\"sameAs\":[],\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/#logo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/routenote-logo.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/routenote-logo.jpg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":1000,\"caption\":\"RouteNote\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/#logo\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"RouteNote Blog\",\"description\":\"The World of Digital Music - 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