The size of a condenser microphone’s diaphragm is a key differentiator between mic types. As the title suggests, condenser mics can be separated into the categories of large-diaphragm and small-diaphragm (and miniature diaphragm if we count lavalier mics). What are the differences between large-diaphragm condensers (LDCs) and small-diaphragm condensers (SDCs)? LDCs generally have a diaphragm…
Tube condenser microphones are commonly cherished for their character, while non-tube (FET) microphones are often described as more accurate and are much more popular on the market today. For all subjective preferences, there are other major differences between the tube and the FET microphone. What are the differences between tube and FET microphones? Vacuum tubes…
When we use the term “dynamic microphone,” we typically mean “moving-coil dynamic microphone,” even though ribbon mics are also dynamic. These two microphone transducer types convert sound into audio via electromagnetic induction, though they do so differently. What are the differences between moving-coil and ribbon dynamic microphones? In moving-coil dynamic mics, the mic signal is…
The vast majority of microphones are either dynamic or condenser mics. These classifications are widely used to differentiate between transducer types, but they also give us a general sense of how the microphone will perform. What are the differences between dynamic and condenser microphones? The main difference between dynamic and condenser mics is that dynamics…
Ribbon and condenser microphones are two types of microphones that are both popular in the studio. Although these microphones are cherished by musicians, engineers, and audiophiles alike, they are different from one another in many ways. What are the differences between ribbon and condenser microphones? The main difference between ribbon and condenser mics is that…
So you want to record better audio on your smartphone? Let’s talk about how to pick the best external microphone to improve the audio of your specific smartphone! Choosing the best microphone for your smartphone is simplified in the following steps: In this article, we’ll dive deep into each of the 5 steps for choosing…
A microphone is an important transducer that converts sound waves into audio signals. However, microphones need to plug into mixers/recorders and, ultimately, a playback system to be heard and truly enjoyed by the listener. What do microphones plug into? Microphones typically plug into mic preamplifiers (which can be standalone devices or built into mixers, recorders,…
You’ve likely noticed that there are many different microphones and microphone types in the world of audio. The main 3 types of microphones are the dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mic. What are the differences between dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones? The main difference between dynamic, condenser and ribbon mics is the way they convert sound…
Audio latency is one of the most frustrating issues to deal with when tracking digital audio. Head a delay in monitoring is incredibly distracting for the performer and can be terribly annoying for the audio engineer to fix. Let’s talk about the methods of fixing microphone audio latency. How To Fix Microphone Latency: In this…
We’ve likely all heard the sound from a microphone amplified through loudspeakers. This often happens at all sorts of events and performances. A speaker or singer will project their voice into a microphone, and their voice is sent through speakers at a much higher volume. How is this audio amplified? Does a microphone amplify sound?…
Beginners in the audio industry may ask what the best microphone is, while experts may argue to no end about which microphone rules them all. The truth is, there really is no “best microphone,” though there may be a best microphone for a certain application, and there are most definitely industry standards for certain applications….
There are many microphone types on the market today. They are most often classified by transducer type, polar pattern, and application, though they may be differentiated in many other ways. Of all the types, there are certainly some mics that are more common than others. What is the most common type of microphone? The most…
