Parent category for microphones.
In my time studying audio engineering in college, I remember connecting a microphone to a mic preamp for the first time. Although I had previously performed plenty of times as a guitarist, this was the first time using an XLR cable to connect a microphone to anything. Why do microphones use XLR cables? Not all…
We’ve likely all heard ourselves in a recording before and thought, “do I really sound like that?” How we hear ourselves speak is often vastly different from the way our voice actually sounds. Does a microphone change your voice? Microphones, like all audio equipment, will alter the sound of your voice. Some microphones capture voice…
When dealing with analog audio, there are a few signal levels to be aware of: mic level, instrument level, line level (consumer), line level (professional), and speaker level. It’s critical to know the differences between these nominal signal levels when working with microphones and other audio equipment. Do microphones output line level signals? No, microphones…
To fully understand microphones, it’s critical to comprehend how audio works in terms of inputs, outputs, and signal flow. When working with computer audio, it’s critical to understand the system’s input devices and output devices. Are microphones input or output devices? When a microphone is connected to a computer (via an audio interface or another…
Microphones act as transducers, converting sound waves (mechanical wave energy) into audio signals (electrical energy). The movement of this electrical energy is called current, which happens in one of two ways: alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Are microphones AC or DC devices? Some microphones require DC voltages to power their active circuitries (internal…
Microphones are used extensively in today’s music, television, radio, and other media. The vast majority of recorded music today is in stereo. Still, the voice in many voice-centric recordings (podcasts, vlogs, etc.) is often mono (if but only panned centre in a stereo mix). Do microphones output mono or stereo signals? Microphones convert sound waves…
Microphones are used every single day to record both analog and digital audio. Hence, it makes sense that there is a bit of confusion about whether microphones are analog or digital devices or both. Are microphones analog or digital? Microphones convert sound waves into AC electrical audio signals and are therefore analog devices. However, some…
In hopes of expanding your horizons of what microphone manufacturers exist out there in the world, I’ve compiled a list of microphone manufacturers. Related articles:• Full List Of Headphone, Earphone & Headset Brands/Manufacturers• Full List: Loudspeaker & Studio Monitor Brands/Manufacturers• Top 10 Best Online Audio Gear/Equipment Retailers Click here to return to My New Microphone’s…
Lavalier and lapel microphones. Sometimes you see them; sometimes you don’t. Sometimes it’s effortless to hide them away, sometimes it’s not practical, and sometimes they absolutely must not be seen! So how and where do we attach a lavalier/lapel microphone? Lavalier (lapel) microphones often have removable clips that attach to clothing and other material. Alternatively, adhesive…
If you’ve only ever used stage microphones, chances are you haven’t used a microphone shock mount either. Those big basket-looking microphone holders we see so often in studio settings are there for a good reason. Let’s talk about it! What is a microphone shock mount, and why is it important? A shock mount effectively holds a…
You’ve probably seen a microphone pop filter before in either videos, pictures, or in person. It’s that thing in between the vocalist and the microphone. What is a microphone pop filter, and when should you use one? A microphone pop filter is a device used to protect mic capsules from plosive energy. A pop filter helps…
If you’ve worked on a film set or have seen pictures of work being done, you may have asked yourself why the microphone is covered in fur. What is that dead cat (yes, “deadcat” is an actual industry term) doing at the end of that boom pole? So what are dead cats, and why are…
