There are 3 basic factors to take into account when choosing wired microphones for live use:
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Operating Principle (dynamic or condenser)
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Dynamic |
Simple, rugged. Handles extreme volume levels without distortion. Used primarily on stage. |
Condenser |
Lightweight, sensitive. Precisely and smoothly captures sound nuances. Powered by battery or phantom power supply. Used primarily in studios. |
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Cardioid |
Picks up the most sound in front of the microphone and some from the sides. Less susceptible to feedback in high volume environments. Used primarily for stage vocals. |
Super Cardioid |
Screens unwanted sounds sources. Ideal for individual instruments in a multi-microphone setting, or single sources in noisy environments.
Used primarily for miking instrument cabinets. |
Omni directional |
Equally sensitive to sound from all directions, but cannot be 'aimed' to isolate one area. |
Bi Directional |
Picks up sound equally from the front and back of the microphone. |
Hyper Cardioid |
Provides maximum isolation from ambient noise and adjacent sound such as musical instruments, loud speakers and other performers. |
Half Cardioid |
Picks up the most sound from above the flat mounted microphone and some sound from the sides. |
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Frequency Response (the range of sound frequencies the mic can reproduce)
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Frequency response determines the basic sound of the microphone. It is determined by the range of sound (from the lowest to the highest) that a microphone can reproduce, and how that sound varies at different frequencies.
Typical response curves are:
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Flat |
Wide, uniform response. Consistent sensitivity through the frequency range. |
Tailored |
Smooth, extended response. Tuned to accentuate specific types of instruments or voices. Typically for stage use. |
Adjustable |
Interchangeable frequency response caps for mild and high boosts. |
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Recommendations for stage use
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Mic Type |
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Frequency
Response |
Vocals |
Dynamic |
Cardoid |
Tailored 60Hz - 15kHz
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Guitar Amps |
Dynamic |
Cardoid |
Tailored 50Hz - 15kHz
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Bass Amps |
Dynamic |
Cardoid |
Tailored 50Hz - 15kHz
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Acoustic Guitar |
Dynamic |
Cardoid |
Tailored 40Hz - 18kHz
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Kick Drum |
Dynamic |
Cardoid |
Tailored 30Hz - 13kHz
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Snare/Toms |
Dynamic |
Cardoid |
Tailored 50Hz - 15kHz
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Cymbals |
Dynamic |
Cardoid |
Tailored 40Hz - 18kHz
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