Probably few people do not know what a microphone is. After all, the world of these devices is diverse. Today's market provides a huge number of microphones of various sizes and shapes. Previously, consumers still managed to make their own choices, but today there are so many manufacturers that for an ordinary person, buying a device becomes a lottery. Let's look at modern microphones, features, user reviews.
Device description
So what is a microphone? This is an electro-acoustic type device that converts acoustic vibrations of sound into electrical signals. This device is the first link in any process of sound recording or voice communication. It is his characteristics, as well as the conditions of use, that determine the quality of the entire sigal.
Inside the microphone during the conversion of sound vibrations into electrical pulses, many interconnected physical processes occur. In this regard, it can be considered as a chain of functional links.
Microphone Division
What is a microphone, we figured it out. How are they classified? There are three main symptoms:
- Type of receiver.
- Type of transducer.
- Destination.
The first sign determines one of the main characteristics of the device - the directivity characteristic. This is the dependence of its sensitivity at a certain frequency on the angle of incidence of sound waves.
According to the type of transducer, microphones can be divided into electromagnetic, dynamic, electrostatic, carbon and piezoelectric. Professional models use electrostatic and dynamic transducers.
Modern microphones and their application
These devices are everywhere: in phones, in tablets, in players, in voice recorders, in cameras and video cameras. But there are microphones of a different kind.
Variety
This type was created for the scene. In the minds of the viewer, the stage is associated with a hand-held microphone, which has a handle and a capsule protected by a net. Yes, in most cases the design is just that. After all, it is perfectly fixed in the holders. In addition, you can easily pick up a removable mesh for wind protection.
You can divide this type into wireless and wired. What is a wireless microphone ? This is a battery-powered device with a built-in communication adapter.
What do users say about pop microphones? The reviews are different, but they agree that you need to choose models more expensive.
Studio
Widespread use in television received small wireless microphones, loopers. But also often use and handheld devices, headsets. In the gears, you can also notice desktop microphones that have a flat shape. They are almost invisible on the speaker's tables. Their main task is to fix all the sounds above the table.
Microphones for music studios
In this category, one can also distinguish certain types: vocal, speech and instrumental. They can look differently. Speech and vocal are usually similar to each other. They can be mounted on racks in special holders. The instrumental type resembles both the stage and the studio ones. Their feature is the ability to perceive the nuances and details of the sound and high resistance to strong sound pressure. For this, an attenuator is built into them, which reduces the risk of device overload.
Microphones for computer
What is a computer microphone - everyone knows. This is most often an inexpensive device that is used to communicate through various programs. Their characteristics are not impressive, but users do not need much. They are performed in the form of headsets. Often embedded in webcams for easy video calling.
Separation by the principle of action implies two types of devices: capacitor and dynamic. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the scope.
Condenser type microphones
In such devices, the conversion of sound into electrical signals is responsible, as you might guess, a capacitor. One of its lining is fixed, and the second serves as a membrane and under the influence of sound comes into motion.
This type of microphone needs additional power, called phantom power. There are models in which batteries are used for this.
Dynamic microphones
In such devices, the main element responsible for the conversion is a small speaker. Sound waves force the membrane to oscillate with a coil microphone, which is placed in a constant magnetic field. In addition to reel, there are tape microphones. They are usually used in studios. The coil in them is replaced by a corrugated foil tape.
Dynamic devices do not require additional power. They are more reliable and not sensitive to temperature extremes. But the sound quality is inferior to the capacitor.
Microphone Tips
First of all, you need to understand that universal devices do not exist. Of course, if you choose a computer microphone, it does not matter which model to choose. But even here you should not choose the cheapest items.
You need to purchase a microphone only for certain tasks. For example, if you want to record parts on drums, then you need not one, but several instrument-type devices that are ready for serious sound pressure. If you need to record vocals, then one good quality studio vocal microphone is enough. In general, a special device should be chosen for any purpose.
In the best case, the buyer will overpay if he makes a mistake, as he will have to buy additional equipment if the sound quality is not good enough. Well, if the wrong type of microphone is selected, then under certain conditions it will not work as it should. There are not only monetary losses, but also temporary ones.
Reviews
Today, a brand is no longer an indicator of quality. User reviews of expensive models of famous brands are often negative. But the new manufacturers, which are still little known, speak in a positive way.
For example, Phillips microphones are often blamed for poor quality. Sony models get average reviews. Expensive microphones from this company are both good and not very good. But the devices from Defender say a lot of good.
In any case, do not give preference to inexpensive models. Even if they are manufactured by a well-known company, their quality will be unacceptable. A professional microphone is expensive.