Microphones

Types:

Dynamic - Uses the same basic setup as a speaker.  A small movable induction coil is attached to a diaphragm that sends an electrical signal when moved by sound waves. Dynamic mics work well for live performances or recording.

Condenser - Uses a diaphragm and a fixed plate to send electrical signals depending on the distance between the two. Condenser mics work better for recording than live, as they are generally more sensitive and pick up more background sounds.

Ribbon - Uses a thin, often corrugated, metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field.  The ribbons vibrations in the magnetic field send the signal from the microphone.works well for soloist or acoustic sounds.

Shotgun - Picks up sound from a very limited pattern. Used for recording in noisy locations or where very little background noise is desirable.

Boundary or ‘PZM’ - Pick up sound in environments where space is limited, and reflective areas are present (ie. a grand piano)

Piezoelectric - Often used as contact microphones that pick up vibrations from the instrument or stage they are attached to.

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Polar Patterns:

Omnidirectional - Picks up sound in a 360 degree sphere.

Unidirectional - Picks up sound from one direction only.  The microphone would point up in this case.

Cardioid - Picks up sound in a ‘cardioid’ shape. Often used for speech or vocal sound.

Cardioid - Picks up sound in a ‘cardioid’ shape. Often used for speech or vocal sound.

Supercardioid - Picks up sound in a ‘cardioid’ shape with a small addition of rea response.

Hypercardiod - Picks up sound in a ‘cardioid’ shape with a larger addition of rear response.

Bi-directional - Picks up sound from two sides in a figure 8 pattern.

Shotgun: Picks up sound from a very limited pattern.