How to find the right live microphones for you
Finding the right microphone is a science in itself. Ultimately, besides some know-how, you need above all: experience in practice. Everything you need to know when buying live microphones, you will find out now. Read more >
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Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Average rating of 5 out of 5 stars
Live Microphones: Which Design Should I Choose?
Microphones for live performances come in two different designs, each bringing different sound characteristics and requirements on stage.
Condenser Microphones
Construction
The condenser microphone has a thin membrane that captures the sound waves of your voice during singing. For perfect conductivity, this thin metal foil is usually gold-plated. Near it, but without direct contact, a back electrode is mounted.
Function
When the membrane is set in motion, it changes the distances to the back electrode. This creates capacitance and thus electrical energy. These weak signals are made audible by an internal amplifier. Therefore, condenser microphones require a supply called phantom power - a reliable supply with external voltage.
Sound
The result of this construction is that a condenser microphone sounds very detailed and realistic. The lighter the membrane, the more sensitive the mic. The sound is very faithful to details, even with otherwise difficult-to-record short sound impulses.
Usage
To operate this microphone, an interface with phantom power or a microphone preamplifier is necessary. Additionally, due to the very sensitive membrane, a microphone stand is needed. For this, attach a pop filter and screw a microphone shock mount onto it.
The microphone can now swing freely and is ready for interference-free recording. This requires some effort but rewards you with a rich and resonant sound.
Using Condenser Microphones for Live Performances?
Typically, the condenser microphone is used for vocals in the recording studio or at home. The warm and intimate sound it produces is incomparable.
However, whenever you want to fully exploit, even with a live microphone, the authentic sound of your voice, the condenser microphone is more than worth considering. It's best to try it out.
Dynamic Microphones
Construction
The most obvious advantage of dynamic microphones is that they require no external power supply. Inside the mic, there's also a diaphragm that is set in motion by sound.
Function
The diaphragm is attached to a moving coil that continuously moves through the magnetic field. This converts the sound waves into electrical signals, which are audible directly when connected to a speaker.
Sound
The sound differs significantly from condenser microphones. It's not as warm, but softer and at the same time more powerful. The coil is heavier and thus less susceptible to interference. Overall, a dynamic microphone with a moving coil is more robust and doesn't have issues with excessive movements by the performer. They also have the least problems with feedback.
Ribbon Microphones
There's also a second type of dynamic microphones, but it's very rarely used: the ribbon microphone. Instead of a moving coil, a long aluminum ribbon serves as the sound receptor.
Usage
Dynamic microphones are by far the most popular live microphones. You can simply hold them in your hand and move freely during the performance. Additionally, they require minimal additional equipment. Besides a good interface and an XLR cable, you only need your voice to get started right away.
Dynamic microphones are very versatile, so you can use them in various situations. They also handle high sound pressure levels and, thanks to their robust and moisture-resistant construction, withstand tough stage situations.
Live Performance with the Dynamic Microphone?
Dynamic microphones are the perfect live microphones for all occasions from singing to moderation. The easy handling makes them ideal companions on tour. Moreover, they are also relatively inexpensive.
Choosing the Right Live Microphone is a Matter of Taste
You see: Both condenser and dynamic microphones have their pros and cons. Therefore, you should try out different mics.
In the end, your preference, your performance style, and your personality decide: Do you want to be as flexible and ready to go as possible with minimal equipment? Then probably dynamic live microphones are right for you. Do you want to highlight the unique sound of your voice and value perfect sound? Then you should consider a condenser microphone.
Interesting facts about dynamic live microphones
If you're familiar with the key parameters when using dynamic microphones, you can quickly and professionally optimize the sound experience for your audience.
Directional Characteristics
Depending on the construction and the type of transducer used, microphones have various directional characteristics. Which one is suitable for you depends on the intended use. The microphone's directional characteristic describes the spatial area in which the mic picks up and reproduces most frequencies.
Example: A microphone with a cardioid characteristic picks up sound from all directions. At the same distance from the sound source, the volume remains constant.
There are seven different directional characteristics, each with its own advantages:
- Cardioid
- Wide Cardioid
- Supercardioid
- Hypercardioid
- Omnidirectional
- Figure-eight
- Line
The cardioid characteristic is one of the most popular. The focus here is on the sound coming from the front; side-entry noises are quieter. What happens behind the microphone is almost irrelevant.
Frequency Response
In studio microphones, it's desired that all frequencies are transmitted as linear and neutral as possible. It's different for live microphones that need to make the human voice sound optimal. Here, you can boost or cut individual frequencies or ranges. The entire frequency range of a microphone is specified by the manufacturer as frequency response. So you need to know exactly what you want to use your live microphone for and test it thoroughly.
Maximum Sound Pressure Level
Have you ever heard of distortion factor? This refers to the sound pressure beyond which your microphone is likely to distort. How quickly are the decibel values of your live microphone exceeded because it's too close to a speaker? Dynamic mics are a bit more robust in this regard because they have a thicker diaphragm. However, knowing the maximum sound pressure level is indispensable for practical use.
A Wide Range for Your Performance
Quality Wins
One thing is clear: there's no universal stage microphone. You need to know the different sound-shaping factors and test them in practice. We offer you a wide selection of high-quality live microphones, including those from top brands like Sennheiser, Vestax, Roland, Gemini, Neumann, and Omnitronic.
Know What You Need
So choose according to your needs and desires: from vocals to moderation to use in conferences, there's the right live microphone for you. Many mics stand out for their easy operation, On/Off switches, or included cases for secure transportation. If necessary, feel free to consult our experts. Our customer service is available to assist you with advice and expertise.