There are 3 basic factors to take into account when
choosing microphones for live use:
Operating Principle
(dynamic or condenser)
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.
Polar Patterns
(the area the mike picks up from)
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.
Frequency Response
(the range of sound frequencies the mike can reproduce)
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:
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.
Recommendations for stage use:
Usage
Mic Type
Pattern
Frequency
Response
Example
Shop
Vocals
Dynamic
Cardoid
Tailored 60Hz - 15kHz
CMW20
Guitar Amps
Dynamic
Cardoid
Tailored 50Hz - 15kHz
CMW20
Bass Amps
Dynamic
Cardoid
Tailored 50Hz - 15kHz
CMW20
Acoustic Guitar
Dynamic
Cardoid
Tailored 40Hz - 18kHz
Kick Drum
Dynamic
Cardoid
Tailored 30Hz - 13kHz
CMD
S5(set)
Snare/Toms
Dynamic
Cardoid
Tailored 50Hz - 15kHz
Cymbals
Dynamic
Cardoid
Tailored 40Hz - 18kHz
Click
here to view our full range of wired and
wireless microphones.
Send us your comments
If you have any comments on this section or would like to add something to
it, please email us!
Operating Principle
(dynamic or condenser)
Polar Patterns
(the area the mike picks up from)
Frequency Response
(the range of sound frequencies the mike can reproduce)
