Microphones

From speech and vocals to podcasting, streaming, reporting, and instrument recording, there are microphones to suit every application, and microphones are an indispensable tool for anyone looking to capture music, speech or any other form of sound. The good news is that users no longer have to spend a fortune in order to obtain a good-quality microphone, as a wide selection of mics that will deliver excellent results in every conceivable scenario are available today at very affordable prices. And Thomann of course has a near-endless range to choose from, covering every price point and field of application, so customers are certain to find just what they are looking for. And just in case something is still not quite right, Thomann offers a 30-Day Money-Back Guar­an­tee to ensure a risk-free customer experience as well as a 3-year warranty for added peace of mind.

Finding the right microphone for your needs

Shopping for a microphone is a matter of finding one that will optimally suit the relevant application and not exceed the customer's budget. Two further aspects to be considered are how the signal is to be recorded and how it is to be processed afterwards - for example, is it going to be used in the studio or on stage, to cover a wide or a narrow space, and is the signal going to be recorded, amplified, or streamed directly to the internet? This buyer's guide has therefore been designed to make it easier to find the right microphone, in addition to which Thomann also has a range of online guides that provide more in-depth information covering all aspects of microphone technology. And of course, Thomann's studio department service team will be happy to help you with any questions you might have. You can contact them by telephone on +49 (0)9546-9223-30 or by e-mail at studio@thomann.de.

How does a microphone work?

The purpose of a microphone is to capture sound and generate a signal that can be amplified or recorded. When an instrument is played or when a person speaks or sings, air molecules are set in motion which then exert pressure on a small diaphragm inside the microphone. This diaphragm is set in motion by the movement of air (similar to a human eardrum) and converts this motion into an electric current, which is usually fed via cable to its ultimate destination, where it is converted back into audible sound by a speaker cone or headphone driver.

What kinds of microphones are there?

The various types of microphones differ in several ways, and while these are not standardised, they are quite simple to understand. One difference is their connection, which can be via XLR cable, USB, or wireless transmission. Another way in which microphones differ is the way in which they convert sound, the two main categories being condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. A microphone's polar pattern (cardioid, omnidirectional, bi-directional, switchable, etc.) also plays an important role, as does the question of whether it is a tube microphone. And the design (handheld microphone, clip-on microphone, etc.) is of course a significant factor. Since an ever-increasing number of microphones cover several of these criteria at once, however, many are simply referred to by their intended application, e.g. bass drum microphone, live vocal microphone, speaker's microphone, etc.

Which microphone is right for which scenario?

Because there are so many different situations in which sound is recorded, streamed, and amplified, it is important for users to choose the correct microphone from the range available and to familiarise themselves with the different applications for microphones. It should quickly become clear which microphone types are suitable for the respective application. The following list illustrates the most popular and most commonly used microphones depending on the use case. At the same time, many mics are very flexible, with the majority being versatile all-rounders. For instance, a microphone that is purchased for live vocal performances can also be used to record instruments in a home studio environment and make spoken-word recordings for podcasts.

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What type of connection does a microphone need?

A "normal" microphone is equipped with an analogue connection in the form of an XLR socket. Some, however, have more specialised connection formats, particularly those used in conjunction with wireless transmitters or film/DSLR cameras. USB microphones represent a practical and popular solution for beginners, home recording applications, content creators, and podcasters as well as for Zoom meetings when working from home, as they can be connected directly to a computer (Mac or PC) without the need for additional accessories. Many USB mics can also be used with smartphones or tablets (iOS/iPhone/iPad, or Android systems), and microphones that have been specially designed for this purpose are also available. Bluetooth microphones in turn are particularly suitable for videocasters. When it comes to live performance, wireless microphones - which as their name suggests function without a cable - are a common sight. These mics are either connected to a transmitter or already have one built in. Local laws and regulations may apply to the use of such systems depending on the country in which they are to be used, however. Another special "connection" type is the option of recording with the microphone directly, but there is a large overlap between microphones with a built-in recorder and digital recorders.

Dynamic or condenser microphone?

The terms "condenser microphone" and "dynamic microphone" are both frequently heard, and the difference between the two types, which lies in the way in which they convert the diaphragm's vibrations into electricity, plays a decisive role when deciding which type of mic to buy.

A dynamic microphone, sometimes also referred to as a moving-coil microphone, is equipped with a coil of wire that is attached to the underside of the diaphragm. This coil is positioned in the magnetic field of a stationary permanent magnet and moves up and down as the diaphragm vibrates, creating an electric voltage across the coil by means of induction. The resulting signal can be put to direct use, e.g. recorded or amplified. In basic terms, this type of microphone can therefore be regarded as a "reversed loudspeaker". Ribbon microphones in turn feature a thin aluminium ribbon suspended between two permanent magnets.

Condenser microphones operate according to a different principle. These microphones are equipped with a condenser capsule that comprises a moving membrane and a stationary backplate, which both conduct electricity but do not touch one another. Audio vibrations alter the distance between the diaphragm and backplate and thus the capacitance of the capsule. A small electric circuit is then required in order to create the necessary voltage from the low-level signal that is generated, and this is most commonly powered using (48V) phantom power. Depending on their diaphragm size, condenser microphones are also grouped into small-diaphragm microphones and large-diaphragm microphones. Condenser microphones that are equipped with tube circuitry repesent a further category.

Condenser vs. dynamic mics: The pros and cons

Advantages of dynamic microphones

- Very robust

- Can withstand very high sound pressure levels

- Usually more affordable than condenser microphones

- No external power supply required

Advantages of condenser microphones

- Highly detailed sound capture

- Very good at recording very high frequencies

- Produce less noise than dynamic microphones

Microphone polar patterns

The "polar pattern" of a microphone describes the extent to which it captures sound coming from the front, sides, and rear.

Microphone designs

Different types of microphone are designed for specific applications. Vocal microphones can be mounted on a stand for on-stage use, and many all-round dynamic microphones for recording instruments feature a similar design. Speaker's microphones, which are popular for radio (broadcast mics) and podcasting applications, are generally much larger and are suspended overhead during use. Large-diaphragm studio microphones typically tend to be quite large and capture sound from the side. Small-diaphragm condenser microphones on the other hand are smaller and sometimes referred to as "pencil micophones".

Many instrument microphones have a dedicated fixture, which is frequently a clip or a gooseneck. The advantage of these fixtures is that the microphone always stays in the same position, even if the player is moving around on stage.

A wide range of headset microphones and lavalier microphones ("lapel microphones") are available for recording speech. Headset microphones, which are small and unobtrusive, are attached behind the speaker's neck or ear and positioned adjacent to their mouth. Lavalier microphones in turn are affixed to the speaker's clothing in order to remain concealed from view when shooting videos.

During video shoots, directional microphones mounted on a microphone boom are the most common solution, as these are not visible on camera. For DSLRs, microphones are also available that fit onto the hot shoe mount.

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