How to choose a good microphone for vocals? Microphone sensitivity

The complexity of choosing a microphone for vocal lies in the ambiguity of the characteristics of this device in terms of disclosing the individual voice qualities of the performer. Ideally, each user wants to choose a model that best emphasizes the virtues of his vocals and also hides shortcomings. Determine how specific a microphone can handle this task is not so simple. Moreover, even the purchase of an expensive premium version with advanced performance indicators will not guarantee its effective operation under different application conditions. And yet you can choose the optimal microphone for vocals, if you take into account its operational properties, not forgetting about functional features and structural ergonomics.

Basic selection criteria

The working properties of the microphone make it clear how accurately the particular model can reveal the vocal data. This does not mean that it will allow them to be reflected in the best way, but the very fact of having such a potential is the basis for choice. So, attention is recommended to pay attention to such indicators as sensitivity, amplitude-frequency range and directivity features. These are the main characteristics that distinguish vocal microphones of different models. In practice, these parameters can affect the detail of the sound, the absence or presence of blockages of individual frequencies, stability of support for loudness, and so on.

Amplitude-frequency spectrum in audio equipment is most often represented by the same values, so special attention is not paid to this value. Nevertheless, in the case of microphones, every detail is important, and taking into account the impulse frequency response is of great importance. For example, if you select a microphone for recording vocals, this characteristic will determine how effective the device's response to electrical pulses will be. In combination, the sensitivity, frequency spectrum and type of directionality of the device will ensure one or another character of the interaction of not only the performer with the microphone, but also a bundle with additional equipment. Do not forget that during the recording and playback is also involved in other specialized equipment. At least the microphone must meet the qualitative characteristics of the main equipment. Conversely, if a high-quality modern microphone was purchased, its function may be inefficient when used in conjunction with budget equipment. For example, performance may not be revealed, even if a cheap speaker cable is used.

Microphone sensitivity

The sensitivity determines the voltage level, which is formed at the output of the microphone during the sound effect. In other words, it is the electric feedback of the acoustic pulse, received at the moment of the performance of the vocal parts. Usually, the concept of sound pressure is used to estimate this index, but experts nevertheless recommend using an integrated approach, that is, to take into account both the frequency of the sinusoidal sound wave signal and the output voltage. How does the sensitivity of the microphone affect the quality of its operation? At first glance it may seem that the high value as such indicates the possibility of disclosing the wide potential of vocal data. But this is not entirely true, and just sensitivity demonstrates the deceptiveness of high performance indicators as a guarantee of the quality of the device.

The sensitivity only gives information about the ability of the device to capture the signal with one or another force, which will be expressed in the power of feedback feedback with sound reproduction. However, the quality of the microphone's performance, in terms of acoustic properties, depends to a minimum on sensitivity, since a high degree of membrane susceptibility can reduce distortion and interference, the significance of which also increases. In spite of this, the vocal microphone should be selected taking into account the optimal sensitivity index. If you plan to perform on stage, then this indicator should be high, but for the recording studio there is no need to increase the susceptibility. By the way, for universal needs, the digital model will be the best choice, since it allows you to flexibly adjust the sensitivity value for specific tasks and conditions of application of the device.

Accounting for the parameters of the orientation

In a sense, the sensitivity of the microphone is also related to sensitivity. The sensitivity index, as already noted, expresses the device's ability to capture the strength of the sound signal, then converting it into tension. The directional pattern, in turn, indicates which side of the device the signal perceives best. For example, omni-directional vocal microphones work equally with lateral sensitivity, in the processing of the front and rear sound waves. Bi-directional models are usually oriented to work with the sides, but do not perceive the signals from the front and from the rear direction.

The most popular are unidirectional modifications, in which three directional patterns are provided to choose from. What does this mean in practice? These are schemes of sound capture, which are represented by cardioid, supercardioid and hypercardioid models of diagrams. In this case, all three options are insensitive to off-axis and rear-axial sound, which comes from sources located behind or on the side. For example, the traditional diagram of the cardioid type in its form of outreach resembles the heart. In this configuration, the device ignores sounds in the front zone and, in part, from the side. Hypercardioid and supercardioid configurations differ in that they leave narrow zones of coverage of the sound spectrum from the side and in the front part. A modern microphone for vocals in some versions provides for the possibility of adjusting the sensitivity zones. These are circular or multi-diagram models that allow you to switch the device to different capture directions depending on the application conditions - for example, in the studio or on the stage.

frequency range

The amplitude-frequency spectrum defines a corridor of values within which an output signal will be formed. At the moment, the segment of vocal models represents devices operating in the range of 80 Hz - 15 kHz. This is the optimal spectrum for the vocal device. If you need a professional microphone for vocals, volume-tom and small drums, it's best to refer to versions with a range of 50 Hz. Apparatus working with frequencies from 30 Hz already refers not only to professional, but to specialized, which are used for non-standard tasks of sound recording.

The frequency spectrum can be associated with sensitivity. So, if the susceptibility of the signal determines how much the microphone is able to capture the walking signal, then the frequency spectrum indicates the ability of the device to work with the transmission of the output signal in different levels. It is a very important dependence in terms of individual choice. Even with the nominal support of the aforementioned spectrum, different microphones can handle frequencies in their own way. Some models work better with upper bands, and others with lower ones. And the volume of the microphone as a means of correcting the indices of frequency processing and playback will not help. The value has precisely the basic potential of abilities to cope with peaks and decays of the output signal. The so-called proximity effect should also be taken into account. It is expressed in that as the microphone approaches the sound source, the low frequency spectrum becomes more detailed and deep. In fact, this phenomenon refers to distortions, but in some cases, sound engineers use it as an additional acoustic effect.

A dynamic or tape microphone for vocals?

The working base of the dynamic microphone is a combination of an inductor and a sensor element in the form of a membrane. In the process of exposure to the sound signal, the voltage in the coil changes under the action of the membrane itself, with its oscillations. And the coil works in conditions of constant action of a magnetic field. This is the optimal microphone for voice, which is designed for use in concerts. The design of the dynamic models is characterized by the massive body and the presence of a special fastening for holding in the hand. As for the working properties, they are oriented to live recording with ignoring off-axis sounds.

Models of the tape type, in contrast, have a brittle design and a more sensitive internal filling, which focuses on more precise and detailed signal processing. Instead of a membrane in such a microphone, a thin tape is used, due to oscillations of which the voltage indexes change. The operation of the tape device is characterized by a mild susceptibility, which makes it more efficient to use it in sound recording, not only voices, but also musical instruments. However, a microphone for studio recording can be found in the line with dynamic models. Usually these are universal devices, thanks to the settings of which you can solve different tasks.

If we talk about working with recording instrumental sounds, then pay attention to specialized modifications. For example, the same dynamic microphones are available in versions for drums, volume-volumes, wind instruments, etc. Typically, such modifications are provided by a wide range of regulation parameters, both in the sensitivity index and in the direction of signal capture.

What is the difference between a condenser microphone for a scene?

This version of the vocal microphone in its internal design provides for the content of a sensitive thin tape and a metal plate. This combination forms a kind of condenser, which is charged by a network source or battery. Directly, voltage fluctuations occur due to the interaction of the vibrating tape and the plate. This is a good microphone for recording in the studio, but in open concert stages it does not manifest itself in the best way. In this case, there are different modifications of condenser microphones. For example, a whole line of devices designed for working with musical instruments, from strings to drums, is popular.

In some versions, capacitor devices are supplemented with special switches that extend the acoustic capabilities of the device. So, the roll-off system is designed to correct the frequency range at a low level. Also with its help, if necessary, you can lower the sensitivity - this function is especially important when using a microphone in the studio. But it should be taken into account that the additional accessories with options also increase the price tag of the model. The answer to the question about how much is a microphone with a switch roll-off, can suggest amounts of about 40-50 thousand rubles. True, this applies to the products of well-known companies, famous for good quality. Wide-membrane capacitor models are also widely used. These versions are characterized by a large construction and a large membrane diameter of about 3 cm. They are also designed for sound recording, but mostly for amateur needs.

Shure SM-58

American company Shure belongs to the leaders in the segment of production of audio equipment. In this case, the model of the dynamic microphone SM-58 is considered, which is suitable for use in concerts and in studio sound recording. This microphone "Shur" is good not only for its basic performance, but also for ergonomic design. Developers of this company traditionally produce compact manual models with convenient forms and this version completely fits into the concept of comfortable minimalism.

As for the acoustic capabilities, the filling is grounded for deep processing of all the basic shades of the voice. The device works with a cardioid pattern, which allows you to rationally delimit the areas of target and third-party sound. The frequency range varies from 50 Hz to 15 kHz. This spectrum allows you to count on the disclosure of vocal capabilities with clear and transparent sound. The question of how much a microphone costs in this performance will also not disappoint the fans of the brand: the price tag on average is 10 thousand, which is good for a high-quality device of this level. Especially considering the presence of technological features, which are expressed in the original design, and in the device switching systems.

Model Neumann U 87 Ai

High-quality and technological model, designed for professional studio sound recording. This device is considered by some experts as a standard of studio microphones for today. The device is distinguished by several directional patterns, among which are circular, eight-shaped and cardioid. And if the microphone "Shur" in the modification of SM-58, rather, is designed to use one specific range of coverage of sound, in this case, the user can select the most suitable configuration by narrower directions using the selector. In addition, it is also possible to perform a cutoff of frequencies and a decrease in the signal. This concerns the processing of the lower spectrum.

Speaking of design features, they are expressed in the increased size of the membrane, the use of a new generation XLR3F connector, and in a switchable attenuator of 10 dB. This model is also suitable for amateur tasks, since the ergonomics of tuning and control is realized according to the traditional scheme. But, there is a disadvantage that this microphone has. The price of the device is about 220-230 thousand. For this reason, this modification is mainly used by large music studios and television companies, which need to provide high-quality clean sound.

Model Sennheiser MK 8

German manufacturer Sennheiser, rather, is known for traditional acoustic equipment, as well as headphones for professional and amateur use. But successful microphones often appear in the families of this brand. In particular, a good microphone in the performance of the MK 8 can be used both at home and in studio recording. This is a condenser model with a double diaphragm, characterized by an accurate and soft translation of the sound. To maximize the disclosure of vocal data, the developers have envisaged the possibility of using circular, extended, supercardioid and standard cardioid directional configurations.

Another feature of the model is also noteworthy. The fact is that the user of the MK 8 gets the ability to adapt a mixer of any type to an audio track through a three-stage attenuator. In general, the set of accessories complete with this model made the device almost universal, in any case, it concerns the channels for connecting the model to third-party equipment besides the mixer. Separate attention also deserves high-quality filtration systems, which, if necessary, can eliminate both the mentioned effect of approaching the source of sound, and the effect of structural noise. In general, it can be stated that this is a technological, functional and simply high-quality microphone. The price of the model, however, is also rather large and amounts to about 50 thousand.

How to choose the best option?

In choosing a microphone, it is difficult to focus on specific characteristics without having a clear understanding of the future operation of the device. Thus, the differences in approaches to selection are determined not only by the scope of application, but also by the subtleties of the technical organization of the work process. The value has both the method of connection, and the recording requirements, as well as possible external effects on the design of the device.

In this case, in the selection of devices for universal needs, experts recommend adhering to the average characteristics, focusing on advanced technologies. For example, the standard XLR microphone connector for balanced connection gradually gives way to the more advantageous XLR3F format. However, such changes mainly affect accessories and external accessories. The internal filling with the structural device of the same ribbon membranes retains a basic configuration with the admission of minor adjustments. In any case, to expect a high-quality implementation of the technical device of the microphone will only have to in case the model is purchased from a major manufacturer. Even if the budget modification from a little-known manufacturer will have similar nominal characteristics, this does not mean that in practice the model will provide the same sound quality. However, there are such exceptions.