How to Buy a Microphone for Music

A good microphone will accurately reproduce your original performance. The right microphone will capture the sound and room ambience you want, without picking up other sounds.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microphones

1. Read reviews on the Internet and in professional audio magazines.

2. Ask other musicians for recommendations and a chance to try the microphones they use.

3. Expect to spend $50 or more for an adequate microphone.

4. Get a microphone with a windscreen to use for singing.

5. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for uses of individual models (for example: voice, accoustic guitar, snare drum). Make sure the frequency response of the microphone covers the spectrum of the instrument to be recorded.

6. Compare frequency, sensitivity and impedance specifications of different models.

7. Buy a balanced, low-impedance microphone with an XLR (large 3-pin) connector, if you can afford it. These microphones are more resistant to radio frequency (RF) interference, providing better signal-to-noise ratios.

8. Choose an omnidirectional microphone if you can afford only one or two microphones and you need to record or amplify a group of musicians.

9. Buy a unidirectional microphone to pick up sound from individual instruments and exclude other sounds in the room.

10. Use a unidirectional or cardioid microphone for vocals. Cardioid microphones pick up sound in figure-eight patterns, with the microphone in the middle of the "eight."

11. Demo a microphone before buying it. If possible, record from the microphone or listen through your own speaker.

[Dojomind]

on 8/5/2007 Consider the Shure SM58 for $99. It is widely used by professionals for live performances, and it is an excellent vocal mike for home and studio recording. For instrumental recording, try the Shure SM57, which is also $99.