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This is not an area to skimp on. You don’t have to spend a bundle but you will regret it if you don’t spend enough. There are basically three types of microphones used for recording. The first group are the moving coil or dynamic mic’s . Probably the most used dynamic microphone in the world is the venerable Shure SM-57 . Since it is a dynamic microphone, it doesn’t require any additional power. It has been used on vocal tracks, as a guitar amp mic, a snare mic, a brass mic, etc. The next most popular dynamic mic is the Shure SM-58 . You can’t beat it as a starter vocal mic for a home studio since it’s intended use is for live vocals. There are many other dynamic mic’s that are too numerous to mention. A quick glance through Musician’s Friend’s catalog will familiarize you with what’s available. Next we get into a whole range of microphones known as condenser mic’s. These mic’s require additional power in order to operate. This can be supplied by an internal battery, “phantom power” or by an external power supply. Phantom power usually comes from the mixing console although in some cases there are separate power supplies. It’s called phantom because dynamic mic’s don’t recognize it if they happen to be plugged into a phantom power mic jack. There are literally hundreds of different condenser mic’s for sale but only two basic styles. The first type of condenser microphone is the small diaphragm. There are two types of small diaphragm condensers, the “shotgun” and “pencil”, but the pencil type is the one generally used in music recording studios It’s used almost exclusively for drum overheads or ensemble stereo recording although occasionally it will be used for acoustic instruments. They tend to be a bit on the bright side so be careful with additional equalization. Many times they will come in matched pairs for stereo recording and Rode actually has a mic that has 2 small diaphragm capsules mounted in an X-Y configuration for a very reasonable price. The second type is the large diaphragm condenser mic. This is the one you usually see vocals recorded on in professional studios. Pricing on these can range from $100 to well over $5000. You can definitely spend way too much here if you don’t have the experience of listening to how they sound. There are some great $300.00 mic’s as well as some average $800.00 ones. A great group of $800 –$1000 mic’s is the AKG C 414 family. These mic’s are probably the best addition you can make to your microphone cabinet when you can afford it. The last type of mic are ribbon mic’s. They were developed in the 1930’s but not used very much any more as the ribbon elements are fragile, especially in vocal situations where the vocalist is very powerful. These can be pricey as well so study carefully before you buy. In every case, consider the instrument you are recording and try to match the frequency response of the instrument to the frequency response of the microphone. For instance, with vocals, a mic with a rise in frequency response around 2500hz will accentuate a vocal nicely especially if it has a low cut filter around 80hz or so. Guitars sit nicely in a mix when the mic has a peak at around 4000hz. Don’t forget - you need cables to connect your microphones to your recording equipment. Most microphones require a 3-pin XLR connector (also known as a mic cable). Don’t skimp on these either, there are some excellent products with lifetime warranties just a bit more expensive than the cheapest brand.
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