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Speech and vocal microphones: live or for the studio
When singers start looking into vocal microphones, sooner or later the terms dynamic microphone and condenser microphone come up. What does that mean and what are the advantages and disadvantages?
Due to their construction, dynamic or moving-coil microphones are extremely robust, less prone to feedback and do not require a power supply. They are ideal for the stage and anywhere things get rough. Another advantage is that they are usually cheaper than condenser models. Ribbon microphones are also dynamic transducers, but they are very sensitive and therefore rarely used on the road.
The condenser microphone is more complex in design. Voice and vocals sound more detailed and nuanced. They are often described as having an open, airy and realistic sound thanks to their wider frequency response. For this they require a permanent power supply, commonly called phantom power. A voltage of 48 volts is supplied from a suitable interface, mic preamp or mixing desk via the connected XLR cable. These microphone types are used in recording studios and other controlled environments.
Large-diaphragm or small-diaphragm
Studio condenser microphones are offered in both variants. The models with the smaller diaphragm diameter are usually pencil- or cigar-shaped and designed for front-facing sound capture. Large-diaphragm microphones have a bulkier body and are designed for side-address sound capture.
What matters about the polar pattern?
Microphones can be divided into directional or non-directional types. Non-directional means sound is picked up from all around and there are no dead spots. When recording you don't have to pay close attention to where the capsule is pointing. This is the case with the omnidirectional pattern.
By contrast is the cardioid pattern. These mic types are most sensitive at the front. Sound from that direction is recorded loudest and — depending on the frequency range — most faithfully. They become less sensitive to the sides. At the rear, near the mic handle, the smallest amount of sound is recorded. If you're standing in front of an audience singing or rapping, the mic handle points towards the crowd. Fan cheers and applause are largely rejected by the cardioid pattern.
Supercardioid and hypercardioid patterns are more directional than the standard cardioid and are ideal, for example, for interview situations. Here you must pay close attention to the orientation of the mic capsule. If you miss the target, the level and clarity of the signal drop immediately. Supercardioid and hypercardioid patterns also pick up sound from the rear. Singers should ensure that their stage monitor is positioned off to the side and angled. Side sound is attenuated more with these mic patterns than with a standard cardioid.
TIP: Some microphones can change their pattern via a selector switch.
Important note — the proximity effect
On a lively stage it can sometimes get hectic and you might get the mic too close to your mouth. The vocal then sounds bassy and muffled. This proximity effect is directly related to the polar behaviour of the vocal mic. Creatives like beatboxers use it to give their bass drum more thump. If the effect is unwanted, some mics have switches for bass roll-off or low-cut. The safest choice here is a cardioid mic.
How much does a vocal microphone cost?
Cheap entry-level mics like the Klang SDM 58 cost less than €30. Classics such as the Shure SM 58, the Sennheiser e 845 or the Beyerdynamic TG models are priced around €100. The premium NEUMANN KMS series starts at about €500.
In our video guide Vocal microphones under €100 we test the sound of five common models.
Which brands of speech and vocal microphones are there?
Besides well-known manufacturers such as Sennheiser, Shure and Rode, session offers products from Klang and Neumann. Many vocal microphones are available for immediate order in our online shop. In our category Wireless systems for speech and vocals we have current wireless microphone set offers from Line 6 and AKG.
Already got a mic and looking for the right stand? In our online guide "Finding the right microphone stand" we'll help you find the perfect match. If you have any questions or need more information, our colleagues are happy to help you by phone or in our stores.