Each voice has its own microphone

The main thing in music is the emotions that the listener experiences. In vocal art, as strange as it may sound to readers, the expression “to sing with the soul” among professional vocalists means the ability to apply various techniques and competently interact with the studio or stage music equipment. The microphone does not just amplify the sound; it “compares” it and reproduces it, turning it into an electric current. Each voice is unique, and the purpose of the vocal microphone is precisely to convey this uniqueness.

Apart from the fact that microphones are cord and wireless (radio microphones), there are several other types. For example, on the principle of action. In the professional environment of musicians, two types of microphones are mainly used: dynamic and condenser. Both types of microphones are used for various purposes. Intended for recording, as a rule, are significantly different from those used by artists in live performance. In live performances, dynamic ones are more often used, while in recording studios – almost always capacitor ones. If the live performance requires a bright sound, the allocation of medium frequencies, then when recording – the sound should be more detailed and clear, without extraneous noise.

The goal is to bring the sound of the recording as close as possible to the original in order to create the impression that the sound source is present directly next to the listener. Condenser microphones are focused on high frequencies, and the radius of sound perception is smaller than those of dynamic ones, which allows us to avoid catching extraneous noise. And that which falls within the radius of their action is heard much more clearly. But condenser microphones are more fragile and finicky in relation to the environment. -Apparently, it is inevitable to experience some issues with the microphone itself no matter what type of microphone you use. One common issue is a low microphone volume.

Who needs what microphone?

Each singer needs to find “his” microphone with which he will be comfortable working. The microphone, in fact, is quite an individual thing. His choice depends on the technique of execution and the physiological characteristics of the vocalist’s vocal apparatus.

Prices for stage microphones range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, studio microphones also cost very differently. Why such a huge difference in price? The vocalists say: “how much it costs – the same it sounds.” The sound quality is really reflected directly in the result.

The market leader in microphone quality is the Neumann German company, a subsidiary of Sennheiser. A very popular model of this brand among vocalists is the Neumann KMS 105.

Of the most common dynamic is the microphone of the American brand Shure-58. Every professional vocalist is familiar with this microphone. It is inexpensive and, as they say, it is “indestructible.” There are, of course, much more expensive variations of this model. At the moment, these microphones are available in two versions – with and without an on/off button. Its feature is the amplification of median frequencies, which makes the voice timbre more vivid.

Among other well-known microphones worth noting, for example, a condenser AKG C535 EB. Frank Sinatra worked with this in his last years. Also, Audio-Technica AE5400, condenser, more suitable for rock performers, condenser Shure KSM9 – preferred by Mariah Carey.

Among the Sennheiser brand microphones, the most famous are the Sennheiser SKM 2000-XP dynamic. Adele works with it, as well as the Sennheiser E 935 dynamic microphone. One of the most expensive dynamic models is the Sennheiser SKM 5200. Whitney Houston often performed with it.

Of the recording microphones, the most expensive is the Telefunken C-12. It is a condenser one; one of its distinguishing features is the option of selecting the directional characteristic. At the moment it is believed that this particular microphone gives the purest sound.

Today, USB microphones and Bluetooth microphones are becoming increasingly popular, allowing you to convert the audio signal immediately to digital. They are used more often at home. When you connect a recording device directly to the computer, the minus is that it is not possible to process the sound during recording via a compressor or a mixer. So professionals still prefer conservative devices.

Microphones are gradually transformed into multifunctional gadgets, with the help of which a vocalist can control the effects himself without using the remote and even do without a sound engineer. In the future, all the improvements will be aimed at making sound processing more operational.