What is a microphone: description, device, types and reviews

Probably, very few people know what a microphone is. After all, the world of these devices is diverse. Today's market provides a huge number of microphones of various sizes and shapes. Previously, the consumer was still able to determine the choice, but today there are so many manufacturers that for the average person buying a device becomes a lottery. Let's look at modern microphones, features, user reviews.

Device Description

So, what is a microphone? It is an electroacoustic type device that converts acoustic sound vibrations into electrical signals. This device is the first link in any recording or voice communication process. It is his characteristics, as well as the conditions of use, that determine the quality of the entire cigar.

Inside the microphone, during the transformation of sound vibrations into electrical pulses, many interrelated physical processes occur. In this regard, it can be regarded as a chain of functional links.

Microphone Division

What is the microphone, we figured out. How are they classified? There are three main features:

• Type of receiver.
• Transducer type.
• Appointment.

The first sign determines one of the main characteristics of the device - the directivity characteristic. This is the dependence of its sensitivity at a certain frequency on the angle of incidence of sound waves.

By type of converter, microphones can be divided into electromagnetic, dynamic, electrostatic, coal and piezoelectric. In professional models, electrostatic and dynamic converters are used.

Modern microphones and their use

These devices are everywhere: in phones, in tablets, in players, in dictophones, in cameras and video cameras. But there are microphones of a different kind.

Variety

This type was created for the scene. In the mind of the viewer, the stage is associated with a hand-held microphone, which has a handle and a capsule protected by a grid. Yes, in most cases, the design is exactly this. After all, it is perfectly fixed in the holders. In addition, you can easily select a replacement mesh for wind protection.

You can divide this type into wireless and wired ones. What is a wireless type microphone ? This device with built-in communication adapter, working on the battery.

What do users say about pop mics? Reviews are different, but they agree that you need to choose models more expensive.

Studio

Broad applications in television have received small wireless microphones-loops. But also often use and hand-held devices, head sets. In the programs, you can also see desktop microphones that have a flat shape. They are almost invisible on the tables of announcers. Their main task is to fix all the sounds over the table.

Microphones for music studios

In this category, you can also identify certain types: vocal, speech and instrumental. They can look different. Speech and vocal with each other are usually similar. They can be mounted on racks in special holders. Instrumental type looks like both stage and studio. Their peculiarity is the ability to perceive nuances and details of sound and high resistance to strong sound pressure. For this purpose, an attenuator is built in them, which reduces the risk of overloading the device.

Microphones for computer

What is a computer microphone - everyone knows. This is often an inexpensive device that is used for communication through various programs. Their characteristics are not impressive, but users do not need much. They are performed in the form of headsets. They are often built into webcams for the convenience of video communication.

Separation on the principle of action implies two types of devices: capacitor and dynamic. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its scope.

Condenser type microphones

In such devices, for the conversion of sound into electrical signals, it is not difficult to guess that the capacitor is responsible. One of its plates is fixed, and the second serves as a membrane and under the influence of sound comes into motion.

This type of microphone requires additional power, called phantom. There are models in which batteries are used for this.

Dynamic microphones

In such devices, the main element responsible for the conversion is a small speaker. Sound waves cause the membrane to oscillate with a coil microphone, which is placed in a constant magnetic field. In addition to reel, there are tape microphones. They are usually used in studios. The coil in them is replaced with a corrugated foil tape.

The dynamic devices do not require additional power. They are more reliable and not sensitive to temperature changes. But the sound quality is inferior to the capacitor.

Tips for choosing a microphone

First of all, we need to understand that there are no universal devices. Of course, if you select a computer microphone, it does not matter which model to choose. But even here you should not choose the cheapest copies.

You only need to buy a microphone for certain tasks. For example, if you need to record parts on drums, you need not one but several instrumental type devices that are ready for serious sound pressure. If you need to record vocals, then one studio vocal microphone of good quality will suffice. In general, for any purpose, you should choose a special device.

At best, the buyer will overpay if it is mistaken, as it will have to buy additional equipment if the sound quality is not good enough. Well, if you choose the wrong type of microphone, then in certain conditions it will not work as expected. Here, not only monetary losses, but also temporary.

Reviews

Today, the brand is no longer an indicator of quality. User reviews of expensive models of famous brands are often negative. But about the new manufacturers, which are still little known, speak in a positive way.

For example, microphones from Phillips are often scolded for poor quality. Models from Sony receive averaged reviews. Expensive microphones of this company are both good and not very good. But about the devices from Defender say a lot of good.

In any case, you should not give preference to inexpensive models. Even if they are produced by a well-known firm, their quality will be unacceptable. A professional microphone is expensive.