Microphone Guide and Uses

There are more microphone choices than ever before. There could be a whole book on just microphones and their uses. The following section will feature common mics and touch on a cross section of what is out there. I have incorporated mics that a home recordist could afford as well as a fewer high-end mics that you may encounter in a professional recording studio.

 This is only a taste of what is out there. The guide below provides a picture to help identify the mic, a price guide, the microphone's transducer type and pickup pattern, specifically what the mic was designed for, what instrument to try it on, and a frequency response graph.

Dynamic Mics

AKG D 12

The AKG D 12 is a dynamic microphone with a cardioid polar pattern. This means that it “hears” best what happens in front of it while rejecting sound from the sides or rear. The sound entry of the D 12 is bright nickel plated.

The dynamic transducer with its special “Bass Chamber” is handmade. The Bass Chamber boosts the lower frequencies in the 60 to 120 Hz range. The large diaphragm provides full, rich bass and ensures clean, undistorted reproduction at high sound levels. Its shock mount prevents pick-up of impact and structure-borne noise. A compensation winding rejects hum induction (from power lines, amplifiers, etc.) and a built-in windscreen eliminates pop noise.

Its unique sound established the D 12 as the world’s standard microphone for bass drum and bass instrument pick-up. the D 12’s frequency response extends down to 40 Hz, and the slight peak in the 60 to 120 Hz range enables the microphone to do full justice to the mellow, intimate quality of the trombone, tuba, or flügelhorn.

Features:
  • Full, punchy sound due to large diaphragm and special “Bass Chamber”
  • Excellent reproduction of low-pitched instruments
  • Handles high sound levels without introducing distortion
  • Cardioid polar pattern
  • Shock mount isolates transducer element from floor vibration

Technical Specifications
  • Transducer Principle: dynamic pressure gradient transducer
  • Polar Pattern: cardioid
  • Frequency Range: 30-15,000 Hz
  • Sensitivity at 1000 Hz: 2.2 mV/Pa ± –74 dBV re 1 µbar
  • Electrical Impedance at 1000 Hz: 260 ohms
  • Recommended Load Impedance: 600 ohms
  • Maximum SPL for 0.5% THD: 50 Pa ± 128 dB SPL
  • Hum Sensitivity at 50 Hz: 10 µV/5 ± T
  • Climactic Conditions: temperature range: –10°C to +70°C; relative humidity at +20°C: 90%
  • Connector Type: three-pin male standard XLR
  • Connector Wiring: pin 1: ground, pin 2: AF (in phase), pin 3: AF (return)
  • Housing Material: steel wire mesh 1.5 × 0.7mm
  • Finish: front grille glossy nickel plated, rear grille matte black paint
  • Dimensions: H 140mm (5½ in.), W 55mm (23⁄16 in.), D 76mm (3 in.)
  • Weight: 600g (21.2 oz.) net
AKG D 112

The AKG D 112 MkII professional dynamic bass drum microphone features a new integrated flexible mount, while retaining all the sonic strengths that have made it's predecessor the industry-standard. 

Over the years the D112 has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best bass drum microphones ever made, for its high SPL capability, punchy EQ and bulletproof construction. 

The D112 MkII can handle more than 160 dB SPL without distortion. Its large diaphragm has a very low resonance frequency that delivers a solid and powerful response below 100 Hz. 

Its authoritative low end is complemented by a narrow-band presence boost at 4 kHz that punches through even dense mixes and loud stage volumes with forceful impact. One of the many reasons artists and sound engineers love the D112 MkII is that it requires no additional EQ to sound just right as soon as you bring up the fader. 

Further refining its performance, the D112 MkII features an integrated hum-compensation coil that keeps noise to an absolute minimum. In addition to being an exceptional bass drum mic on stage and in the studio, the D112 MkII is an excellent choice for miking electric bass cabinets and trombones.

Audix D6

The D6 dynamic instrument microphone is used for stage, studio and broadcast applications. Designed with a cardioid pickup pattern for isolation and feedback control, the D6 drum microphone is equipped with a VLM™ diaphragm for natural, accurate sound reproduction.

Lightweight, compact and easy to position, the D6 cardioid microphone is an excellent choice for miking instruments requiring extended low frequency reproduction such as kick drums, large toms and bass cabinets. 

The D6's transformer less design, low impedance and balanced output allow for interference-free performance.

Applications
  • - Live stage, recording
  • - Kick drum
  • - Floor tom
  • - Bass cabinets
  • - Leslie bottom
Beyer M 201

The classic dynamic, "workhorse stable" microphone for all instrumental applications

Another microphone from the "workhorse stable", the M 201 TG preserves its place in history through sheer performance and reliability and we are proud that it has come to feature here with the classics. 

A truly sensitive dynamic microphone with a range of applications spanning instruments to vocals, being particularly effective when the microphone has to be placed at a distance from the sound source. 

It incorporates a "hum-buck" coil that rejects mains borne interference introduced when using the microphone close to video monitors or other mains powered devices.

Features:
  • Universal microphone for instrument miking
  • Integrated hum-buck coil
  • Small dimensions for unobtrusive positioning
  • Rugged construction
  • Supplied with microphone clamp and storage bag
Electro Voice RE-20

The RE20 dynamic cardioid microphone is truly an industry standard, a firm favorite among broadcasters and sound engineers worldwide. 

Its popularity also extends into music production as a premium grade instrument microphone. Its Variable-D™ design and heavy-duty internal pop filter excel for close-in voice work, while an internal element shock-mount reduces vibration-induced noise.

Features
  • Variable-D™ for minimal proximity effect
  • True cardioid with no coloration at 180-degrees off-axis
  • Voice tailored frequency response
  • Studio condenser-like performance
  • Large diaphragm
  • Humbucking coil 
  • Bass roll-off switch
Sennheiser E 609

Sennheiser e609 Silver Dynamic Instrument Microphone; Based on the legendary Sennheiser MD 409. Able to withstand high SPLs without distorting, the e609 Silver's flat-profile capsule allows extremely close miking of guitar cabinets and precise drum miking, particularly toms. 

The e609 Silver's super-cardioid design improves isolation while its increased output and wider frequency response improves performance. Its sound inlet basket, made of refined steel, is distinguished by a unique silver address side. 

Sennheiser Evolution e609 Silver Features Metal construction - rugged and reliable Super-cardioid pick-up pattern provides isolation from other on-stage signals Hum compensating coil reduces electrical interference Neodynum ferrous magnet with boron keeps mic stable regardless of climate.

Features

  • Exceptional full-size sound quality
  • Very high sound pressure handling capability
  • Super-cardioid pick-up pattern provides isolation from other on-stage signals
  • Hum compensating coil

Sennheiser MD 421

The MD 421 II continues the tradition of the MD 421, which has been one of Sennheiser's most popular dynamic mics for over 35 years. 

The large diaphragm, dynamic element handles high sound pressure levels, making it a natural for recording guitars and drums. The MD 421's full-bodied cardioid pattern and five-position bass control make it an excellent choice for most instruments, as well as group vocals or radio broadcast announcers. One listen and you'll know why it's a classic.

Features
  • Rugged professional microphone
  • Five position bass roll-off switch
  • Effective feedback rejection
  • Clear sound reproduction
  • Easy handling due to pronounced directivity
Shure Beta 52A

The Shure BETA®52A is a high output dynamic microphone with a tailored frequency response designed specifically for kick drums and other bass instruments. It provides superb attack and "punch", and delivers studio quality sound even at extremely high sound pressure levels. 

The Beta 52A features a modified supercardioid pattern throughout its frequency range to insure high gain-before-feedback and excellent rejection of unwanted sound. A built in dynamic locking stand adapter with an integral XLR connector simplifies installation, particularly if the microphone is to be placed inside a kick drum. 

The stand adapter keeps the microphone position fixed and resists slipping, even when subjected to sharp blows and strong vibrations. A hardened steel mesh grille protects the Beta 52A from the abuse and wear associated with touring.

Features
  • Frequency response shaped specifically for kick drums and bass instruments
  • Built–in dynamic locking stand adapter with integral XLR connector simplifies setup, especially inside a kick drum
  • Studio quality performance, even at extremely high sound pressure levels
  • Supercardioid pattern for high gain before feedback and superior rejection of unwanted noise
  • Hardened steel mesh grille that resists wear and abuse
  • Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
  • Neodymium magnet for high signal–to–noise ratio output
  • Low sensitivity to varying load impedance
  • Legendary Shure quality and reliability
Shure Beta 57A

The Shure BETA®57A is a high output supercardioid dynamic microphone designed for professional sound reinforcement and project studio recording. 
It maintains a true supercardioid pattern throughout its frequency range. This insures high gain-before-feedback, maximum isolation from other sound sources, and minimum off–axis tone coloration. 

Excellent for acoustic and electric instruments as well as for vocals, the extremely versatile Beta 57A dynamic microphone provides optimal warmth and presence. Typical applications include drums, guitar amplifiers, brass, woodwinds and vocals. 

Features
  • Tailored frequency response provides drums, guitars, vocals, and horns with studio quality sound
  • Uniform supercardioid pattern for high gain-before-feedback and superior rejection of off–axis sound
  • Hardened steel mesh grille that facilitates use of proximity effect and resists wear and abuse
  • Neodymium magnet for high signal–to–noise ratio output
  • Minimally affected by varying load impedance
  • Advanced pneumatic shock mount system that minimizes transmission of mechanical noise and vibration
  • Legendary Shure quality and reliability
Shure SM57

The legendary Shure SM57 is exceptional for musical instrument pickup and vocals. With its bright, clean sound and contoured frequency response, the SM57 is ideal for live sound reinforcement and recording.
The SM57 has an extremely effective cardioid pickup pattern that isolates the main sound source while minimizing background noise. In the studio, it is excellent for recording drums, guitar, and woodwinds.

Outstanding performance, reliability, and application diversity make this "workhorse" the choice of performers, producers, and sound engineers worldwide.

Features
  • Contoured frequency response for clean, instrumental reproduction and rich vocal pickup
  • Professional-quality reproduction for drum, percussion, and instrument amplifier miking
  • Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while reducing background noise
  • Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
  • Extremely durable under the heaviest use
  • Frequency response: 40 to 15,000 Hz
  • Replacement cartridge: R57
Shure SM58

The legendary Shure SM58 vocal microphone is designed for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and studio recording. 
Its tailored vocal response for sound is a world standard for singing or speech. A highly effective, built-in spherical filter minimizes wind and breath "pop" noise. A unidirectional (cardioid) pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise.

Rugged construction, a proven shock-mount system, and a steel mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently, outdoors or indoors.

Check out the history, the technology, the artists who use the SM58, and more at sm58.shure.com.

Features
  • Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass rolloff
  • Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise
  • Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise
  • Effective, built-in spherical wind and pop filter
  • Supplied with break-resistant stand adapter which rotates 180 degrees
  • Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness and reliability
  • Cardioid (unidirectional) dynamic
  • Frequency response: 50 to 15,000 Hz
  • Replacement cartridge: R59
Shure SM7B

The SM7B dynamic microphone has a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response appropriate for music and speech in all professional audio applications. 
It features excellent shielding against electromagnetic hum generated by computer monitors, neon lights, and other electrical devices.

The SM7B has been updated from earlier models with an improved bracket design that offers greater stability. In addition to its standard windscreen, it also includes the A7WS windscreen for close-talk applications. 

Features
  • Flat, wide-range frequency response for exceptionally clean and natural reproduction of both music and speech
  • Bass rolloff and mid-range emphasis (presence boost) controls with graphic display of response setting
  • Improved rejection of electromagnetic hum, optimized for shielding against broadband interference emitted by computer monitors
  • Internal "air suspension" shock isolation virtually eliminates mechanical noise transmission
  • Highly effective pop filter eliminates need for any add-on protection against explosive breath sounds, even for close-up vocals or narration
  • Now shipping with the A7WS detachable windscreen, designed to reduce plosive sounds and gives a warmer tone for close-talk vocals
  • Yoke mounting with captive stand nut for easy mounting and dismounting provides precise control of microphone position
  • Classic cardioid polar pattern, uniform with frequency and symmetrical about axis, to provide maximum rejection and minimum coloration of off-axis sound
  • Rugged construction and excellent cartridge protection for outstanding reliability
  • Replacement cartridge:  RPM106