Singing: a complete guide to choosing the right microphone for the job
The microphone is the number 1 tool for singers, podcasters and even karaoke enthusiasts. Whether you' re broadcasting in concert, recording in the studio or singing in rehearsal, all these practices have one thing in common: the use of a microphone.
Whatever the context, a good microphone is essential to guarantee faithful, professional sound reproduction. Looking for the ideal model? Newzik will help you choose the right type of microphone for your needs!
What are the different types of microphones?
Microphones are accessories that enable you to capture the voice or sound of an instrument with great precision. There are different types of microphone, each based on a different transduction system: that is, the way in which a (mechanical) sound wave is transformed into an electrical signal. Here are the three main models used for singing, both in the studio and on stage.
The condenser microphone
The highly sensitive condenser cond enser microphone is often used to achieve the best possible vocal reproduction. An electro-acoustic system, this type of microphone is composed of two thin metal plates: a flexible membrane and a fixed back plate. A condenser microphone captures details, nuances and high frequencies with great precision. To operate, this type of microphone needs an external power supply called phantom power, usually over 48V, supplied by an audio interface or mixer. ****
"In neutral, low-noise places like recording studios, we choose microphones that are extremely sensitive. The idea is to capture every nuance of the artist's voice. To achieve this, we use expensive microphones, often condenser. These microphones work very differently from those used on stage," explains Thomas Dupuis, rehearsal studio manager.
The dynamic microphone
A robust dynamic microphone consists of a moving coil attached to the back of a diaphragm. The system is placed in a magnetic field produced by a magnet. Dynamic microphones are widely used on stage, as they can handle very high sound levels without distortion. This type of mic requires no external power supply, and is the perfect accessory for powerful live vocals.
"Dynamic mics are much more percussive and less precise than condenser mics. As a little anecdote, Michael Jackson used an SM7 mic in the studio, which is a mic you can also see on the radio, for example". says Thomas Dupuis.
The ribbon microphone
Like the condenser microphone, the ribbon microphone also uses the electromagnetic principle. But instead of a coil, it uses a thin metal ribbon (often aluminum) suspended in a magnetic field.
Unlike dynamic microphones, ribbons are very fragile (especially in the face of blasts or high acoustic pressure). Some modern models require a phantom power supply, but not all. A word of warning: the power supply can damage ribbons that are already well worn.
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What are the different microphone configurations?
In addition to microphone systems, there are a number of different configurations, depending on the source and voice orientation required.
Cardioid microphones
The most common configuration, the cardioid pickup pattern mainly captures sounds in front of the microphone, while attenuating those coming from the sides and rear. A microphone of this type effectively isolates the target voice.
💡 This mic is perfect for studio or live singing, podcasts or voice-over recordings.
Omnidirectional microphones
An omnidirectional microphone, as the name suggests, picks up sound uniformly from all directions. It is often used in quiet environments, where a very natural sound reproduction is required.
💡 This type of configuration is perfect for recordingvocal ensembles or choirs.
Two-way microphones
The bidirectional microphone picks up sound from both front and rear, while rejecting noise from the sides. This configuration is perfect for duets in the studio or face-to-face on stage.
💡 This type of microphone is calibrated for two-voice recordings or vocals accompanied by an instrument, such as a guitar-voice or piano-voice duo.
What criteria should you consider when choosing a microphone?
Concert, recording, podcast: choosing the right mic for the job
The type of microphone you choose depends on a number of factors:
The sound source (one or more voices) and its intensity: recording one voice does not require the same microphone needs as recording two, three or a full vocal choir. A cardioid microphone will tend to record a single voice, while a bidirectional or omnidirectional microphone will be better suited to duets or ensembles.
The type of recording required (singing, speaking, dynamic, soft...): if you want to obtain a very precise, muffled vocal result, you need a microphone that prevents outside sounds from interfering with the sound of your singing (opt for a condenser or ribbon microphone). On the other hand, if you want to broadcast or record a chorus of several voices, opt for a dynamic, bidirectional microphone.
Choosing the right microphone also depends on the context of use. Are you looking for a stage microphone? Choose a dynamic cardioid microphone that's robust and reliable. It will reduce the risk of feedback* and withstand handling on stage. Recording vocals in the studio? Choose a cardioid condenser microphone with a large diaphragm. This type of microphone will capture all the little subtleties of the voice.
"Most microphones are used for both studio recording and live performance. That said, in the studio, we're more inclined to use very good, fairly expensive diaphragm mics (condenser or ribbon condenser mics)," explains Thomas Dupuis.
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*L'feedback is a sound phenomenon that occurs when a microphone picks up the amplified sound of a musical instrument (voice, bass, guitar, etc.) and feeds it back into the amplifier, creating an endless loop. This loop creates a shrill sound that becomes uncontrollable.
Selecting a microphone according to voice type
Musical genre, power and voice type are also decisive factors in choosing a microphone.
Powerful voices or stage voices (common in rock, soul, hip-hop, metal or gospel) entail risks of saturation. In this case, a dynamic cardioid microphone is ideal, as it will be able to withstand high SPL (sound pressure level) without distortion.
Soft, clear or airy voices (found in pop, jazz, folk, French chanson) offer delicate ****nuances and fine texture. For this type of voice, you'll want a large-diaphragm condenser microphone that's sensitive and precise.
Low-pitched voices (voice-over, jazz or lyrical singing) need to accentuate bass without muffling it. A ribbon or condenser microphone that softens the treble and reproduces the depth of the voice will be perfect.
A high-pitched voice (such as a soprano) can sometimes cause sibilance or very strong accentuation. A microphone with a balanced frequency response and slightly softened treble will be ideal.
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Selection: the best microphones and accessories for singing
Certain brands and references of microphones are popular with singers, whether for live performances or studio recordings.
Microphones for the recording studio (maximum quality, detail and precision)
Neumann U87: a legendary reference used in the studio for over 50 years. The versatile Neumann U87 diaphragm condenser microphone delivers a sound signature of excellent quality.
Audio-Technica AT4040: large-diaphragm condenser microphone, renowned for its very neutral, professional sound.
Aston Spirit: world-renowned for its original design, this high-performance multidirectional microphone offers excellent value for money.
Microphones for stage/live use (robustness, noise rejection, reliability)
Shure SM58: an indestructible micropohones, the Shure SM58 is a true classic, renowned for its reliability. It's a dynamic microphone model that's been used in concerts and studios for decades.
Sennheiser e945: dynamic with supercardioid configuration, this mic is excellent for broadcasting quality sound live.
Electro-Voice ND76: versatile and solid, this pickup provides good midrange presence.
"For the stage, we prefer hypercardioid dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58, for example, because they have the advantage of picking up the voice arriving directly in front of the microphone, so the sound isn't polluted by the sound of the audience. On the other hand, you really have to stick the microphone to your mouth to get the best result," explains Thomas Dupuis.
Microphones for amateur singers and home studios
Shure MV7: ideal for both podcasting and singing, this microphone features a USB and XLR connection. You can easily connect it to computers for use with CAM editing software.
Blue Yeti: a highly acclaimed USB microphone, this model is easy to use for streaming, online demos or recording vocals at home.
Rode NT-USB: this condenser microphone offers studio quality... in USB format! This type of mic is ideal for home-studio use, with the right connection for computer equipment.
Indispensable accessories to accompany a microphone on vocals
Whether on stage or in the studio, microphones are even more effective when accompanied by the right accessories.
Headphones: very useful for listening to the feedback from a voice recording. Headphones allow you to follow precisely what the microphone picks up during recording. They are also useful for checking voice level, articulation, echoes or saturation.
Microphone clamps and suspensions: in the studio, this equipment isolates microphones so as not to disturb the sound quality of the recorded voice. In the studio, for condenser or large-diaphragm microphones, it may be a good idea to invest in an anti-shock suspension. This device reduces parasitic vibrations transmitted by the stand or movements around the microphone.
"In the studio, condenser microphones are often mounted on suspensions so that no sound interferes with the recording," reminds Thomas Dupuis.
The microphone stand: an essential support on stage, it's a real ally in rehearsals and concerts alike. A stand keeps the mic stable and prevents it from ending up on the floor... Unless you're in a punk band, of course!
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On your microphones, 3, 2, 1: sing!
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