Microphones
We stock an impressive range of microphones covering all aspects of the entertainment industry from theatre to broadcasting, instruments to vocals, we really do have a mic for almost any application. We also stock a wide range of accessories such as windshields and microphone clamps.
Microphones all work in different ways and have different pick up patterns. We have written a guide that may help with your mic selection, please see below. If you require any further information or advice on any of the microphones or their suitability for your needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Microphone Guide
Vocal Microphones
Vocal microphones (aka “vocal mics” or “vocal recording mics”) are available in wired and wireless options. They are designed to capture the human voice with accuracy and warmth, often featuring a number of settings for different environments and uses such as live performances, studio recordings, broadcasting and podcasts.
Vocal recording microphones are available in a range of types including condenser and dynamic. There are key differences between the way they work that make each type more suited to different applications.
- Condenser Microphones - Work using sound wave vibration to change the distance between two charged plates inside the microphone. These require a power supply often provided by microphone inputs as Phantom Power. These mics are very popular for use in recordings due to the high quality signal they produce.
- Dynamic Microphones - Use a small movable induction coil attached to the diaphragm, positioned in the magnetic field of a permanent magnet. These are resistant to moisture and are very robust due to the nature of their design. Popular for use on stage due to their robust build and low handling noise.
Other Microphone Types
- Conference Microphones – Conference microphones are suitable for conference or paging applications, designed to ensure clear speech transmission. They often include features such as noise reduction, various pickup patterns and integration with conferencing systems.
- Paging Microphones – similar but not the same as conference microphones, these are suitable for installations in larger areas and venues where it is important that all announcements are clear and focused,
- Boundary Microphones – these are ideal for group discussions and smaller conferences where transparent sound quality is key. There are different options including handheld, ceiling mounted and miniature versions for applications such as video conferencing and webinars.
- Shotgun Microphones – often used in live broadcasts, this type of vocal microphone is designed to capture sound from a distance or in noisy, often outdoor environments.
- Desktop Microphones – Desktop microphones are often compact and portable, often supplied with a stand/clip to ensure safety when being used. They often also have USB connection cables for power via computer.
- Specialised Instrument Microphones – This type of microphone is often specialised to pick up from specific instruments including the drums and the flute – these offer a wide, even frequency response and often also used as vocal mics.
- Microphone Accessories – Wind Shields, Stands, Mixers – This range includes microphone wind shields, stands and mixers
Microphone Pick Up Patterns
Following is a brief explanation of the pick up patterns for some of the most popular types of microphones.
- Omnidirectional - Picks up equally from all around the mic.
- Cardioid - Picks up best in front rejects noise further from the front.
- Super Cardioid - Same as the Cardioid with a tighter area of front sensitivity and tiny lobe of rear sensitivity.
- Shotgun - This is the most directional with all the sensitivity at the front. This is very useful vocal microphone for location recording, audio recording when filming and general outside broadcasting.
- Bi-Directional - Receive sound equally from front and back.
- Boundary - This type is omni-directional, sometimes with a bias towards the front. Can be placed on a table or floor for amplifying meetings or actors in a theatre.
- Lavalier - Sometimes known as a tie clip or lapel microphone, these normally have a cardioid characteristic.