With so many types of microphones on the market, it can be difficult to know which option is best for music teachers. We are here to break it down for you so you can understand which microphones are right for you!
Types of Microphones
There are two main categories of microphones, dynamic microphones and condenser microphones.
Dynamic Microphones
The most common use for dynamic microphones are live vocal and instrumental performances. The inside of a dynamic microphone contains a thin metallic diaphragm attached to a coil of wire. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it vibrates the coil. Next, a magnet positioned inside of the coil produces a magnetic field. Last, the magnetic field is amplified through your PA system or speaker. These microphones do not require any additional power such as batteries for it to work.
There are 3 sub-categories of dynamic microphones: cardioid, hyper-cardioid, and super-cardioid. These names indicate the polar pattern of the microphone, which is the area around the microphone that picks up sound. The most commonly utilized dynamic microphone is cardioid. The primary benefit of a cardioid microphone pattern is it naturally filters out background noise, isolating the voice or instrument in front of the microphone.
The SM58 by Shure is arguably the best and most popular live vocal microphone available. These microphones are built for singing and speech and tailored to last. A highly effective built-in spherical filter minimizes wind and breath “pops”. It’s rugged construction, proven shock-mount system, and a steel mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently both inside and out.
Dynamic Microphone for Instruments
The SM57 by Shure is our go to instrument microphone — it is universal for practically all kinds of instruments! Instruments such as bass drums, bass bars, bahia drums are not well-suited for the SM57 due to their low frequencies. This microphone provides a clean sound which won’t distort, and because of its cardioid polar pattern, it wont pick up background noise. Additionally, you could use this microphone to pick up vocals.
What are Hyper-Cardioid Microphones and Super-Cardioid Microphones?
While hyper-cardioid and super-cardioid microphones are built the same way as cardioid microphones, their polar patterns are different. Again, the polar pattern is the area around the microphone that picks up sound. A hyper-cardioid microphone will pick up the sound from both behind and in front of the microphone. If your PA system has monitors, you will need to make sure you are not in danger of creating feedback. Even though super-cardioid microphones also pick up from the front, this will be a better option for a music teacher because the polar pattern on the front is not as large as the hyper-cardioid, and is less likely to create feedback with onstage monitors.
Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones require power from a battery or external source to work. The resulting audio signal from a condenser microphone is stronger that a signal from a dynamic microphone. Dynamic microphones rely on the sound wave to move the diaphragm. However, with a condenser microphone, an electronic charge moves the diaphragm automatically. Since this type of microphone is not reliant on sound waves to push the diaphragm, this type of microphone is inherently more sensitive and accurate.
We recommend the the Audio-Technica Pro 37 as our top small diaphragm microphone. This is a great all-purpose condenser microphone. This microphone is most commonly used to mic choirs from overhead.
Phantom Power
One of the external power sources that you can use to power a condenser microphone is called phantom power. Most PA systems have the option to send power to the microphone and eliminate the need for you to have batteries to power your microphone. If the PA doesn’t have phantom power, an external phantom power adapter may be added.
Wireless Microphone Systems
If you are concerned about getting bogged down with cords and chargers, or even movement during a performance, our wireless systems can be a wonderful option. A wireless microphone system has a small, battery-powered transmitter in the microphone body, which relays an audio signal from the microphone to the nearby receiver unit through radio waves. The receiver unit gets hooked up to the PA system, just like any other microphone you have in use.
There are 3 styles of wireless microphones you can choose from: handheld, headset, and lavalier.
Handheld Wireless System
A handheld wireless system uses a dynamic microphone with a built-in transmitter. This results in a bigger, wider microphone than the typical wired model. We recommend the Audio-Technica System 10 ATW-1102 Digital Handheld Wireless System. This is a great system for performances in which the microphone needs to be mobile and is utilized by multiple singers or speakers during the performance.
Headset Wireless System
If you are looking to go hands-free, a headset wireless system may be the perfect option. Headset wireless systems come in both dynamic and condenser varieties. The good news is, if you purchase a condenser headset wireless system, the phantom power is built in so you do not need to send power from the PA system. Our top pick for headset wireless systems is the Audio-Technica ATW-1101/H Digital Wireless Headset System. This is the perfect option for your next musical performance.
Lavalier System
A lavalier mic is also known as a lapel microphone. This is a small microphone that can be clipped onto a shirt or tie. This type of microphone is an omnidirectional condenser microphone. Because the polar pattern picks up 360 degrees, you cannot have another microphone in close proximity, or it will cause feedback. Our top pick for lavalier systems is the Audio-Technica ATW-1101/L Digital Wireless System. This microphone is best used for public speaking engagements or solo vocal performance.
What Else Do I Need?
Now that you know about different styles of microphones and know which one is right for you, it’s time to make sure that you have the appropriate accessories for your microphone. It is important to make sure you have the proper microphone cable to connect your microphone or wireless microphone receiver to your PA system. All microphones have a balanced output connection, which is known as XLR, which has 3 prongs to connect it to the mic. The end that you connect to the PA System will either be an XLR connection or a 1/4″ jack connection. Here are XLR to XLR and XLR to 1/4″ options.
Unless you have a wireless system, you will need to purchase a microphone stand and microphone clip. It is important to note that some microphones come with a clip included, and that is why microphone stands do not generally come with a clip. Clips may be purchased separately and here are a few options. Then, the last piece to the puzzle is a good PA system to amplify your sound. There are many varieties available, which we will cover in a future blog. Here are a few examples of our recommended PA systems.
We Are Here to Help
If you have additional questions about microphones, please feel free to reach out to service@westmusic.com.
Adam Hagan is West Music’s Sales Specialist for combo and audio equipment. This customer service champion has been in the music products industry since 1999 in sales and as a touring performer. Though his favorite thing is to talk guitars, microphones, and sound systems, Adam is also well versed in Orff, ukulele, and mariachi. Outside of work, Adam makes music regularly by performing and recording in his various local and regional music projects.
