Cardioid Condenser Microphone
March 18th, 2010Different Uses of Various Microphones
Microphones are used in many applications such astelephones, tape recorders, hearing aids, motion picture production, live and recordedaudio engineering, in radio and television broadcasting and in computers for recording voice, VoIP, and for non acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic checking.
A microphone is a device made to capture waves in air, water or hard material and translate them into an electrical signal. The most common method is via a thin membrane producing some proportional electrical signal. Most microphones in use today for audio use electromagnetic generation are dynamic microphones, capacitance change condenser microphones or piezoelectric generation to produce the signal from mechanical vibration.
Uses of different kinds of microphones
Condenser microphones span the range from cheap instruments to high quality instruments. They generally produce a high quality audio signal and are now the popular choice in laboratory and studio recording applications. They require a power source, provided generally from microphone inputs from a small battery.
Professional microphones often sport an external power supply for reasons of quality perception. Power is necessary for establishing the capacitor plate voltage, and is also needed for internal amplification of the signal to a useful output level. Condenser microphones are also available with two diaphragms, the signals from which can be electrically connected such as to provide a range of polar patterns such as cardioid and omnidirectional.
Carbon microphone, formerly used in telephone handsets, is a capsule containing carbon granules pressed between two metal plates. The carbon microphone can also be used as a type of amplifier, using a small amount of sound energy to produce a larger amount of electric energy. Carbon microphones were used as early telephone repeaters, making long distance phone calls possible in the era before vacuum tubes.
Crystal microphones used to be commonly supplied with vacuum tube or valve equipment such as domestic tape recorders. Their high output impedance matched well to the high input impedance of the vacuum tube input stage. They were difficult to match to early transistor equipments and were quickly supplemented by dynamic microphones for a short while, and later small eletret condenser devices. The high impedance of the crystal microphone made it very susceptable to handling noise, partly from the microphone itself, but also from handling of the connecting cable.
Shotgun microphones are high directional microphones. They have small lobes of sensitivity to the left, right, and rear but are significantly more sensitive to the front. This results from placing the elements inside a tube with slots cut along the side and wave cancellation eliminates most of the off axis noise. Shotgun microphones are commonly used on TV and film sets, and for field recording of wildlife.
Conclusion
The microphone is a ubiquitous piece of equipment and comes in a number of models. Found in everything from telephones to computers to recording studios, microphones are part of our daily life. It is perhaps the most critical part of the audio chain. A good quality microphone will provide the basis for excellent audio, whereas a poor quality will mean poor quality audio, no matter how good the rest of the system is.
About the Author
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, music equipment, speakers, and different microphone models.
Audio Technica 2020 Studio Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Audio Technica ATM33A Cardioid Condenser Microphone $290.00
Ideal for acoustic guitar, percussion, overheads, vocals and more. Excels in both studio and stage applications. Outstanding linearity both on- and off-axis. Features high SPL capability and wide frequency response. Operates on battery or phantom power. Frequency Responce: 30 – 20,000 Hz Signal to Noise Ratio: 70 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa Dynamic Range (Typical): PHANTOM: 113 dB, 1 kHz at Max. SPL. B…
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Audio-Technica Miniature Cardioid Condenser Hanging Microphone
This hanging microphone is designed for suspension over choirs, instrumental groups and theater stages for clear sound transmission. The low-profile design features a low-reflectance finish for minimal visibility. CONSUMER ALERT Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restric…
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AUDIO TECHNICA PRO 45 CARDIOID CONDENSER HANGING MICROPHONE (BLACK) $135.00
CARDIOID CONDENSER HANGING MICROPHONE; ROBUST CONSTRUCTION & UNOBTRUSIVE APPEARANCE; OFFERS VERSATILE SOUND-REINFORCEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR SPEECH, THEATER, ORCHESTRA & CHOIR SOUND REINFORCEMENT & RECORDING; BLACK…
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Apex Apex188 – Stereo USB Condenser Microphone with Shockmount $209.00
The Apex188 is a true stereo USB condenser microphone designed to direct connect to any USB 2.0 equipped computer or laptop. The two-cardioid capsules in the Apex188 are fixed at a 90-degree angle to each other, allowing a perfect X/Y axis stereo image from a single mic position. The Apex188 offers the added convenience of an internal 24bit / 96kHz digital conversion direct to the USB2.0 output, m…
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AKG Dual Channel UHF Wireless System with 2 Handheld Microphones – 748.8-751.5MHz $498.95
Dual Channel UHF Wireless System with 2 Handheld Microphones – 748.8-751.5MHz…
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Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $69.64
Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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Shure PG30TQG Headset Cardioid Condenser Microphone $39
The Shure PG30TQG is a cardioid condenser headset microphone for use with PG, PGX, and PGX Digital Wireless Systems.
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Neumann TLM49 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $1599.95
The TLM 49 is a large-diaphragm studio microphone with a cardioid directional characteristic and a warm sound which is especially optimized for vocal performance. It is supplied as a set, with an elastic suspension.
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Shure PG185TQG Lavalier Cardioid Condenser Microphone $39
The Shure PG185 is an electret condenser microphone for clip-on use with a wireless bodypack transmitter.
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Shure PG27 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $149
Durable enough for everyday use and practice, this side-address, cardioid microphone also features a high SPL threshold that handles a wide variety of vocal, instrument, acoustic and amplified sound sources with professional clarity and guaranteed Shure quality in every application. The PG27 also comes with a Stand Adapter and Zippered Pouch.
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Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $349
The Shure Model SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals.
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Shure SM86 Cardioid Condenser Stage Vocal Microphone $179
The Shure SM86 is a unidirectional (cardioid) condenser vocal microphone for professional use in live performance. An extremely rugged microphone, the SM86 withstands the rigors of touring while delivering studio-quality sound. The tailored frequency response of the SM86 reproduces vocals with clarity. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise.
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Audix Adx51 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $219
The ADX51 Cardioid Condenser Mic is a pre-polarized condenser microphone designed to handle a wide variety of live, studio and broadcast applications. With a cardioid pickup pattern and a smooth uniform response over a frequency range of 40-20kHz, the ADX51 microphone is precision machined from solid brass with a low reflective black e-coat finish. The Audix ADX51 is designed with low noise electronic circuitry, balanced output, and switches that enable a 10dB pad and a bass roll-off. The ADX51 is a road-worthy microphone capable of handling high sound pressure levels of 142dB. The ADX51 is an excellent condenser microphones for overheads, cymbals, group vocals, and a wide variety of acoustic instruments.
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SE Electronics SE1A Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone $199
Building on the incredibly popular SE1, the SE1A fixed cardioid capsule condenser microphone has been upgraded with higher output and quieter electronics. Housed in a very sexy new body, this end-fire small diaphragm true condenser microphone really is an amazing value. Great for percussion or any acoustic instrument, the SE1A is a must for any project studio.
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BLUE BlueBird Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphone $299
With its unique look and highly versatile performance, the Bluebird has been designed to deliver the same high-quality, no-compromise audio that Blue users have come to expect. The Bluebird is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser, utilizing Blue’s renowned microphone technology and Class-A discrete circuit.
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Audio Technica PRO49Q Cardioid Condenser Gooseneck Microphone $99.95
The PRO 49Q quick-mount double-gooseneck cardioid condenser microphone is designed to plug into any standard XLRF-type surface or cable connector. With a flat, smooth frequency response and self-contained electronics, this mic features a quiet, fixed-placement, long-life gooseneck and wide-range condenser element with low-mass diaphragm for superior performance.
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Audio Technica Pro 37 Condenser Microphone $129
Small-diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone for studio recording and live performance.
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Blue Blueberry Cardioid Condenser Microphone $949
The Blueberry Cardioid Condenser Microphone from Blue consists of a Class A discrete mic amp perfectly chosen to match the single pattern, cardioid, hand-built, large diaphragm capsule. The mic capsule has been tuned to provide a silky-bright and airy top end reminiscent of the best vintage microphones. The result is a recorded signal such as a vocal, minus unwanted low end resonance that can cause a compressor to breathe or pump, or a vocal or instrument track that sits and blends with the basic tracks of recorded program material. Requires phantom power.
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BLUE Dragonfly Cardioid Condenser Microphone $799
In the 1960′s Mohammed Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, boasted he “Floats like a butterfly, stings like bee.” BLUE’s knockout punch microphone, the Dragonfly, is best described by this famous statement. Complete with an integrated elastic shockmount, this class A discrete, transformerless microphone offers a rotating capsule grill that can be positioned in the most difficult of areas.
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CAD GXL2200BP Large Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone $99.95
Offering exceptional value, the CAD GXL2200BP is a large diaphragm condenser microphone finished in lustrous black pearl chrome. The CAD GXL2200BP’s capsule features a sophisticated 1 inch gold-vapor deposited diaphragm.
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Shure PG27USB USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone $199
Designed with a flat frequency response, the Shure PG27USB USB Condenser Microphone naturally reproduces a wide variety of vocal, instrument, acoustic and amplified sound sources with professional clarity and guaranteed Plug and Play Shure quality.
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Rode M3 Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphone $149
The M3 is an extremely versatile microphone that is at home in the studio, on location, or wherever a low-noise wide-response cardioid condenser microphone is demanded.
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CAD GXL2200 Condenser Microphone $49.95
The GXL2200 is a large diameter, fixed cardioid pattern, condenser microphone. High sensitivity and low distortion make this microphone an ideal candidate for recording, broadcast, sound reinforcement including vocal and instrument applications. The capsule in the GXL2200 features a 1 in. gold vapor deposited diaphragm.
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CAD GXL1200BP Small Diaphragm Cardioid Condenser Microphone $79.95
Finished in lustrous black pearl chrome, the compact and durable CAD GXL1200BP condenser is known for its open, transparent sound. Its transformer-less design reduces distortion and optimizes low-end response.
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