The homerecording.com/bbs Mic FAQ

MAINTAINED BY Graham Dobereiner, aka 'grahamware'.
Email me at grahamwareaol.com with any questions or comments about the FAQ.

ABOUT THIS FAQ:

This site has been compiled from past threads in the Mic BBS.

NOTES TO BBS MEMBERS:

• PLEASE LOOK HERE FOR YOUR QUESTION BEFORE POSTING IN THE BBS!
• If you are quoted on this page, and don't want to be, email me and I will take your quote off as soon as possible. Also, if you don't agree with the information posted here, give me an email why you think I should change it. Thanks!

SPECIAL THANKS TO: Dethska, Mark7,Giganova and Crazydoc for their substantial contributions.

Hosting has been generously donated by Bay Star Media.

CONTENTS —

MICROPHONE THEORY - The basics about microphones; difference between certain types, importance of certain accessories.

• What is the difference between a dynamic microphone and a condenser microphone?
• What is phantom power, and what is bias voltage?
• What is the difference between cardioid, hypercardioid, and supercardioid patterns?
• Can a microphone be damaged by noise?
• Is there a difference in sound quality between budget mic cables and expensive 'designer' cables?
• Is it necessary to have shockmounts for my microphones?
• Is it necessary to use a pop filter?
• What effect does the size of the diaphragm have on the sound of a condenser microphone?
• How should I store my microphones to prevent damage from moisture, dust, etc?
• How important is it to build up a microphone 'palette'?
• Is Direct Input ever a viable alternative?

MICROPHONE PURCHASING - What to buy for a particular purpose.

• How can I audition a microphone before purchasing it?
• What's the best microphone I can buy for under $100? $200? $500?
• I want a single mircophone for my solo vocal/guitar recording. What one should I get?
• I can only afford a couple of mics for my rock band. What should I buy first?
• I want to record lead vocals. What kind of mics should I be looking for?
• I want to record rap. What should I buy?
• I want to record electric guitar. What mic should I use?
  • What about acoustic guitar?
  • What about classical guitar (nylon string)?
• I want to record electric bass. What mic should I buy?
• I want to record a drum set. What mics should I buy?
  • What about other percussion (latin or otherwise)?
• I want to record a piano. What mic should I be looking for?
  • What about grand piano?
  • What about keyboard?
• I want to record a saxophone. What mic should I use?
• What should I buy for harp?
• What microphone should I be using for voiceovers/narration?

MICROPHONE SPECIFICS - Specific information on the microphones talked about most on the BBS.

OTHER RECOMMENDED READING:

homerecording.com's Recording Page - Basic information on what you need to get started.

Harvey Gerst's Big Thread - A primer on mic technology. READ THIS!

Mojo Pie: For Recording Musicians - Steve Langer's website, featuring articles and reviews on pro recording gear. Don't miss Dan Richards' article on building a mic collection.

Acoustic Guitar Recording Techniques - How to mic acoustic guitar "like a pro".

SAE Reference Material - Tons of information on microphone placement, room preparation, and more.

Audio-Technica: Microphone - The mic manufacturer's own site on microphone usage.

The Recording FAQ - The mother of all recording FAQs. If you can't find it here, you're not looking hard enough.

Microphone University - A handbook on microphone theory and technique.

LAST UPDATED: June 10, 2004

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