Microphone types explained

Dynamic microphones use a moving coil attached to a diaphragm. They're simpler, more rugged, and don't require external power.

• Pros: Very durable, handles high sound pressure levels, less sensitive to background noise, no power required
• Cons: Less detail in high frequencies, typically requires more gain, heavier

Best for: Live performances, loud instruments (drums, guitar amps), broadcasting, untreated rooms

Ribbon microphones use a thin metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field. They produce a warm, natural sound with smooth high frequencies.

• Pros: Natural, warm sound, excellent transient response, smooth high-frequency roll-off
• Cons: Very fragile (never use phantom power on passive ribbons), expensive, low output

Best for: Professional music recording, brass instruments, guitar amps, vintage vocal sound

The most common polar pattern. Cardioid microphones are most sensitive at the front and reject sound from the sides and rear.

• Best for: Solo vocals, podcasting, streaming, video calls
• Tip: Speak directly into the front of the microphone for best results

Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions equally, making them ideal for recording ambient sound or multiple speakers.

• Best for: Conference calls, room recordings, interviews, lavalier mics
• Tip: Requires good room acoustics as it picks up everything

Figure-8 microphones capture sound from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides. Common in ribbon mics.

• Best for: Two-person interviews, duets, mid-side stereo recording

Traditional microphones mounted on stands or boom arms, designed for stationary recording setups.

• Pros: Best audio quality, flexible positioning, professional appearance
• Cons: Takes desk space, requires proper mounting, less portable
• Best for: Streaming, podcasting, voice recording, music production

Headset mics combine headphones and a microphone in one device. The mic stays at a consistent distance from your mouth.

• Pros: Consistent mic position, hands-free, integrated audio monitoring
• Cons: Generally lower quality than standalone mics, comfort varies
• Best for: Gaming, video calls, customer support, online teaching

Tiny microphones that clip to clothing, keeping hands free while maintaining close proximity to the mouth.

• Pros: Invisible on camera, hands-free, portable, consistent audio level
• Cons: Can pick up clothing rustle, limited sound quality compared to larger mics
• Best for: Video production, interviews, presentations, vlogging

Long, narrow microphones with a tight pickup pattern that captures sound from a specific direction while rejecting off-axis noise.

• Pros: Excellent off-axis rejection, captures distant sources, professional results
• Cons: Must be pointed accurately, sensitive to wind, bulky
• Best for: Film production, video journalism, outdoor recording, boom operation

Microphones built into devices like laptops, webcams, monitors, and smartphones. Convenient but limited in quality.

• Pros: No setup required, always available, portable
• Cons: Lower quality, picks up device noise (fans, typing), poor background rejection
• Best for: Casual video calls, quick recordings, mobile use

USB microphones have a built-in analog-to-digital converter and preamp, connecting directly to your computer without additional equipment.

• Pros: Plug-and-play, no audio interface needed, consistent quality, portable
• Cons: Can't upgrade components separately, limited to one mic per port, slight latency
• Best for: Beginners, podcasting, streaming, video calls, home studios

XLR microphones use a 3-pin balanced connection and require an audio interface or mixer with a preamp. This is the professional standard.

• Pros: Higher quality potential, upgradeable signal chain, longer cable runs without noise
• Cons: Requires audio interface (additional cost), more complex setup
• Best for: Professional recording, music production, broadcast studios

Basic analog microphones that connect to the 3.5mm microphone input on computers. Quality depends on the computer's sound card.

• Pros: Inexpensive, widely compatible, simple to use
• Cons: Quality limited by sound card, prone to interference, short cable lengths
• Best for: Basic communication, budget setups, legacy systems

Wireless systems transmit audio via radio frequencies (UHF/digital) or Bluetooth, allowing freedom of movement.

• Pros: Complete mobility, no cable clutter, professional flexibility
• Cons: Battery dependent, potential interference, latency (especially Bluetooth), more expensive
• Best for: Live performances, video production, presentations, fitness instructors