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Click to EnlargeAudio Microphone Tech Specs
If you've ever had to buy a mic and try to determine your needs by the specs, you know the challenge. No two manufacturers offer the same set of information, reference points are different and there aren't any real standards for comparison. So how do you navigate the sea of information? After reading through several dozen spec sheets, we've created an essential list of specification categories and their meanings. With this information as a guide, you're armed with the essentials to choose any type of microphone, from lapel to shotgun.
For the most part, you have to worry about only two different types of microphone transducers: dynamic and condenser. Dynamic microphones are durable and virtually impervious to temperature and humidity. The trade-off is larger size, reduced sensitivity and slightly limited frequency response. By contrast, condenser mics offer extended sensitivity and range but fare worse in weather extremes. They also require a power source of some kind, either battery or phantom power. From time to time, you may encounter a ribbon or crystal microphone. These are typically reserved for specialized recording and live-sound applica…
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