Talk Ain't Cheap: Microphone Buyer's Guide

Microphones are fantastic creatures. Not only do they record sound, but they can also improve it. They help control your audio with the directionality of their pickup patterns and can enhance tone and pitch with their frequency response. However, there's a lot to understand about microphones.
This buyer's guide serves as an introduction to microphone manufacturers and the products they offer. We've included a few brief explanations of some important features to consider when looking to purchase.

The Guts

Inside every microphone is a pickup element. These sensitive elements change sound waves the mike hears into electronic signals. Microphone pickup elements fall into two categories condenser or dynamic. There are significant differences between the two that are important to take into consideration before you make a purchase.
Condenser microphones are very sensitive to sound and constitute the majority of mikes used today. They also require a power source, known as phantom power, to operate. Phantom power can be provided internally by batteries or externally, commonly from an audio mixing board. Not only are condenser mikes sensitive to audio but they are quite fragile and must be handled carefully. Some condenser mikes are designated as studio-only mikes and should stay in a controlled environment free from the elements and physical shock. Condensers come in all the varied pickup patterns and many have the ability to select between multiple patterns. Condenser mikes are usually more expensive than dynamic mikes but their frequency response and true sound reproduction allow for achieving the best fidelity.
Dynamic mikes are more durable and do not require phantom power. They operate well in varying temperatures and humidities. They also have the ability to pick up a wide dynamic range of sounds and can stand up to very high sound pressure levels, though generally less accurate than condenser mikes. One of their most popular attributes is that they are tough in the field and can stand some abuse. Many performers use dynamic mikes on the stage because of their toughness and the fact that they do not make as much noise when they are handled, as do the more sensitive condenser types.

Types and Shapes

The physical type of a microphone largely defines its utility. Knowing what you will demand from your mike will help determine the type you need. The microphone types in our grid do not represent a complete list, but they are the most common to videographers. Here are some definitions to help you sort through the products.
Handheld microphones, like AKG's C 480B ($980) are typically used by stage performers, public speakers and field reporters in interview situations. They usually have an omnidirectional or cardioid pickup pattern (see Pickup Lines sidebar for definitions of different pickup patterns).
Shotgun microphones, such as Sennheiser's ME66/K6 ($564), are long and narrow and usually have a hypercardioid or supercardioid pickup pattern. They are best at gathering sound at a distance or in a noisy environment. Shotgun mikes are common for video and film production, although most situations require an operator to point the mike directly at the audio source.
Lavalier microphones, like Telex Communications' ENG-1 ($455), are very small and usually clip onto a speaker's apparel. Because of their size, you can hide them on or around the subject to conceal completely their presence. They usually have omnidirectional or cardioid pickup patterns and are commonly wireless.
Boundary microphones, also known as PZMs (pressure zone microphones), lie flat on a table or surface and are good for recording small groups or people arranged around a table. They can also perform well for plays and other small theatrical events in closed environments. They have a hemispheric pickup pattern.
Stand microphones have a construction, sensitivity and fragile nature requiring the use of a stand for support. These microphones come in a variety of pickup patterns.

Sounds of Success

If you want to vastly improve the sound of your videos, consider upgrading your mike. For a more detailed understanding of microphone features and how they work, check out the Sound Track column in the August 2000 issue of Videomaker.