iSing Issue 1 | Page 62

Gearing Up MiCROPHONES Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones ! Studio use! Small Diaphragm Condenser Microphones ! Live use! AKG Perception 120 - The most basic of its series, this microphone is a great starter LDC mic for anyone looking to try out recording. If you are feeling daring, this mic has several older siblings, such as the Perception 220, 420, and the vacuum-tube-powered 820, which offer a goodbetter-best sound and build quality.! Shure Beta87A - This is an example of an everyday SDC mic used for live applications. This microphone is similar to the Shure Beta58A, but has a slightly different pickup pattern and requires phantom power.! ! ! Neumann KMS 105 ! Neumann KMS 105 - A high end solution for the professional vocalist. From build quality to s o u n d q u a l i t y, t h e d e t a i l involved in manufacturing this product is superb. This microphone is a true gem for vocalists looking for the highest quality in a live microphone.! ! Neumann TLM 103 Neumann is unparalleled in its quality for professional vocal applications in the studio. The TLM 103 is a great product by Neumann, and is offered at a reasonable price for top quality vocal recordings. This microphone is partly designed after its legendary older brother, the U87, which is a staple in the recording industry for being one of the most versatile and best sounding microphones available. ! Neumann TLM 103 QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FOR GEARING UP [email protected] Though there are thousands of d i ff e r e n t m i c r o p h o n e s b y hundreds of different manufacturers, the two main types (Dynamic and Condenser) are what you’ll encounter most. With this guide, you should be able to easily identify a microphone by type and what application it’s best suited for.■ MICHAEL HARMON WHO IS HE? Based in Massachusetts, USA, Michael is a Berklee College of Music graduate. While drumming remains one of his first passions, Michael performs with several bands around the Northeast U.S. He educates young musicians in audio production and supports the art of independent record making. WEBSITE? iSing | issue 1 wachusettrecording.com isingmag.com