The Score Magazine October 2018 issue! | Page 43

very well to higher frequencies . In this case , one can use a ribbon microphone on thin husky vocals . But these things change with respect to various factors as mentioned earlier .
Verdict : Understand that the Microphone responds like a ear and understand the type of source . If possible , experiment with different options . I have known big artists who use cheap chinese microphones as it sounds really good on their voice .
Choosing a Mic to buy :
There are tons of options in the market in terms of purchasing a Microphone . Every brand or seller out there is trying to bring out something unique in terms of build , quality , sound etc . How do you know which one to buy ? The best way to decide is to understand what you are going to be doing . Moreover , factors like your recording environment , source and budget also contributes to your decision .
- What are you going to track ?
Understanding the main usage of the Microphone will definitely make it easy for you to choose your Microphone . If your primary source is just a voice , then there is no point in buying an SM57 just because the dealer says it is the best snare mic . If you are going to be doing a bunch of things , then go for a microphone that is versatile . For example , an SM7b can be used on Vocals , Guitar Cabinets , Voice-overs etc . If possible drop by a friends studio and try out some of his Microphones .
- Recording Environment :
As discussed before , your recording environment is a major factor that you need to be worried about . If your studio is in a noisy neighborhood , then a condenser microphone is going pick all of that into your recording . A dynamic microphone would be a better option here as it is very directional ( Cardioid Polar Pattern ). One can use natural absorbers like curtains and book shelfs that act as natural acoustic treatment . Though they don ’ t do much , filling the room with the usual stuff make the room sound little better .
- Budget :
This is a big concern for many artists . But the good news is that , there are really good microphones that fits almost any budget . Don ’ t let budget affect your art , but , yes , it is true that you get what you pay for . There are various mics that start from a lower budget . Some of them are given below ,
- Shure SM58 - Audio Technica AT2020 - Aston Origin - Rode NT1A - Shure SM7b - Blue Bluebird - Aston Spirit - Warm Audio WA47jr .
Verdict : The best way to buy a Microphone is to keep the abovementioned factors in mind and do some research . There are tons of data on the Internet . As already mentioned , if a microphone is helping you achieve what you want , then you got it . And most importantly , feel free to experiment .
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