With audio recording, there will be various options that you can record with. Depending on what type of recording you would be doing, we have a large variety of options at your disposal.
Ribbon Microphones -
A ribbon microphone is a dynamic, predominantly side-address, bi-directional microphone. It uses a thin, electrically conductive piece of metal ribbon (usually aluminum) that is suspended within a strong magnetic field which then converts audio signals into sound waves.
In a nutshell, they use a very thin piece of metal ribbon and magnets to pick up sound – hence the name.The ribbon produces a similar response and sensitivity to that of a condenser but adds a lot more warmth and low-end emphasis to the recording whilst rolling off the high-end frequencies.
Tube Mics in the Audio Annex:
AEA-A840 Ribbon Microphone
Small / Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are best used to capture vocals and high frequencies. They are also the preferred type of microphone for most studio applications.
Condenser mics are mainly used in studios because of their detail and accuracy. Condenser mics are constructed with a lightweight diaphragm which is suspended by a fixed plate. Sound waves cause pressure against the diaphragm, which causes it to move.
Because of the thin diaphragm and increased sensitivity, condenser mics are often used to pick up delicate sounds. They also need a power source.
(While condenser mics are great for capturing acoustic guitars, drum overheads, or vocals, they don’t often work well for louder sounds such as guitar or bass amplifiers. For purposes like these, dynamic microphones can be a better option.)
Condenser Mics in the Audio Annex:
Neumann U87
Earthworks QTC40
Sennheiser MKH 416
Dynamic Microphones
Dynamic microphones are best used for booming sounds or louder environments . Because of their ability to handle loud sounds and their decreased sensitivity, they are the preferred microphone for live use. Unlike condensers microphones, a dynamic mic uses a wire coil to amplify signal picked up by the diaphragm. As a result, the output of a dynamic mic is lower than a condenser. Another reason why dynamic microphones are great for live sound is that they are incredibly tough. While it’s not ideal to drop a microphone, if you drop your dynamic mic, you are far less likely to damage the mic than if you were to drop a condenser mic. Dynamic mics also don’t need batteries or phantom power, and usually, cost far less than condenser mics. A dynamic mic requires little to no maintenance, and if you practice a reasonable level of care, it will maintain its performance for a lifetime.
Dynamic Mics in the Audio Annex:
Sennheiser E945
Shure Beta 57a
Shure sm58
Electro-Voice RE27
Tube Microphones -
If you are looking for that distinctive and warm sound to record in your studio, then a tube mic might just be what you need. A tube microphone is a microphone that has a vacuum tube inside it. The vacuum tube amplifies the microphone's signal. The condenser capsules in the microphone enable the microphone to be sensitive to low sounds, capture details, and pass response faster.
The amplification takes place inside the microphone, and for the vacuum tubes to function, they need power. That is why the tube mics have an external power supply because the power required is high (much higher than what your audio interface or pre amp can provide).t has tonal variants that enable the vocals to sound brighter
Tube Mics in the Audio Annex:
Miltek CV4 Tube Microphone