Recording and transmitting sound is one of the most critical elements of today's modern stage performances and television broadcasting. Microphones are one of the key components of this process, ensuring the quality transmission of sound. However, microphones used in stage and television studios have much more complex design features and advanced technologies than ordinary microphones. In this article, microphone types, brands, technologies, advantages and disadvantages will be discussed in detail.

Microphone Types and Uses

Microphones are divided into different categories according to the method of converting sound into electrical signals, orientation and intended use. The most preferred microphone types for stage and television studios are as follows:

1. Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic microphones are widely used in stage performances due to their robust construction and resistance to high sound pressure levels. They are especially preferred for vocal performances and powerful instrument sounds.

• Technical Specifications: It uses a moving coil system and converts sound waves into electrical signals in a magnetic field.
• Advantages: Durable, suitable for outdoor conditions and resistant to high sound levels.
• Disadvantages: Frequency response is limited and can struggle to capture fine details due to low sensitivity.

2. Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones are favored in television studios and recording environments for their wide frequency response and high sensitivity. These microphones perform particularly well on vocal recordings and acoustic instruments.

• Technical Specifications: It has a thin diaphragm and a back plate behind it. The vibrations of the diaphragm are converted into electrical signals through capacitance changes.
• Advantages: High sensitivity, wide frequency range and natural sound reproduction.
• Disadvantages: Needs an external power supply (phantom power) and is physically more delicate.

3. Ribbon Microphones

Ribbon microphones are sensitive microphones used to capture natural and warm tones of sound. They are often preferred in television studios during interviews and movie shoots.

• Technical Specifications: A metal strip vibrates in a magnetic field, converting sound waves into electrical signals.
• Advantages Soft high frequency response and natural sound reproduction.
• Disadvantages: Very sensitive, cannot withstand high sound pressure levels and can be easily damaged.

4. Lavalier Microphones

Lavalier microphones are preferred in television broadcasts and on stage when speakers need to keep their hands free. They are characterized by their small size and portability.

• Technical Specifications: It usually has a condenser-type microphone capsule and can be wired or wireless.
• Advantages: Easy to use, can be placed invisibly and allows freedom of movement.
• Disadvantages: Sensitive to noise and sound quality may be lower than other types of microphones.

5. Shotgun Microphones

Shotgun microphones are used in television studios and behind-the-scenes filming. They have a narrow directivity so they can focus on a specific source.

• Technical Specifications: It has a very narrow polar pattern and generally operates in super cardioid or hyper cardioid orientation.
• Advantages: It can capture sound from a long distance and reduces background noise.
• Disadvantages: Difficult to capture sounds coming from the sides and requires expertise to use.

Leading Microphone Brands

The quality of microphones used on stage and in television studios can vary greatly depending on the brand. Here are some brands that are popular with professional users:

• Shure: Known for its rugged construction and design ideal for stage performances. Featured models: Shure SM58, Shure KSM44.
• Sennheiser High sound quality and versatility. Featured models: Sennheiser e945, Sennheiser MKH 416.
• Neumann An excellent choice for studio recording, Neumann microphones excel at capturing the natural tone of sound. Featured model: Neumann U87.
• Audio-Technica: Offers affordable and high-quality microphones. Featured model: Audio-Technica AT2020.
• AKG Versatile use and superior sound quality. Featured model: AKG C414.
• Rode: Affordable solutions for both stage and studio use. Featured models: Rode NT1-A, Rode VideoMic Pro.

Microphone Technologies

The technologies used in modern microphones are constantly evolving to improve sound quality and ease of use. Here are some of these technologies:

• Wireless Microphone Systems: Provides freedom of movement and low latency for stage performances.
• Digital Microphones: Offer higher sound quality than analog microphones and noise reduction thanks to digital signal processing (DSP) technology.
• Noise Cancellation Technology: Especially important for clean sound recording in television studios.

Conclusion

Microphones used in stage and television studios are indispensable for professional sound recording and performance, with different types, brands and technologies. Choosing the right microphone directly affects the success of the event or recording. With the continuous development of technology, microphones are becoming more sophisticated. Therefore, factors such as intended use, environmental conditions and budget should be taken into account when choosing a microphone.