Microphones and recording: basics

In short: A microphone converts sound into an electrical signal. Dynamic microphones are robust and suit loud sources; condenser microphones are more sensitive and capture fine detail for vocals and instruments.

In more detail: The polar pattern determines from which direction the microphone picks up sound: cardioid (front), omnidirectional (all round), figure-of-eight (front and back).

In detail

• Dynamic: No phantom power needed, resistant to feedback (e.g. Shure SM58 for live).
• Condenser: Needs 48 V phantom power from the audio interface or mixer.
• USB microphone: Easy start for podcasts and streaming without a separate interface.
• Distance: Closeness boosts bass (proximity effect); distance reduces level and picks up the room.
• Pop filter: Prevents plosives on P and B.
• Room sound: Soft materials damp reverb; good recordings begin in the room.
• Level: Avoid overload (clipping), keep peaks around −6 dBFS (schall-und-dezibel, audioformate-mp3-flac-und-co).