Microphones
Performance Audio knows Microphones!
Microphones are arguably the most important part of your toolbox. Whether for Live Sound or for Recording or Studio use, microphones are critical for all applications. We here at Performance Audio are always on the look- and listen-out for new microphone technology and ways to help you sound the best you can!
From wired mics to wireless mics, condensers to dynamics, headworn to handheld and everything in between and beyond, Performance Audio carries them all and from all the brands you know and love!
CONDENSER MICROPHONES
Condenser mics are the most common types of microphones you'll find in studios and recording situations. Condenser microphones have a much greater frequency response and are more able to fully reproduce an instrument or voice. Condenser microphones also generally have a louder output, but are much more sensitive to loud sounds. Keep in mind that condenser microphones require power, most often supplied by Phantom Power supplies on external units or via your mixer.
DYNAMIC MICROPHONES
Dynamic mics are passive and require no external power, making them more common in live and performance situations. They are also typically more durable and more resistant to moisture and other forms of abuse which makes them a perfect choice for use onstage.
RIBBON MICROPHONES
Ribbon mics are a newer, more versatile solution for recording and live sound use. A ribbon microphone uses a small metal ribbon held in a magnetic field. As the ribbon vibrates, it generates a voltage. Ribbon mics are very sensitive and produce great, clean sound.
USB MICROPHONES
USB mics are convenient plug-and-play solutions for recording a variety of activities, including musical vocals, podcasts, radio, and more. Although USB microphones have a conventional design, they are different because they internally convert your audio from analog to digital signals which computers can recognize.
Microphone Polar or Directional Patterns
OMNIDIRECTIONAL
An omnidirectional (or nondirectional) microphone's response is generally considered to be a perfect sphere in three dimensions. In the real world, this is not the case. As with directional microphones, the polar pattern for an "omnidirectional" microphone is a function of frequency. The body of the microphone is not infinitely small and, as a consequence, it tends to get in its own way with respect to sounds arriving from the rear, causing a slight flattening of the polar response. This flattening increases as the diameter of the microphone (assuming it's cylindrical) reaches the wavelength of the frequency in question. Therefore, the smallest diameter microphone will give the best omnidirectional characteristics at high frequencies.
CARDIOID
A directional pickup pattern that is most sensitive to sounds coming from the front and sides while rejecting sounds coming from the rear. The pickup pattern is roughly heart-shaped when viewed from above.
BIDIRECTIONAL / FIGURE-8
Figure 8 or Bi-Directional microphones receive sound from both the front and back of the element. Most ribbon microphones are of this pattern.
HYPERCARDIOID
A variation of the cardioid microphone pickup pattern. A hypercardioid microphone is most sensitive at the front and sides, while rejecting sounds entering 120 degrees to the rear.
SUPERCARDIOID / LOBAR
A type of polar, or pickup pattern found in many shotgun microphones. A microphone with a lobar polar pattern has the highest possible directivity. Lobar polar pattern is often referred to as: Supercardioid/Lobar, or Hypercardioid/Lobar polar pattern, but both Supercardioid and Hypercardioid patterns are slightly less directional than the lobar pattern. A lobar pick-up pattern is achieved with a shotgun microphone only.
No matter your mic needs or budget, Performance Audio is a great resource for you in making your purchasing decision. We have a knowledgable staff who love helping peoples miking dreams come true. Buy your microphone from Performance Audio, you'll be glad you did!