Shure Sound Tech – How to Choose the Right Mic

Shure SM58 with Audience

Have you ever wondered which microphone is best for you? It’s possibly the most commonly asked question by musicians and in many ways – one of the most difficult to answer. The truth is, there isn’t a clear cut answer, and the easiest answer is – it depends, are you singing pop ballads? or leading the next big rock group?

Although it isn’t easy to provide a simple answer to this question, there are a few basic points to consider, and the following information should get you started when choosing your microphone:

What are you trying to pick up?

There is no such thing as a one size fits all microphone, they all sound different, and they all have their uses depending on application. However, microphones for vocal applications can be split into 3 categories:

• Handheld - Handheld microphones offer great sounding, durable and practical solutions for the majority of live performance situations, but can be an issue in other scenarios such as presentations and theatre, where a more discreet and usually wireless solutions would be more practical for performance reasons. In this situation you could consider one of the following:
• Headset - As the microphone is stationary, the performer or presenter can move freely, without restriction, and the microphone will still pick up an even and clear sound.
• Lavalier - A similar option to headsets, with the added advantage of being discreet. A lavalier microphone can easily be positioned in a costume or attached to a suit – a great solution for theater or presentation applications where a discreet PA is necessary.

Where are you?

The environment you’re in, plays a big part in the selection of your microphone and the polar pattern you use. For example a highly sensitive mic with an omni directional pickup pattern can work great in the studio, but in a live environment, where stage monitors and other sound sources are present, it is important to choose a directional polar pattern – such as a cardioid or super cardioid. These polar patterns will pick up sound from the front, and reduce sound from other directions – reducing the chance of feedback.

Cardioid Polar Pattern

Omni Directional – Picks up sound evenly from around the microphone.

Cardioid – A directional pickup pattern, which picks up sound from the front and reduces sound from other directions.

Super Cardioid – Similar to Cardioid, but more directional.

Bi-directional - Receives sound evenly from both the front and back, and rejects from the sides.

Note: Cardioid pickup patterns are effected by a physical occurrence known as the “Proximity Effect”, which causes bass frequencies to be boosted as the microphone is positioned closer to the sound source – this can be used to the singer or engineers advantage to fatten up a vocal if desired. 

How do you want it to sound?

Another key element to consider that will have the greatest impact on general tone quality, is the type of microphone capsule you select, and these can be broken into 3 main categories:

Dynamic – A warm and full sound. Dynamic microphones are highly durable and able to handle very high sound pressure levels, making them ideal for live applications and noisy environments. If you play in a loud rock band, a dynamic microphone is most likely the most suitable for your live gigs.

Condenser – A brighter and more detailed sound. Condenser microphones are much more sensitive than their dynamic counter parts and have a much wider frequency response. For this reason, they are able to pick up a very honest and true sound, which is favoured by studios around the world. However, for some live applications, they can be problematic in-terms of feedback – particularly with noisy performances.

Ribbon – Prized for their ability to pick up high-frequency detail, without being harsh or brittle. Ribbon microphones are great as a vocal or drum overhead solution in the studio, but are rarely used live due to their more delicate construction.

The rules were made to be broken

As we have concluded, there are many factors to consider when choosing a microphone, and the reality is, the best microphone for you is the one that sounds best on your voice or instrument. There are no rules, only guide lines, and we encourage you to experiment with as many types as possible. There are plenty of examples in pop history of unconventional uses for microphones. For example: John Lennon recorded all his vocals with a Shure SM57 (A microphone usually regarded as an instrument mic) Also, check out this article on how the Shure SM7 was used as the main studio vocal mic on Michael Jacksons classic album Thriller.

Have fun and experiment next time you’re choosing your mic, and if you have a story to share with us on unconventional microphone use – please leave a comment below.  In the meantime, we will leave you with some resources below to assist you in finding the right mic.

For more information on finding the right live microphone - visit the Shure Mic Check Webpage

…or for more information on Shure Microphones – visit the Shure Microphones Website

Shure UK talk through how to find the right mic

How do I find the right microphone?!

Let’s face it, as with many things, a lot of choices you make are down to personal taste.

The above question, and also ‘Which microphone is best for…’ are probably two of the most common questions we receive on a daily basis.

We have a number of resources on the Shure website to point you in the right direction….

Not only do we now have a microphone finder,  our website also gives you the ability to compare microphones.  We also have a whole host of educational resources at your disposal including videos and microphone basics including everything from frequency responses to polar patterns explained.

Here’s another video you might find useful when asking yourself the million dollar ‘What is the best microphone for…’ question