Microphones

You are going to work with video or audio and want to record the best sound quality. An external microphone is indispensable for this. There are different types of microphones for different situations. Do you want to buy a microphone, but could use some help? In our selection aid for microphones we will help you choose the most suitable microphone.

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Microphone selection aid

Why do you need an external microphone?

Your smartphone or camera has an internal microphone that provides excellent sound quality, especially on new models. But if you want the best sound quality, an external microphone is indispensable. For example, an external microphone ensures that you are not bothered by noise and filters ambient noise. In addition, it amplifies your sound, making it easy to record sound from a distance. Finally, many external microphones allow you to control the recording volume during recording. These factors mean that you can create great sound quality for any situation with an external microphone.

What types of microphones are there?

The directional microphone

A directional microphone is used to focus on a specific sound. Directional microphones pick up the slightest sound and exclude ambient noise. The sound quality is therefore very high. The microphone is ideal for use at a slightly greater distance. Perfect for an interview.

The pin microphone

The pin microphone (also called a tie-clip microphone or lavalier) is useful when recording lectures, interviews and documentaries, for example. You can attach the tie clip under the speaker's clothing, so that the microphone is barely visible. Because the microphone is mounted so close to the face, it provides a clear and isolated sound.

The wireless microphone

The wireless microphone is ideal if you need a little more freedom of movement. The wireless system replaces the cable that normally goes from the microphone to, for example, your smartphone or camera. Useful when recording a presentation, lecture or interview. A wireless microphone set consists of a receiver and one or more transmitters. It is easy to use. The wireless transmitter and receiver turn on at the touch of a button.

What is directional characteristic? And what directional characteristics are there?

To choose a suitable microphone, it is important to look at the directional characteristic. The polar pattern indicates the sensitivity of the microphone. This involves looking at the angle and distance from which the sound comes from. There are different directional characteristics: cardioid, supercardioid, omnidirectional and bi-directional.

  • Cardioid microphones

    only pick up the sound at the front. Unwanted background noise is therefore well filtered out by this microphone. This type of microphone is common and most microphones have this directional characteristic.

  • Supercardioid microphones

    records sound in a very targeted manner. This type of microphone is very sensitive from the front, just like cardioid microphones. So noise from behind is barely picked up. A shotgun microphone is a good example of a supercardioid microphone. This type of microphone is also used on stage for singing.

  • Omnidirectional microphones

    record the sound from all sides. Lapel clip microphones are a good example of this. With this microphone it does not matter much in which direction the speaker is talking. The microphone records the sound from multiple directions.

  • Bi-directional microphones

    record the sound from two sides: the front and back. This type of microphone is very insensitive to noise from the sides. Ideal for conducting an interview or recording a podcast.

How do I connect a microphone to my smartphone or camera?

Smartphones have a 3.5mm TRRS connection and cameras generally have a 3.5mm TRS connection. If your smartphone or camera lacks this connection, you can use the microphone via an adapter.

What else do you need? (microphone accessories)

In addition to a microphone itself, there are some accessories that are indispensable if you strive for the best audio quality. For example, a wind shield or pop shield helps to reduce noise and it is of course important to have the correct adapter cable.

Which microphone to buy?

Hopefully, the above information has already given you a better idea of ​​the different options you have when purchasing a microphone. Is your question not listed or would you like personal advice when buying a microphone? Please feel free to contact us, we will be happy to help you.