Solution:
- Dynamic Microphones:
- How they work: Dynamic microphones operate on electromagnetic induction. They have a diaphragm attached to a coil of wire, which moves within the magnetic field of a magnet when sound waves hit the diaphragm. This movement generates an electrical current.
- Characteristics:
- Robust and durable, making them suitable for stage use and handling high sound pressure levels.
- Can handle loud sound sources like guitar amplifiers and drums.
- Provide good off-axis rejection, reducing background noise pickup.
- Often used for live sound reinforcement and recording instruments.
- Condenser Microphones:
- How they work: Condenser microphones use a diaphragm placed close to a backplate. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, the distance between the diaphragm and backplate changes, causing capacitance variations. This leads to the generation of an electrical signal.
- Characteristics:
- Highly sensitive and accurate, capturing a wide frequency range and subtle details.
- Require external power (phantom power) or batteries to operate.
- Ideal for studio recording, capturing vocals, acoustic instruments, and delicate sound sources.
- Less robust and more susceptible to damage than dynamic microphones.
- Ribbon Microphones:
- How they work: Ribbon microphones use an extremely thin strip of metal (the ribbon) suspended in a magnetic field. When sound waves move the ribbon, it generates an electrical signal due to electromagnetic induction.
- Characteristics:
- Known for their warm and vintage sound characteristics.
- Delicate and sensitive to high sound pressure levels, so they are often used for softer instruments or vocals.
- Offer bidirectional (figure-eight) pickup patterns, capturing sound equally from the front and back while rejecting sound from the sides.
- Used in studio settings for recording vocals, strings, and brass instruments.
- Lavalier Microphones (Lavs) and Clip-On Microphones:
- How they work: Lavalier microphones are small, clip-on condenser microphones typically worn on clothing, and they are often used in broadcasting and presentations. They work on the same principle as condenser microphones, using a diaphragm and backplate.
- Characteristics:
- Designed for hands-free operation, making them ideal for video interviews, public speaking, and broadcasting.
- Can be wired or wireless (with a transmitter and receiver).
- Deliver clear and intelligible speech, but may not capture as much depth or nuance as larger studio condenser microphones.
- Often used in situations where the microphone needs to be discreet and unobtrusive.
