10/20/2007

Selecting The Right Microphones Takes Know How

Microphones are not a one-size-fits-all sort of purchase. When they are needed, consumers will find these sound carrying devices come in a variety of shapes, quality levels and sizes. Some serve very specific and even critical duties, but others are meant mostly for play. Knowing what is needed is vital if the right microphones are desired.

The intended use for microphones often helps dictate the type and quality required in the purchase. Clearly understanding what is needed prior to ordering or buying facilitates the selection process and helps ensure a good match. The types of microphones needed for a child's karaoke machine, for example, are rather different than a headset a singer will require on a professional stage.

Microphones generally come in several different classes. They range from low-end sound carrying devices to high-quality pieces of electronics that are designed to ensure singers sound fantastic, conversations are picked up and even that planes are properly called into a runway by an air traffic controller. Deciding the real quality level required can help narrow a search for microphones while also pointing a buyer in the right direction for where to find an appropriate model. Department, computer and music stores are ideal for personal use microphones, but specialty outlets are often required for the higher-end sound detecting devices.

The basic styles of microphones consumers will find include:

? Hand-held. These microphones are commonly used on stages to ensure that speakers or singers are heard. They are also used frequently in home karaoke setups. These are sometimes hardwired, but wireless models are also available. ? Hanging. These microphones are often found in newsrooms, movie sets and other areas where microphones are required. They are also sometimes used in radio stations and by recording studios. Hanging microphones are generally ceiling mounted and offer movement ability so they can be pushed out of the way or closer to a speaker or singer. ? Mounted. Desk or floor-mounted microphones are quite commonly used in professional settings where communications are key. They are not hard to find in police dispatch offices, airports or even fast-food restaurants. On the lower end of the spectrum, computer users will find these in many stores, designed to offer them the ability to speak with friends over the Internet. The pricing is dependent on the quality and use a particular microphone offers. ? Headsets. These run a range that is incredibly large. From professional quality headsets designed to ensure a singer's every note is transmitted to home-use computer grade microphones that video gamers enjoy, the quality and pricing on headsets tends to be dictated by the need they serve. Home users can generally get away with very inexpensive head sets that cost almost nothing. Professional quality sets offer a greater level of reliability and sound quality and simply cost a lot more as a result. ? Clip on microphones. Frequently used in news settings, television studios and other similar productions, this type of microphone is tiny, but powerful. These are generally considered professional grade and tend to reflect a pricing level that matches.

There is a lot more to selecting microphones than many consumers realize. These sound-transmitting devices are designed to fit very specific needs. From fun, home-use models to high-quality designs meant to serve in professional settings, choosing the right one to meet needs is sometimes even a matter of life and death.

Thank you to Gordon Petten

No comments: