The Shure SM58® is a unidirectional (cardioid)

dynamic vocal microphone designed for professional

vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and

studio recording.

The Shure SM86 is a unidirectional

(cardioid) condenser vocal microphone for

professional use in live performance.

The Model SM7B dynamic

microphone has a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency

response appropriate for

music and speech in all professional

audio applications.

The Model SM89 is a highly directional condenser shotgun microphone with distant pickup

characteristics suitable for on-location film and television production.

Model WL93 Microphones are

economical omnidirectional,

subminiature, lavalier, condenser microphones

designed for general speech applications

where a visually unobtrusive microphone

is desirable.

The Shure Model WH20 is a rugged, lightweight, dynamic headset

microphone that provides high-quality voice pickup. It fits securely for active microphone users, such as aerobics instructors and musicians, with low

visibility for stage appearances.

the SM87A condenser microphone features a

smooth frequency response that's

specifically tailored for warm, rich, vocal

reproduction.Supercardioid condenser.

MicrophonesMicrophones, as we know, turn sound into

electrical signals. The microphone is a primary input in most sound systems. It

converts (transducers) vibrating air (acoustic energy) into an analog electrical signal. It

performs this magic by sensing variations in the waves and converting them into

variations in electrical voltage. Although all microphones perform this basic function, they do it in a number of different ways.

Dynamic Microphones

Dynamic moving coil microphones employ a coil of wires attached to a diaphragm, which

is suspended within a magnetic field.  Acoustical vibrations cause the diaphragm and the coil to vibrate within this magnetic field, creating an AC (alternating current.)

This current electrically represents the audio signal.

Dynamic Microphone

Condenser Microphones

Condenser microphones use two adjacent plates. One is stationary, while the other, a diaphragm, vibrates to incoming acoustic

signal. These two plates are charged with a constant voltage - phantom power. As the distance between the stationary plate and diaphragm varies with incoming vibrations, a varying electrical current is generated.

Condenser Microphone

Ribbon MicrophonesThe ribbon microphone (also called a

pressure gradient, or velocity microphone) works on the same principle as the moving coil. It uses a thin metal ribbon suspended

between the poles of a magnet to sense the sound wave. When the ribbon moves, it cuts

through the lines of flux generated by the permanent magnet, and this flux induces a voltage in the ribbon. This voltage becomes

the signal output.

Phantom Power 

Phantom power is a method of powering a condenser microphone using another

device. For example, the cable from the microphone to the audio mixer or videotape recorder could carry power as well as audio

signals. If you are able to provide a microphone phantom power, you will not

need batteries!

Lavaliere microphones are small, lightweight

microphones designed to be attached under the chin of the speaker. Lavaliere

microphones are attached to the talker’s clothing in such a manner that they will not move and produce rustling noises. These

microphones are very common in television and film production because they are easy

to conceal.

Surface Mount Microphone (also called a boundary microphone) is

simply placed on a table to pick up sound. These microphones are often used in

boardrooms and other environments where a number of talkers must be “picked up and

where the microphone needs to remain unobtrusive.

Shotgun MicA long, slotted tube design microphone. Used when you  must pick up sound and cannot get the microphone close to the

talker. these microphones are designed to attenuate unwanted sound and pick up a talker or sound source from many feet or meters away. These microphones can

either be handled by an audio person who makes sure they are pointed in the right direction, or mounted on a boom pole.

Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound from all

directions equally - with a slight preference for sounds coming from the direction in which they are pointed. Omni directional

microphones are equally sensitive to sounds from nearly all directions. They

provide the same output level independent of direction of the source. Omni-directional

microphones are typically used for recording and group pick-up.

Pickup Pattern

Cardiod microphones have a heart-shaped (cardioid) pickup pattern and are sensitive to sounds

predominantly from the front of the microphone diaphragm. They love sound which comes from the direction in which they are pointed (pick-up axis) and reject sound coming from the sides and rear.

Pickup Pattern

Hyper or super cardioid microphones are even more directionally

sensitive and are sometimes called “shotguns” because of their long length. They are sensitive to sound coming from one direction, and are typically used for

sound reinforcement for one or two people.

Pickup Pattern

Bi-directional microphones are sensitive to sounds from the front and rear, while rejecting sound

from the top, bottom, and sides.

Hemispheric, or PZM Boundary microphones use a large flat surface, such

as a tabletop or wall to create a large, smooth, dome-shaped pickup pattern. They

are often used in a boardroom to pickup many people with relatively few

microphones.