Cardioid Condenser
Cardioid Condenser
Vocal Recording Tips
The lead vocal track needs special attention so it can maintain its visibility and impact throughout the entire song.
1. You need to determine what the best sounding signal path is for that specific vocalist:
This is the most time consuming overly repetitious task. But in the end, when you find the right gear that fits your vocalist, your pay off will be golden.
2. Mic placement is an important in getting that great vocal sound:
There are two issue to consider. The position of the mic in the room. You need to find the the best part of the room to record in. Not all corners, spaces and walls sound alike. This needs to be done way before the vocalist enters the room/studio by trial and error.
The other issue is position of the mic, to the singer. There are 2 factors to consider that effect the sound. One is the angle of the mic, to the singer and the other is the space between the mic and the singer. both are very important factors.
The Proximity Effect- The closer the singer is to the mic, the more bass frequencies are enhanced. This can be used as a tool, by having the singer move closer or farther away from the mic, depending on the mood of the vocal passage.
The mic of choice for most singers is a cardioid condenser mic and a good starting point for this mic is about six to eight inches away form the mic capsule. If the voice sounds to thin, then you move the singer up a bit to use the proximity effect. Be careful, moving only an inch or so will increase the bass and fullness allot. If the sound is too big, then move the singer back a bit. Its a balancing act.
If your using an omnidirectional mic or an omnidirectional pattern setting, there will be no proximity effect. so moving the singer back and forth will only create distance and the bass frequencies will not be enhanced as the singer moves toward the mic.
The omni pattern is is a good mic to use if the singer cannto stay still and/or is inexperienced in vocal recording. but this mic has its fall backs, since it picks up all directions equally. you need a very quiet room to use this mic.
The effects of a condenser mic on axis and off axis with the singers mouth are very important. When a condenser mic is on axis to the singers mouth, the sound is harsher and brighter. When the mic is off axis to the singers mouth, the sound gets a bit warmer and darker. This is due to the sound hitting the mic capsule.The mic capsule captures the singers chest resonance and by changing the axis of the capsule, you change the sound that mic records. An off axis tilt towards the ceiling can help prevent popping and sibilance.
About the Author
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Does a USB condenser microphone need phantom power or is it built in?
Please help. Does the Eagletone UM30 Studio USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone require 48V phantom power or is it supplied?
I Dont Think so, Because its Universal Serial Bus (USB) Powered Not XLR Powered, So My answer is no phantom power required I think it works from your Computer's Power.
Hope this helped
-Mark
Cardioid Condenser
Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone
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Audio-Technica Cardioid Condenser Microphone $99.99 This cardioid condenser microphone features high SPL handling and wide dynamic range for versatile use. The custom-engineered, low-mass diaphragm offers extended frequency response. |
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Shure PG30TQG Headset Cardioid Condenser Microphone $39 The Shure PG30TQG is a cardioid condenser headset microphone for use with PG, PGX, and PGX Digital Wireless Systems. |
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Sennheiser Half-Cardioid Boundary Layer Condenser Microphone $239.99 This boundary layer condenser microphone features a half-cardioid design that is ideal for use with bass drums or other low-frequency instrument applications. The 20Hz - 20kHz frequency response provides faithful sound reproduction. |
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Blue Microphones Mouse Cardioid Condenser Microphone $1099.99 This Blue Microphones Mouse cardioid condenser microphone combines low noise and superb transient response with crisp, airy high end to liven any recording. The rotating capsule allows versatile positioning. |
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Blue Microphones Dragonfly Cardioid Condenser Microphone $999.99 This Blue Microphones Dragonfly cardioid condenser microphone captures superbly detailed, pleasing tones from a variety of musical instruments. The rotating spherical grille allows optimal placement. |
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BLUEBERRY - Cardioid Condenser Mic $999 Winner of Electronic Musician's 2000 Editors' Choice Award for Best Microphone, the Blueberry consists of a Class A discrete transformer based microphone amplifier perfectly chosen to compliment our cardioid pattern, hand- built large diaphragm capsule First and foremost, the Blueberry has been designed to provide the commanding, intimate presence associated with the world’s best (and most expensive) vintage vocal microphones. With its shimmering, detailed highs, smooth midrange, and minimized proximity effect (a bass boost inherent in all unidirectional mics), the Blueberry excels at delivering a vocal right to the front of the mix where it belongs. When processed with limiting and/or compression, as is standard practice for most pop vocals, tracks recorded with the Blueberry will be free of pumping, low frequency thumps. Acoustic guitar, hand percussion, drums, and other critical high end sources also shine in front of the Blueberry, gaining an extra measure of presence that enables the most delicate sounds to cut through a mix, even at very low levels. Designed to fill the needs of the home musician and the professional alike, the Blueberry includes the Series Two Shockmount and comes handsomely packaged in its own cherrywood box. Whatever your music, add a Blueberry to the mix and let your ears feast on the sound. |
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Neumann TLM49 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $1599.95 The TLM 49 is a large-diaphragm studio microphone with a cardioid directional characteristic and a warm sound which is especially optimized for vocal performance. It is supplied as a set, with an elastic suspension. |
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Nady SCM 800 Condenser Microphone - Electret - 30Hz to 20kHz - Cable $43.44 NADY CARDIOID STUDIO CONDENSER MIC |
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CAD GXL1200 Cardioid Condenser Microphone - Handheld - 30Hz to 20kHz - Cable $60.44 CAD CONDENSER MIC |
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Audio-Technica MB 4k/c Cardioid Condenser Microphone $86.99 -46 dB 5 Year 6.40 oz 8.10" Length x 1.64" Diameter 80 Hz to 20 kHz Battery/phantom operation Rugged all-metal construction Soft-touch finish Extended response for smooth Natural sonic characteristics MB 4k/c Cardioid Condenser Microphone Stand Clamp for 5/8"-27 Threaded Stands 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 Threaded Adapter Battery Soft Protective Pouch A price/performance leader, the MB 4k/c cardioid condenser microphone is the Midnight Blues series' introductory studio-quality microphone. With a condenser design for studio vocal and instrument applications, the microphone is supplied with a 15' cable. Audio-Technica Audio-Technica U.S., Inc Cable Cable 15 ft Dynamic Handheld MB 4k/c MB 4k/c Cardioid Condenser Microphone MB4K/C Microphone On/Off XLR Gold Plated www.audio-technica.com |
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Audio-Technica AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $118.99 -33 dB 1 Year Limited 14.22 oz 20 Hz to 20 kHz 6.69" Length x 2.05" Depth AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Shock mount for 5/8"-27 threaded stands 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter Soft protective pouch Designed for critical home/project/professional studio applications and live performance, this side-address cardioid studio condenser delivers exceptional detail and low noise. Equipped with a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad, the AT2035 handles high sound pressure levels with ease. Along with its rugged construction and high-performance specifications, the AT2035 provides an exceptional level of consistency from model to model. It comes equipped with a protective pouch and a custom shock mount. AT2035 AT2035 Cardioid Condenser Microphone Audio-Technica Audio-Technica U.S., Inc Cable Microphone XLR www.audio-technica.com |
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Shure PG185TQG Lavalier Cardioid Condenser Microphone $39 The Shure PG185 is an electret condenser microphone for clip-on use with a wireless bodypack transmitter. |
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AKG C5 Cardioid Condenser Handheld Vocal Microphone $199 This professional condenser vocal microphone will make your voice cut through the loudest mix - on any stage. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures maximum gain before feedback and has been optimized for use with in-ear monitor systems. |
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BLUE Bluebird Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphone $299 With its unique look and highly versatile performance, the Bluebird has been designed to deliver the same high-quality, no-compromise audio that Blue users have come to expect. The Bluebird is a large-diaphragm cardioid condenser, utilizing Blue's renowned microphone technology and Class-A discrete circuit. |
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Audio-Technica AT829cW Cardioid Condenser Lavalier Microphone $57.99 Terminated with locking 4-pin connector for A-T UniPak body-pack wireless transmitters. AT829CW AT829cW AT829cW Cardioid Condenser Lavalier Microphone Audio-Technica Audio-Technica U.S., Inc Cable Cable 55" Lapel Microphone www.audio-technica.com |
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Audio Technica PRO49Q Cardioid Condenser Gooseneck Microphone $99.95 The PRO 49Q quick-mount double-gooseneck cardioid condenser microphone is designed to plug into any standard XLRF-type surface or cable connector. With a flat, smooth frequency response and self-contained electronics, this mic features a quiet, fixed-placement, long-life gooseneck and wide-range condenser element with low-mass diaphragm for superior performance. |
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Shure SM86 Cardioid Condenser Stage Vocal Microphone $179 The Shure SM86 is a unidirectional (cardioid) condenser vocal microphone for professional use in live performance. An extremely rugged microphone, the SM86 withstands the rigors of touring while delivering studio-quality sound. The tailored frequency response of the SM86 reproduces vocals with clarity. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. |
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Shure SM81 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $349 The Shure Model SM81 is a high-quality, unidirectional condenser microphone designed for studio recording, broadcasting, and sound reinforcement. Its wide frequency response, low noise characteristics, and low RF susceptibility have made it a standard for applications involving acoustic instruments, especially guitar, piano, and cymbals. |
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BLUE Blueberry Cardioid Condenser Microphone $999 The Blueberry consists of a Class A discrete microphone amplifier perfectly chosen to BLUE's single pattern, cardioid, hand-built large-diaphragm capsule. An entry-level microphone, the Blueberry has been designed to fill the needs of the home musician and professional alike. |
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Shure PG27 Cardioid Condenser Microphone $149 Durable enough for everyday use and practice, this side-address, cardioid microphone also features a high SPL threshold that handles a wide variety of vocal, instrument, acoustic and amplified sound sources with professional clarity and guaranteed Shure quality in every application. The PG27 also comes with a Stand Adapter and Zippered Pouch. |
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Bosch PL37 EV Overhead Mic Condenser Cardioid $128.7 The PL37 is a professionalgrade tight cardioid condenser microphone designed to deliver all the crisp detail of cymbals highhats amp; percussion instruments in sound reinforcement systems or recording studios of any size. w/its frequency response designed for overhead drum set amp; percussion miking the PL37 delivers all of the dialedin tone amp; percussive transient response detail that professional drummers amp; sound system engineers require.Features: Voicing for overhead cymbals highhat amp; percussion l Crisp frequency response l Fast transient response l Tight cardioid polar pattern for isolation l Superb rejection of offaxis information l Highoutput selfbiased condenser element. Element Condenser (selfbiased). Polar Pattern Cardioid. Impedance LowZ balanced 200 Ohms. Connector Type 3pin XLR. Open Circuit Voltage 6 mV/Pascal. Audio Frequency Response 50 Hz 16 000 Hz. Dynamic Range < 107 dB. Maximum SPL (1 THD) 132 dB. Mic Type Instrumental. Power Requirement 11 to 52 VDC 4 mA. Wired/Wireless Wired. Finish Textured Satin Black. Case Material Die cast zinc. Weight Net 176 g ( 6.21 oz ). Microphone Applications:. Acoustic Strings Hihat Jazz Overhead Rock Woodwinds |
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Audio Technica AT2020USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone $193.7 The AT2020 USB is based on the design of AudioTechnica s critically acclaimed AT2020 cardioid condenser microphone. Like the AT2020 it features a lowmass diaphragm customengineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With low selfnoise the AT2020 USB is perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment. AudioTechnica s stateoftheart design and manufacturing techniques ensure that the microphone complies with the company s renowned consistency and reliability standards. Sideaddress studio condenser with USB digital output (Windows and Mac compatible). Crystalclear natural sound for podcasting home studio recording field recording and voiceover use. Customengineered lowmass diaphragm provides extended frequency response and superior transient response. Cardioid polar pattern reduces pickup of sounds from the sides and rear improving isolation of desired sound source. Low selfnoise perfectly suited for sophisticated digital recording equipment. Includes tripod desk stand pivoting stand mount USB cable and storage pouch. Element: Fixedcharge back plate permanently polarized condenser. Polar pattern: cardioid. Frequency response: 2016 000 hz. Power requirements: usb power (5v dc). Weight: 13.2 oz. Dimensions: 6.38 long 2.05 maximum body diameter. Output connector: usbtype. Bit depth: 16 bit. Sample rate: 44.1 khz. |
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ElectroVoice Overhead Cardioid Condenser Microphone - Black $99.99 This condenser microphone is designed to deliver the crisp details of cymbals, high-hats and percussion instruments in a sound reinforcement system or recording studio. |
What Microphone do I need?
There are a whole range of microphones for different applications. Firstly you can narrow your choice down by what you plan to use your microphone for.
Karaoke Microphones
Designed to be used by anyone, whether it is a little girl singing a love song or a macho man belting out heavy metal, the microphone has to be versatile to accommodate all types. Karaoke microphones are generally wireless and some of the more complex ones have thousands of songs built in as well as recording capabilities.
Live Music Microphones
Life on the road can be a bit rough, so you need a microphone that can withstand the knocks of being packed up and unpacked every night. Dynamic microphones are the best, there are loads to choose from, they’re easy to replace, not too expensive and fairly versatile.
Camcorder Microphones
If you want to enhance the audio quality of a video recording then a camcorder microphone is just the job. They are usually stereo microphones that fit to the body of the camcorder. However, if you are recording something like a live show, a stand alone microphone might be preferable to get the best quality recording.
Internet Call Microphones
If you want to use Skype or G-Talk you will need a Microphone attached to your PC. You may also need speakers but at a fraction of the cost you can buy headsets with both! These are very easy to use and leave you hands free so that you can continue to type as well.
Voice Recording Microphones
Some microphones sound better with a female voice than male and vice versa. A good producer should be able to advise you of the right one for you. Usually the best microphones for the studio are condensers. Ribbons are also very good but more expensive.
Studio Microphones
A good studio should have the right Microphone for the job. They would probably have condensers, dynamics and maybe a ribbon. Because you are using the microphones in a controlled environment it should be possible to get the best one for the job that suits the recording.
Drum Microphones
Usually strong dynamic microphones, there are some drum kits that include dedicated microphones for the kick, snare, toms, and maybe hat and overs.
Podcasting
If you want a bit better quality than your standard PC microphone then desktop computer microphones with a cardioid polar pattern works really well and are quite affordable. In general any dynamic microphone would do the job.
About the Author
"Tom Jacobs is a consumer electronics writer and specialist. Tom has held a number of senior roles in the industry, before becoming a writer and adviser at zenostore.co.uk"
Cardioid Condenser