CONTENT CREATORS MOSTLY USE EITHER A DYNAMIC OR CONDENSER MICROPHONE. BUT WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
DYNAMIC MICS are ideal for the field because they’re rugged, reliable and will work well in almost any situation and with every kind of voice. While they’re not the most sensitive type of mic, this can be a good thing if you’re recording in an untreated space with unwanted background noise.
CONDENSER MICS are highly sensitive and pick up a wonderful spectrum of sound, which makes them great for everything from podcasting to field recording. However, compared to dynamic microphones they are more likely to pick up sounds like mid-sentence breaths, your growling stomach, and the hum of your air conditioner. They also require phantom power* in order to work.
*Huh? Don’t know what phantom power is? Find out in the MIC BASICS section.
ABSORBERS, as the name suggests, are things that absorb sound – for example, the acoustic panels you see in professional recording studios. Absorbers remove unwanted audio from a space, allowing you to capture more of the original source. Curtains, cushions and soft furniture all absorb sound, so a room with plenty of these is ideal for podcasting and livestreaming.
DIFFUSERS break up sound rather than remove it. This scattering cuts down on echoes and reflections that will clutter up your audio recordings. Books, furniture, photos and plants all help to diffuse sounds.
ROOM CHOICE might seem obvious but picking a room that sounds good to start with will make your job a lot easier. Bedrooms are excellent for re- cording because they usually have more absorbers like cushions and curtains. Also make sure you close any windows and switch off appliances that make noise, including air conditioners, washing machines and fans.
