Microphones and Audio Accessories

What are microphones?

A Microphone is an audio device that converts sound into an electrical energy. The user can then transmit, record or amplify this energy to one person on Skype for instance, or many while streaming. Impeccable audio quality is a must and a quality microphone will help you achieve the clarity you deserve.

Microphone History

The microphone was originally conceived by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 and later refined into a more practical carbon microphone thanks to Thomas Edison in 1886. These were actually still used extensively until the 1970s. During this time multiple superior technologies were developed including the condenser, dynamic and ribbon style microphones which are still used today.

Variety

Generally speaking, microphones fall under three categories; condenser, dynamic, ribbon. Condensers give out professional, clean sound with detailed high frequencies. No wonder they are first choice for stage/studio vocals and for acoustics. They require a small, hidden power supply, giving out ‘phantom power’, embedded in a mixer to operate. Dynamic microphones provide decent sound albeit rugged quality, favoured for drums and guitar amps. Has no need for ‘phantom power’. Lastly, the ribbon microphone - it gives us smooth, warm sound quality. Most commonly used for guitar amps and horns. ‘Phantom power’ is not necessary.

Construction

In the simplest terms, a very thin plastic diaphragm is connected to a voice coil. The coil is made up of insulated copper wire, twisted around a bobbin. A permanent magnet surrounds the voice coil. When sound enters, the diaphragm vibrates which causes the voice coil to move on its axis. The movement induces a voltage in the coil and creates a shifting electrical current proportional to any sound that enters. The induced current is the audio signal.

Connectivity

A lot of modern microphones come with ‘plug n play’ capability, usually reference to USB connectivity. If you’re after wire-free commentary, wireless microphones will operate utilising a Bluetooth connection. An XLR connection is wired, like USB but is primarily found on professional audio, video and stage lighting equipment. Often, microphones are connected to a preamp - the purpose of this is to strengthen the output signal for further processing or to send it to a loudspeaker.

Why should I buy a microphone?

Whether you’re a streamer who’s just starting off or someone with a large following, a quality microphone is quintessential to communicating with your audience. If you often have to have conference calls from home over Skype, our premium selection of mic’s would guarantee business-level clarity.

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