capturing the finest transient detail and waveform intricacies . Whereas the dynamic mic capsule is a little bulky , the condenser capsule uses a very thinly coated plastic membrane to respond to sound waves . Since this capsule is fast and accurate , condenser mics are a first choice for acoustic instruments such as acoustic guitar , piano , strings , woodwinds , and vocals in the studio . They don ’ t typically roll off as much in the low frequencies and they don ’ t tend to have the hyped high frequency sensitivity like we see in the frequency response of the SM58 . Condenser capsules have either large diaphragms or small diaphragms . Small diaphragm condensers are the flattest responding of all mic types and large diaphragm condensers , still relatively flat , are a little warmer-sounding are the most commonly used studio vocal mics .
The Røde NT1 has a very flat frequency response graph with a slight roll-off at 20 Hz and a gentle high-frequency bump between about 5 and 15 kHz . A mic like this is an excellent choice for capturing accurate transients and wave form detail , but also for capturing the sound source from distances of a foot or more . Condenser mics like this often include a high-pass filter so they can be used in close proximity to the source without capturing an overly boomy sound .
3 . The strength of modern-day ribbon microphones is their warm , smooth sound quality . The most fragile of the mic types , the ribbon capsule uses a thin metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field to capture audio waves . Modern ribbon mics are much more durable than classic ribbon mics from the ’ 40s and ’ 50s , so modern ribbon mics are a trusted choice , even in the live sound industry . Mic manufacturer , Royer , in 1998 introduced a modern version of ribbon microphones . With the increasing popularity of digital recording , engineers sought the warmth that had been lost in the passing of the analog tape era . On any sound that has a high-end grind to its sound , such as distorted electric guitar , brass , and strings , ribbon mics are a fantastic choice because they capture a sound that ’ s easy on the ears .
MICROPHONE POLAR PATTERNS
Today , most manufacturers have created their own ribbon mic offerings . The ribbon mic capsule isn ’ t quite as accurate as the condenser capsule but some say it responds to sound more like the human ear . A modern ribbon mic has a frequency response that ’ s relatively constant across the audible spectrum . The frequency response graph above is for the Royer R-121 . With their smooth , warm , appealing sound , which is similar to the warmth and tone of analog tape , modern ribbons were quickly embraced by the audio industry .
OVERVIEW : A very important microphone specification is the polar pattern , a visual representation of microphone directionality . Some microphones pickup sounds equally from