Intro and Outro: A Better Understanding For External Microphones

It doesn’t matter if you’re a podcaster or a vlogger because you can use your mobile phone in many ways and be your instant companion. Almost all smartphones already have cameras ready for video recording. Aside from that, they also have microphones that are already built-in to record audio. Well, you cannot actually say they have good quality when it comes to recording. 

If you often use your smartphone to record vlogs, music covers, or podcasts, you might need to consider having an external microphone. With an external microphone, you’ll have the exceptional feature that will allow you to record audios with less interference and better sounds. So here’s what you need to know about external microphones.

The Types of External Microphone

For starters, various types of external microphones could cater to your needs. Before you buy one, it’s essential to understand each type first for you to know the best external microphone for you. So here’s a list of external microphones you can choose from with their best products.

Lavalier External Microphones

The Lavalier External Microphones are considered as lapel mics. You might already know what a lapel mic is, but for starters, it’s a small condenser mic that’s wired and often attached to your tie, shirt, or collar. Well, most lapel mics are used in the television industry. For example, lapel microphones are an essential tool for news reporters, conference presenters, and sports anchors. 

One good thing about using lapel microphones is that you can operate it hands-free. This way, you can just attach the microphone in any position you’re most comfortable with, and you’ll be able to move freely. Here’s one of the best Lavalier External Microphones. 

The Rode Smartlav+

One of the most popular lavalier types of microphones is the Rode Smartlav+. This mic has a quality Omni-condenser capsule, which is an essential part that makes it pick up sounds. It also has a versatile foam shield that minimizes wind noises and vocal plosives. In addition to that, it has durable built-in cable management in its mounting clip. The cable serves as a safeguard that ensures you don’t stretch or snap your mic under unexpected conditions. 

The Rode Smartlav+ is very compatible with smartphones because it supports different audio applications. So, using this rode microphone is pretty much easy and straightforward. You just need to plug it into the headphone jack of your device. As long as it receives the input from the connection on the headset, it’s already functional. 

All in all, the design of Rode Smartlav+ is for everything that needs a broadcast-quality studio. It’s also an excellent external microphone with a high-quality voice recording, and it’s also highly compatible with any smartphone. 

The Shotgun Microphones

Shotgun Microphones are totally different from Lavalier Mics. This type of external microphone has a unidirectional capacity, which picks up sounds when the source is in front of the speaker. On the other hand, Shotgun Microphones are needed to achieve high-beam sound concentration to be able to record high-quality. 

This type of mic protects the sound from unwanted noises. So, to effectively use this microphone, you need to direct your mouth to the filter to pick up the sound correctly. But, if you move your mouth to the sides, you’ll be able to pick up unnecessary noises from the source. The people who often use this kind of microphone are professionals such as broadcasters, sports reporters, and people who make documentaries. 

Unlike lapel mics, this doesn’t need to be attached to your clothes. You only need to speak within a distance and the microphone will still be able to pick up sounds. So here’s an example product of Shotgun Microphone. 

Audio-Technica AT875R

If you’re a music enthusiast, you should know the brand Audio-Technica. Still, for starters, Audio-Technica is considered to be one of the most popular brands in the field of professional audio. This type of microphone produces high-quality and elegant sounds. Basically, it has almost everything you need when it comes to microphones. 

The Audio-Technica AT875R can produce low noise and a tight pick-up pattern with high-sensitivity. The dynamic range of this microphone also delivers clear and rich sound quality. So, the AT875R is suitable for video and music production. Some professionals also use this type of microphone to record their songs. 

In addition to that, it also has a decent build with high durability. So, if you’re into videography or music recording, you might want to consider getting this mic. 

Handheld Microphones

From the name itself, a Handheld Microphone is designed to carry and hold. You can also attach this type of microphone on a mic stand. Unlike the lavalier and shotgun types of microphones, a Handheld Microphone has a handle other than a windscreen. This type of microphone is most suitable for events such as hosting, singing, and any huge variety of settings. 

There are two types of Handheld Microphones. You can either have a wireless or wired handheld microphone. So, wireless microphones are often used for events like singing and hosting as they give user mobility. It works by converting the sound from a transmitter into radio signals. Once converted, it will then send those signals to the system. 

On the other hand, a wired microphone converts sounds into an electric audio signal. Once the sound is converted, it will then send the signal through the cable going to the sound system. Unlike the wireless microphone, the disadvantage of a wired mic is that it restricts you from moving around the place. Here’s one example product of a Handheld Microphone. 

Audio Technica System ATW-1102

Audio Technica can definitely conquer the sound industry because of its high-quality sound production. They are still among the best and biggest brands for producing excellent sound. This type of microphone is most suitable for performing musicians and TV presenters. It offers high digital fidelity with a full and stable system. This is also a type of wireless microphone, so you already know the advantages of using ATW-1102.

Takeaway

Microphones have been useful for years, especially in the tv and musical industry. There may be many microphones to choose from, and sometimes it can be overwhelming. But, to produce a high-quality and clear sound, you might need to identify what type of microphone is the most suitable for you. 

There’s still a lot more to learn when it comes to producing good sound quality, and if you’re looking for the most reliable microphone, you might want to consider having one of the lists above.