It is not a secret that in the world of music the different microphones differ not only in color and form. At the same time, all microphones have one and the same goal: to make sound and translate it into an electrical signal, which we can subsequently manage. However, the way they do it can greatly affect the quality of sound on stage, in the rehearsal, or in the recording studio.
The directional (cardioid) microphones – are those microphones that receive the sound in only one direction. From the name “cardioid” it may seem that a microphone has something in common with the heart (remember the same cardiogram). And indeed it is! The polar pattern of the cardioid microphone resembles the shape of hearts, making them sensitive to the sound coming directly in front of the microphone and insensitive to the sounds behind the microphone. This type of microphone is equally widely used both in the studio and at a concert! It is weakly susceptible to the sources located behind the microphone, making it the number 1 candidate to be used as a vocal or instrumental microphone.
MXL Mics 770
The MXL 770 is the perfect combination of quality, flexibility, and price for both professional and home recording studios.
A 6-micron gold-plated diaphragm provides low distortion. Together with a microphone, a storage case and anti-vibration shockmount are included.
The MXL 770 is a studio vocal microphone, ideal for rap recording. Also great for vocals, piano, and strings. Great for hip hop and hard rock recordings.
Rode NTG2
RODE NTG-2 – is a narrow, extremely light, directional condenser microphone of the professional level. It is designed for shooting movies, television and video production. A special feature of the microphone is the balanced output path with low resistance. For ease of use, there are two power supply options on the type of battery (AA) of one and a half volt or 48-volt standard phantom power.
A small noise, variable frequency response, wide range allow RODE NTG-2 successfully working in the film and video industry and using for simultaneous audio dubbing. The low weight of RODE NTG-2 makes it easy and convenient to attach to the camera using the special accessories or on a tripod. RODE NTG-2 comes with a windscreen and holder. The windshield significantly attenuates wind noise when recording is done outdoors.
Features of RODE NTG-2:
- Type: condenser.
- Professional quality sound.
- The low value of self-noise.
- Robust housing made of metal.
- Low weight.
- Includes a special mount and a carrying case.
Microphone settings:
- Type of directional pattern: super-cardioid.
- The frequency range of 0.02 … 20 kHz.
- Output impedance, 250 ohms with phantom power, 350 on battery power.
- The signal-to-noise ratio: 76 dB.
- Equivalent noise: 18 dB.
- The highest SPL, 131 dB.
- The level of sensitivity: -36 dB.
- Dynamic range: 113 dB (with IEC651 and IEC268-15).
- Power microphone: phantom 48 or 1.5 battery.
- Weight of the microphone: 161 g.
Canon DM-100
Directional stereo microphone DM-100 – is the highly directional microphone which is installed on the mini advanced shoe camcorder. It can be used as a directional (mono) or stereophonic microphone. Using the DM-100 you can accurately record audio directly from the source of the directional recording.
Characteristics:
- Device type: the microphone for the camcorder.
- Connection type: wired.
- Orientation: directional.
- Resistance: 200 Ohm.
- The frequency: 100 – 10000 Hz.
- The sensitivity: -36 dB (mV / Pa).
Additional characteristics:
- Black color.
- Dimensions: 32 x 80 x 130 mm.
- Weight: 77 g.
Aputure V-Mic D2
Main features:
- Aputure V-Mic D2 has a high orientation thanks to a super-cardioid design that minimizes the background noise.
- V-Mic D2 is the unusually quiet microphone that is especially noticeable during the audio recording in low volumes. The construction of the microphone is designed to minimize its own electronic noise.
- The microphone features a background filter to suppress extraneous sound with a frequency below 100Hz, for example, wind noise, sound, camera focus, movement of cars, etc.
- V-Mic D2 has an attachment such as “hot shoe” for attaching to most video and photo cameras, as well as a fixing screw of 1/4 inch size for mounting to racks and tripods.
Characteristics:
- Sensitivity: -50 ± 2dB.
- Frequency response: 20-20000Hz.
- Output impedance: 200 Ohm.
- The signal/noise ratio: 74dB.
- Power: 2 x AAA 1,5V element (100 hours).
- Dynamic range: 114dB.
- SPL: 134dB.
- THD: ≤0.5%.
- Dimensions: 194 x 44 x 92mm.
- Weight: 126g (without battery and windshield).
BOYA BY-PVM1000L
Features:
- Switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter greatly extends the capabilities of Boya BY-PVM1000L. The device is equipped with a windscreen “hamster” and an anti-vibration mount to be mounted on a tripod or a “hot shoe” of the camera.
- The transformerless system will minimize parasitic crosstalk and noise. Products casing is made of durable and lightweight aluminum alloy. Universal Power System can be used as a phantom power via XLR connector and powered by standard batteries.
- A number of successful engineering solutions, as well as the quality of materials and workmanship, guarantee trouble-free operation of the device for a long time. This model has earned popularity among reporters and people engaged in professional sound recording in theaters or on the set.
Characteristics:
- Type: condenser.
- Radiation pattern: super cardioids.
- Frequency response: 30Hz – 20kHz.
- Sensitivity: – 33dB + / – 1dB / 0dB = 1V / Pa, 1kHz.
- Output impedance with phantom power: 300Om and more.
- Output impedance on battery power: 600 ohms or more.
- The ratio of noise signal:> 80dB.
- Power: AAA elements.
- Connection: 3-pin XLR.
- Length: 380mm.
- Weight: 146g.
Rode VideoMic
The updated version of a professional super-cardioid microphone VideoMic Rod, the production of the Australian company. The directional microphone has been specifically designed to work with sound, complete with high-end digital video cameras. When developing the device, the latest requirements of the industry complied. A distinctive feature of a new version is the presence of the anti-vibration mounting Rycote Lyra.
Highly directional on-camera microphone Rode Video Mic has a great frequency range, being compact and lightweight, and providing low noise level. There is a two-way switchable filter to reduce unwanted noise in the low-frequency range, allowing you to select one of two modes: linear or 80 Hz. 3-position attenuator has three modes: 0, -10 or -20 dB. The power comes from the microphone 9-watt standard battery. The microphone is equipped with a charge level indicator.
The microphone-gun Rode VideoMic is able to be attached to any video camera that has a standard mounting 1/4 or 3/8 inch ( “shoe”). The connection is using a stereo mini-jack 3.5 mm connector. The device is made of high-strength ABS polymer. There is a shock mount and a windscreen included. Also, in the updated version there is a mount Rycote Lyra included, preventing vibration, which may arise during driving.
Specifications of Rode VideoMic with anti-vibration mount Rycote Lyra:
- Acoustic principle: linear-gradient.
- Orientation: super cardioids.
- Frequency response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz.
- Activatable low-pass filter: 80 Hz / 12 dB per octave.
- Output impedance: 200 Ohm.
- Sensitivity: -38 dB 1V/Pa.
- Dynamic range: 114 dB.
- S/N ratio: 74 dB SPL (A-weighted to IEC651)
- Equivalent noise ratio: 20 dB SPL.
- Max SPL: 134 dB at a load of 1 kW.
- Power: alkaline battery 9 V, 5 mA.
- Operation time of the battery: more than 100 hours.
- Connection: stereo mini-jack 3.5 mm.
- Weight (without battery): 176 g.
- Length: 150 mm.
- Size (H × W × D): 65 × 250 × 102 mm.
There are few additional choices. Just choose “Videomic Rycote Lyre” if you want exact described model:
COMICA CVM-VS08
Microphone CoMica CVM-VS08 is designed specifically for use with smartphones and tablets from various manufacturers which have jack 3.5mm – iPhone, iPad, iPod, Samsung, LG, Sony, Lenovo, and other models. The microphone has a cardioid (narrow) beam pattern, allowing capturing the sound directly in front of the microphone while bypassing the ambient noise.
Fully metal construction and the use of high-quality electronic components allow obtaining the sound of amazing quality when recording on your smartphone or tablet.
On the back of the microphone CoMica CVM-VS08, the 3.5 mm headphone jack is located that lets you listen to the recorded material (not real-time monitoring).
Included a foam and fur windscreen. The aluminum case is equipped with a ceramic anti-reflective coating.
Technical specifications:
- Used capsule of 0.5 inches diameter.
- Polar pattern: cardioid type.
- The frequencies: 80-16 000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: -34 dB +/- 3dB.
- The maximum sound pressure: 100 dB.
- A-weighted equivalent noise: 58 dB.
- Dimensions: D21x85 mm.
- Weight: 35.4 g.
TAKSTAR SGC-598
The microphone TakStar SGC-598 is designed for high-quality audio recording when shooting video. It fits into standard shoe flashes.
This mic can be used with all video and digital SLR cameras with jack MIC (3.5mm jack).
Features:
- Robust aluminum housing.
- Cardioid sensitivity direction effectively reduces ambient noise.
- Sensitivity switch.
- The switch of low pass filter.
Specifications:
- Power supply: 1 battery size AA, 1.5V – about 100 hours of operation.
- Frequency response: 50-16000 Hz.
- Sensitivity: -32dB +/- 3dB (0dB = 1V / Pa at 1KGts).
- Resistance: 2000 Ohm +/- 30%.