====== microphones ======

===== introduction =====

To record sound from the physical world, you need a microphone. There are several types, including:

  - shotgun: a highly directional microphone
  - condenser: a sensitive, but usually fragile, microphone that is good for sonic details
  - dynamic: a less sensitive but more durable microphone that is good for loud sounds

Some mics you may encounter are:

  - rode ntg-2 shotgun microphone https://rode.com/en/microphones/shotgun/ntg2
  - deity s-mic 2 shotgun microphone https://deitymic.com/products/s-mic-2/
  - rode nt1/nt2-a studio condenser microphone https://rode.com/en/microphones/studio-condenser/nt2-a
  - rode nt3 condenser microphone https://rode.com/en/microphones/studio-condenser/nt3
  - shure sm75/sm58 dynamic microphone https://www.shure.com/en-US/products/microphones/sm57?variant=SM57-LC
    - difference between sm57 and sm58 https://service.shure.com/Service/s/article/sm57-vs-sm58?language=en_US

It's important to remember about wind noise: the more the pattern is different from omnidirectional, the more noise you can get from wind. That's why you need some kind of windshield: a pop shield, a foam cover, a deadcat, or a blimp. Choose the least amount of protection that you can, but some protection is probably necessary.

===== text =====

a good easy-to-ready introduction to types of microphones and which to use: https://www.popsci.com/reviews/types-of-microphones/

some good advice on choosing the right microphone: https://www.soundguys.com/microphone-types-26497/

a great article about microphone pick-up patterns (also called polar patterns): https://www.lewitt-audio.com/blog/polar-patterns

they also have a nice page on microphone basics: https://www.lewitt-audio.com/microphone-basics

an even more detailed guide to microphone pick-up patterns: https://mynewmicrophone.com/the-complete-guide-to-microphone-polar-patterns/

===== video =====

everyone should listen to the last section of this video; long detailed video on mic types: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zP_2OpCmRs

short one; it's an ad, but it's got a great explanation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiXyDKOz6LU

great one. a sound designer talks about microphones he uses and why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLfdSUx4kn8