In this presentation I share types of microphones and the use of them for different situations or applications.

1. Microphone Types
General Types by Application
Interactive Media Production
Mr. Dizard

2. Podium & Desktop
• For human voice, not
music
• Low sensitivity and/or
directional so as to
prevent feedback

3. Lavalier Mics
• “Body worn” or “clip-on”
• Originally meant “neck
lanyard”
• Often refers to most
miniature mics

4. Pressure Zone Mics
• Aka PLATE, BARRIER,
MOUSE mics
• Consists of sensitive lav
mounted above hard
reflecting plate or surface
• Hemispherical pattern
• May also be pie wedged

5. Pressure Zone Mics
• Usable film dialog at 3
to 4 feet
• Theatre pickup from
floor level (mouse mic)
• Conference table &
teleconferencing
• Lavs can be made into
giant PZMs

6. Handheld Performance Mics
• Live vocals
• Feedback suppression
• Risky to use for live
recording since talent
may not use mic all the
time to talk to audience

7. Studio Music Mics
• High quality, large
diaphragm, condenser
mic
• Very mellow, rich sound
for recording
• Too sensitive for on-
stage performance

8. Narration Mics
• For narration & voice-
over
• EQ’d for voice rather
than music
• May be studio mic or
dynamic

9. TV/Film Production (boom)
• For dialog, not music
• Very directional, lots of
reach
• Usually deployed
overhead

10. ENG Mics
• Electret Condenser
• ENG = Electronic News
Gathering
• Medium grade shotgun
mics, better than
dynamic but not as
good as condenser
• Also includes most lavs

11. Surveillance Mics
• REACH, not dialog
quality
• Super-shotgun,
parabolics, sub-
miniature
• Voice quality not
important
• Not what is depicted in
the movies