Analog Microphone
An analog wireless microphone uses companding to compress the signal from the microphone and expand it again at the receiver. This process helps maximize the dynamic range of the audio signal and minimize the noise; however, it may bring artifacts such as “pumping” and “breathing”.
Advantages of Analog Microphone
Sound quality
Analog microphones are often preferred by
professionals for their superior sound quality. They
can capture a wider range of frequencies and dynamics
compared to USB microphones, which can result in a
more natural and detailed sound.
Customization
Analog microphones offer more flexibility in terms of
customization and control over settings such as gain,
polar patterns, and EQ. This can be important for
professional audio recording where precise adjustments
are necessary.
Compatibility
Analog microphones can be connected to a wider range
of audio interfaces and recording equipment, allowing
for greater versatility in different recording setups.
USB microphones, on the other hand, are limited to
devices with USB ports.
Durability
Analog microphones are often built with sturdier
construction and higher-quality components, making
them more durable in the long run compared to many USB
microphones, which may have more plastic components.
Latency
USB microphones may introduce some latency due to the
digital conversion process, which can be a concern for
live monitoring or recording situations where
real-time audio is critical. Analog microphones do not
have this issue.
Why Choose Us
Quality assurance
In terms of quality assurance, the company strictly follows the standards and norms of the industry quality system. Adopt industry-leading testing equipment to ensure product quality and good reputation.
Professional service
We can accept factory inspection and goods inspection at any time. Technical discussion, research and development of new products, and complete after-sales service.
Cheap price
We have a professional purchasing team and costing team, trying to reduce costs and profits, and provide you with a good price.
Oem/odm
When you put forward your needs, our engineers will provide you with faster and more perfect customized solutions. We have a wide range of products, and we will provide technical support according to your actual needs to choose the right product for you.
Types of Analog Microphone
Dynamic microphones
These work with the help of electromagnetic induction. There
is a magnet that induces current to flow in the wire. When the
diaphragm vibrates due to sound waves , the magnet gets moved
and this movement creates a small current. As the dynamic
microphones are strong and resistant to moisture, they are
mainly used in the stage performance by the singers or the
bands.
Condenser microphones
These are also called capacitors as the diaphragm acts as one
plate of a capacitor and the vibrations produce changes in the
distance between the plates. And these changes are amplified
to create a measurable signal. However, the condenser
microphones require a small battery to provide a voltage
across the capacitor. As they are capable of producing high
quality sound, they are used in the laboratory and studio
recordings.
Ribbon microphones
These microphones run with the help of a metal ribbon that is
suspended in a magnetic field and is connected electrically to
the microphone. This ribbon is moved by the sound waves that
change the current flowing through it and thus electric signal
is generated. The ribbon microphones are used mainly for the
cymbals in drums.
Crystal microphones
In these microphones, a crystal is attached to the diaphragm
that creates the signal when the diaphragm gets vibrated by
the sound waves. Actually, it uses the phenomenon of
piezoelectricity. It means that there are some materials like
crystals that produce a voltage when subjected to pressure, to
convert vibrations into electrical signals. However, crystal
microphones are used with vacuum tube equipments like the
domestic tape recorders. They are even used as contact
microphones to amplify sound from acoustic musical
instruments.
Carbon microphones
These microphones were used in telephones in the past. They
basically use carbon dust that has a thin metal diaphragm on
one side. And when the sound waves hit the diaphragm they
compress the carbon dust that changes its resistance. This
changing resistance changes the amount of current that passes
through.
Application of Analog Microphone
Recording atmosphere
But more generally, a analog microphone can be used when
you want to capture the atmosphere, for example, in a
recording studio, which sounds better when you want to
record acoustic guitars, percussion, and background sounds
in your recordings.
Close recording
As mentioned earlier, analog microphones are not affected
by the proximity effects that one-way microphones are
prone to. This is because only one side of the capsule is
open to the air, not both sides. Thus, with a analog
microphone, you can bring the microphone close to the
source of sound without worrying about the accumulation of
"buzz".
All-round recording
Given that analog microphones are capable of recording
sound from all directions, analog microphones are useful
when you want to record sound from two or more locations
around the microphone at the same time. A single analog
microphone will do the job, provided you're
comfortable with the surrounding sounds it might hear.
Podcast with two participants
If you're a podcaster and only have one microphone, a
analog microphone is a versatile microphone for
interviewing guests. While you can also use a figure-8
microphone in this case, with a analog microphone, you
have more flexibility in conducting interviews where you
and your guests can sit down.
Lavalier or lavalier microphone
Lavalier or lavalier microphones tend to be analog
microphones. This allows them to be placed anywhere on a
person's body and still pick up the sound around the
microphone.
Live recordings
Omnidirectional pickup mode is perfect for situations
where you want to capture all the sounds in the field,
such as in scientific research applications.
Omnidirectional pickup patterns are an excellent choice
for these situations, as they are equally sensitive to
picking up sound coming from wherever they come from.
Components of Analog Microphone
The microphone (or instrument input)
Varieties include handheld, headset and lavalier mics, clip-on
instrument mics and guitar and bass input systems.
The transmitter
This converts the audio signal into RF and broadcasts it through
the airwaves to a receiver. Transmitters are built into
microphones and clip-on belt packs.
The receiver
Here, the RF signal is converted back to an electrical audio
signal, where it enters the sound system. Receivers connect to
your sound system, and can take the form of rack-mount or
standalone boxes.
Analog systems
Use companding to compress the signal transmitted from the
microphone and expand it again at the receiver. This process
maximizes the audio signal’s dynamic range and minimizes
noise; however it can introduce artifacts such as
“pumping” and “breathing.”
Digital systems, on the other hand, encode sound as a digital
signal—zeroes and ones—that modulate a radio carrier
signal, which is then sent over the air and picked up by a
receiver, where that signal is converted back to sound.
Polar Pattern of Analog Microphone
Cardioid
This pattern looks similar to a heart with a flat bottom, and
means the microphone captures all sound coming from the front and
blocks out sound in the back. This is the most popular polar
pattern because it is versatile and suitable for live
performances.
Omni-directional
The microphone records sound from all directions. These are
suitable for quiet environments like studios
Figure-8
The microphone records sound from the front and the back and
blocks sound from the sides. All ribbon microphones have a
figure-8 polar pattern.
Shotgun
This less common pattern has a very narrow pickup range that
extends far directly in front of the mic and blocks sound from all
other directions. It is mostly used for filming in noisy
environments as it excels in isolating a sound. Almost all
on-camera microphones are shotgun mics.
Multi-pattern
These microphones allow you to switch between cardioid,
omnidirectional, and figure-8 polar patterns.
Material of Analog Microphone
Metal
Aluminum and gold-sputtered mylar are commonly used for diaphragms in condenser microphones. These materials are lightweight and can respond quickly to sound waves, making them suitable for capturing high-frequency sounds with accuracy.
01
Plastic
Some microphones use plastic diaphragms, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). Plastic diaphragms can be cost-effective and offer good performance for certain applications.
02
Electret
Electret material is a type of permanently charged material that is commonly used in electret condenser microphones. The electret material forms the diaphragm in these microphones and helps maintain a constant charge, which contributes to the microphone's sensitivity and performance.
03
Graphene
Graphene is a newer material that is being explored for use in microphone diaphragms due to its exceptional strength, light weight, and excellent conductivity. Graphene diaphragms can offer high sensitivity and low distortion, making them suitable for high-end microphone applications.
04
What Is the Most Important Part of a Analog Microphone
Dynamic
This has a very fine coil of wire attached to the diaphragm and
immersed in a magnetic field. When the diaphragm moves, this
generates a signal by electro-magnetic induction. They tend to be
more rugged for vibration and shock, immune to humidity and
breath, heavier, a little short in high frequencies, and come
mainly in cardioid and hypercardioid flavors. They are mostly
between 18mm and 25mm in diameter.
Condenser
These have a very thin layer of metal on the diaphragm - usually
so thin you can see through it. They have very close an electrode
plate with holes in it. Internally they have a high voltage, which
can come from a battery, a multiplexed remote power supply
(phantom power), or a permanent electret - an electrostatically
biased polymer. Powered condensers are 10mm to 25mm diameter,
electrets are generally 12mm or smaller, going all the way down to
<3mm in cell phones and earbuds. Professional condensers can be
very expensive (>$10k for vintage models); do not like to be
dropped; and can fail from humidity, but they have the widest
frequency range
Ribbon
These have a small rectangular piece of extremely thin metal foil
which is crimped in a wave and suspended in a magnetic gap. They
can’t take dropping or “popping”, that is blasts
of air. They are a little short on extereme high and low
frequencies, yunless you use a specialized ribbon preamp, which is
now available built in in some models. This is called an
‘active ribbon’ mic.
Piezoelectric
These were called “crystal” microphones, although
these days they are all ceramic. These are the most rugged and the
lowet sound quality, typically used for military applications.
How to Maintain Analog Microphone
Consider using a pop filter
One of the great things about a pop filter is that it intercepts
any saliva that might flow toward the analog microphone during
recording and keeps the charged analog microphone diaphragm and
charged capsule clean. Over time, contaminated capsules will
eventually negatively affect the high frequencies emitted and
cause unwanted feedback and discharge noise.
Keep distance between mouth and analog microphone
A general rule of thumb when recording vocals is to keep your
mouth about 6 inches away from the analog microphone during the
recording process. This will prevent plosives from damaging the
capsule. If you get too close to the mic and accidentally pop
the "p" too hard, the continuous popping sound will
eventually wear out the mic's capsule.
Turn off the analog microphone properly
Make sure you connect the power cord to the tube condenser
analog microphone before turning on the power. The impact of a
live power supply can damage the analog microphone's valve
tube.
Store your analog microphone safely
When not using a condenser analog microphone, it's best to
store it in a plastic bag. The plastic bag prevents dust and
particles from settling on the capsules. It can then be placed
in a analog microphone locker or other storage space. When not
working, place the analog microphone in a plastic bag and make
sure it is packed before placing it back in the case.
Pay attention to where the analog microphone is
placed
Condenser analog microphones are very sensitive instruments that
can respond to extremely small changes in pressure. Think of it
this way - you shouldn't place a condenser mic somewhere
your ears won't, and also be sure to store the mic somewhere
that's free of moisture and at room temperature. Avoid cold
or hot rooms.
When you speak, the sound waves produced by your voice transfer energy to the Analog Microphone. Remember, the sound we hear is energy carried by vibrations in the air. Inside the Analog Microphone, the diaphragm (much smaller than the diaphragm in a speaker and usually made of very thin plastic) moves back and forth when sound waves hit it. The coil attached to the diaphragm also moves back and forth. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic field that passes through the coil. As the coil moves back and forth in the magnetic field, current flows through it. Electrical current flows from the Analog Microphone to the amplifier or recording device. Hey, come on, you've converted that original sound into electricity! By using this current to drive recording equipment, sound can be stored permanently and more efficiently. Alternatively, you can amplify (increase) the current and feed it into a speaker, turning the current back into a louder sound. This is how PA (Personal Address) systems, electric guitar amplifiers, and rock concert amplifiers work.
Precautions for Using a Analog Microphone
Hold the analog microphone properly
Always hold the analog microphone by the handle or grip, and avoid
touching the analog microphone head to prevent any unwanted noise
or distortion.
Keep a comfortable distance
Keep the analog microphone at an appropriate distance from your
mouth to avoid popping sounds or feedback. Typically, 3-6 inches
(8-15cm) is a good distance.
Speak directly into the analog microphone
Make sure to speak directly into the analog microphone and aim the
analog microphone head towards your mouth to capture the best
audio quality.
Adjust the volume
Adjust the analog microphone's volume level to ensure that
your voice is audible but not too loud or distorted. Use
soundcheck or soundcheck apps to verify that the volume level is
suitable.
Minimize background noise
Try to minimize any background noise when using the analog
microphone by choosing a quiet location or using a noise-canceling
analog microphone.
Avoid excessive movement
Avoid unnecessary movements, such as tapping or rubbing the analog
microphone, as this can create unwanted noise and disturb the
audio quality.
Protect the analog microphone
Store the analog microphone properly, keeping it away from dust,
moisture, and extreme temperatures, to ensure its longevity and
protect its audio quality.
Company Profile
Shenzhen Marquess Electronics Co., Ltd. was founded in July 2004, originating from the Japanese AOI Electric Motor Manufacturing Company as a joint venture specializing in the production of ECM (Electret Condenser Microphones).
Our Certificate
ISO 9001 2015,ISO 14001 2015,ISO 4500 12018,UL E473299,UL E473487
FAQ
Q: What is an analog microphone?
Q: How does an analog microphone work?
Q: What are the advantages of analog microphones?
Q: What are the different types of analog microphones available?
Q: What is the frequency response of analog microphones?
Q: Can analog microphones be used for recording music?
Q: Do analog microphones require phantom power?
Q: What is the difference between analog and digital microphones?
Q: Are analog microphones suitable for live performances?
Q: How do I connect an analog microphone to my audio interface?
Q: Can analog microphones be used with smartphones and tablets?
Q: What is the polar pattern of an analog microphone?
Q: Are analog microphones sensitive to interference and noise?
Q: How do I choose the right analog microphone for my needs?
Q: Can analog microphones be used for podcasting and voiceovers?
Q: Do analog microphones require regular maintenance?
Q: What is the difference between a dynamic and condenser analog microphone?
Q: Can analog microphones be used for field recording and outdoor applications?
Q: Are analog microphones compatible with vintage audio equipment?
Q: How do I troubleshoot common issues with analog microphones?