Instrument Mic VS Vocal Mic

Microphones are essential tools in the world of music production, enabling artists to capture and reproduce high-quality sound recordings. Whether you’re recording vocals or instruments, choosing the right microphone can make all the difference in achieving the desired sound.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide between the instrument and vocal microphones, especially if you’re new to the music production world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between these two types of microphones and discuss their primary uses.

We’ll also provide some tips for choosing the right microphone for your needs, so you can capture the best possible sound in your recordings and live performances. So, whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting out, read on to learn more about instrument mics vs vocal mics.

What are the Types of Microphones?

When it comes to recording music, the choice of microphone can have a significant impact on the quality of the final product. The two main types of microphones used in music production are instrument and vocal microphones. Here we’ll discuss the differences between these two types and their primary uses.

Instrument Microphones

Instrument microphones are designed to capture the sound of various musical instruments. They typically have a higher sensitivity to sound pressure levels than vocal microphones, allowing them to pick up the nuances and subtleties of instruments.

They are also designed to handle higher sound levels, which is important when recording instruments like drums or electric guitars. Some examples of popular instrument microphones include the Shure SM57, Sennheiser e906, and AKG D112.

In terms of usage, instrument microphones are commonly used in both live performances and studio recordings. They are typically positioned close to the instrument being recorded to capture the sound accurately. Some instruments that are typically recorded with instrument microphones include drums, guitar amps, and brass instruments.

Vocal Microphones

Vocal microphones, as the name suggests, are designed to capture the sound of the human voice. They typically have a more uniform frequency response than instrument microphones, which helps to capture the nuances and subtleties of the voice.

They are also designed to handle the lower sound levels of the human voice. Some examples of popular vocal microphones include the Shure SM58, Electro-Voice RE20, and AKG C414.

In terms of usage, vocal microphones are commonly used in both live performances and studio recordings. They are typically positioned close to the singer’s mouth to capture the sound accurately. Different types of vocals require different microphone types. For example, dynamic microphones like the Shure SM7B are commonly used for vocals with a lot of dynamic range, while condenser microphones like the AKG C12 are commonly used for vocals with a more nuanced and delicate sound.

Overall, choosing the right microphone for recording music is crucial. Understanding the differences between the instrument and vocal microphones and their primary uses is an important first step in selecting the right microphone for your needs.

What is Vocal Dynamic Microphone?

The dynamic microphone is another well-known type in the world of microphones. Dynamic microphones differ from condenser microphones in their way of processing audio. While a condenser microphone works on the principle of capacitance, a dynamic microphone utilizes electromagnetic induction. There are two types of dynamic microphones: moving coil microphones and ribbon dynamic microphones.

Moving coil dynamic microphones use magnetic moving coils. The diaphragm of the dynamic microphone is attached to a metal coil at its back end, which rests on a cylindrical structure, providing energetic electromagnetic induction. When audio signals hit the diaphragm, the metal coil moves, inducing magnetism in the loop, which converts the audio signals into electrical signals. You can then use amps, preamps, and other editing techniques to further process the audio.

Ribbon dynamic microphones consist of a ribbon-like metal strip that serves as a diaphragm and sensor to convert audio to electrical signals. There are two divisions in ribbon mics: active ribbon microphones and passive microphones, which differ in their preamps. You can directly take input to the preamp from the active ribbon microphone, but this is not possible for a passive ribbon microphone.

Dynamic vocal microphones are useful for recording and podcasting live sessions and recordings. These microphones can handle high sound pressures and loud frequency notes, making them ideal for recording vocals in environments with lots of unavoidable background noise.

What Are the Similarities Between Instrument and Vocal Mic

When it comes to recording audio, microphones play a crucial role in capturing the sound. Instrumental and vocal microphones are two types that people often confuse as the same thing. However, there are some similarities between them that are worth discussing. In this blog post, we’ll explore 5 surprising similarities between instrument mics and vocal mics.

1. Similar Structure

One of the most noticeable similarities between the two types of microphones is their structure. Both types have similar shapes and designs, which can make it difficult for a newbie to distinguish between them.

2. Versatility

Another misconception is that one type of microphone can only record one specific type of audio. In reality, both instrumental and vocal microphones are versatile enough to record a wide range of audio. However, the difference lies in the quality of audio and frequency.

3. Power Source

Both types of microphones require a power source to function. Phantom power is the most common power source used for both instrumental and vocal microphones.

4. Signal Conversion

Instrumental and vocal microphones are both transducer devices that convert audio signals to electrical signals for output and further processing. This means that the signal conversion process is the same for both types of microphones.

5. Editing Techniques

Finally, the editing techniques and tools used for both instrumental and vocal microphones are also the same. Amplifiers and preamps are used for amplification and equalization of the recorded audio.

However, there are several similarities between instrumental and vocal microphones. While they may seem interchangeable, it’s important to understand the differences between the two and how to choose the right one for your recording needs. By understanding these similarities, you can better appreciate the nuances of recording audio and make informed decisions when selecting a microphone.

Differences Between Instrument Mic and Vocal Mic

Microphones play a crucial role in music production and performance, but not all microphones are created equal. Instrument mics and vocal mics are two of the most common types of microphones, and they have distinct differences that make them suitable for specific applications.

The frequency response is the primary factor that distinguishes instrumental mics from vocal mics. Instrumental mics are designed to capture the high-frequency range of instruments such as drums and bass, while vocal mics are designed to capture the narrow frequency range of human voices. Although both mics can record other types of audio, the quality of the sound produced will vary.

The type of recording is another fundamental difference between the two microphones. Vocal mics are best suited for quieter locations, where background noise is not desirable. They often come with pop filters and windshields to protect against environmental noise. On the other hand, instrumental mics are more suitable for outdoor recordings as they can handle high-pressure sounds and do not require noise filters.

Mounting style is also a difference between the two microphones. Instrumental mics typically have a hanging or uplifted mounting, while vocal mics are placed on a support such as a table with a supporting stand.

Choosing the right microphone for the job is crucial for achieving the desired sound quality. Factors such as sound quality, frequency response, and polar patterns should be considered when selecting a microphone. It is essential to match the right microphone with the instrument or vocal to achieve the desired sound.

Moreover, understanding the differences between instrumental mics and vocal mics is essential for choosing the right microphone for the job. The frequency response, type of recording, environment, and mounting style are all factors that make each microphone unique. Whether recording instruments or vocals, selecting the right microphone can make all the difference in achieving the desired sound quality.

Choosing the Right Microphone: Tips and Factors to Consider

When it comes to music production, choosing the right microphone is crucial to achieving the desired sound quality. With so many options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to use. In this section, we will discuss some of the factors to consider when choosing a microphone and provide tips for selecting the right one.

1. Sound Quality

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a microphone is sound quality. Different microphones produce different sound qualities, and it’s essential to find one that best suits the instrument or vocal you’re recording. For example, a condenser microphone might be a better choice for recording vocals due to their sensitivity, while dynamic microphones are more suitable for recording instruments such as drums and guitar amps due to their ability to handle high sound pressure levels.

2. Frequency Response

Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies a microphone can reproduce. When selecting a microphone, it’s essential to consider the frequency response and choose one that accurately captures the sound of the instrument or vocal being recorded. For instance, a microphone with a wide frequency response would be better suited for capturing the nuances of an acoustic guitar than one with a limited frequency range.

3. Polar Patterns

Another crucial factor to consider when choosing a microphone is its polar pattern. The polar pattern refers to the directional sensitivity of the microphone. For instance, a cardioid microphone is more sensitive to sound coming from the front, making it a suitable choice for recording vocals or solo instruments. In contrast, an omnidirectional microphone is sensitive to sound from all directions and is better suited for recording a group of musicians.

Matching the Right Microphone with the Instrument or Vocal

Once you’ve considered the above factors, the next step is to match the right microphone with the instrument or vocal. The best way to do this is through trial and error. Experiment with different microphones to determine which one best captures the sound you’re trying to achieve. Remember that no single microphone can do everything, so it’s crucial to choose the right one for the specific instrument or vocal being recorded.

However, choosing the right microphone is essential for achieving the desired sound quality in music production. By considering factors such as sound quality, frequency response, and polar patterns, and matching the right microphone with the instrument or vocal being recorded, you can ensure that you are capturing the best sound possible. Remember to experiment with different microphones and seek advice from experienced professionals to make the best decision for your specific recording needs.

FAQs about Vocal and Instrument Mic

Can you use an instrument mic for vocals?

Yes, you can use an instrumental mic to record vocals. But you have to invest more time in editing for the final output. The instrumental mic lacks isolation which can bring environmental noises to your audio. Setting an instrumental mic for the vocals is another hefty task to perform.

Can you use the same mic for guitar and vocals?

I usually recommend using a large-diaphragm mic for the guitars as it is best at producing a smooth tone and detecting guitar frequency. For vocals, I recommend using a small diaphragm microphone. It decreases the chances of environmental interruption in your audio. You can use the same mic too. If it goes well with your recordings.

What type of microphone is best for instruments?

Dynamic microphones with a large diaphragm are usually best to record the instruments. These mics are generally good at handling high-pressure and high-frequency ranges.

What type of microphone is best for vocals?

Condenser microphones with a small diaphragm go good with the vocals. These mics focus on the audio coming to the diaphragm directly and ignore the background noises. Which in turn saves your time in the editing session. But at the end of the day, the choice remains with the user. Choose the one you are comfortable with.

Final Thoughts On Instrument and Vocal Mic