Choosing the Perfect Microphone for Your Radio Studio
There isn't any 'best type,' and when it comes to selecting a microphone for a radio studio, the key is to choose the one that is best suited for the task based on the specific needs of your application. Always pick a microphone that is the right fit for your requirements, even if that means opting for a 'general purpose' microphone for general usage.
The obsession with finding the 'best' microphone can sometimes lead to a lack of clarity and misses the point entirely. What is 'best'? Is it a smooth frequency response, or is it high ambient noise rejection due to the polar pattern? It all depends on the context. The idea here is not to be lazy but to be discerning and thoughtful in your choices.
Choosing the Right Types of Microphones for Radio
I often find the 'Voice of God' effect from cardioid microphones quite tiresome. My preference leans towards microphones like the RE55 used by Dick Clark throughout his TV career, or ribbon microphones such as the SM-33, AT4080, or R-122. These microphones are excellent for interviews due to their rich and warm sound.
When placing a microphone directly in front of the speaker’s lips, it is generally better than lavalier lapel attachments. Wired lavaliers are better than wireless ones, as they offer more consistent performance. Avoid supercardioid and shotgun video microphones as they can distort the natural sound.
Popular Microphones for Radio Broadcasting
For radio broadcasting, the SM7B or the RE20 are highly recommended. The SM7B offers a wide and smooth frequency response, ideal for a range of broadcasts. On the other hand, the RE20, known as the 'Voice of God' mic, provides a radio-quality thick and clear midrange sound, perfect for small room recordings. It’s also favored for recording vocals in soul, jazz, and ballad genres due to its rich sound.
If budget is a concern, ribbons are an excellent choice for their superior sound quality. RCA ribbons were the gold standard in sound quality and are visually impressive as well. Large diaphragm condensers like the PGA181, AT2020, C03U, B-1, and P120 also offer excellent quality at affordable prices, similar to that of a dynamic microphone.
Exploring Microphone Options for Radio Plays
For radio plays, a ribbon microphone is often the go-to choice. They offer a wide dynamic range and a subsonic response, which provides a fuller sound compared to condenser microphones that have resonances within the audio spectrum. This fuller sound is why ribbons are still the standard in many professional radio studios.
Other microphones that can yield similar results include the Electro-Voice RE20 and Shure SM7B. The RE20 offers a slightly boomier, thick midrange sound while the SM7B provides a bit less boomy sound. Both are excellent choices for micing sound effects and voice recordings.
Professional DJs and broadcasters often use simpler microphones like the Shure SM58, known for its durability and workhorse capabilities. While effective for general broadcasting, they might not be the best choice for specific radio announcer applications. Instead, microphones like the large diaphragm condensers, such as the N/D257, ATM510, or e835, might offer a better voice quality at a similar price point.
Conclusion
The final choice of a microphone should be based on your specific needs, and it is crucial to find the right match that works for your specific voice and the type of broadcast you are planning. Visit audio equipment showrooms to test different microphones and find the one that works best for your radio play recordings. Each actor's voice will sound different in each microphone, and you won't know which one to choose until you try them.