Whether you're a musician, podcaster, or just need one for work, there are a few things you should know before you start using your first microphone. In this article, we'll cover the basics of microphones, how to choose the perfect one for your needs.
Microphones are devices that capture sound. They come in all shapes and sizes, and can be used for a variety of purposes.
There are three basic aspects to consider when choosing a microphone: the type of microphone, the pickup pattern, and, of course, what you're going to be using it for!
With so many options on the market, it can be daunting to try and choose the perfect one for your needs. But don't worry, we're here to help.
The type of microphone is the first thing to consider. There are three main types of microphones: condenser, dynamic, and ribbon.
Condenser microphones are the most popular type of microphone. They are versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, from recording vocals to capturing the sound of a live event.
Ribbon microphones are typically used in studios, as they produce a very clear and accurate sound.
Dynamic microphones are best suited for live performances, as they can handle high levels of sound without distorting.
All three microphones have their advantages and disadvantages, so the best choice for you will depend on what type of sound you want.
The second aspect to consider is the pickup pattern. There are three main types of pickup patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional.
Cardioid microphones are the most popular type of microphone. They are named for their heart-shaped pickup pattern, which allows them to pick up sound from the front of the microphone while rejecting sound from the sides and back.
Omnidirectional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions. They are often used in recording studios, as they provide a more natural sound.
Bidirectional microphones, also known as figure-of-8, pick up sound from the front and back sides of the microphone. Most ribbon microphones are inherently bidirectional – which means they'll always pick up sound on both sides of the mic! This can be fun when you're recording acoustic music in which the ambience of the room tone helps the recording sound more natural.
When it comes to choosing a microphone for your recording needs, there are a lot of factors to consider. Taking the time to research each option and find out what best suits your situation is essential. From budget microphones to top of the line models, there are endless possibilities when it comes to purchasing the right equipment for your studio. With a bit of diligence and research you can find the perfect microphone that fits both your sound and budgetary needs.
Our microphones come with a variety of features to fit different needs. With options like cardioid (condenser) and bidirectional (ribbon) capabilities, you can find the right microphone for your particular project.
Our microphone screens provide a unique level of flexibility and customization for sound engineers and musicians alike. With a range of tonal options, designers can easily shape the sound to their needs. And with a variety of colors and finishes available, you can create the perfect look to match your style. Combined with its quality construction and superior sound capturing capabilities, Ohma World microphones are some of the most versatile option on the market today.
Ohma World microphones offer a truly inimitable sound capturing experience. From the beginning enthusiast to professional audio engineers, they provide an unparalleled selection of looks and exceptional sonic capabilities — helping you unlock your ultimate recording journey.
First things first: Make sure the volume on your speakers or headphones is turned off.
With the included guitar pick, it's easy to change out the screens. Any thick gauge guitar pick will pluck those suckers out. Also, seeing the screens click into place is oddly satisfying.
To remove a screen, insert the supplied Ohma guitar pick into the rectangular slots as deep as the pick will go. Leverage the pick underneath the screen to release it from the magnets. We’ve designed the notch in the mic body to protect against accidental damage to the electronics or transducer.
To place a new screen, first, insert it on a bottom vertical edge. Then, let the magnets grab hold of the other side. You should hear a nice *click* when they’re in place; the screen edges should be flush with the microphone. Remember to replace the top screens as soon as possible so dust or other particles don’t end up in your mic.
Once the screen is removed, be careful. Your ribbon and your capsule are protected by precision mesh, but they’re more sensitive to air gusts and dirt without the screens protecting them. Treat your microphone like you’d treat a camera when swapping lenses or a phone without a protective case. It’s best to avoid touching the capsule and ribbon.
The magnets of the body will automatically grab the screen and pull it into place. Make sure that the screen is oriented in the correct direction – you don’t want to have it angled sideways because otherwise, the magnets inside of the ribbon transducer could pull your screen directly into the ribbon causing damage.
If you still don’t have an Ohma microphone, or an extra set of Ohma screens, we suggest you get on that. Swap away!
Purchasing a microphone can reel you through a lot of different emotions – joy, excitement, being overwhelmed, intimidation, or even fear. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just getting started, there's always a little voice in the back of your head screaming something.
Your first car wasn't a Maserati, right? You don't even need to answer, we all know your first car was a Mazda. Most of us can't afford to go "all in" and get the best of the best. A professional studio microphone is an expense first-timers typically spend a lot of time preparing financially (and mentally) for. What if you don’t make the right decision? Are you compromising your artistic vision because of the cost? Is it worth waiting to save up for a “better” microphone? These are all valid questions and concerns that beginner microphone shoppers have.
When we learned how to record, there weren't a lot of options for mid-priced microphones without poor sound compromises (such as being too bright, not having enough low-end, etc.). As we did more research into what our favorite records were made with, the price range skyrocketed to over $10K - just for a single mic! There was no way we could emulate "the classics" with the gear we could afford as students and working at Italian restaurants. We could barely afford a $100 microphone! All we wanted was to make art the way we had imagined, but it seemed like we didn't have the tools or budget to make it happen. It was emotionally draining, to say the least.
But what if you could make a "$10,000 microphone" from scratch? And what if you learned you could make it for 7% of the cost?
With the right knowledge and parts, it's possible to build analog recording hardware for a considerable amount less money than buying it at the shop. Insulted by the prospect of not being able to afford a "nice" microphone, we saved up to make our own. Legos for adults, as we like to call them. We became passionate about figuring out which parts went together to craft our sound the way we imagined it.
Now, a decade later, we established Ohma to close the gap between beginner microphones and the industry standard. We wanted to make a microphone that was versatile enough for different voices and instruments, without breaking the bank.
Most beginner microphones only have one type of sound. You can’t change the sound after you purchase the mic. With Ohma, you can change the sound by switching out the screens. This means you can have the different sounds without having to spend more money on multiple mics.
We believe artists should capture their sounds without the limitations of their wallets. This is why we created Ohma: a versatile microphone that anyone, including beginners, can customize to fit the sound of your choice.
We’ve done the best we can to try and price Ohma at a cost significantly less than other microphones of comparable quality.
Picking your first microphone can be hard, especially if you play and record multiple instruments and have to filter through competing blurbs like, “Buy this mic if you're going to record this instrument / You're nuts if you put that mic on that source / Putting any mic other than this one on toms is heresy!"
All this yakking ends up making folks feel like imposters if they don't have enough cash to spend on "the mic"; that their recordings will not live up to what "real" engineers or studios can make. But that's absolutely not true.
Riddle me this: Instead of designing your sound around a microphone, what if the microphone designed its sound around you?!
Instead of designing your sound around a microphone, what if the microphone designed its sound around you?
With an Ohma mic, you can shape your sound however you want by changing out the screens. This means you don’t have to buy five different microphones to get five different sounds – you just need one Ohma.
We hope our approach will help take the guesswork (and anxiety) out of choosing your first mic. Ohma can be your all-in-one beginner microphone and accompany you through wherever your recording journey takes you.