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Behringer ECM 8000 Measuring microphone
Linear frequency response from 15 Hz to 20 kHz
€ 20.40
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Micker Pro Microphone sterilizer UVS-01
disinfects and deodorises used microphones
€ 141.20
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Fame MS 58 MKII dynamic Vocalmicrophone
A classic at an affordable price!
€ 24.90
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“Vocal Magic with Melanie” on MUSIC STORE TV

How do I find my own voice?
This is a question many beginners ask when they want to develop their voice, expand their expression, and improve their singing. Just as every person is unique, so is their voice.

In our format “Vocal Magic with Melanie”, the well-known singer Melanie Heizmann shows practical ways to discover your individual sound, refine your technique, and gain more expression. Maybe your musical journey starts right here—supported by tips that even pros appreciate. Come along and find your personal timbre!

>> Watch the full YouTube playlist (11 videos)

 

PA microphones: quickly find the right model

Intelligibility, presence, and feedback resistance are top priorities in live and PA applications. This guide helps you choose the right microphone type for vocals, speech, instruments, or installation—with practical examples and clear decision rules.

1. Microphones – basics

Before diving into the many types for PA and live applications, it’s worth looking at the fundamentals that apply to almost all models. These insights help you choose the perfect microphone for stage, studio, or presentations.

Popular manufacturers include:

 

1.1 Diaphragm size

Diaphragm size has a major impact on self-noise and overall character. Generally, you’ll find:

  • Large-diaphragm microphones – warm, full, low-noise
  • Small-diaphragm microphones – neutral, detailed, bright

Tip: Large-diaphragm for vocals and studio, small-diaphragm for acoustic instruments.

Shure SM27-LC – large-diaphragm condenser microphone for studio & stage Large-diaphragm in action: Shure SM27-LC
 

1.2 Dynamic or condenser?

Both designs have strengths—your application decides which one fits best.

  • Dynamic microphones – very rugged, tour-ready, easy to use, ideal for loud stages.
  • Condenser microphones – more sensitive & detailed, wider frequency response, low self-noise, perfect for studio & acoustic instruments. Require phantom power (48 V) or a battery/power supply.

Tip: For the toughest live jobs, durability matters (dynamic). If sound quality comes first, a condenser model is the best choice.

Shure SM57 – dynamic microphone for guitar amp & snare Dynamic classic: Shure SM57
 

1.3 Polar pattern

The polar pattern determines which direction a microphone “prefers” to pick up sound from—crucial for feedback resistance and tone.

The most common types:

  • Omnidirectional (omni): even pickup from all directions—ideal for room sound.
  • Cardioid: high sensitivity from the front, reduced pickup from the sides—the standard for stage & vocals.
  • Figure-8 (bidirectional): sensitive front and back, strongly reduced on the sides—used for stereo techniques.

Practical examples:

  • Live vocals: cardioid/supercardioid reduces spill.
  • Presentations: omni allows flexible positioning.
  • Stereo recording: figure-8 for M/S or Blumlein techniques.

 

1.4 Impedance

In modern setups this is usually not critical, because microphones & preamps are well matched. Still, the basics are:

  • Output impedance of the microphone
  • Input impedance of the preamp/mixer

Rule of thumb: input impedance ≈ 5× output impedance to avoid level loss and distortion.

1.5 Cable or wireless?

Wireless means freedom of movement, cable means simplicity. Both have clear advantages.

Wired microphones:

  • Budget-friendly
  • No battery/receiver required
  • Very reliable

Wireless microphones:

  • Maximum freedom of movement
  • No cables, no trip hazards

For small to mid-sized stages, wired mics are often enough. For large shows, wireless systems are essential.

Sennheiser XLR connector – standard connection for wired microphones XLR connection on a wired Sennheiser microphone
 

1.6 Pop filter & windscreen

Microphones don’t like wind noise, sibilance and plosives (P/T sounds). The remedy: pop filters and windscreens.

Many models have an integrated pop filter in the grille. Alternatively, you can use slip-on foam windscreens or external filters mounted on a stand.

MUSIC STORE pop filter/windscreen – practical accessory for clear speech recording Simple and effective: pop/wind protection from MUSIC STORE
 

2. Vocal microphones

The voice is the most important “instrument” in almost every genre. When choosing a vocal microphone you shouldn’t compromise. A great vocal mic delivers clarity, presence, and cut—live and in the studio.

2.1 Sound & build quality

Two factors matter most:

  • Sound quality – clear highs, strong mids, defined low end
  • Build quality – rugged enough for touring & stage use

A mic that sounds amazing but is fragile won’t last on stage. A rock-solid mic that sounds dull won’t impress either. The perfect combination of sound and durability is what makes the difference.

 

3. Instrument microphones

Instrument microphones capture sound the way musicians intend it— neutral, detailed, and with a full frequency spectrum. Depending on the instrument group, different choices are recommended.


3.1 Electric guitar

With electric guitars, the amp or cabinet is usually mic’d up. Dynamic microphones are proven workhorses—rugged, easy to position, with punchy sound.

Trusted classics on guitar amps:

Also popular: ribbon microphones (e.g. Royer R-121) with smooth highs, as well as large-diaphragm condensers (e.g. Neumann U87) with wide frequency response and powerful bass.

Tip: Placement makes a huge difference—distance, angle, and position on the speaker shape the tone.

sE electronics X1R Ribbon example: SE Electronics X1 R

3.2 Acoustic guitar

For acoustic guitars, condenser microphones usually shine with their wide frequency response & high sensitivity.

Diaphragm size vs. tone:

  • Small-diaphragm: very detailed, airy, natural
  • Large-diaphragm: warmer, fuller, with emphasized bass

The polar pattern shouldn’t be too narrow—the whole guitar resonates. Cardioid is a safe pick, while omni also captures room resonance.

AKG C414 XLS – large-diaphragm condenser for acoustic guitar & overheads Loved for its full sound: AKG C414 XLS

3.3 Drums

Drum kits can be mic’d in many ways—from minimal setups to full close-miking. Ideally, each drum/cymbal element gets its own microphone.

  • Bass drum (e.g. AKG D112, Shure Beta 52A, Electro-Voice RE20)
  • Snare (e.g. Shure SM57, Telefunken M80)
  • Toms (e.g. Sennheiser MD421)
  • Hi-hat (e.g. Shure SM81)
  • Overheads (e.g. Audio-Technica AT4050, Neumann U87)

What matters is that the mic captures the typical frequency spectrum of the instrument as accurately as possible.

sE Electronics V KICK – dedicated bass drum microphone For bass drum: sE Electronics V KICK

3.4 Brass & woodwinds

For brass and woodwinds, there are direct options (clip-on mic on the instrument) and indirect options (stand-mounted microphone).

Direct: clip mic on the bell (e.g. trumpet, sax), compact & unobtrusive.
Indirect: one or two mics in front of the section—for a wide, natural sound.

What matters for horns:

  • Frequency range: The mic must cover the instrument’s range (piccolo ≠ tuba).
  • High SPL handling: Loud instruments like trumpet need mics that can handle high sound pressure levels.
DPA d:vote CORE 4099 T Brass – gooseneck clip mic on trumpet Gooseneck clip on trumpet: DPA d:vote CORE 4099 T Brass
 

4. Headsets

Hands-free for a show, sports, or a presentation? Then a headset is ideal. The mic sits right in front of your mouth—different mounting styles ensure a secure fit.

  • Single-ear hook: quick on/off, discreet
  • Dual-ear/neck/headband: maximum stability when moving

Common patterns: omni (more room sound, quiet environments) and cardioid (focused speech, less spill).

AKG C520L – headset with dual-ear hook Dual-ear headset: AKG C520L

The big advantage: the position stays consistent—even when you move your head. Most headsets run wirelessly via a bodypack, keeping you flexible on stage.

 

5. Lavalier microphones

Lavalier microphones (lapel mics) are extremely compact and clip onto clothing—perfect for presentations, interviews, and content creation. Very discreet, yet with clear speech capture.

RØDE Lavalier GO – discreet lavalier mic for speech & presentations Especially discreet: RØDE Lavalier GO
 

6. Headset or lavalier?

Looking for a compact speech microphone? Both options have clear advantages:

Headsets are more visible, but they guarantee a consistent distance to the mouth, resulting in stable levels—ideal when moving on stage or for fitness/moderation. Lavalier wins on discretion and is a stylish, unobtrusive solution for talks, video interviews, or sermons.

Rule of thumb: the more movement, the more you should choose a headset. For static, discreet applications, lavalier is a great choice.

7. Installation microphones

Not stage stars, but essential: installation microphones mounted on a lectern deliver clear, reliable speech for conferences, churches, and town halls.

Gooseneck microphones are especially common—slim, discreet, and flexibly adjustable for maximum intelligibility. The polar pattern hypercardioid is often used to reduce ambient noise. That means: speak directly into the mic for best results.

A low-cut (rumble filter) reduces low-frequency noise and improves speech clarity. Practical: gooseneck mics are also available with a desktop base—no drilling required and more flexible for changing setups.

AKG CGN 99 CS – gooseneck microphone with desktop base for conferences & installation Gooseneck with desktop base: AKG CGN 99 CS
 

Conclusion: Whether it’s a vocal mic, instrument mic, headset, or lavalier—at MUSIC STORE you’ll find the right solution for stage, studio, and presentations.

Microphone FAQ

Quick answers for fast decisions in vocals, speech, stage, and live sound.

Dynamic or condenser: which is better for live?
For loud stages and maximum durability, dynamic microphones are usually the safer choice (less feedback-prone, less sensitive). Condenser microphones deliver more detail and speech clarity—ideal with controlled volume and when nuance matters more than “road-toughness”.
Do I need phantom power (48 V)?
Condenser microphones typically require 48 V phantom power (or a battery/power supply). Dynamic microphones do not need phantom power. Important: on mixers with global 48 V switching, enable it deliberately—especially in sensitive setups.
Which polar pattern works best against feedback?
For PA applications, cardioid as well as supercardioid/hypercardioid are especially popular because they reject more sound from the rear. In practice, placement matters: position monitors/PA so they fire into the pattern’s nulls.
Why does my microphone sound dull or “muddy”?
Common causes: getting too close (proximity effect = more bass), a windscreen/pop filter reducing highs, an off-axis speaking angle, or EQ/low-cut set poorly. Start point: neutral EQ, increase distance slightly, speak directly into the mic, test the windscreen.
How far should I be from the mic when singing or speaking?
As a rough guide: 2–5 cm for strong level and “radio-like” closeness (more bass from proximity effect), 5–15 cm for a more natural sound with less bass boost. Most important: keep the distance as consistent as possible.
What is the proximity effect?
With many directional microphones (cardioid/supercardioid), the bass increases strongly when you speak very close. This can sound warm and present—or quickly become boomy. Fix: add a bit more distance or engage a low-cut on the mixer.
Cable or wireless: what makes more sense day-to-day?
Cable is straightforward, very reliable, and budget-friendly. Wireless gives maximum freedom of movement, but requires frequency planning, battery management, and proper antenna/receiver positioning. For fixed positions, a cable is often the “low-stress” option.
Which microphones are best for speech (talks, moderation, church)?
For speech, intelligibility and feedback resistance are key. Typical solutions: handheld mic (classic), headset (consistent level when moving), lavalier (discreet), and gooseneck at a lectern (installation). The more challenging the acoustics, the more important the right polar pattern and precise positioning become.
Why do I need a pop filter and windscreen?
Pop filters reduce “P/B” plosives and improve speech clarity, while windscreens reduce air and wind noise. For stage and outdoor use, a windscreen is especially helpful. Find suitable accessories here: pop filters and windscreens.
Does impedance still matter today?
In modern setups, this is usually not critical because microphones and preamps work well together. Rule of thumb: input impedance ≈ 5× output impedance to avoid level loss and distortion.