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Behringer ECM 8000 Measuring microphone
Linear frequency response from 15 Hz to 20 kHz
$ 19.60
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Micker Pro Microphone sterilizer UVS-01
disinfects and deodorises used microphones
$ 137.00
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Fame MS 58 MKII dynamic Vocalmicrophone
A classic at an affordable price!
$ 24.60
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“Voice Magic with Melanie” on MUSIC STORE TV

How do I find my own voice?
It’s a question many beginners ask when they want to develop their voice, expand their expression, and improve their singing. Every voice is as unique as the person behind it.

In our format “Voice Magic with Melanie”, renowned singer Melanie Heizmann shows practical ways to discover your personal sound, refine technique, and sing with more confidence and expression. This might be where your musical journey begins — with tips that even experienced performers appreciate. Join in and find your personal timbre!

>> Watch the full YouTube playlist with all 11 videos

 

PA microphones: find the right model fast

Clarity, presence, and feedback resistance come first in live sound and PA applications. This guide helps you choose the right microphone type for vocals, spoken word, instruments, or installation — with practical examples and clear decision rules.

1. Microphones – the basics

Before we dive into the many microphone types for PA and live use, it’s worth taking a look at fundamentals that apply to almost every model. These basics 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 tonal character. The usual distinction is:

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

Tip: large diaphragm for vocals and studio work, small diaphragm for acoustic instruments.

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

1.2 Dynamic or condenser?

Both designs have strengths — what fits best depends on your use case.

  • Dynamic microphones – very rugged, tour-ready, straightforward, ideal for loud stages.
  • Condenser microphones – more sensitive and detailed, wider frequency response, low self-noise, perfect for studio work and acoustic instruments. They require 48 V phantom power or a battery/power supply.

Tip: for tough live jobs, durability matters most (dynamic). If sound quality is the top priority, a condenser model is usually the best choice.

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

1.3 Polar pattern

The polar pattern determines which directions a microphone picks up most strongly — crucial for feedback control and overall sound.

The most common types:

  • Omnidirectional (omni): even pickup from all directions – great for room sound.
  • Cardioid: high sensitivity from the front, reduced sides – the stage and vocal standard.
  • Figure-8 (bidirectional): sensitive front and rear, strong side rejection – for stereo techniques.

Real-world examples:

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

 

1.4 Impedance

In modern setups this is usually not an issue, since microphones and preamps are designed to work well together. Still, it helps to know:

  • Output impedance at the microphone
  • Input impedance at 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 to move; cable means simplicity. Both approaches have clear advantages.

Wired microphones:

  • Cost-effective
  • No batteries or receiver required
  • Highly reliable

Wireless microphones:

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

For small to mid-sized stages, wired mics are often all you need. For larger shows, wireless systems are often essential.

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

1.6 Pop filter & windscreen

Microphones don’t love wind noise, sibilance and plosives (P/T sounds). The fix is pop filters and windscreens.

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

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

2. Vocal microphones

The voice is the most important “instrument” in almost every genre. That’s why you shouldn’t compromise when choosing a vocal microphone. 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 and stage use

A mic that sounds amazing but is fragile isn’t ideal for live use. On the other hand, a tank-like mic that sounds dull won’t inspire either. The right balance of sound and durability makes the difference.

 

3. Instrument microphones

Instrument microphones capture tone the way musicians intend it — neutral, detailed, and full-range. Recommendations vary by instrument group.


3.1 Electric guitar

With electric guitar, you’ll typically mic the amp or cabinet. Dynamic microphones are the proven go-to — rugged, easy to position, and punchy.

Trusted classics for guitar amps:

Also popular: ribbon microphones (e.g., Royer R-121) with a smooth top end, plus large-diaphragm condensers (e.g., Neumann U87) with wide bandwidth and strong low end.

Tip: Placement changes everything — distance, angle, and position on the speaker make a huge difference.

sE electronics X1R Ribbon example: SE Electronics X1 R

3.2 Acoustic guitar

For acoustic guitar, condenser microphones usually win thanks to wide frequency response and high sensitivity.

Diaphragm size vs. sound:

  • Small diaphragm: very detailed, airy, natural
  • Large diaphragm: warmer, fuller, with more pronounced bass

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

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

3.3 Drums

Drum miking can range from a minimal setup to a full multi-mic approach. Ideally, each drum/cymbal element gets its own microphone.

  • Kick 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)

The key is matching the mic to the typical frequency range of each source.

sE Electronics V KICK – dedicated kick drum microphone For the kick: sE Electronics V KICK

3.4 Brass & woodwinds

For horns, there are direct (clip-on mic) and indirect approaches (stand-mounted mic).

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

What matters for horns:

  • Frequency range: the mic must suit 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-on microphone on trumpet Gooseneck clip on trumpet: DPA d:vote CORE 4099 T Brass
 

4. Headsets

Need both hands free for a show, sports, or a talk? A headset is ideal. The mic sits right in front of your mouth, and different mounts provide a secure fit.

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

Common patterns: omni (more room, quieter spaces) and cardioid (focused speech, less spill).

AKG C520L – dual-ear headset microphone 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 (clip-on mics) are extremely compact and attach to clothing — perfect for presentations, interviews, and content creation. Very discreet, yet with clear speech pickup.

RØDE Lavalier GO – discreet clip-on microphone for speech and presentations Extra discreet: RØDE Lavalier GO
 

6. Headset or lavalier?

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

Headsets are more visible, but guarantee a consistent mouth distance and therefore a stable level — ideal when moving on stage or for fitness/instructor use and presenting. A lavalier scores with discretion and is a smart, unobtrusive solution for talks, video interviews, or sermons.

Rule of thumb: the more movement, the more a headset makes sense. For static, subtle setups, a lavalier is a great choice.

7. Installation microphones

Not stage stars, but essential: installation microphones, mounted at a podium/lectern, deliver clear, reliable speech in conference rooms, churches, or auditoriums.

Gooseneck microphones are especially common — slim, discreet and easy to aim for maximum intelligibility. A hypercardioid pattern is often used to reject ambient noise, which means: speak directly into the mic.

A low-cut (rumble filter) reduces low-frequency disturbances and improves clarity. Handy: gooseneck mics are also available with a table base — no drilling required and more flexible placement.

AKG CGN 99 CS – gooseneck microphone with table base for conference and installation Gooseneck with table 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 confident choices 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 safe bet (less feedback-prone, less sensitive). Condenser microphones deliver more detail and speech clarity — great at controlled volume, and when nuance matters more than “tour toughness”.
Do I need 48 V phantom power?
Condenser microphones usually require 48 V phantom power (or a battery/power supply). Dynamic microphones don’t need phantom power. Important: on mixers with global 48 V switching, enable it deliberately — especially in sensitive setups.
Which polar pattern helps most against feedback?
For PA use, cardioid and supercardioid/hypercardioid are popular because they reject sound from the rear more strongly. In practice, placement matters most: aim monitors/PA into the pattern’s “null” areas.
Why does my mic sound dull or “muddy”?
Common causes: working too close (proximity effect = more bass), a windscreen/pop filter dulling the top end, the wrong speaking angle, or EQ/low-cut set poorly. Starting point: neutral EQ, back off slightly, speak on-axis, and test with/without the windscreen.
How far should I be from the mic when singing or presenting?
As a rough guide: 2–5 cm for strong level and “radio-style” closeness (more bass due to proximity effect), 5–15 cm for a more natural tone and less bass lift. Most important: keep the distance as consistent as possible.
What is the proximity effect?
With many directional mics (cardioid/supercardioid), bass increases significantly when you work very close. That can sound warm and present — or quickly become boomy. Fix: move back a little or apply low-cut on the mixer.
Cable or wireless: what makes sense day-to-day?
Cable is simple, highly reliable, and a great value. Wireless gives maximum freedom of movement, but requires frequency coordination, battery management, and correct antenna/receiver placement. For fixed positions, cable is often the lower-stress choice.
Which microphones work well for speech (talks, hosting, church)?
For speech, intelligibility and feedback control are key. Typical solutions: handheld mic (classic), headset (consistent level while moving), lavalier (discreet) and gooseneck at a podium/lectern (installation). The harder the acoustics, the more important the right polar pattern and careful aiming become.
Why do I need a pop filter or windscreen?
Pop filters reduce “P/B” plosives and improve clarity, while windscreens minimize air and wind noise. For stage and outdoor use, a windscreen is especially worthwhile. Find matching accessories here: pop filters and windscreens.
Does impedance still matter today?
In modern setups it’s usually not critical, because microphones and preamps are designed to work well together. Rule of thumb: input impedance ≈ 5× output impedance to avoid level loss and distortion.