If you want to record sound, you're going to need a microphone. But it doesn't end there. Depending on what you're recording, you might need a few extras, and once you start digging into microphone accessories it might be hard to see the wood from the trees. To help you out, we've compiled a full section of complete microphone recording sets.
Picking Out a Studio Microphone Pack
If you're looking for a complete recording pack including a microphone that will be able to capture virtually anything, then a large-diaphragm condenser microphone might be what you'll need. These microphone have a super-thin interior diaphragm that's ultra-sensitive to sound so it's able to pick up every detail. However, that also means that it will pick up every little noise in the space where you're recording, so you need to work somewhere quiet. Microphones with a supercardioid or hypercardioid polar pattern are better at ignoring ambient noise, and if you want to record speech or vocals with as little background noise as possible, then you could go for a dynamic microphone, which is much less sensitive.
USB Microphone Packs: For Gaming and Live Streaming
If you only need one microphone and want to spend as little time as possible setting up or messing around with plugging gear into your computer, then a USB microphone might be a good option. A USB microphone basically comes with an audio interface built in, so there's no need for extra external gear, and it's perfect for gamers, vloggers, or podcasters since all you need to do is connect the microphone to your computer or smartphone via a USB cable. USB microphones come in an array of different sizes and types. The simplest models are nothing more than a microphone with a USB cable fitted, but there are also models that feature a headphone output so that you can monitor what the microphone is picking up without latency (a slight delay). These more extensive models often have a volume control knob and maybe a mute button as well. There are also more and more USB microphones coming out that included built-in effects like an equalizer or compressor, so that you don't need any extra equipment or software to polish off your radio voice - ideal for live streaming.
What Extras Can Professional Microphone Sets Come With?
Stands
Since tapping or even touching the body of a studio microphone will make a sound, you can't really hold it while you record, so it needs to be mounted on a microphone stand. This can be a simple tabletop stand or a more professional broadcast stand. If you need something more flexible that can be adapted for any recording setup, then it's best to go for a floor-standing microphone stand.
Pop Filters
Almost any dynamic vocal microphone will have an integrated pop filter. This filter stops harsher vocal sounds, like 'P' and 'F' from applying too much air pressure to diaphragm of the microphone, which can lead to distorted peaks in the recorded sound. Studio microphones tend not to feature an internal pop filter, but luckily, you can pick up external pop filters separately.
Shock Mounts
Studio microphones are really sensitive to contact noise: so they will pick up the sound when you tap or just touch the body; if you knock the stand your mic is mounted on; and it'll even pick up the sound of any passing footsteps. To limit contact noise as much as possible, you can use a shock mount, which suspends the microphone and absorbs the vibrations of any contact noise to reduce its effect on the recording.
