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How to Record Audio With a Condenser Microphone

Condenser microphones utilize a metal plate that vibrates in between two magnetic poles. The magnetic poles use electricity to take the movement made by the plate ant translate it into sound. Condenser microphones are the mic of choice in the recording industry and can be found in almost any studio. Condenser microphones range in price and features. Some microphones record in a "Cardioid" pattern, which is a uni-directional heart-shaped pattern. More expensive microphones can record in a "Figure 8" pattern. These record in both directions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Attach your condenser microphone to a mic stand. A mic stand is helpful if you are singing into a microphone and you don't wish to hold it.

    • 2

      Connect the female end of your XLR cable to your condenser microphone.

    • 3

      Connect the male end of your condenser mic to your preamp. A preamp is necessary to power your microphone. Preamps normally provide 48 volts of extra electricity and sometimes offer special effects for the sound you run through it like equalization and echo. Most condenser microphones require phantom power

    • 4

      Connect your preamp to your recording system via XLR cable. You will likely use a console mixing board.

    • 5

      Space yourself about six inches from the front of the microphone. Unless you want your singer to sound really close to their listener's years, you should stay a few inches away.

    • 6

      Speak into your microphone at a medium-high volume to test the levels. If you are too loud or too quiet, adjust the volume of your preamp first, and then adjust the volume on your console. Your preamp will have a level meter. Make sure your levels are in yellow.

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Recording Music

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