Dynamic microphones are instrument and vocal microphones that work for general purposes. They are durable and can stand up to frequent use and abuse, such as high volume from amplifiers or strikes from a drumstick. Dynamic microphones do not require batteries or phantom power.
Condenser microphones take acoustic energy signals and covert them into electrical energy, which results in a stronger audio signal. They require power from a battery or phantom power from a pre-amp or mixing station. Condenser microphones are sensitive and are better able to record subtle nuances from a performance. These microphones are not used in high-volume environments.
Ribbon microphones, like dynamic microphones, do not require batteries or external power, but their output level is lower than a dynamic microphone. Ribbon microphones are known for their natural and warm sound. Since their initial production in the 1930s, ribbon microphones are offered today by only a few manufacturers. Ribbon microphones are very delicate, and you cannot blow into one without breaking the ribbon.
Microphones vary greatly in quality. Top-of-the-line microphones can cost thousands of dollars, but you can also acquire good microphones that are less expensive. Using high-quality cables can help improve quality of sound. You will also want to consider the type of microphone you purchase and what accessories you will require, such as microphone stands, mounts and pop filters. Other considerations when searching for an appropriate microphone include directionality, impedance and frequency response. In general, low impedance is better than high impedance, and a microphone's impedance rating can give you an idea of its quality (high impedance microphones are usually inexpensive). Frequency response refers to a microphone exaggerating or reducing sound from some frequencies. "Flat" frequency response microphones are equally responsive to all frequencies and are ideal to use in a variety of situations. Use microphones appropriately. For instance, you do not want to use a vocal microphone for recording the bass drum.
One property of microphones that can help you discern its proper use is directionality. Omnidirectional microphones can pick up sound from all directions, and they are used to catch ambient noise or when you are attempting to obtain sound coming from many different directions. Unidirectional microphones get sound from mainly one direction and include cardioid and hypercardioid microphones. These microphones are used to isolate sound from one direction while eliminating ambient noise. Unidirectional microphones should be used carefully because if the microphone is not pointed directly at the subject at all times, you can lose some audio and levels. Most hand-held microphones are cardioid. Bidirectional microphones are used less often, and they can pick up sound equally from two different directions.