Are External Microphones Worth It?.
Are External Microphones Worth It?
In the world of audio recording, there are two types of microphones: internal and external. Internal microphones are built into your devices, such as your computer, camera, or smartphone. External microphones are devices that you connect to your device to improve the quality of your audio recording.
External microphones are generally better than internal microphones because they are designed specifically to record sound. They have larger diaphragms and can handle higher sound pressure levels. They are also more sensitive to sound and can capture more detail.
In addition, external microphones have several features that internal microphones do not have. For example, they can be cardioid, omnidirectional, or bidirectional. This means that they can pick up sound from one direction, all directions, or two directions, respectively. They can also be boom microphones, which means that they can be mounted on a stand or boom arm. This can help to reduce noise and improve the quality of your recordings.
The benefits of external microphones
Here are some of the benefits of using an external microphone:
- Improved sound quality: External microphones capture more detail and can produce a clearer, more natural sound than internal microphones. This is because they are designed specifically to record sound.
- Reduced noise: External microphones can help to reduce noise because they are located away from your device's speakers and other sources of noise. This can help to create a more professional-sounding recording.
- More flexibility: External microphones offer more flexibility than internal microphones. You can use them with a variety of devices, and you can even use them to record live music.
The drawbacks of external microphones
Here are some of the drawbacks of using an external microphone:
- Cost: External microphones can be more expensive than internal microphones.
- Convenience: External microphones can be more bulky and inconvenient than internal microphones. You will also need to carry and use a microphone stand or boom arm.
- Setup: External microphones can be more complicated to set up than internal microphones. You will need to connect them to your device and position them correctly.
Who should use external microphones?
External microphones are a good option for anyone who takes audio recording seriously. If you are:
- A podcaster or radio host
- A musician or singer
- A filmmaker or videographer
- A YouTuber or streamer
- A voice actor or audiobook narrator
Then you should consider using an external microphone.
Here are some examples of how external microphones can be used:
- Podcasts: An external microphone will help to reduce background noise and improve the clarity of your voice.
- Music: An external microphone will help to capture the fine details of your instruments and vocals.
- Film and video: An external microphone will help to capture the sound of the scene and the voiceover.
- YouTube and streaming: An external microphone will help to improve the audio quality of your videos and streams.
- Voice acting and audiobooks: An external microphone will help to capture your voice in detail and remove background noise.
Conclusion
Are external microphones worth it? The answer is yes, if you are serious about audio recording. They can help you to produce high-quality recordings that will impress your listeners. However, they are not necessary for everyone. If you are not a professional audio recorder, then an internal microphone may be sufficient for your needs.
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