Beyerdynamic MC 950 Condenser Studio Microphone Review

!±8± Beyerdynamic MC 950 Condenser Studio Microphone Review

The Beyerdynamic MC 950 Condenser Studio Microphone is a small condenser microphone from Bererdynamic. Similar to the other microphones from the MC 900 product line like the 910 and 930, the MC 950 is intended where sounds from pianos, guitars, and choirs are required. The 900 series microphones come with a 15 decibel pad with a 6 decibel octave LF roll-off at 250 megahertz. These features cannot be swapped or transferred.

The design of the 900 series so is that the cap can be adjusted to the end of the body, reducing reflections that occur in other microphones; a windscreen option is available for outdoor use and convenience.

The features of the microphones outdoors are so well-tuned and designed that it reduces the amount of noise distortion sources heard from outside, especially during loud conversations or medium-level construction noises. In particular, the MC 950's rear rejection is pretty good, although some content can be heard from a low-end instrument with tremendous bass. The pad provided in the package allows high sound pressure level sources such as a guitar cabinet or Leslie.

Each microphone comes with:
a clip,
a carriage bag,
a frequency chart with 2dB to 2dB dip in the 4kHz to 8kHz range flattering without unnatural sound

In hindsight, the best results for the condenser microphone were from 6 to 12 inches away. In effect, the MC 950 is better as a spot microphone or during a live setting with wider acoustic settings and greater space. The microphone is not the best for close vocal range as the quality appears more nasally and thinner than the former. Also, the latter resulted in a quicker fall of both the treble and bass ends of the microphone's features. However, one the optimal range of 6 to 12 inches has been reached, the sound quality is expansive and grand. The vocal quality sounds natural and dynamic, and the sound of acoustic instruments is maximized to their full musical potential.

However, the dip and boost characteristics of the MC 950 are not for everyone as it can become too complex for the beginner and novice users. If you have the time, patience, and the sound acumen for reaching the optimum microphone range, then the Beyerdynamic MC 950 may be the right microphone for you.

Beyerdynamic MC 950 Condenser Studio Microphone Review

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How To Choose the Right Studio Microphone For Your Recordings

!±8± How To Choose the Right Studio Microphone For Your Recordings

Choosing a microphone shouldn't be too hard, assuming that you know the differences between microphones and what you will be using yours for. Granted, recording your vocals should not warrant the same type of studio microphone as recording instruments. It's important to know what you will be using it for, and then going on from there.

A general rule is that dynamic microphones such as the Shure SM58S are exceptional for instruments and life performances. As a matter of fact, if you pay close attention to what most live performers use, you can almost bet, that it will be a Shure SM58S. On the other hand, condenser studio microphones are used for vocals or other soft recordings where details are extremely important. As you can see, having both type of microphones would be beneficial, but that boils down to your budget.

The condenser has a flatter frequency then the dynamic, which for recording vocals is a must. What ends up happening when you record on a condenser studio microphone such as the AKG PERCEPTION 220, you get a more clearer and accurate recording. The dynamic on the other hand, tunes out some of the details because once again, they are meant to be used for instrument recording and live performances.

The condenser studio microphone also requires a preamp or a mixer, which will provide phantom power of around 48 volts. Because the condenser requires the electric juice to run, the preamp serves as a booster. The dynamic doesn't require any phantom power, seeing as how it's a more rugged and less sensitive counterpart to its brother microphone, the condenser.

There is also another important thing to consider when choosing the perfect studio microphone for you - the pick up pattern. Essentially there are three different kind of "pick up patterns;" the omni directional microphones, the bidirectional microphones, and the unidirectional microphones.

The omni directional microphones pick up sounds evenly, so if you have a home recording studio, STAY away from such microphones. Why? It will pick up your TV, your neighbours TV, and your dog barking at the cat.

Bidirectional microphones on the other hand pick up sounds from only two directions, the front and the back. They are often used in radio interviews, which allow people to share a microphone.
Unidirectional microphones are the optimal for home recording studios. These microphones pick up sounds from one direction, and allow you to isolate sounds that you don't want to record quite easily. They also include the cardioid microphone such as the Blue Microphones Baby Bottle Cardioid Condenser Mic.

In conclusion, it all depends on what you will be using your microphone for. If you plan on recording instruments or performing live, then a microphone such as the Shure SM58S Vocal Microphone is your best bet. On the other hand, if you are going to be recording vocals and care about the detail and clarity of them, then you have to purchase a condenser studio microphone.

How To Choose the Right Studio Microphone For Your Recordings

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