Dynamic
Shure sm57
The sm57 sounds good in most situations
Better for everything else
Cardioid dynamic microphone
Capsule design
Doesn’t distort at high volumes
High SPL (sound pressure level)
Indestructible design
If supplied with phantom power it will ignore it
Shure sm58
Best for vocals
Cardioid dynamic
High SPL (Sound Pressure Level)
doesn’t distort at high volumes
Capsule Design
will reject phantom power
both cost around £100
Both sm57 & sm58 are very similar
Condenser
Most Versatile recording studio microphone
used to record any instrument and great for recording vocals and acoustic instruments
This microphone is more sensitive than a dynamic microphone
Large
diaphragm condenser mics and small diaphragm
Ribbon Microphones
Most natural sounding mic to pick up an instrument and vocals
sound warmer and smoother than a condenser microphone
If supplied with phantom power it will kill the microphone
Due to their figure-of-8 polar pattern, massive low end pick up, and natural high frequency roll off.
First appeared in 1930’s and their popularity lasted until 1960’s