Microphones

Elcoda offers microphones for vocals, musical instruments, live performance, studio recording, presentations, theatre and other professional applications.

The range includes vocal, instrument, wireless, lavalier and ear-set microphones, as well as models for studio and mobile recording.

When choosing a microphone, intended use, transducer principle, polar pattern, sensitivity, maximum sound pressure level, connection and operating environment are all important.

DPA — Professional Microphones for Voice and Instruments

DPA is an important professional microphone range at Elcoda.

The manufacturer offers solutions for vocals, string and wind instruments, live performance, studio work and other professional applications.

Elcoda's range includes, among others, DPA d:facto vocal microphones and compact DPA 4099 instrument microphone systems.

DPA instrument microphones allow the capsule to be positioned close to the sound source using specialised mounting systems for different instruments.

Vocal Microphones

Vocal microphones are used for concerts, rehearsals, presentations and studio work.

For live use, feedback resistance, polar pattern, housing durability, handling-noise control and the ability to handle high sound levels are especially important.

Elcoda offers dynamic and condenser vocal microphones from Sennheiser, DPA, Shure, AKG, Audix and other manufacturers.

Dynamic or Condenser Microphone?

Dynamic microphones are widely used on stage because of their robust construction, straightforward operation and ability to handle high sound levels.

Condenser microphones generally provide higher sensitivity and detailed reproduction and are widely used for recording, acoustic instruments, vocals and other applications where accurate capture is important.

The transducer principle alone, however, does not determine which microphone is better. The right choice depends on the source, room, stage environment and desired result.

Instrument Microphones

Instrument microphones are used for strings, wind instruments, percussion, keyboards, acoustic guitars and many other musical instruments.

Designs and mounting methods vary considerably, from conventional stand-mounted microphones to compact models attached directly to the instrument.

Elcoda offers instrument microphones from DPA, Audio-Technica, AKG, Audix, Shure, Mipro and other manufacturers.

Microphones for String Instruments

Violin, viola, cello and double bass are often amplified with compact condenser microphones and dedicated instrument mounts.

This type of setup allows the musician greater freedom of movement while keeping the microphone position relatively constant in relation to the instrument.

Mounting method, polar pattern, maximum SPL and compatibility with wired or wireless systems should all be considered.

Microphones for Wind Instruments

Saxophone, trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute and other wind instruments can be captured with stand-mounted microphones or compact models attached directly to the instrument.

Instrument-mounted microphones are particularly practical on stage, where the player needs freedom of movement and a consistent microphone distance.

Capsule position is important: the sound of a wind instrument is not produced only at the bell, so the optimum placement depends on the instrument and the desired sound.

Drum and Percussion Microphones

Drums and percussion often require microphones that can handle high sound pressure levels while providing suitable isolation between individual sources.

Kick drum, snare, toms, cymbals and overhead positions may require different microphone types and constructions.

Microphones for Acoustic Instruments

For acoustic guitar, piano, strings and other acoustic instruments, microphone choice depends on the desired recording character, room acoustics and placement.

Small-diaphragm condenser microphones are often used when accurate transient and detail reproduction is required.

Wireless Microphones

A wireless microphone system transmits the audio signal without a cable between microphone and receiver.

Wireless systems are used for vocals, instruments, theatre, presentations and live performance.

Transmitter and microphone type, operating frequency range, number of simultaneous systems, operating environment and local radio-frequency regulations should all be considered.

Wireless Instrument Microphones

Special wireless systems are available for violin, saxophone and other instruments, combining compact microphones with dedicated mounting solutions.

These systems are especially convenient on stage because the musician is not permanently connected to a fixed microphone cable.

Lavalier Microphones

Lavalier microphones are compact and are normally attached to clothing.

They are widely used for speech, interviews, presentations, theatre, television and video recording.

Polar pattern, capsule size, mounting method, connector and compatibility with the transmitter or recording equipment should be considered.

Ear-Set and Headworn Microphones

A headworn microphone is positioned directly on the user and keeps the capsule at a consistent distance from the mouth.

This is particularly useful for live performance, theatre, presentations, fitness and applications where both hands need to remain free.

Weight, wearing comfort, colour and visibility, moisture resistance and compatibility with the wireless transmitter are important factors.

Recording Microphones

Studio recording may use dynamic, condenser and other specialised microphones, depending on the source and desired recording result.

Self-noise, sensitivity, polar pattern, maximum SPL, frequency response and phantom-power requirements should be considered.

Different models may be appropriate for vocals, acoustic instruments, ensembles, room capture and close miking.

Polar Patterns

A polar pattern describes the directions from which a microphone is most sensitive.

Cardioid and supercardioid microphones are frequently used on stage when greater separation from surrounding sound sources is required.

Omnidirectional microphones receive sound from all directions and are useful when that characteristic suits the application.

Polar pattern should be selected according to source position, room acoustics, stage monitors and other microphones.

Phantom Power

Many condenser microphones require external power, commonly supplied through the microphone cable by a mixer, preamplifier or audio interface.

The requirements of the particular microphone should always be checked before connection, as not all microphones and devices use the same powering system.

Maximum Sound Pressure Level

For loud sources such as wind instruments, drums, guitar amplifiers and some vocal applications, maximum sound pressure level is an important specification.

It indicates how loud a source the microphone can handle before excessive distortion occurs, and is especially relevant when the microphone is positioned very close to the source.

How to Choose a Microphone

The first step is to define the intended application: vocals, a particular instrument, live performance, studio recording, interviews or wireless use.

Transducer principle, polar pattern, mounting method, maximum SPL, powering requirements and connection to the rest of the system should then be considered.

For professional applications, compatibility of the entire system is particularly important — microphone, mount, transmitter, receiver, preamplifier and cables.

If the choice is unclear, Elcoda can help clarify specifications and select a suitable solution for the particular application.

Microphone Stands and Recording Equipment

Elcoda also offers microphone stands and holders, as well as equipment from the Studio, Engineering & Recording section.

International Delivery

Elcoda is based in Germany and supplies microphones to musicians, studios, music schools, orchestras and other customers worldwide.