Microphones

There are essentially two types of microphone that are used commonly in a live performance scenario. The Dynamic microphone, which is generally regarded as best for live vocals. These just plug into the p.a. system and work with no external power supply. The condenser microphone which is best for instruments such as the guitar. Condenser microphones require a power source. This often is supplied by the mixer desk, and is called phantom power. Alternatively some have batteries inside them obviating the need for phantom power. My condenser microphones will do both, but I keep them set for battery power because they seem less prone to background noise when using battery power. Condenser microphones tend to be a bit more expensive than dynamic microphones, and are a bit more fragile.

There is a third type of microphone, the ribbon microphone which is also suited well for acoustic instruments, but they are very delicate and generally very expensive. In the main they are used in recording studios, and are often regarded as being unsuitable for live performances.