Low Impedance vs. High Impedance Microphones
Are you confused about which microphone will suit your needs? Do you struggle to understand the difference between low impedance and high impedance microphones?
Well, you’ve landed in the right place!
In this blog post, we’ll break down the difference between low impedance and high impedance microphones, and help you decide which one to use for your project.
What is Mic Impedance?
Let's start with the basics. Impedance refers to the amount of resistance a microphone offers to the current passing through it. A higher impedance microphone has more resistance, while a lower impedance microphone has less.
The unit for impedance is “ohms” and you'll usually find the information about a mic's impedance in its specifications.
Low Impedance Microphones
Low impedance microphones have an impedance of fewer than 600 ohms. The industry standard for low-impedance microphones is 150-200 ohms.
These microphones are typically used in professional recording studios, where they are connected via an XLR cable to a mixer or preamp. Low-impedance mics are preferred because they can send signals over long distances without any loss in quality. They are also less susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Low impedance microphones offer high fidelity and are more durable than high impedance microphones.
High Impedance Microphones
High impedance microphones have an impedance of 10,000 ohms and above. The industry standard for high impedance microphones is 50,000 ohms.
High impedance microphones are commonly found in consumer products like karaoke machines, amplifiers, and portable recorders. They’re also used in wireless microphones and computer microphones.
The principal advantage of high-impedance microphones is that they can be plugged directly into a device and do not require a preamp or mixer. However, they are limited in the distance they can send the signal without quality degradation.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between a low impedance or high impedance microphone will rely on your recording needs. Generally speaking, dynamic microphones are low-impedance, while some condenser microphones can fall under the category of high impedance.
If you are a professional audio engineer, it's highly recommended that you invest in low impedance microphones for the best quality and least interference. But if you’re a beginner or hobbyist, high impedance microphones could be a good starting point, as they are cost-effective and less demanding.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the critical factor to consider when choosing a microphone is the specific recording requirements of your project. At the end of the day, your budget and technical expertise will also play a significant role in your decision.
We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between low impedance and high impedance microphones. If you have any further questions, feel free to research or reach out to audio experts.
Did you hear about the microphone who fell on his face? It was a real audio-mumble!