unobtrusive condenser microphone

Shure MX 412 condenser podium microphone


Shure SM 58: classic hand held dynamic cardioid microphone

Podium Microphone Choice:
Your First Important Audio Decision

One of the most fundamental pieces of audio equipment used in the meeting industry is the podium microphone.  People are attending the event to hear the speaker so the audio must be intelligible. Understanding the differences between microphone types means that you can have the proper microphone at the podium. The challenge is whether to use a dynamic or a condenser style of microphone.

Traditionally, microphones used at podiums are called dynamic microphones (due to their electromagnetic induction design). These microphones (Shure SM58 picture on the right) are about 7” long with a round-shaped end that presenters speak into.  They have a cardioid (heart-shaped) pickup pattern that is fairly tight; requiring the presenter to be close to the microphone when speaking.  The most well-known model of dynamic, cardioid microphone is the Shure SM58. This style of microphone is a good choice when the microphone will be treated roughly or a tight cardioid pickup pattern is required (usually due to wind conditions or loud ambient room noise).

Primary reasons to use of dynamic, cardioid microphones:

• They are relatively affordable ($100-150)
• They are relatively durable.
• Windy conditions (wind sock advisable)
• Loud room conditions

 Disadvantages of dynamic cardioid microphones

• They are relatively bulky. Since the presenter is required to speak close to the microphone, the audience’s view is of someone behind the podium with a large piece of round metal obscuring their mouth.
• A tight cardioid pick up pattern restricts the speakers' movement. When the presenter backs away from the microphone, the level of their voice will decrease considerably.  Similarly, if the presenter  moves their head from side-to-side while addressing the audience (as they often do), the level of their voice will go up and down; as they move closer and further away from the microphone.

The solution to the shortcomings of the dynamic microphone is a condenser microphone; designed specifically for the podium application.  These microphones are available in either an omnidirectional or cardioid pattern.  The cardioid pattern is commonly recommended due to its’ superior feedback rejection, relative to the omnidirectional pattern.

Podium condenser microphones solve the issue of having a large, bulky microphone in front of the presenter’s face, since they are considerably slimmer and less conspicuous.  They are also less conspicuous because their wider pickup pattern enables them to be further away from the presenter, allowing them to be lower than mouth level.  The result is that, from the audience’s view, there is nothing obscuring the presenter’s face.

The other advantage of the wider pickup pattern is that it allows the presenter to move their head from side-to-side without a noticeable change in their voice level.

While the dynamic microphones are relatively affordable and durable, condenser microphones generally do a better job of ensuring the person delivering the presentation is heard.

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