Microphones
Different type of microphones have very different uses. It is critical that you use the correct type of microphone for each audio source. Not only are there different types of microphones for voice or instruments, there are numerous types of microphones for each application.

_______________________________________________________
Dynamic Microphones
Vocal Microphones
Vocal microphones such as the Shure SM58 are specifically designed to reproduce a voice. A wind screen is built into the microphone and the diaphragm and coil are tuned for the frequency range of a voice.
Instrument Microphones
Instrument microphones have a variety of specifications and are designed to be used for specific applications. Matching the correct microphone to the application can make your mix that much easier to maintain. Having to force the wrong microphone to reproduce a source by equalization or processing can create unexpected results in the mix.

_______________________________________________________

Condenser Microphones
Condenser microphones are powered by battery or from the mixing console. The diaphragm is very sensitive to sound vibrations due to the built in preamp. Thus making it the choice for acoustic instruments or applications where the source is a distance away from the microphone. Extra care should be taken when placing a condenser microphone to avoid picking up unnecessary ambient sounds.

_______________________________________________________

Radio Frequency Microphones (Wireless Microphones)
Wireless microphones use radio frequencies to transmit from the microphone to the receiver. The drawback to wireless microphones is signal dropout. This is cause when interference causes the receiver to lose the signal transmitted from the microphone. A single diversity receiver has one receiver and should be placed as close to the wireless microphone as possible, and care should be taken that there is nothing obstructing the radio frequency path between the microphone and the receiver. Dual diversity systems have two receivers that operate on a relay switch. If one of the receivers loses the signal the relay switches to the other receiver reducing the chance of signal dropouts.