Stereo & Specialty Mics

Options for Stereo Mics and Specialty Mics

Stereo mics and specialty mics add variety to your recording gear, increasing your range of possibilities. Different projects require an array of microphone types, and it's essential to choose the right one for the job. Stereo mics provide some benefits that may work well for your specific recording needs.

What Are Stereo Microphones?

In contrast to standard microphones, stereo microphones contain two diaphragms, or capsules, within a single microphone body. This gives you an audio track with two integrated mic sources, also known as a stereo track. While other mics often have one mono track, stereo mics have two mono tracks.

Benefits of Recording in Stereo

With two-track microphones, you can create recordings with directionality, perspective, and a sense of space. When you're listening to music in stereo, it may seem like the guitar track is coming from the left ear while the drums are coming from the right. This effect mimics the experience of listening to a band on stage, and it's why live recording performances in stereo are so unique. On the other hand, you can effectively record music in the studio using highly sensitive stereo condenser microphones, as well.

Using Specialty Microphones

There are many other types of specialty microphones to consider. You can clip lavalier microphones onto your clothing, as they are very small and won't get in the way. Actors often use these in film and television because they're easy to hide from the camera. Parabolic microphones capture sounds that are undetectable to the human ear and are a fitting choice for use in wildlife, surveillance, and sports events. If you need to target a specific area with a "point-and-shoot" method, shotgun microphones are highly directional and can mount directly on your camera or boom. All of these mics could have stereo functionality.

If you're looking for stereo mics to fit any film project, head to B&H Photo and Video for all your recording needs. You'll find a selection of specialty mics to choose from, too.