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There is really no right or wrong microphone for any particular application, whatever sounds good is good is the general rule; but there are suitable and unsuitable starting points. The most common microphones available these days are Dynamic (Moving Coil) and Condenser microphones but Ribbon microphones are also making a comeback. Depending on the requirement, you might choose one or the other, although the science of microphone design has become so sophisticated these days that performance characteristics of the various forms of microphones are becoming blurred and confusing.

As an example, for live sound use, you ideally only want to capture say the vocalist or guitarist, and reject all other sound sources as much as possible, particularly to reduce feedback. High sensitivity, low distortion, pristine frequency response and flatness, and low self noise are not critical, but the ability to handle high sound levels is. Therefore, an end-fire cardioid dynamic microphone would be suitable for this.

For studio vocals, you need good sensitivity and dynamic range, a wide and flat frequency response with low self noise and distortion. So a side-fire, cardioid condenser is a suitable choice. This would also be a good choice for recording acoustic guitars. For recording drums, a combination of dynamic and condenser microphones makes sense.

Read more about microphone applications and much more at www.homestudiozone.com