Brand
TC Helicon is an audio manufacturer best known for vocal processing and performance technology, with microphones designed to integrate closely with live vocal setups. The brand focuses on enhancing vocal clarity and control for singers and performers.
TC Helicon microphones are commonly used for live vocals, streaming, and performance environments, offering practical features and compatibility with vocal effects and processors. MicPro suggests TC Helicon microphones for vocalists who want microphones designed specifically for live performance and vocal control.
Category
Microphones are essential tools for capturing sound in recording, broadcast, and live performance. Different microphone types are designed for different sources, environments, and uses, from studio vocals and instruments to live sound and field recording. Choosing the right microphone depends on factors such as sound source, room acoustics, sensitivity, and the character you want to capture.
Tags
Broadcast microphones are designed for clear, controlled speech in radio, podcasting and voice-over environments. They are built to reject background noise, handle close-up use without distortion, and keep the voice consistent even when the speaker moves slightly off-axis. This makes them ideal for studios, streaming desks and spoken-word production where clarity and intelligibility matter most.
Typically dynamic or large-diaphragm condenser designs, broadcast mics focus on smooth midrange presence, reduced sibilance and strong plosive control. They are a staple in radio stations, home podcast studios and content-creation setups where a professional, “finished” vocal sound is required straight from the microphone.
Cardioid is a directional microphone pickup pattern that captures sound primarily from the front while reducing sound from the sides and rear. It is widely used for vocals, podcasting, and live sound, helping to control background noise and reduce feedback in both studio and performance environments.
Dynamic microphones are robust, reliable microphones designed to handle high sound pressure levels and demanding environments. They are commonly used for live vocals, guitar amplifiers, drums, and broadcast, where durability and controlled sound are important. Dynamic microphones do not require phantom power and perform well in loud settings.
Live microphones are built for performance environments where reliability, durability and feedback control are essential. They are designed to handle high sound-pressure levels, resist handling noise and deliver consistent sound on stage, whether for vocals, instruments or spoken word.
Typically using dynamic or rugged condenser designs, live mics focus on clear projection and controlled pickup patterns to minimise bleed from other instruments. They are a staple of gigs, rehearsals and touring setups, providing dependable sound quality in demanding, real-world conditions.
Streaming microphones are designed to deliver clear, polished voice audio for live broadcasts, gaming, and online content creation. They focus on vocal presence and noise control, helping voices cut through cleanly even in home or desktop setups.
Often available as USB or XLR models, streaming mics are built for quick setup and consistent results, with features that reduce background noise, plosives and harshness. They are ideal for streamers and creators who want reliable, broadcast-quality sound without complex studio equipment.
Supercardioid microphones use a tight directional pickup pattern that focuses strongly on sound from the front while rejecting much of the sound from the sides. They offer greater isolation than standard cardioid microphones, making them well suited to noisy environments.
Commonly used in live sound, broadcast and studio applications, supercardioid mics help reduce bleed from other instruments or speakers. Like hypercardioid microphones, they have a small rear pickup area, so careful placement is important to achieve the best clarity and control.
