On Thursday, 10 August 2017 20:46:30 UTC+3, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
Look at some old TV studio shows where
the hand mics were much smaller/neater than today's incredibly large and
ugly devices. All omnis.

By hand mics used in TV, do you mean hand held mics? If so they have never been serious contenders in high quality recording.

Sadly the vast sounds levels of just about everything these days requires
a directional and or noise cancelling type. Most of which pop just by
looking at them.

Vocalists and solo instrumentalists who are taught correct microphone techniques rarely have a problem, and modern pop shields are very effective.

Sadly, many seem to think the mic their favourite pop star uses must also
be the best mic for any use. And they are very very wrong.

Do they ever get the chance to find out? A Telefunken 47 costs as much as a small car.

Iain