Deal with and solicit advice from an established, reputable dealer. Examine and listen to various machines, comparing sound quality, ease of use, and special features. Evaluate helpfulness and completeness of owner manuals. Determine where major repairs, when needed, can be made. Decide to buy not only on basis of price but also on dealer's reputation and ability to repair onsite.
Converts sound waves in air into electrical waves of the same frequency and wave shape.
Tend to be relatively inexpensive. Unidirectional or cardioid microphones, which gather sounds from other directions, especially the rear. Microphone quality and prices vary considerably. Also, cost does affect product quality. Sold in uniformly-sized hard plastic cases.