2. The microphone is your primary
tool in the sound
chain from sound
source to audio storage
medium.
3. Factors when capturing a sound
with a microphone:
microphones location in relation to the
sound source
the acoustic environment in which we
choose to record the sound source
4. Types of Microphones
There are three main types of
microphones:
1) Dynamic/Moving Coil
2) Ribbon
3) Condenser/Capacitor
5. 1) Dynamic/Moving Coil
microphones
Example: Shure SM 57
They operate on a
magnetic principle :
movement of a copper
coil around a magnet
causes a changing flow of
electrons that represent
the sound wave
6.
7. Dynamic/Moving Coil microphones
Advantages:
durable and can withstand a lot of volume.
colours the sound in range between
5-10khz, this adds clarity, presence and
understandability to many vocal and
instrument sounds.
doesn’t feedback as easily as other mics
8. Dynamic/Moving Coil microphones
typical uses:
mostly live situations, but they are also
used a lot in the studio.
close mic applications (1-12 inches)
drums, guitar, vocals and any instrument
that can play loud.
9. Dynamic/Moving Coil microphones
disadvantage:
These microphones often miss
many sounds because it takes a
lot of sound pressure to move the
coil.
10. 2) Ribbon microphones
Example: Beyer M 160
a metallic ribbon is
suspended between two
poles of a magnet. Sound
waves vibrate the metallic
ribbon which causes a
varying flow of electrons
to the different poles of
the magnet
11.
12. Ribbon microphones
advantages:
These microphones capture a warmer and
smoother sound than dynamic/moving coil
microphones.
Don’t feedback much in live situations.
13. Ribbon microphones
typical uses:
Typically used in the studio because they are
fragile
Used in close mic applications (1-12 inches)
Often used for acoustic guitars. Also work well
for vocals.
14. Ribbon microphones
disadvantages:
colours the sound by adding a high
frequency edge
fragile
will only pick up sounds that are very
close.
15. 3) Condenser/Capacitor
microphones
Example: Audio Technica AT 4033
How do condenser microphones
work?
A charged electrical current is
applied to a metal-coated piece of
plastic. the coating vibrates
sympathetically in response to a
sound wave because it is very thin.
The metal-coated piece of plastic is
positioned close to a piece of metallic
alloy.
The changes in the space between
the surfaces create a changing
discharge of electrical current.
It makes an electrical version of
acoustic energy from the sound
source.
16.
17. Condenser/Capacitor microphones
advantages:
they respond to fast attacks and work more
precisely than other mics and add little tonal
colouration
they can be used to record sounds from a
greater distance and capture a broader range of
frequencies
big advantage: these mics record a sound while
capturing natural ambience of a room.
18. Condenser/Capacitor microphones
typical uses:
recording studios.
can be used to record almost any sound…except very
loud ones.
extremely effective with quiet sounds.
the perfect choice for capturing room ambience.
almost always used for vocals , acoustic guitars and
drums.
19. Condenser/Capacitor microphones
disadvantages:
fairly fragile
feedback too easily in a live environment
(although some have low frequency roll off
switches to help alleviate feedback
frequencies).
20. Microphone polar patterns:
A polar pattern is the pickup pattern of the
microphone.
There are three main types of patterns:
1) Cardiod
2) Bi-directional
3) Omnidirectional
21.
22.
23.
24. Frequency Response
Most microphones respond to frequencies within
and beyond the human range of hearing.
Our ears have the ability to hear frequencies
from 20-20 000 hertz .
All microphone manufacturers provide
specifications for the frequency range of their
products.
25. Frequency response curve
The frequency response curve of a
microphone shows how the microphone
responds to different frequencies across the
audible spectrum.
A mic with a flat response adds little colouration
to the sound. Many mics drop off sharply in the
frequencies below 300 hz. Yet boast frequencies
in the area of 4000 hz.
26.
27. Pre-amplifiers
Although a microphone can be plugged
directly into a mixing board, better results are
often achieved by using an amplifier.
28. Conclusion
Effective sound output requires lots of
experimentation.
Most home studios should have at least
one good moving coil and one good
condenser mic.