Sound Production and Music Recording Skills Part 2

Sound Production and Music Recording

Part 2 - Microphones

We spent the last part of the lesson looking at microphones, their specifications and their uses. There are many different specifications that effect how a microphone performs. If we know the specifications for how different mics work we can choose the best microphone for a job and later as we learn the sound of different mics be able to choose which ones we would like to use. 

Design Type:

Dynamics - More robust, durable, can take a beating, can handle loud sounds.

The SM58 is the "industry" standard dynamic mic good for live or studio

Can be bought for around £60

Capacitor/Condensor - easily broken, more sensitive more detailed sound. Require Phantom Power of 48v.

A Se se2200a condensor mic (a good first mic)

Can be bought for about £150

.Valve - A lot more expensive, very sensitive, create a smoother sound.

Se Gemini 2

Can be bought for about £845

Sensitivity - This is how easily the mic can pick up quiet sounds. Some aren't very sensitive as they are designed to capture very loud sounds such as a kick drum. 

AKG D112 Dyanmic mic. The "egg" designed for kick drums.

Frequency Response - This is how well a mic will pick up different frequencys , usually from 20Hz to 20,000Hz (range of human hearing). Some mics can operate beyond this range. Some cannot cover the whole range of human hearing. 

Polar Patterns - Defines how well a mic picks up sound from different directions. Some Mics have switchable polar patterns. 

Omni mics can capture multiple singers in one mic, or be used to capture reverb, Cardoid capture from the front of the mic only which reduces spill in a loud environment, Bi directional captures both sides and can be used for two vocalists and mid side techniuqe.

Buttons/Switchs - These can vary performance and include:

a) On/Off (cheap mics)

b) Polar Patter

c) PAD button - Makes the mic less sensitive to low frequencys and can create a boomy effect in vocal performance. (40/80 cut)

e) Presence Switch - Boosts response in higher frequency range (2-8KHZ) to add presence to what is being miked. 

Quality - Mics range in quality and the components can effect the sound captured. Top end mics like Neumann can cost £1500 or more.