Types of Microphones
What is a dynamic microphone used for?
Dynamic microphones are used in live sound situations for all kinds of purposes. They are durable and can easily handle the physical wear and tear of live performances.
What function does a microphone's diaphragm have?
A microphone's diaphragm is the mechanism that holds the 'electro' element of the microphone either the magnet and coils in the case of electromagnetic microphones or the metal plates in the case of electroacoustic microphones. The diaphragm is therefore considered the source of the sound waves.
What is microphone feedback? What causes it?
Microphone feedback refers to a squeaking high frequency noise produced by a speaker when a microphone is near it. This can be prevented by placing your microphone is a place where it will not receive sound from the speakers.
What type of polar pattern does a condenser microphone have?
A omnidirectional pattern
What are coincident microphones?
Multiple microphones that are placed near the same position but at different angles.
What is a condenser microphone used for?
How does a ribbon microphone make sound and how is it different from a dynamic microphone?
A ribbon microphone is an electroacoustic microphone meaning it makes sound by one metal plate vibrating or moving across another stationary metal plate. This friction creates an electrical current which can be transmitted by cords and translated by an amplifier.
What is ambience?
The sound of the space. Ideally you would like to account for this with accent or spot mics or another multi-micing technique as it will make your recording feel more real.
What type of polar pattern does a dynamic microphone have?
A unidirectional pattern
What are near-coincident microphones?
What is a contact/piezoelectric microphone used for?
A contact/piezoelectric microphone is commonly used in settings where there is alot of background noise. A contact/piezoelectric microphone is placed directly on the surface of the sound sound and turns the vibrations into sound waves.
What is a microphone port/vents function?
A microphones port/vents allow sound to pass into the microphone but they block out dust particles and protect the microphone from harm.
What is microphone impedance?
In simple terms, it refers to how sensitive and high quality the microphone is. More expensive microphones tend to have higher quality materials resulting in a higher impedance.
What polar pattern does a shotgun microphone have?
An exaggerated unidirectional pattern
What are mid-side microphones?
Multiple microphones in a coincident set-up where a unidirectional microphone is placed aiming towards the source of the sound and a bi-directional, or figure-8, microphone is used to pick up the rooms ambience to either side of the unidirectional mic.
What is a lavalier microphone used for?
A lavalier microphone is usually wireless and usually can be found taped to performers faces or clipped to their clothing. Lavalier microphones are perfect for live sound situations in which an individual who is frequently moving needs to be highlighted such as musicals, plays, and professional live broadcasts.
What are the purposes of a shock mount and a windscreen?
A shockmount is meant to reduce the vibrations percieved by the microphone created by the floor and the room around. Windscreens are used to prevent feeback produced by wind passing through the microphones vents. A windscreen is very valuable in a situation where you're running live sound outside.
What is the 'Inverse Square Law'?
The 'Inverse Square Law' refers to the scientific phenomenon where if the distance between a mic and the sound source is halved the signal received by the microphone is four times the amplitude.
What polar pattern does a lavalier microphone have?
A omnidirectional pattern
What are AB stereo microphones?
What is a ribbon microphone used for?
A ribbon microphone is an electroacoustic microphone that accepts sound in a figure out pattern (to the front and back). Ribbon microphones are great for multi-mic set-ups and for stationary singer mics.
What signal are the three cords in a microphone sending?
One cord sends the orginal signal, one cord sends the inverted signal, and one cord is considered the 'ground' it prevents the microphone from sending the signal through a shock.
What does the 'color' of the microphone refer to?
The group of frequencies favored by a particular microphone. This can very by brand, model, or polar pattern.
What type of polar pattern does a ribbon microphone have?
A 'figure 8' pattern. It accepts sound from the front and the back but not the sides.
What is a Decca Tree?
A Decca Tree is a collection of microphones arranged in a triangler pattern sometimes with spot mics on either side. This can provide a great stereo sound for large ensembles such as bands, orchestras, and choirs.