Capturing SoundCapturing SoundProperties and Pitfalls of Sound RecordingProperties and Pitfalls of Sound Recording

Differences between Differences between microphonesmicrophones

▪TransducerTransducer▪The element inside the microphone that The element inside the microphone that transfers sound waves to electrical impulses.transfers sound waves to electrical impulses.

▪Pickup PatternPickup Pattern▪The area around the microphone where sound The area around the microphone where sound can actually be heard.can actually be heard.

Types of TransducersTypes of Transducers

▪DynamicDynamic (moving coil microphone) (moving coil microphone)▪A coil of wire is mounted on a diaphragm A coil of wire is mounted on a diaphragm

which sits inside a magnetic fieldwhich sits inside a magnetic field▪Diaphragm movement creates an electric Diaphragm movement creates an electric

currentcurrent

Dynamic DetailsDynamic Details

▪Low Cost - More rugged Low Cost - More rugged transducertransducer▪Can handle high sound pressure levelsCan handle high sound pressure levels▪Kick Drums, Snare Drums, Guitar AmpsKick Drums, Snare Drums, Guitar Amps▪AC-DC vs Anne MurrayAC-DC vs Anne Murray

Transducer TypesTransducer Types

▪Condenser MicrophonesCondenser Microphones▪Uses a constant electric charge from a battery Uses a constant electric charge from a battery or ‘phantom’ poweror ‘phantom’ power▪More sensitive than DynamicMore sensitive than Dynamic▪Very responsive Very responsive ▪to high frequenciesto high frequencies

▪Acoustic Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, ▪CymbalsCymbals

Condenser MicsCondenser Mics

▪Diaphragms are smaller, require less force, Diaphragms are smaller, require less force, are more sensitiveare more sensitive

▪Small Diaphragm Large DiaphragmSmall Diaphragm Large Diaphragm

Pickup PatternPickup Pattern

▪Omni-directional Omni-directional ▪A mic that is equally sensitive to sounds from A mic that is equally sensitive to sounds from

all sides.all sides.▪Great for picking up natural room sounds.Great for picking up natural room sounds.▪Very forgiving.Very forgiving.

Types of MicrophonesTypes of Microphones

▪Uni-directionalUni-directional▪Most popular type is CardioidMost popular type is Cardioid▪Sensitive to sound only in a specific directionSensitive to sound only in a specific direction▪ Good balance of voice and backgroundGood balance of voice and background

Types of MicrophonesTypes of Microphones

▪Handheld MicrophonesHandheld Microphones▪Easiest way to mic your talentEasiest way to mic your talent▪Distance is a factorDistance is a factor

Types of MicrophonesTypes of Microphones

▪Lapel MicrophonesLapel Microphones (lavaliers) (lavaliers)▪Many uses - Interviews - Sound EffectsMany uses - Interviews - Sound Effects▪More prone to mechanical noiseMore prone to mechanical noise

Types of MicrophonesTypes of Microphones

▪Shotgun MicrophonesShotgun Microphones▪More expensiveMore expensive▪Out of sightOut of sight▪The longer the mic....better isolationThe longer the mic....better isolation▪BUT...more artificial soundBUT...more artificial sound

Types of MicrophonesTypes of Microphones

▪Boundary MicrophonesBoundary Microphones▪Also called Pressure Zone Microphone (PZM)Also called Pressure Zone Microphone (PZM)▪A Hemispheric pick up pattern (180 degrees)A Hemispheric pick up pattern (180 degrees)▪Wall or table mountedWall or table mounted▪Makes use of entire surfaceMakes use of entire surface

Wireless MicrophonesWireless Microphones

▪Available for most major types of micsAvailable for most major types of mics▪Less reliable than Wired MicsLess reliable than Wired Mics▪The more you pay...the better the soundThe more you pay...the better the sound▪Frequency issuesFrequency issues