Microphones

Different types of microphones:

Condenser Microphone – A microphone which uses a capacitor, stores electrical charge and

consists of two conductors, to change the compression and rarefaction of sound waves into

electrical energy. Condenser microphones use phantom power. Condenser microphones can

be used to record a variety of different instruments. They can be used to record electric

guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals, drums and piano.

Dynamic Microphone – These microphones are very versatile and are seen as general

purpose microphones. Audio signal is created from a wire coil and magnet. Dynamics do not

usually have the same flat frequency response as condensers. Dynamic microphones are

good for recording bass guitar and they can be even be used for vocals.

Ribbon Microphone – A small metal ribbon is inside the microphone which connects to the

output and the vibrations within the magnet field creates an electrical signal. Ribbon mics

are good for trumpets and other brass instruments. Ribbon microphones are described as

being very smooth sounding.

Carbon Microphone – A capsule or button inside the microphone which contains carbon is

pressed between two metal plates. A voltage goes across the metal plates which then

causes a small current to go through the carbon. One of the plates vibrates to help apply a

varying pressure to the carbon which deforms the carbon granules therefore changes in

electrical resistance occurs. The electrical resistance changes results in a change in the

current flowing through the microphone which creates an electrical signal.

Recording different instruments:

Acoustic guitar: Behind the bridge – metallic bright sound. Join of the neck and body – full

sound. Over the sound hole, strumming sound – more dull and more reverb. Close, mic

pointing at the fret board – percussive.

Electric guitar (Cabinet): Centre position – brighter tone. Off-Axis – darker tone. Edge

position – balanced tone, captures the high and low ends. Far positions – a lot of high end

tone. Rear position – lots of low end and very little high.

Bass guitar: Centre position – bright tone. Off-Axis – duller and darker tone. DI – can make

the bass sound very dirty and muddy.

Drum Kit: 2 microphones on the snare, one under and another pointing at the top. 1 in front

of the bass drum, the closer the more low end tone you’ll achieve. 2 over head mics

pointing towards drums. Microphone on the high-hat. Clip on mics for the toms. Room

microphones are normally good to have.

Vocals: Pop shield – diffuses the air therefore avoiding plosives. Close positioning to the

microphone so that its able to pickup vocals. Ambience of the room is important.

Positioning away from flat surfaces or walls. Keep microphone away from reflective

surfaces, away from direct line of the sound.

List of microphone names:

.Shure SM58

.Shure SM7B

.AKG D112

.AKG C214

.Rode NT1000

Polar Patterns:

Omni-directional – Covers all directions when it comes to picking up sound, 360 degree

radius.

Bi-directional – Picks up sound from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the side.

Cardioid – This picks up sounds within a 120 degree radius of where it’s facing.

Hyper-cardioid – A tighter 100 degree radius than the 120 degree radius of a cardioid with

greater rejection of sound from the side but pick up a little amount of sound from the rear.

These are the most common polar patterns but you can also get Sub-cardioid, Super-

cardioid and Shotgun polar patterns.