What You Should About The Technology Of Microphones

A microphone is just a sound transducer that takes sound-waves and transforms them, producing electrical current. They are designed to convert the pressure changes into the signal. Mics, for short, come in many variations of polar patterns and design. Mics can be defined into two primary groups namely; dynamic and condenser microphones. The two different kinds of microphones have differing ways of catching sound waves. For instance, the dynamic mic uses Faradays law which dictates that an electrical current is induced in a conductor when it moves within a magnetic field.

In dynamic mics there are two ways in which mic conductors are arranged in a magnetic field. In the first configuration, the conductor is entwined into a coil and set inside a fixed magnetic cylindrical ring. Inside the coil a cylindrical core is placed to focus the magnetic fields around the coil.

 The top-side of the conductor coil is affixed to a diaphragm made of mega-thin material; in most cases aluminum or plastic. Whenever there are pressure changes, the diaphragm fluctuates forcing the coil to move within the magnetic field and a current of electricity that corresponds to the pressure changes is activated in the conductor coil. In the second configuration, a ribbon is freely hung between two perpetual magnets.

Lightweight material like a metallic foil is used to fashion the ribbon. When pressure around the mic varies, the ribbon moves within the magnetic field and current is induced in the metallic ribbon and lead away by the conductors. While the two arrangements are very different, they both use Faradays law. They are both acoustical transducers that use variation of sound intensity to produce a corresponding electrical signal. Both the coil and ribbon type of dynamic microphones are easily purchased through a reputable store or online. 

Unlike dynamic mics, the condenser type of microphone uses variation of capacitance to produce a corresponding electrical signal. Electrical capacitors are made up of 2 metal plates placed very near to each one another but without any conductivity. Current can only be conducted across the plates when one plate is at a greater potential than the other.

The two plates in a capacitor are separated by an insulator, air or vacuum. The capacitor used in the condenser type of mic has one movable plate and one fixed plate. The flexible plate is very sensitive and moves inwards or outwards when subjected to pressure changes.

The two plates are a higher potential when the movable plate moves away from the fixed plate and then returns. This fluctuation of potential correlates to the pressure differences surrounding capsule. The charge in the capsule, the enclosure containing both the stationery and flexible plates, is kept constant by connecting it to a DC power source.

 T-power and Phantom power are employed to maintain the capsule at a constant potential. if you think about it, the Mic works like a speaker in reverse and to some extent you'd be correct. Whichever kind of microphone is used, sound waves generate electrical impulses which can end up in either a digital format if you're recording or amplified to alter the volume when put through a speaker.

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Studio Recording And Microphones

Here are some basics when it comes to microphones. Microphones receive sound frequencies, usually in the range of 20-40HZ (low end) to 18-20KHZ (high end). These frequency responses will vary so it's recommended to look at the frequency specs of any particular mic. There are quite a few variables when miking an instrument or vocalist. It really depends on the positioning of the microphone and for vocal artists the coloration of the voice and style of singing.

 First, you want to use a microphone that has a frequency response that does justice to the frequencies of sound that you'd like to accentuate. Remember that mics pick up every nuance within that range of frequencies being produced, so filtering some unwanted sounds will be beneficial. Make sure that the sounds that are produced are ones that you'd like to hear at the stage of final mixdown.

 To ensure that sound signals are desirable, move the mic around to different areas and places until you feel comfortable with the tonal playback with the studio monitors. Also very important are room acoustics; how noise reacts inside confined areas. Make sure you position it correctly. However, if the results are still not up to par it is best to switch positions of the instruments.

 There are times when inadequate room acoustics will persist and you receive unwanted frequencies and room tone in the background. If these problems are unfixable try positioning it closer to a louder part of the vocal or instrument in order to change the balance in the direction of the desired sounds vs. the room tone. Experiment further with different methods by placement and isolation of the instrument, vocals or microphone to prevent the unwanted frequencies; even the tonality and other acoustic problems of the space that you're recording in.

 Having knowledge of basic mic characteristics, room acoustics, pick-up patterns and instruments will always assist in achieving the best sound more quickly than not. There is no correct microphone that should be used; the main goal is for the appropriate sound for the music. There is no ideal position for the mike either, it is always best to make sure you are getting desired results by listening back.

 A method for recording vocals is pretty similar. However, it all depends upon how many vocalists are surrounding the mic and the best option for that specific situation. Have the singers group around an omnidirectional mic to keep an even balance of the voices and their ranges. Single vocalists can manage with this mic pattern also because it will catch the singers voice from every direction.

 Singers, however, usually opt for a cardioid pattern which picks up more directly with some of the sounds from the sides of the mic. The mic should always be aimed directly between the nose and the mouth to catch the vocals and timbre in their entirety. Doing so can assist with the unwanted breathy explosions and consonants being overly accentuated.

A wind blocker may also be the best solution for stopping these unwanted sounds. Anyone can use these methods to record effectively and efficiently and in turn to create better quality records. Remember to always think about how much the acoustics affects the sound and adjust accordingly. Recording can become even easier and fun when keeping these few tips in mind. And remember the ears are the final judge. Use them in every aspect of the recording process.

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