On day 4 we learnt about how microphones work, in particular the condenser and dynamic microphones, and when it is most appropriate to use these. The Condenser microphone is more sensitive; it's diaphragm has gold plating, causing less resistance, which results in better sound capture. The Dynamic microphone operates using a coil, that moves a magnet, hence changing the magnetic field. The Dynamic microphone is not very sensitive, and is not always the best choice depending on your task.
For a Condenser microphone to work phantom power is required. Phantom power is 48 volts. However the back electret microphones do not require the Phantom power. Condenser microphones often enable the user to change the polar response patterns. This changes the way in which the microphone picks up the sound.
One polar response pattern allows the alteration of the proximity effect. The proximity effect is an increase in low frequencies when the microphone get closer to the source of sound. Bass roll-off is the polar response pattern that combats the proximity effect by cutting artificial bass gained through the microphone. However this is not always desirable, e.g. for a deep strong voice in a movie trailer, the proximity effect comes into great favor.
Condenser microphones often allow alteration of the decibels, the most common options are 6DB, 12DB and 18DB. Altering the decibels can increase or reduce the sensitivity of the microphone. 6DB is the halving of sound, this can be called the "pad switch" or the Attenuator. Compared to dynamic microphones, the Condenser microphone is very versataille.
More polar response patterns available to us, courtesy of the Condenser microphone, are the Omni-directional. Bi-directional and the Uni-directional capabilities. First of all, the Omni-Directional polar response pattern, picks up all the sounds around the microphone, which is best for ambient recording, such as creating a soundscape for a tube station or the seaside. The Bi-directional option picks up sound from two directions. This option would be good for things such as interviews. The Uni-directional microphone picks up sound from one direction. Best for recording a specific subject.
Small diaphragm condenser are much more accurate than microphones with large diaphragms. They react quickly to transient sounds (short, sharp, loud) e.g. drums or electric guitar. Large diaphragms are better for sustained sounds such as a singer of a band.
For a Condenser microphone to work phantom power is required. Phantom power is 48 volts. However the back electret microphones do not require the Phantom power. Condenser microphones often enable the user to change the polar response patterns. This changes the way in which the microphone picks up the sound.
One polar response pattern allows the alteration of the proximity effect. The proximity effect is an increase in low frequencies when the microphone get closer to the source of sound. Bass roll-off is the polar response pattern that combats the proximity effect by cutting artificial bass gained through the microphone. However this is not always desirable, e.g. for a deep strong voice in a movie trailer, the proximity effect comes into great favor.
Condenser microphones often allow alteration of the decibels, the most common options are 6DB, 12DB and 18DB. Altering the decibels can increase or reduce the sensitivity of the microphone. 6DB is the halving of sound, this can be called the "pad switch" or the Attenuator. Compared to dynamic microphones, the Condenser microphone is very versataille.
More polar response patterns available to us, courtesy of the Condenser microphone, are the Omni-directional. Bi-directional and the Uni-directional capabilities. First of all, the Omni-Directional polar response pattern, picks up all the sounds around the microphone, which is best for ambient recording, such as creating a soundscape for a tube station or the seaside. The Bi-directional option picks up sound from two directions. This option would be good for things such as interviews. The Uni-directional microphone picks up sound from one direction. Best for recording a specific subject.
Small diaphragm condenser are much more accurate than microphones with large diaphragms. They react quickly to transient sounds (short, sharp, loud) e.g. drums or electric guitar. Large diaphragms are better for sustained sounds such as a singer of a band.
