Microphones Â
Transducers • A transducer is a device that converts a signal in one form of energy to another form of energy – Microphone – converts sound into an electrical signal (air pressure → mo;on of conductor/coil → magne;c field → electrical – Loudspeaker, earphone – converts electrical signals into sound (amplified signal → magne;c field → mo;on → air pressure)signal) – Pickup (music technology) – converts mo;on of metal strings into an electrical signal (magne;sm → electrical signal)
Dynamic Mics 1. Dynamic Mics are some;mes called ‘Moving Coil’ Mics. What causes the coil to move? 2. What does SPL stand for? 3. Can you name the brand and model of any dynamic Mics? 4. Draw 4 diagrams showing the pick up paQern for the following: a. b. c. d.
Cardoid Super Cardoid Bi Direc;onal Omni Direc;onal
5. What are the benefits of Dynamic Mics? 6. When would you use a dynamic Microphone? (give instrument and situa;on and mic placement) 7. What is the proximity effect? 8. What is a pop shield and when would you use one?
Dynamic Mics
Shure SM 58
Shure SM 57
D112
Direc;onality Â
Condenser Mics
How Condenser Mics work • Condenser means capacitor, an electronic component which stores energy in the form of an electrosta;c field. The term condenser is actually obsolete but has stuck as the name for this type of microphone, which uses a capacitor to convert acous;cal energy into electrical energy. • Condenser microphones require power from a baQery or external source. The resul;ng audio signal is stronger signal than that from a dynamic. Condensers also tend to be more sensi;ve and responsive than dynamics, making them well-‐suited to capturing subtle nuances in a sound. They are not ideal for high-‐volume work, as their sensi;vity makes them prone to distort
How Condenser Mics work • A capacitor has two plates with a voltage between them. In the condenser mic, one of these plates is made of very light material and acts as the diaphragm. The diaphragm vibrates when struck by sound waves, changing the distance between the two plates and therefore changing the capacitance. Specifically, when the plates are closer together, capacitance increases and a charge current occurs. When the plates are further apart, capacitance decreases and a discharge current occurs. • A voltage is required across the capacitor for this to work. This voltage is supplied either by a baQery in the mic or by external phantom power.
AKG C 1000
Neumann Â
Miking Task