OK, so we're all back in class. (Shout-out to Kent State, Main and Stark branches)
This semester will be extremely fun.
First assignment in music production (stop laughing, please) is to write about anything we feel is important. Easily done.

While there are many different types of microphones available in every shape, size and price, they all do one thing: convert sound (acoustic energy) into an audio signal (electric energy.)

All mics fit into a category which describes the type of element used:

·      Condenser – contains one or two electrically–charged plates, requires phantom power or battery supply; very sensitive to fluctuations

·      Electret condenser – capacitor mic that utilizes a permanently-charged material so as not to require a polarizing power supply

·      Ribbon (or Ribbon Velocity) – utilizes a thin corrugated metal ribbon that conducts electricity between magnetic poles. This bi-directional throwback from the 60s requires a very strong preamp and is very fragile.

·      Dynamic – handles high sound pressure levels, withstands the abuse of the working musician, limits feedback.

There are also carbon, fiber optic and piezoelectric mics, which we will not discuss in this simple essay.

While most mics have a fixed pattern, some mics have specialized pickup patterns and some can even be changed by a switch. Omni-directional, cardioid, bi-directional, all have a specific purpose. You can even achieve individualized patterns by using multiple microphones (where one is confident that feedback will not be a problem.) Homage to my friend and fallen comrade, Jimmy Hillenbrand. You will be sorely missed, sir.

When it comes to microphones, if I’m not using a shockmount large-diaphragm condenser Sennheiser, my preference is EV, Electro-Voice N/D767a. The EV is a dynamic mic, but exquisitely translates a lighter or female voice, thusly making me sound like a goddess.

Information on the above essay was obtained from these sources:

The Home Studio Handbook (Disc Makers)  (pdf available upon request) (PS. LOVE YOU, DISC MAKERS)

Electro-Voice Microphones

Sennheiser Studio Microphones

Wikipedia  (yes, I really do have a online subscription to Encyclopedia Britannica, and yet Wikipedia has more on this topic)