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)
