BPSH

A microphone is an acoustic to electric transducer that converts energy from one form to another - acoustic energy (sound waves) into electric energy (audio signal). Pick-up Patterns Microphones have different pickup patterns, or directional capabilities. Depending on the type of work that you're doing, some microphones are more suitable than others.

Dynamic Microphones Dynamic Microphones are rugged and robust, so have uses in difficult and punishing environments, such as stage work, hand-held situations, and on location. They are very popular in the recording studio, especially for close miking applications. Dynamic mics, can generally sustain louder sounds before they distort, are cheap, and often impart their own distinctive character, or "colour", to the sound they record. Condenser or Capacitor Microphones Condenser microphones are usually less rugged than dynamic mics, they are more sensitive to physical shocks and environmental factors, like temperature changes and humidity. The condenser mic can respond very quickly and accurately to an incident sound. Therefore, condensers, generally, have excellent sonic characteristics, being widely used in recording tasks. They are not the best microphone for live performance. Condenser microphones are the most commonly used mics in recording and broadcasting today.

Condensers generally need to be powered from an external source often "phantom power" supplied by the microphone preamp or mixer.

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Ribbon Microphones Ribbon microphones are typically bidirectional, meaning they pick up sounds equally well from either side of the microphone. They are the most fragile of all mic types, and can be damaged simply by blowing into the microphone. So they are used primarily in recording studios. These microphones are known by their gentle high frequency response, good transient reaction, great warmth and very low self noise.

Microphone Dynamic

Characteristics

Cost

Condenser

Ribbon

Durable Less Expensive Does not require additional power Optimal for live performance Often used for drums and guitars, bass and horns Good for Vocals Does not have an extended high frequency response. Delicate Expensive Requires additional power Used most often in the studio Drum overheads, vocals Picks up every nuance Delicate, subject to Very Expensive being damaged good for vocals and acoustic instruments. Does not require additional power More natural sounding use pop filter for vocals

General Rules for Microphone Use

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1. Aim the microphone toward the desired sound source and away from unwanted sources. 2. Locate the microphone as close as practical to the desired sound source. 3. Work close to the microphone for extra bass response. 4. Use only one microphone per sound source. 5. Locate multiple microphones at least three times as far from the other microphones as from the sound source. 6. Use as few microphones as practical. 7. Place microphones away from sound reflecting surfaces. 8. Apply a windscreen when using microphones outdoors, for close-up speech or vocals. 9. Avoid excessive handling to minimise mechanical noise.
Windscreen

Pop filter