Microphone techniques 01

Audio Techniques and Projects

Microphone techniques || 01

There are two main types of microphone:

Dynamic
Condenser

Dynamic is used mainly but not limited to live performances, as well as sturdy studio mics.

Condensers are used mainly for studio work. They are phantom powered (48v).

Every microphone has a polar pattern, these polar patterns tailor the microphones for specific needs.

Polar Pattern

A polar pattern is the area in which the mic is made to receive sound.

There are 5 main types of microphones:

Cardioid
Hypercardioid
Supercardiod
Bidirectional
Omnidirectional

Cardioid

Means "heart-shaped". Sound is picked up mostly from the front, but to a lesser extent the sides as well.

Uses: Capturing sound from the direction the mic is positioned.

Hypercardioid

This is exaggerated version of the cardioid pattern. It is very directional and eliminates most sound from the sides and rear.

Uses: Isolating the sound from a subject or direction when there is a lot of ambient noise; picking up sound from a subject at a distance.

Supercardioid

These microphones offer a even narrower pickup than the rest of the cardioid family and a greater rejection
of ambient sound.

Uses: Similar to hypercardioid but more extreme.

Omnidirectional

Captures sound equally from all directions.

Uses: Capturing ambient noise.

Bidirectional

Uses a figure-of-eight pattern and picks up sound equally from two opposite directions.

Uses: A possible use for this mic type would be as an interview mic.

Keyterms

XLR - External left and right

 

1/3/2013