Microphone Basics Flashcards
Microphone
A transducer that converts sound waves into an electrical signal
Transducer
Device that changes one form of energy into another
What are the three type of mic. designs?
Dynamic; Condenser; Ribbon
What is the simplest and most common type of mic?
Dynamic Microphone
What mic works the same way as our ears work?
Dynamic Microphone
Electromagnetic Induction
Whenever an electrically conductive metal cuts across the lines of a magnetic field, a current generates
Examples of Dynamic Mics
- Shure SM57
- Shure SM58
- Shure SM7B
- Sennheiser MD421
What microphone uses a diaphragm of extremely thin aluminum ribbon?
Ribbon Microphone
What Microphone is delicate?
Ribbon Microphone
What Mic is known for it’s warm, rich tones?
Ribbon Microphone
Examples of Ribbon Microphones
- ROYER R-121
- Royer R-10
- Coles 4038
What mic has a front diaphragm and a fixed back plate?
Condenser Microphone
What is Q?
A constant charge
How is Q constant?
Because of the power supply charge
What is C?
Capacitance
What is V?
Voltage
How does V change in a condenser mic?
Inversely proportional
How does C Change in a condenser mic?
Proportionally
Examples of Condenser Microphone
(LARGE DIAPHRAGM)
- Neumann U87
- AKG 414
(SMALL DIAPHRAGM)
- Neumann KM 184
- Telefunken ELA M260
Phantom Power
Supplies a positive DC supply of voltage of +48V to both audio conductors to the condenser capsule, allowing it to work as a capacitor
What mics don’t require phantom power?
Dynamic and Ribbon microphones
Omnidirectional Microphone
Responsive to sounds emanating from all directions
Directional Mic
Responsive to relative differences in pressure between the front, back, and sides of the diaphragm
Proximity Effect
A low-frequency phenomenon that causes an increase in bass response
What mic does proximity effect tend to occur in most?
Directional Mics
What can compensate for the proximity effect?
A low-frequency filter/an external filter or EQ
PAD
“Passive Attenuation Device”, designed to attenuate/reduce an audio signal
What is the reduction in pads normally expressed as?
Negative decibels
