Microphones Flashcards
Identify the different types of microphones, their characteristics and applications
Types of microphones
Dynamic
Condenser
Ribbon
Dynamic microphone-How they work
A diaphragm attached to a coil moves within a magnetic field, converting sound waves into electrical signals
Characteristic of dynamic microphones
Durable
Can handle high sound pressure levels (SPL)
No external power needed (No need for phantom power)
Less sensitive to quiet, subtle sound
Sound characteristic of dynamic microphones
Warm, focus on mid range due to limited high-frequency response
Uses of dynamic microphones
Live sound applications
Loud sources like drums, guitar amplifiers and vocals in high-pressure environments
Condenser microphone-How they work
Work by manipulating electrostatic charge
A capacitor (A small electrical charge storage device) has 2 parallel conductive plates (Mic diaphragm and backplate) separated an insulating material, prevents them from touching and connecting
Works by storing ‘charge’ (Phantom power) between these 2 plates
What changes to allow current to flow?
One of the plates is the diaphragm
As the diaphragm moves, the capacitance changes
This change in capacitance causes the charge level to go up and down
This corresponds to the audio coming in
And creates audio signal
Characteristic of large diaphragm condenser microphones
More sensitive to subtle sound detail
Smoother high frequencies
Wider frequency response
Sound characteristic of large condenser diaphragm microphones
Warm, full, rich tone
Also add a slight colour to the sound
Use of large condenser microphones
Vocals
Acoustic instruments
Overhead for drums
Room ambience
Characteristics of small diaphragm condenser microphones
Wide frequency response, particular in the high frequencies
Fast transient response (Accurately capture the sharp, sudden changes in sound)
Sound characteristics of small diaphragm condenser microphones
Natural, sharp, accurate sound
Bright high frequencies
Use of small diaphragm condenser microphones
Acoustic instruments (Guitar & piano)
Drums: Hi-hat and overheads
Ribbon microphone-How they work
A thin ribbon of metal suspended in a magnetic field moves when sound waves hit it, creating an electrical signal
Characteristic of ribbon microphones
Warm, smooth sound with excellent high-frequency detail
More fragile than dynamic and condenser mics
Historically used in vintage recordings, but modern designs are more durable
Sound characteristics of ribbon microphones
Warm, smooth sound in general
Soft high frequencies with a more relaxed, natural sound
Deep, rich low-end frequencies
Uses of ribbon microphones
Great for brass, strings, and room ambience
Used for vintage sounds or smooth vocal recordings
