MIXING TECHNIQUES
A. Choosing the
Right Microphone
Microphone Types
The choice of microphone depends on the application that
the microphone will be used for and individual preference.
However, broadly speaking microphones fall into two main
types:
Dynamic Microphone -
• A robust design which
uses a thin diaphragm
attached to a coil of wire
arranged about a
permanent magnet. Any
variation in air pressure
on the diaphragm will
cause the coil to generate a minute electric current which
then requires amplification.
Dynamic mics are relatively inexpensive, rugged and
require no electrical power to operate. They are ideal for
all-round high sound pressure levels (SPL) and tend to be
used for live applications. However, they are not as
sensitive to high frequencies as condenser types.
Condenser Microphone -
• A type of microphone which picks up sound via a thin,
flexible diaphragm placed
in proximity to a metal
plate - as opposed to the
rigid diaphragm-and-coil
system used by dynamic
microphones. They need
power to operate - the
most common source
being +48v DC PHANTOM POWER.
Condenser mics are very sensitive to distant sounds and
high frequencies. Because of this sensitivity they are often
used in studio recording situations.
N.B. +48v Phantom power is used to charge the diaphragm and
plate. It also supplies a small amplifier which boosts the small
voltages generated by diaphragm movements.
Microphone Pick-up Patterns
A pick-up (Polar) pattern refers to the area(s) from which a
microphone "picks up" its sound. It is important to choose
the right pattern for your application, or you may pick up
sounds from areas you don’t want or lose sound
information you need.
Omni Pattern
The most basic type of
microphone pattern.
• A 360° polar response which
picks up sound equally in all
directions.
This pattern is ideal for
picking up groups of vocals,
audiences, ambient sounds but is most susceptible to
feedback.
Cardioid Pattern
• The ‘heart-shaped’ polar
response of a microphone
meaning that most of the
sound is picked up
from the front.
Used for most basic
recording or in any situation
where sound has to be picked up from mainly one
direction. Dynamic cardioid mics are mostly used for live
applications because they help reduce unwanted spill
from other instruments, thus reducing the risk of
feedback.
Hyper-cardioid
• Similar to a cardioid pattern but
with greater directionality.
Used for live vocal microphones
because it provides the greatest
protection from unwanted spill
and feedback.
Figure of Eight
• Sound is picked up
from the front and
back but not from
the sides.
This pattern is
used mainly in
studios for picking
up two ‘harmony’
vocalists, or solo vocalists who
require some room ambience.
SECTION 3: Mixing T
echniques
10
+V
–V
OUTPUT
FIG. 3.1
FIG. 3.3
FIG. 3.4
FIG. 3.5
FIG. 3.6
FIG. 3.2
13924 Inners 7/8/01 2:56 pm Page 10
Содержание Spirit SX
Страница 38: ...Notes 38 ...
Страница 40: ...40 ...