V-Cert Music Technology Microphone techniques in Music UNIT 9 NAME………………………………………………………….. YOU WILL: Be working independently to research and complete this task – Zero teacher input = Independent research (Complete the PowerPoint). 1.4 = Practical task (Complete the PowerPoint). 1.5 = Independent research (Complete the PowerPoint). 1.6 = Questioning (Complete the PowerPoint).

CriteriaPassMeritDistinction 1.1 Describe the key properties of commonly used microphones in music/sound production Candidates describe the key properties of commonly used microphones in music/sound production Candidates provide a detailed description of the key properties of commonly used microphones in music/sound production using appropriate technical terminology Candidates demonstrate critical judgement in their exploration of key properties in a wide range of microphones 1.2 Describe the factors affecting the choice of microphone with regard to typical sound sources Candidates describe the factors affecting the choice of microphone with regard to typical sound sources Candidates provide a detailed description of the factors affecting the choice of microphone with regard to typical sound sources, giving examples appropriate to the given context Candidates explore and evaluate a wide range of factors and choices of microphone appropriate to a variety of contexts 1.3 Select appropriate microphones for specified sound sources Candidates select appropriate microphones for specified sound sources Candidates demonstrate critical understanding of their selection of the appropriate microphone for a specific sound source Candidates explore a wide range of microphones and demonstrate critical judgement in their choice 1.4 Position microphones appropriately for good- quality recordings of typical sound sources Candidates position microphones appropriately for good-quality recordings of typical sound sources Candidates demonstrate critical understanding of the positioning of microphones based on artistic and technical criteria Candidates position microphones with insight, reflection and experimentation, based on meeting given artistic and technical criteria 1.5 Connect microphones to appropriate audio amplification or recording equipment Candidates connect microphones to appropriate audio amplification or recording equipment No MeritNo Distinction 1.6 Assess sound quality and microphone set-up Candidates assess sound quality and microphone set-up Candidates demonstrate critical understanding of sound quality and microphone set-up Candidates demonstrate critical judgement in assessing sound quality and explore a range of methods in setting up microphones UNIT 9: Marking

Operate a digital audio workstation 1.1 Describe the key properties of commonly used microphones in music/sound production Key Properties Definition & Instrument Use Advantages Disadvantages Condenser Microphone A condenser microphone is a mic mostly used for recording and amplifying instruments. well-suited for in-studio productions and for use in film production. This mic needs a special type of power using a external lead. Dynamic Microphone Dynamic mics are the standard general-purpose mics like the type you see people singing into. This mic doesn’t need any required power source and they are very sturdy. This mic is not good for studio productions and for use in film production. Polar Patterns / Directional response in Microphones The polar pattern of a mic is the sensitivity to sound relative to the direction or angle from which the sound arrives. Some can be good for loud stages. There can sometimes pick up feedback TASK : Complete the table below – You may use more than one page and expand with pictures.

Operate a digital audio workstation 1.1 Describe the key properties of commonly used microphones in music/sound production Key Properties Definition & Instrument Use Advantages Disadvantages Microphones with Phantom Power phantom power is a special type of power needed in condenser microphones. Condenser microphones have a more flat frequency response. You might need to have a separate power source if the mixing deck or preamp if it dose not have a phantom power supply. Proximity effect of Microphones An increase in bass or low frequency response when a sound source is close to a microphone. This dose not occur if the mic being used has Omni Direction Polar Patterns. Low frequency boosts will not be used. Frequency response of microphones The frequency response gives important information about the tonal balance of the microphone under different acoustic conditions. This is the best choice if the sound quality is most important. This is not good for live stage performances. TASK : Complete the table below – You may use more than one page and expand with pictures.

Operate a digital audio workstation You will be recording 2 of these SOLO SINGER GROUP OF SINGERS AMPLIFER KICK DRUMSNARE DRUMDRUM KIT

Operate a digital audio workstation 1.2 Describe the factors affecting the choice of microphone with regard to typical sound sources Sound source How will a Microphone make life harder for the performer / Audience Frequency (Low / High frequencies or a mixture) Input signal (will the volume remain the same?) Actor Holding a microphone would make acting difficult because they need there hands. the frequency of an actor would be in the middle of high and low. The frequency is about Hz depending if you’re male or female The volume would change when there are shouting. Group of singers If a group of singers are dancing on stage they would need a microphone around there head and not holding one. the frequency of a group of singers would be in the middle. The frequency is about Hz depending if you’re male or female The volume of a group of singers would change when they are being sung. Amplifier (Gtr / Keys) If a microphone is not close enough to an amp the sound would be to quite. the frequency of the amp would be in the middle. The frequency is about Hz for a electric guitar. The volume would change depending on how hard the instrument is being played. Kick Drum drummers have there drum kit on a mat so it will not move so as the drummer pushes the peddle the microphone could move. the frequency would be low. The volume of the kick drum would be silent until the drummer pushes the peddle make a loud bang. Snare drum Not having a microphone near the snare drum, this will not be good for a performance making it too quite for the audience. the frequency would be high. as the drummer hits the snare drum the noise will remain the same.

Operate a digital audio workstation 1.3 Select appropriate microphones for specified sound sources Sound source The best Mic Why this mic?What other Mics did you consider and why did you not use them Solo singer Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphone I choses this mic because it is small and would be good if the singer is moving up and down the stage. This mic the Shure 55SH-II Classic Dynamic Vocal Microphone but it would too big unless they stand still. Group of singers sE Electronics sE X1 This mic is good for a group of 4 to 5 people. Making it the best for studio purposes. If I chose the shure sm58 but 4 or 5 mics would be needed. Amplifier (Gtr / Keys) Rode M3 I choses this mic because it is small so getting close to the amp will be easy. the Sennheiser MD 421U I large and getting it close would be harder. Kick Drum AKG D12 VR the AKG D12 VR is a tiny mic meaning on stage is will not be in the way. Sennheiser E602 MKII would be a good but its big a because the drum kit move sometimes it mite fall over. Snare drum Shure PG56 this mic has a flat top so when the drum is hit it will catch the high frequency Mics like the shure sm58 are not suitable for a snare due the snare having a hgh frequency. TASK : Choose a Microphone for each sound source

1.4 Position microphones appropriately for good-quality recordings of typical sound sources What 2 sources are you going to record? Delete appropriately Operate a digital audio workstation SOURCE 1 SOURCE 2 SOLO SINGER SCHOOL CHOIR AMPLIFERSNARE DRUMDRUM KIT SOLO SINGER SCHOOL CHOIR AMPLIFERSNARE DRUMDRUM KIT TASK 1: TASK 2: Head to the studio and set up the mics ready to record. TAKE PHOTOS!!! These were the final position of the mics.

1.5 Connect microphones to appropriate audio amplification or recording equipment Operate a digital audio workstation TASK: Add arrows to connect the microphone to the amp Dynamic Mic XLR Lead Powered amplifier

1.5 Connect microphones to appropriate audio amplification or recording equipment Operate a digital audio workstation TASK: Add arrows to connect the microphone to the mixer XLR Lead Condenser Mic Mixer with phantom power QUESTION: What needs to be on to power this mic Phantom power is needed to power this mic.

1.5 Connect microphones to appropriate audio amplification or recording equipment Operate a digital audio workstation TASK: Add arrows to connect the Wireless Mic to the amp Wireless Mic Front XLR Lead Powered amplifier Wireless Mic Back QUESTION: What is meant by Matching the mic channels between Mic & Unit? The mic has to be on the same channel as the unit for the unit to connect like a walkie talkie.

1.6 Assess sound quality and microphone set-up SOUND QUALITY Operate a digital audio workstation QUESTION: What is ‘Spill’ or sometimes called ‘Bleed’ and why is it an important factor with Microphones? Spill is the occurrence in sound recording and live sound mixing whereby sound is picked up by a microphone from a source other than that which is intended. QUESTION: Explain Microphone sound compared with source sound Source sound is the actual thing being recorded like a singer or drum kit. QUESTION: What is a pop shield? When should we use one and why? A pop shield is a piece of equipment placed in front of the mic to stop a popping sound. Its mostly used when someone sings solo.

1.6 Assess sound quality and microphone set-up SOUND QUALITY Operate a digital audio workstation QUESTION: Research how to best prevent wind when recording outside. The best way to prevent wind in a recording is to use a windmuff. QUESTION: Use the options on the mixer (right) to explain the following Frequency balance: Frequency balance is the change of tone of the input. Distortion: Distortion is when input is to loud.

1.6 Assess sound quality and microphone set-up Operate a digital audio workstation MICROPHONE SET-UP QUESTION: What are Boom stands? A boom stand is a normal mic stand but with a extra arm. QUESTION: When completing 1.4 did you carry out any checks to ensure cables were fully working? Leads were checked to make sure they work. CHECK 1: CHECK 2: For positioning of stands please refer to 1.4 Yes

Unit PositiveImprovementsCurrent grade UNIT 1: TEACHER FEEDBACK Set up and operate a digital audio workstation Name: ……………………… Tutor: ………………

UNIT 1: QUESTION & ANSWER Set up and operate a digital audio workstation Candidate Name Candidate Signature Assessor Name Assessor Signature QuestionResponseAssessment CriteriaDate