V-Cert Music Technology Microphone techniques in Music UNIT 9 NAME: Daniel Steel 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 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 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 In stand-up comedy, the feedback of the audience is instant and crucial for the comedian's act. Audiences expect a stand-up comic to provide a steady stream of laughs, and a performer is always under pressure to deliver Voice acting, singing vocals, narration… just about any flavour of recorded human voice can benefit from signal processing. Frequency modulation is used in radio, telemetry, radar, seismic prospecting, and monitoring new- borns for seizures via EEG Group of singers Just like Analog mixers, Digital mixers digitally process input audio signals and adjust their volume and tone. Various kinds of tone controls that would be impossible using analog processes can be applied using digital processing. Wave interference is the phenomenon that occurs when two waves meet while traveling along the same medium. Stage monitor systems are speakers on stage pointing towards the performers to help them hear themselves Amplifier (Gtr / Keys) in our line of work, we see many common problems arising at live gigs The theory of evolution says that the longer something has been evolving the more complex it tends to get, and this is certainly true of the electric guitar, which has been evolving for over half a century Ideally, the mike should be mounted on a stand, as a fixed location gives you more scope for dealing with feedback problems Kick Drum in a small venue, you only need to add a small amount of drums,, if any, to the system, as the kit can be clearly heard already — often, it would help to be able to do the opposite and reduce the level! The first thing most novice mixers do when approaching a duff kick track is to reach for the EQ, and nine times out of ten they do the wrong thing with it although the techniques for amplifying drums over a sound system are similar to those that an engineer would use in the studio, there is one key difference: in the studio Snare drum Most musical instruments are relatively straightforward to record in isolation, but the drum kit is actually an ensemble of instruments, and so can present more of a challenge. Tune-Bot enables you to accurately tune your drums to a specific notes or frequencies and once you know the notes or frequencies you want, you can quickly tune and retune your drums. This tuning guide will help you determine the notes and frequencies to use for your specific drum set For the past two months, we've been discussing the science and synthesis of bass drums, so it is almost inevitable that we're now going to move onto the snare drum.

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 Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones. because it the one there is Group of singers group singers user The vocal microphone Because it is has a cover so u do have a eco from the back in there because the will bring a eco in the sound Amplifier (Gtr / Keys) The Shure SM57 is a low-impedance, unidirectional, dynamic microphone made by Shure Incorporated and commonly used in live sound reinforcement and studio recording. because it is good for recording a amp because the sound will sound ward Kick Drum Audio Technical AE2500, this mice has two separate outputs for its dynamic and capacitor elements because it will get the sound and recording it will It will sound like is bin kick to Meany times Snare drum Shure SM 57LC, ideal dynamic mica for snare, toms, electric guitar and many more applications, definitely an all-rounder Thurman with a good frequency response for clean instrumental recording. because it good for recording I could find enter the will record good 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!!!

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 …………………………………………………

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? ……………………………………………………………………………

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? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………… QUESTION: Explain Microphone sound compared with source sound ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………… QUESTION: What is a pop shield? When should we use one and why? …………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………… …...

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. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………… QUESTION: Use the options on the mixer (right) to explain the following Frequency balance: ……………………………………………………………………………… Distortion: ………………………………………………………………………………

1.6 Assess sound quality and microphone set-up Operate a digital audio workstation MICROPHONE SET-UP QUESTION: What are Boom stands? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………… QUESTION: When completing 1.4 did you carry out any checks to ensure cables were fully working? ………………………………………………………………………………………………… CHECK 1: ………………………………………………………………………………………………… CHECK 2: For positioning of stands please refer to 1.4 …………………………………………………………………………………………………

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