Transient and Frequency Response By Lorenzo Canadilla and Jackson Beveridge

Frequency Response The way a microphone responds to certain frequencies. It is the tendency of all mics to exaggerate certain frequencies and reduce others. ZZU

Frequency Response Curve This is the measure of the mic’s output over the audible frequency range Gives insight into how a mic will react at certain frequencies

Microphone preference Condenser mics usually have a flatter frequency response curve for they are more concerned with all the little sounds in a recording.

Types of Microphones Certain mics are created to emphasize the high, middle and low range and some respond equally to all. Tailored FR mics are those that favor a certain range of frequencies. For example their output in decibels could be higher for a 200 hertz frequency than for a 500 hertz frequency. Flat FR mics are those that respond equally to all frequencies.

Transient Response The measure of how quickly a microphone’s diaphragm can respond to changes in waveform The change in wave form refers to the transient, which you may remember is the high amplitude short duration sound at the beginning of a wave form. This can lead to a range of differences in the resulting sound between microphones, specifically when it comes to percussive instruments.

Microphones That Directly Relate to Transient Response Dynamic mics have very large diaphrams and heavy cores which make it slow when reacting to waveform. This gives it a rugged, lagging sound. Ribbon mics on the other hand have a lighter and smaller diaphragm that allows for faster reaction to waveform. They would be more ideal to record percussion.

Dynamic Vs. Ribbon

Why do we care? To know what type of mics to record certain aspects of a musical composition with. To increase the control of the waves we have to work with Also to have basic understanding of how his equipment works