1. 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. 1.1 - 1.3 = 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).

2. 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

3. 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 Condenser microphones require power from a battery or external source. The resulting audio signal is stronger signal than that from a dynamic. Condenser microphones are more sensitive Dynamic Microphone The dynamic microphone uses a wire coil and a magnet to create the audio signal Dynamic microphones have a relatively simple construction and are therefore economical and rugged. They can handle extremely high sound pressure levels You have to be close to the microphone so it can record you Polar Patterns / Directional response in Microphones the polar pattern of a microphone is the sensitivity to the sound relative Picks up sound evenly from all directions depending on the pattern a particular subject or area it is likely to be overwhelmed by other noise. TASK : Complete the table below – You may use more than one page and expand with pictures.

4. 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, in the context of professional audio equipment, is a method for transmitting DC electric power through microphone cables to operate microphones that contain active electronic circuitry. phantom / self-powered (internal battery) microphones which operate on phantom voltages from 9 – 48 volts. Proximity effect of Microphones Proximity effect is a change in the frequency response of a microphone, having a directional pickup pattern, that produces an emphasis Frequency response of microphones The frequency response gives important information about the tonal balance of the microphone under different acoustic resulting in a more accurate representation TASK : Complete the table below – You may use more than one page and expand with pictures.

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

6. 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 Group of singers Amplifier (Gtr / Keys) Kick Drum Snare drum

7. 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 Group of singers Amplifier (Gtr / Keys) Kick Drum Snare drum TASK : Choose a Microphone for each sound source

8. 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!!!

9. 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

10. 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 …………………………………………………

11. 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? ……………………………………………………………………………

12. 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? …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………...

13. 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: ………………………………………………………………………………

14. 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 …………………………………………………………………………………………………

15. Unit PositiveImprovementsCurrent grade 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 UNIT 1: TEACHER FEEDBACK Set up and operate a digital audio workstation Name: ………………………....................................Tutor: ………………

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