1. “Music Technology from Scratch” Pages 28 - 29
Microphones
“Music Technology from Scratch” Pages

2. What microphones to choose:
Before you select a microphone you need to know :
The main types of microphones (Dynamic and condenser) and how they are used.
The pick up patterns : the directions from which a microphone can pick up sound.
Frequency response: How good a microphone is at picking up different ranges of pitch.
Sensitivity: How well a microphone will pick up quiet sounds
Dynamic
Condenser

3. 2 main microphone types
Dynamic : a microphone that generates it own power.
Condenser: A microphone that has an electrical charge therefore needs to be supplied with power. They are also known as Capacitor microphones. They are more sensitive to sound as the diaphragm does not have to drive a coil making it lighter .

4. Dynamic Microphones
A dynamic microphone contains a diagram attached to a metal coil. As sound waves make the diaphragm vibrate, the coil moves rapidly in the magnetic field. This makes electricity flow in the wires, producing a small electrical signal.

5. Dynamic Microphones

6. The internal of a Dynamic microphone

7. Condenser/Capacitor microphones
In a Capacitor microphone, 2 thin plates are a tiny distance apart. An electrical charge builds up between them. When the diaphragm vibrates the charge is disturbed and the electricity flows between the 2.

8. Condenser Microphone

9. Condenser Microphones

10. Dynamic and Capacitor differences
1. Less expensive and more available to buy.
2. Strongly made - can survive a few knocks.
3. Produces a low level audio signal - meaning it needs a lot of gain.
Condenser:
1. Costs more than a Dynamic.
2. Is delicate and does not like the cold - needs to be handled with care.
3. Needs power - some use a battery , some need what is called Phantom power.

11. Dynamic and Condenser Differences
4. Does not need a power source as it has its own.
5. Used for close and loud sounds.
6. Less sensitive at high frequencies.
4. Can be used close up but is also useful for low level and distant sounds.
5. Has a good frequency response sometimes beyond human hearing.
6. Good for high quality complex, wide ranging sounds.

12. Dynamic and Capacitor Uses
Good where there are loud levels of sound, such as close drums, amplifiers and loud singers.
Used a lot for kick drum, snare drum and Toms.
Used for trumpet, saxophone in loud conditions, small rooms or bands.
Good for guitar amplification.
Good for live vocals.
Condenser:
They need careful handling and don’t always survive high sound pressure levels.
Used for stereo or ambient recording and drum overheads.
Good for instrumental recording to capture the full range of sound.
Acoustic, classical guitar.
Recording vocals to capture the maximum frequency range and quality of sound.