2. Microphones Feedback on “Pied Beauty” Assignment

3. A good quality microphone for voice recording Shure SM58 –Low impedance –Cardioid pickup Note: Wikipedia has a good article on microphone types. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microphone#Directionality

4. Specs of the SM58 from the Shure web page The Shure SM58® unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone is designed for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and studio recording. A highly effective, built-in, spherical filter minimizes wind and breath "pop" noise. A cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise. The SM58 has a tailored vocal response for a sound which is a world standard. Rugged construction, a proven shock mount system, and a steel mesh grille ensure that even with rough handling, the SM58 will perform consistently. Outdoors or indoors, singing or speech, the SM58 is the overwhelming choice of professionals.

5. Specs of the SM58 from the Shure web page Legendary Shure vocal mic tuned to accentuate the warmth and clarity of lead and back-up vocals. Consistently the first choice of performers everywhere. Cardioid, Dynamic. Shure SM58® Frequency response tailored for vocals, with brightened midrange and bass rolloff Uniform cardioid pickup pattern isolates the main sound source and minimizes background noise Pneumatic shock-mount system cuts down handling noise Effective, built-in spherical wind and pop filter Supplied with break-resistant stand adapter which rotates 180 degrees Legendary Shure quality, ruggedness and reliability Cardioid (unidirectional) dynamic Frequency response: 50 to 15,000 Hz

6. Other inexpensive mics You might also use an inexpensive mic like the one shown below, described at the Best Buy web site. Cyber Acoustics Stereo Headset with Removable Noise- Canceling Microphone ($24.99)

7. Specs of the Headset Mic from the Best Buy web page 3-in-1 functionality serves as a PC headset, stereo headphones and notebook microphone DCNT4 (direct noise-canceling microphone technology) for enhanced vocal clarity Adjustable headband for added comfort Removable boom arm for use with your notebook computer 30mm dynamic drivers deliver deep bass 7' shield cord with 3.5mm gold-plared plugs Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz headset, 100Hz - 16kHz microphone Impedence: 32 ohms headset, 2.2 kOhms microphone

8. Impedance A low impedance mic is generally better. High impedance mics don’t perform well over distances. They get interference and loss of high frequencies Low impedance is less than 600 Ω Medium impedance is 600-10,000 Ω High impedance is greater then 10,000 Ω

9. Frequency Response Check your mic’s frequency response as well –Shure SM58 has a frequency response of 50 to 15,000 Hz –Headset mic has a frequency response of 100 to 16,000 Hz 200 Hz300 Hz500 Hz 800 Hz12,000 Hz15,000 Hz