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 were the first design that proved practical for recording music, and these mics remain workhorses in the recording industry today. The unrestricted diaphragm movement of condenser mics produces audio signals that can be more faithful to the original sound source than those of dynamic and ribbon designs. Dynamic Microphone Dynamic microphones are versatile and ideal for general-purpose use. They use a simple design with few moving parts. They are relatively sturdy and resilient to rough handling. They are also better suited to handling high volume levels, such as from certain musical instruments or amplifiers. They have no internal amplifier and do not require batteries or external power. The simplicity of construction is the main advantage of this type of microphone. Because of their simple working principle, troubleshooting such microphones can be quite simple. A major disadvantage of dynamic microphones is their reduced accuracy compared to other types of microphones. This is because the moving coil cannot accurately capture multiple sounds of different frequencies that are played simultaneously. Polar Patterns / Directional response in Microphones Originally known as “pressure” microphones, their diaphragms measured sound pressure at a single point in space. Because they had no directional information, they were equally sensitive to sound from all directions. it helps track the wave of a microphone recording 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 These microphones are used for plays and films Condenser microphones draw current from the phantom voltage based on their electrical needs. Because Sound Devices products are portable and run from batteries, power used to operate microphones reduces battery runtime. Microphones vary widely in the amount of current they draw. The chart below shows a sampling of microphones from various manufacturers. The voltage and current specifications are from manufacturer’s literature. Proximity effect of Microphones Frequency response of microphones 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 maybe the actor could nock over the microphone whilst acting mixture The volume wont stay the same because the actor wont be speaking on a monotone Group of singers They don’t have enough room to move around highThe volume will remain the same Amplifier (Gtr / Keys) its really big and cost a lot of money and is unnecessary high the volume will vary Kick Drum mixture the volume will vary Snare drum this is a very expensive piece of equpment high the volume will stay the same depending on how hard you hit it

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 dynamic microphone Peavey pvi2 this microphone produces a very good sound quility Condenser mic is not a good mic to use 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? ……………………it protects the mike from echoing …………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………...

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. ……………………use a fluffy thing called A MIC PROTECTOR BALL ……………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………… 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