2. 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).

3. 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

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 Condenser Microphone A Condenser Microphone requires Power from a battery. The resulting audio signal is stronger signal then that from a dynamic. They are not ideal for a very high volume work. Transform sound into electric signal The characteristic of reappearing the original sound Very wild frequency response Expensive Requires a battery or external power supply to bias the plates. Dynamic Microphone Judging by their numbers, dynamic microphones are the most popular type of microphone, and for a very good reason, they are cheap and very robust. Relatively cheap and rugged. Can be easily miniaturized. Dynamic microphones have two downsides, their poor high frequency response and a low output level Polar Patterns / Directional response in Microphones The polar pattern of a microphone is the sensitivity to sound relative to the direction or angle from which the sound arrives, or easier worded how well the microphone “hears“ sound from different directions. The most common types of directionality are: Omnidirectional and Cardioid it relates to the sound and were it is coming from so if you are behind I then. some microphones only capture sound from in front of it so if people were standing in fount of it, it won’t record. TASK : Complete the table below – You may use more than one page and expand with pictures.

5. 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 is a DC voltage sent through a microphone cable to power a microphone or associated device. It's standard feature in most audio equipment. Phantom powering is a method of providing power to microphones by applying a voltage to the same wires that carry the audio signal. Condenser microphones generally have a more flat frequency response You might need to use a separate power supply if the mixing desk or preamp does not have it’s own phantom power supply. Proximity effect of Microphones In its simplest form, proximity effect is the increase of bass frequencies as a directional microphone comes closer to the sound source This does not occur on microphones with Directional polar patterns. May be flattering to some vocal styles. The low frequency boost might be unwanted, especially in vocal recording. Frequency response of microphones Flat frequency response All audible frequencies (20 Hz – 20 kHz) have the same output level. This is most suitable for applications where the sound source has to be reproduced without changing or “colouring” the original sound, e.g. for recording. Tailored frequency response! A tailored response is usually designed to enhance a sound source in a particular application. For instance, a microphone may have a peak in the 2 – 8 kHz range to increase intelligibility for live vocals. The good thing about a flat frequency response is that you can use more than one different types of microphones you can use an PG27SM27 and a SM8 1 The good thing about the tailored frequency response is you can also use more than three microphones. You can use PG58, SM58 and a Beta 58A Not best suited to live/stage. Due to proximity effect, if a sound source is more than a few inches from the capsule it can lack bass. TASK : Complete the table below – You may use more than one page and expand with pictures.

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

7. 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 It would make it hard for a actor because they wouldn’t be able to act properly because if they had to carry something they wouldn’t be able to because o the microphone in their hand. Mainly mid range frequencies The volume wouldn’t be the same because if the actor is changing the tone in their voice then the pitch would be different. On the level of the volume. Group of singers It would be harder because you won’t be able to hear everyone sing because if you have one microphone and a big group of singers you would only hear the ones that are at the front so if you had a couple of microphones then that would be better because you would hear them all. Low, Mid & High Frequencies depending the group. Mainly male, more Low & Mid. Mainly women & children, more Mid & High. It wouldn’t be the same volume because there are different types of signers and different tones. Amplifier (Gtr / Keys) you need the microphone to be touching the amp because it would sound will determine the sound you get. Mid from around 1-5Khz i t would stay the same because the microphone is close to the speaker so it would only catch the coming from the speaker ad not around the room. Kick Drum Low Frequency sound is required & specific placement Mainly Low, maybe some middle depending on the size of the drum Should remain quite consistent & loud. Snare drum if you want to record the snare you have to make sure it’s in a certain place Low around 150 for the “body” & Mid (3-5KHz) for the main “snap/crack” sound. Some dynamics but will be consistently loud.

8. 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 the best mic is A Sennheiser dynamic microphone because it’s simple to set up and that is the common one that people use too sing. it’s very cheap and it is very popular because people prefer to use this one. Shure SM58. the shape of the grill on the SM58 means you can’t get it as close to the speaker. Group of singers The best mic is An AKG C214 condenser microphone because you can have two and you would hear all of the singers in that group. Because it has a stronger signal than a dynamic microphone. Individual dynamic mics, these would not be suitable as you would need too many of them Amplifier (Gtr / Keys) Dynamic Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD421 It has a frequency response which suits the range of a guitar amp well. Other dynamic mics such as a Shure SM58, they are similar Kick Drum Dynamic, preferably one that is tailored for low frequencies. AKG D112, Audix The mic has been designed to pick up low frequencies & handle loud sources. A condenser mic would pick up the low frequencies but might handle the high SPL’s inside the drum. Snare drum Dynamic x 2, one for the top & one for underneath. If you pick a model with a small size A small diaphragm condenser would suit the application TASK : Choose a Microphone for each sound source

9. 1.4 Position microphones appropriately for good-quality recordings of typical sound sources Operate a digital audio workstation TASK 2: Head to the studio and set up the mics ready to record. TAKE PHOTOS!!!

10. Operate a digital audio workstation 1.4 Position microphones appropriately for good-quality recordings of typical sound sources Snare bottom Snare top

11. Operate a digital audio workstation 1.4 Position microphones appropriately for good-quality recordings of typical sound sources

12. 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

13. 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 Phantom power

14. 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? Wireless units are much like walkie-talkies in that the microphones channel must match the channel on the unit otherwise other mics could be coming down the same unit.

15. 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? Spill can also be called the bleed is the occurrence in the sound recording and the live sound mixing, whereby sound is picked up by a microphone from a source other than that which is intended. Spill is usually seen as a problem. QUESTION: Explain Microphone sound compared with source sound Source sound is the real singer / drum kit and so on When things are recorded they sound a little bit different. Sometimes it is hard for an engineer, whether it be in the studio or live to recreate a true sound. Sometimes it can work to the performers advantage. QUESTION: What is a pop shield? When should we use one and why? A pop filter or pop shield is an anti-pop noise protection filter for microphones, typically used in a recording studio. It serves to reduce or eliminate 'popping' sounds caused by the mechanical impact of fast moving air on the microphone during recorded speech and singing.

16. 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. The ‘Wind-screen’ or ‘windmuff’ type of microphone windscreens block out outdoor wind noise and other noises that don’t need to hared. They create a dead air space around the suspended microphone, taking a lot more wind noise out than a foamy could QUESTION: Use the options on the mixer (right) to explain the following Frequency balance: Distortion is a bad thing with capturing sound. If it’s not an intended effect it means for EQ is too high in a certain area or your Input signal is too high / loud Frequency balance: Frequency means HIGH, MIDDILE and LOW. This changes the colour / tone of the input. Different instruments will require additional or cutting some EQ

17. 1.6 Assess sound quality and microphone set-up Operate a digital audio workstation MICROPHONE SET-UP QUESTION: What are Boom stands? Boom stands are microphone stands with extra arms. They are vital when reaching into places like drum kits. QUESTION: When completing 1.4 did you carry out any checks to ensure cables were fully working? CHECK1 : Leads were directly checked into amplifier make sure they were working. CHECK 2: For positioning of stands please refer to 1.4

18. 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: ………………

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