Introduction to

Microphones

What is a Microphone?

Microphones are a type of transducer:

a device which converts energy from one form to another

Two general types of mics

Dynamic mics

Condenser mics

Two general types of mics

Dynamic mics- No power required- Magnetic diaphragm acts like a sail – generates

electricity via a magnet- Only react to strong sounds- Rugged, short range, low sensitivity

Condenser mics

Two general types of mics

Dynamic mics- No power required- Magnetic diaphragm acts like a sail – generates electricity via a

magnet- Only react to strong sounds- Rugged, short range, low sensitivity

Condenser mics- Don’t create electricity – use charge from battery source- More sensitive, greater range, much more fragile

Mic Types

Handheld

Shotgun

Lavaliere (Lav)

PZM (Pressure Zone Mic)

PICKUP PATTERNS/DIRECTIONALITYOmnidirectional

- Picks up 360-degrees

PICKUP PATTERNS/DIRECTIONALITYCardioid

- Picks up in heart-shaped pattern

PICKUP PATTERNS/DIRECTIONALITYUnidirectional (or Hypercardioid)

- Picks up in forward/shotgun-type pattern

PICKUP PATTERNS/DIRECTIONALITYBi-directional

- Picks up in figure-8 pattern/equally both sides

MIC CONNECTIONSXLR

- Three-pin

MIC CONNECTIONS1/4”

- Also called “Headphone”

MIC CONNECTIONS1/8”

- Also called “Mini”