MicrophonesMore than just round ones.

Hiya!

I’m Roki C.

I’m 21 and I live in Guam, USA.

I hope you’ll enjoy my presentation!

What’s up?

This lesson is Week 1 of Introduction to Music Production at Coursera.Org.

I will be teaching you an overview of Microphone types and a brief look into some uses.

MicrophoneTypes

Microphones are Acoustic to Electric transducers or sensors that converts sound energy to voltage.

Also known as “Mic.”

To Start

There will be two main microphones you will use.

These microphones are the “Dynamic” and “Condenser.”

You should know a few important characteristics before you consider buying!

What’s the difference?

There are many different microphones, both in looks and in functionality.

Some microphones have SPECIFIC uses for specific needs.

Dynamic Microphones

One Microphone you will see a lot.

What do they look like?

They have a wide range of looks, but the most common is the grated dome top as seen below.(Fg1)

FG1

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FG3

Dynamic Microphones can have a variety of looks, but will always specify that they are dynamic.

What do they look like?

FG1

FG2

FG3

What are they for?

Dynamic Microphones are generally used for onstage performances.

They are durable.

They record a small area, this is great for ignoring other instruments and focusing on a particular area.

Key Difference

Does not require external power.

Condenser Microphones

Best pick of Microphones for Studio purposes.

Condenser Microphones can have a variety of looks, but will always specify that they are Condenser.

What do they look like?

FG1

FG2

FG3

What do they look like?

They have a wide range of looks, but the most common grated rectangle.(Fg1)

FG1

FG2

FG3

What are they for?

Condenser Microphones are generally used for RECORDING in a studio.

They are very sensitive.

They record wide ranges and some include various “types” of ranges. Such as the following: front, front-back, and all directions.

Key Difference

Requires +48/48 volts of external power, also known as “Phantom Power.”

Can be used onstage, but may cause feedback or may be damaged.

Other Microphones

Ribbon - In a ribbon microphone, a thin ribbon is suspended in a magnetic field. Was clearest microphone type in broadcasting in the 1930’s.

Crystal - By attaching a diaphragm to a crystal, the crystal will create a signal when sound waves hit the diaphragm.

Liquid - Liquid microphones, invented by Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Watson, were among the first working microphones to be developed, and they were a precursor to what would later become the condenser microphone. A cup was filled with water and sulfuric acid.

Other Microphones

Carbon - The oldest and simplest microphone uses carbon dust. First used in Telephones.

Laser – Captures vibrations off a plane.

Fiber Optic – these microphones can be extremely small, and they can be used in electrically sensitive environments

Electret – Cheap, simple, widely used, and found commonly in Cellphones.

Not sure which is best?

A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone would be best for starters!

Go out and try some!

Thank you for viewing!

I did my best---did I present the information correctly?

Is there anything I missed or could have explained better?

Thank you for watching and critiquing.

SourcesImageshttp://static.musiciansfriend.comhttp://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.ukhttp://static.musiciansfriend.comhttp://www.floridamusicco.comhttp://us.123rf.comhttp://www.altoedge.comInfohttps://class.coursera.org/musicproduction-001/class/index(Professor S., Loudon)http://electronics.howstuffworks.com