The audio file below is a recording of me testing my voice on different popular microphones. It was interesting hearing how my voice sounded with each one.
Microphone Audition
Terms
Microphones
Dynamic – The sounds waves itself its creates the membrane by moving its diaphragm. Very popular and very well known. It is good for low and middle range, NOT high range.
Condenser – The membrane has an electrical current waiting for sound. When the little sound waves hits it, it responds instantly. They are all over the place, but it need a electrical energy {amplifier} from something {example – battery}.
Polar patterns
Omni – Picks sound up from all directions which is picked up equally. This is used for interviews because it can pick up more than one person, without having to have two separate mics.
Cardioid – Picks up one half of the microphone, also known as a ‘directional mic’. Most sensitive in the front, about 180 degrees.
Bi-directional – ‘Figure of 8′, picks the front and behind of the mic, but the 90 degree angle on both sides does not get picked up.
Transduction – Converts one form of energy to another.
Voltage – An electric force or or a potential difference shown in volts.
Phantom power – Activates the condenser in a microphone. DC powered mostly between 12 and 48 DC voltages.
Sensitivity – Voltage at its known sound level. Can be called by its voltage or decibels. Higher number means more sensitive, everything is mostly in negatives.
Frequency Response – The range of sound the microphone can produce and how sensitive it is within the range.
Transient – A variation in current, voltage, or frequency.
Placement – Placement of the microphone is key, depending on the sounds you want, it can just be the distance from you or the instrument from the microphone. This part of the microphone can effect others emotionally in a way to connect with the audience.
Proximity effect – Decreased sensitivity to low mics, which reduces background noise and vibration and counter acts when used very close to the source.
Output – A place where the sound leaves the system.
Characteristics – This is the Relative Response and Frequency in hertz graph to show how good or bad the microphone is. This can show the quality of the mic.
Noise rating – This is the octave pressure level and the mid frequencies of the octave.
Hardware
Clips – A clip is something that you use to hold a microphone on something { example – stand }, but, using the wrong kind of clips can effect the performance, make sure it is tight so it has the correct effect.
Stands – This ties in with a clip, this is what the clip will connect to. This keeps the microphone towards the object you want to hear without having to hold it or keep it still.
Windscreen – Something that covers and protects the microphone, mostly a foamy material.
Direct Box – A device used to connect amplified instruments and having it put in a direct mixer.
I learned that depending on which microphone you use it can change the sound of your voice a lot. It also almost changes the tone you want to have when talking to people or having people listen to you. I also learned that I now feel sorry for people who record audio books because with the amount of times you can mess up I’m sure editing isn’t very fun for them.
