Music Production Techniques: Equipment Specifications

In this assignment I will discuss and compare a range of equipment that we used in the SRC Armagh music department. I will be talking about Microphones, Monitors and Recording Devices.

Microphones

Dynamic Microphones: Dynamic microphones are good for general-purpose use; they are robust and great at handing high sound pressure levels. Dynamic microphones do not require any batteries or external power such as phantom power. Dynamic microphones use a wire coil and a magnet to create an electrical audio signal, below is a small diagram illustrating this process. Dynamic microphones are primary for live use and aren’t used too much for studio vocals, however they are great for using on guitar amplifiers or acoustic instruments.
Figure [ 1 ] - From http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/dynamic.html
Figure [ 1 ] - From http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/dynamic.html

Condenser Microphones: Condenser microphones use a capacitor to convert acoustic energy in to electrical energy. They require power from either a battery or an external power source such as phantom power; this allows them to generate a stronger audio signal than a dynamic microphone, making them more suited to studio vocal work. Unlike dynamic microphones, condensers aren’t very good at taking high sound pressure levels, as they are more sensitive. A capacitor works by using two plates, which carry a voltage between them, one of the plates is made from a light material and carries out the same tasks, as a diaphragm would do in a dynamic mic. The lighter plate vibrates when it is hit by sound, this alters the distance between the two plates and capacitance, sound then passes through as electrical energy. The voltage used by the capacitor is supplied by either a battery or phantom power. Below is a diagram illustrating this process.

Phantom Power: Phantom power allows you to transmit DC power through microphone cables to operate microphones that need an external power source to work. This is a very handy power source for operating condenser microphones but can also be used on other audio equipment such as guitar effects pedals.

Frequency Response: Frequency response tests show us how a certain microphone reacts when a certain sound frequency enters that microphone. This measures the magnitude and phase of the output in comparison to the input.

High & Low Pass Filters: You will often see these icons on a microphone, allowing you to set the microphone to high pass or low pass mode. A low pass filter will cut off some of the high end sound produced by the microphone, a high pass filter will cut off some of the low end sound produced by the microphone. These are helpful for EQ and help clear up the overall mix in live use and studio use. For example, a low pass filter could by used for a female singer, as there is no need for the microphone to be trying to process a full range of low frequencies.

Shure SM58 The Shure SM58 is an industry standard, robust dynamic microphone with high sound pressure level capabilities and more usages than anybody can name. Unlike the condenser mic, this does not require any kind of external power such as batteries or phantom power.

Specifications Frequency Response: This microphone has a frequency response of 50Hz-15KHz; this is a very wide frequency range, which is why, in my opinion makes it useful for almost anything. Polar Pattern: This mic uses a cardioid polar pattern, which is heart-shaped and picks up sound mainly from the front. Sound Pressure Sensitivity: This is an extremely robust piece of equipment and it is almost indestructible with regards to sound pressure level. It can handle an input of up to 94db before it starts to distort or peak. Connection: This microphone uses a 3-pin XLR cable; this is the industry standard microphone connection for professional audio equipment.