Dynamic (Moving Coil) Mics

How does a dynamic mic work

Electromagnetic induction;

A diaphragm attached to a coil of wire moves within a magnetic field, generating changes in current that mirror changes in air pressure

Why are dynamic considered less accurate than condensors

They have the heaviest diaphragms and do not respond linearly to all audio frequencies, however this character is often disired

What are three advantages of dynamic mics

1. Cheap, robust, durable

2. Can handle high SPL

3. Do not require phantom power

Two weaknesses of dynamic mics

1. Lack of air in top end

2. Bass response weakens when not close to source

What is a typical presence peak frequency range for dynamic mics

2-5kHz

What is a FET Head / Cloudlifter and when is it used

An inline preamp providing up to 27dB of clean gain

• Used with low-output dynamic mics (e.g. SM7B) or ribbon mics that need extra gain

Ideal uses for SM57’s and switches

Snare (top and bottom), guitar amps, vocals

1. HPF

2. Presence boost (+3dB to 2-4kHz)

What is distinctive about the Sennheiser MD421’s high pass filter

It has 5 positions, labelled M (flat) to S (-6dB below 500H` with three extra positions inbetween