Microphone Fundamentals

Microphones operate by converting sound into electrical signals through the movement of a diaphragm against a magnetic or electric field.
Dynamic Microphone:
- Features a diaphragm attached to a coil of wire, positioned within the field of a permanent magnet.
- The movement of the diaphragm relative to the magnet induces an electrical current.
- Produces a positive current (pushing the speaker cone out) or negative current (pulling the speaker cone back).
- Characteristics:
- Made of metal (which is heavy), hence less sensitive to sound pressure.
- Extremely durable due to simple construction (wire around a magnet).
Induction Process Explanation:
- A voltmeter displays the current generated as the magnet moves inside the coil. Faster movement leads to increased current.

Sometimes referred to as capacitor microphones, particularly in the UK due to their use of capacitance changes.
Constructed with a diaphragm that moves towards a backplate, altering capacitance and sending signals.
Benefits:
- Less mass leads to higher sensitivity compared to dynamic microphones.
Requires external power, known as phantom power, to function effectively and to boost signal strength.
Ribbon Microphones:
- Employ a thin ribbon of foil in a magnetic field:
  - Foil is typically thicker than kitchen foil, sometimes gold foil for higher quality.
  - Highly sensitive but very delicate, requiring careful handling and typically not used in live settings.
  - Like condensers, ribbon microphones necessitate phantom power.

Addressing Types:
- Illustrates that some microphones (e.g., Blue Yeti USB) are side-address, meaning they should be spoken into from the side, not the front.
Polar Patterns:
- Shape representing the microphone's sensitivity to sound from different directions.
- Cardioid Pattern:
- Shaped like a heart, favor sound from the front and reject from the back.
- Variants of cardioid patterns exist (supercardioid, hypercardioid) that differ in sensitivity.
- Omnidirectional:
- Captures sound equally from all directions.
- Directional Microphones:
- Used in specific applications to minimize feedback and background noise.
- Placement importance: Position of monitors relative to microphones is crucial to avoid feedback;

Describes how a microphone responds to different frequencies; graphically represented like an EQ curve.
Certain microphones are designed to enhance or dampen specific frequency ranges.
For instance, while recording vocals, microphones should have a flat frequency response to ensure clarity and naturalness.
Kick Drum Microphone Example:
- Specific design to capture lower frequencies, hence more complex response curve.
- Preference for flat response in intended use ranges for clarity.

In live performances, different microphones may be selected based on the required sound capture.
Handling Microphones:
- Performers may hold microphones in various ways, affecting sound quality. Proper technique requires understanding microphone design and its functionality.
Sensitivity and Handling:
- Microphones vary in handling noise, and sensitivity determines what sounds can be captured without distortion.

When miking sources:
- Choose type (dynamic, condenser, or ribbon) based on loudness and proximity.
- Assess polar pattern for suitable sound capture quality.
- Frequency response should align with the intended sound output (flat vs. boosted frequencies).

Prior knowledge of microphone specifications including frequency response, sensitivity, and handling can greatly improve audio quality in various settings.
Learning from practical scenarios enhances the understanding of microphone dynamics and interaction with audio environments.