One such example, and perhaps the most important one, is for vocals. In popular music, the vocals are the most important part of the song, even more so than the instruments and soundscapes which make up the backbone of the recording.
According to Neuman, small-diaphragm condenser microphones are actually much better at picking up transients; they have a wider frequency response and they also have a more consistent polar pattern. For example, large-diaphragm mics, like the Audio Technica AT also on Amazon , widen their pattern at low frequencies, which means their low-end frequency response is better for when the singer moves, which a vocalist commonly does in order to fully express themselves.
Additionally, singers often like the appearence of a large-diaphragm condenser mic because it gives them something to look at while singing. People like to use them when they want their solo instruments to sound bigger, thicker, vibrant, or more alive. Additionally, large-diaphragm condenser mics are known for adding a bit of flavor to the sound, which is one of the reasons why some people may prefer to actually use a small-diaphragm condenser microphone instead. Small-diaphragm mics are really good at capturing the sound as it is; how it sounds naturally and without coloring it.
Because of their sensitivity, condenser microphones are excellent for higher-range frequencies and details. It seems like a bit of a contradiction to list acoustic guitars again, but hear me out. The reason for this has to do with the superior transient response, which I already noted above. Small-diaphragm condenser microphones are great for getting the pick attack and the other short bursts of energy.
Small diaphragm condensers are better for recording acoustic guitars when they are apart of the performance, and not the whole performance. For the same reasons mentioned earlier that make condenser mics a great option for acoustic guitars, small condenser microphones are good for the piano. The piano is such a large and varied instrument, with the lowest of the lows and the highest of the highs. According to Neumann, sound engineers who need equipment to record classical music and orchestral instruments, such as strings, brass, ensemble, choirs, and bass instruments, generally like to use small-diaphragm condensers because of their consistent pickup pattern.
Phantom power is power that is supplied by another peace of gear through a non-power line. Phantom power is supplied at 48 volts of direct current DC , and this type of power is sometimes referred to as R48 power. Phantom power eliminates the need for a dedicated power supply, and it also allows microphones to be used across many different pieces of recording equipment by simply plugging the device in.
Below are some advantages and disadvantages of using it:. Condenser capsules are very sensitive to sound, so they can capture subtle details and rich tones that may be missed by other types of microphones. This can be a great advantage when recording vocals and voice-over work, but it can also benefit acoustic instrument recording requiring a specific focus on tonality.
A condenser mic is also ideal for group sound capture when used with an omnidirectional polar pattern. Since they are meant to be stationary and are not usually held by hand, you can place a condenser microphone in a large recording room or vocal booth to capture a wide array of crisp sounds from all around. This means that you can record more with one device and cut down on post-processing time without having to deal with multiple tracks.
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage to using a condenser mic is actually one of its advantages: sensitivity to sound. Because their capsules are very sensitive by design, they can become easily overwhelmed by loud sounds, leading to distortion in recording. This is especially true when using a condenser microphone to record things like drums or amplified signals. To add to the volume issue, the diaphragm of a condenser mic can also be easily damaged due to extreme volume levels.
The diaphragm is fragile, meaning condenser microphones are also prone to damage when not handled with care. A simple drop or even a very hard bump could potentially damage the relationship between the diaphragm and the backplate. They also tend to be at a disadvantage when capturing sound in a live environment.
This includes situations when speaking before a crowd, singing during a live performance or when providing narration in a play-by-play situation where a handheld mic is required.
Because of the sensitive nature of a condenser microphone, the unit will likely pick up background noise, but it can also pick up noises created when handling the device, potentially ruining a recording. By and large, condenser microphones are used almost exclusively for recording the human voice.
This is because they pick up rich detail and reproduce natural tones very well compared to other types of mics, and the human voice produces sound at tolerable volumes for most recording situations. This is not to say that condenser microphones must be used for quiet voices, but they generally perform better and capture clarity in greater detail from quieter sources.
They are also used for recording acoustic instruments. Things like acoustic guitars and other stringed instruments often shine more brightly when recorded using a condenser mic, and even some light percussive instruments can be recorded using them.
Recording ambient room noise is also a job for condenser microphones because of their sensitivity. This is often done during film production to pad audio recorded on a sound stage for a more natural presentation. Condenser mics come in a variety of price ranges, and top-quality condenser mics can run into the thousands of dollars. In fact, you can check out more information about some of the best mics for YouTube to learn about some exciting options and recording solutions.
So, just what is a condenser microphone? It is the go-to option for recording sounds that really need to showcase subtle detail and clarity.
They offer a lot of versatility when used correctly, and deliver high-quality results without much effort. Image via gearnuts. Dynamic mics work best to record loud sounds. Unlike condensers, they use a wire coil inside the microphone to amplify signal picked up by the diaphragm. The output is considerably lower than a condenser, which is appropriate when the signal you're capturing is already very strong. The SM7, a popular dynamic mic made by Shure, rose to great popularity after it was used by Quincy Jones to record all of Michael Jackson's vocals for his album Thriller.
The mic worked well with the strong presence of Jackson's voice and has maintained its status as a popular choice for recording big vocals ever since. Dynamic microphones are renowned for their reliability and ruggedness.
They need no batteries or external power supplies, and typically cost a fraction of what a condenser does. They're capable of smooth, extended response, and the output level is typically high enough to work straight into most mic inputs with an ideal signal-to-noise ratio.
A dynamic mic needs little to no maintenance, and with reasonable care will maintain its performance for many years. Besides dynamic and condenser mics, there are many other types of mics for different jobs. Just to name a couple, there are carbon microphones, which used to be used in most telephones, and ribbon microphones, which capture sound with a thin strip of metal suspended in a magnetic field, and are extremely fragile and expensive.
Different models of microphones also have different polar patterns, or different sensitivities to sound arriving from different angles, which is another important element to consider.
Take your time when choosing your mics, and do your research to make the choice that best serves you. Max Monahan is a bassist and a writer living in Los Angeles.
0コメント