Microphone

Objectives Describe the main characteristics of any microphone: directionality, element, impedance, and frequency response.

Describe a variety of microphone formats and and several situations that would require the use of each microphone.

Objectives

Demonstrate the proper use of microphones .

Create an on-camera interview segment using a camcorder, a microphone, and a tripod.

Microphones

Microphones are designed to work in different settings.

There is no “best” or “perfect” microphones for all situations.

Tie-pin microphone

“Collection” and “Selection”

Develop a collection of microphones, and select the best microphone for each situation.

Just like a fisherman has a variety of lures in his tackle box, a TV studio should have several microphones.

Microphone Directionality

Omni directional- collects sound from all around 360 degrees.

Microphone Directionality Omni directional – microphone can be share by

the group.


Unidirectional – collects most of the sound from the front, and very little from the back and sides.


Unidirectional – usually single-source mic, or used in interviews.

Microphone Element

The part of the microphone that changes sound waves into electrical energy.

Microphone Element

Dynamic ElementDurable Good with loud noisesGood/average soundqualityUsually handheld

Microphone Element

Condenser Element Excellent sound qualityMore fragile Not as good with sound A favorite of singers

Microphones

Condenser microphones require a power source.

Electret condenser – power from a battery

Phantom-power condenser- power from the audio mixer

Microphone Impedance

High impedanceLow impedance

The two are not compatible!

The impedance of the microphones must match the impedance of the system.


High Impedance• Portable audio systems• Consumer and some

professional camcorders• Cable runs of 30 feet and

less


Low Impedance• High quality • Professional audio systems

(theatres, TV, studios, etc.)• Professional camcorders• Longer cables runs


Low impedance systems almost always use the XLR connector.

High impedance systems almost us ¼ inch phone connector or 1/8 inch mini connectors.

Connectors:

Microphone impedance

Some microphones are dual-impedance – they can be switched from high to low impedance using a 3-way on/off switch.


A match line transformer can beused to convert the impedanceof a microphone.

This example converts a low impedance microphone to high impedance. A high-to-low transformer is also available.

Microphone Frequency Response

A microphone ability tohear tones (high and low) across the audible spectrum.


The human ear can hear the range of 20Hz (low bass notes) to 20,000Hz (high notes).


Microphones can be compared to that range.

Generally speaking, condenser microphones have a better frequency response than dynamic microphones.

Microphones

Describing each microphone:1. Directionality2. Element3. Impedance 4. Frequency Response

Types of Microphones (microphones formats)

Available in…Omni directional and

unidirectional, Dynamic and condenser,High impedance and low

impedance,Various frequency

ranges.

Handheld Microphones


Omni directional ,Almost always condenser ,Advantages:1.Small size2.Hands-free3.No skill require

Lavaliere (Tie-Pin) Microphone


Flat back, designed to lay flat on a table.

Great for recording group discussions.

Surface Mount Microphone


Extremely unidirectional microphone Great for videotaping guest speaker and presentations Can be camera mounted Wear headphones!

Shotgun Microphone


Components: -Microphones -Transmitter -Receiving station

Transmitter and receiving station tuned to the same radio frequency

Wireless Microphone System


Handheld or lavaliereA favorite of entertainers and

reportersBe aware of power needs.Environmental factors can

impact range.Practice with your wire less

microphone system in a variety of situations.

Wireless Microphone System

Using microphones

Know your microphones. Select the best microphones for each situation.

Wear headphones.

Using Microphones

Carefully connect your microphone. Don’t put the excessive weight of adapters onto the microphone jack.

Using microphone extension cable instead.

Using Microphones

Use a widescreen when recording outdoors.

Use the correct talent to-microphone distance (six-inches) from the source

Mic is a source – not a area.

Microphone

Documents

Transcript of Microphone