Microphones Test

1) As a general guideline, it can be said that dynamic microphones are best suited for live sound work, and that condenser microphones are more suited for use in a recording studio.

Give technical and practical reasons for why this may, or may not, be a valid statement (include diagrams if necessary). 

Depending on what will be recorded in the studio, for example whether it is multiple vocals at once or a certain instrument that requires a microphone which can pick up sound from all directions will a dynamic microphone or condenser microphone be more suited but as it it more practical for one vocal to be recorded in a studio a dynamic microphone would be more suited as it picks up sound from one angle (Uni-directional). As for live sound work a condenser microphone would be more suited as there will be more than one instrument and vocals at once and as the condenser microphones can be omni-directional or bi-directional it would be better suited for this than a dynamic microphone. However if two people are singing into one microphone for a duet then a condenser microphone could be more useful in a recording studio due to it being bi-directional. In addition for some instruments like the guitar a dynamic microphone could be heard better if amplified using a dynamic microphone so it only picks up that sound.

2) What are the three main polar patterns found on microphones? Describe the differences and give examples of how each could be used. 

Uni-directional also known as Cardioid or Hyper Cardioid which is best for picking up sound from one angle and more focused sound, is most commonly found on Dynamic microphones. 

Bi-directional also known as the figure of 8 picks up sound from both sides of the diaphragm and is most commonly found on condenser microphones. 

Omni-Directional which is also known as Omni picks up sound from all directions of the diaphragm.

3) Dynamic and condenser microphones are the two most commonly used type of microphone found in the studio. Can you name any other types? Explain their basic technical features and how, or why, they might be used.

Fibre optic Microphones- Fibre optic microphones using thin strands of glass to relax information instead of the usual metal wires, they tend to be quite small and can be used where normal electric equipment can't. In addition since there is no metal used to make these microphones they can be used without magnetic interference.

Carbon Microphones - Carbon microphones use carbon dust and was used in the first telephone made, they tend to have a plastic or thin metal diaphragm on the inside that change when sound hits it has a constantly changing resistance that changes the amount of current flow.

4) Give suggestions as to what you might use the following microphones for and explain your answers (using the microphone’s technical specifications to support your answers):

1. Audix D6 - Is known mainly used for kick drums, but is a dynamic instrument microphone so it can probably be used for instruments which create noise that can be picked up by uni-directional microphones but it mainly used for instruments with low frequency sounds. It can be used in either live stage or recording.
2. SE Electronics Titan - A multipattern FET condenser microphone with a titanium diaphragm. I can imagine this microphone would be most suited to live performances on instruments due to it being a condenser microphone but after reading reviews it't proven to be just as good with vocals.
3. Microtech Gefell M300