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

Gig review Plan

1) First i would start off my review, by stating which performer sung which song.

2) Secondly i would write how well i thought the audience reacted to the performers.

3)Thirdly i would judge how well the performer interacted with the audience.

4)I would move on to say how well i thought the performers performed using words like ;

enthusiastically, joyfully, horrific, heavenly and dreadful.

5)Whether the performance was good or not and why.

6) What instruments there were.

David Rodigan

Background Information

David Rodigan was born on the 24^th of June 1951, in Hanover, Germany. David played his music on the following radio stations; Radio London, Capital 95.8, Kiss 100, BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Radio 2 and BFBS Radio. David is well known for his love for Reggae and Dancehall, which he so happens to play. He went to school in Gosford Hill School in Oxfordshire. David states that his love for Jamaican music came from witnessing Millie Small perform “My Boy Lollipop” in 1964. Once David had hit 15 he was already DJing at school dances and local youth clubs, after David had left school he was selling records in Oxford followed by Putney which was when he had found himself a radio on Radio London in 1978 to DJ on a show called “Reggae Rockers”. Almost a year later he was given a permanent slot on Capital Radio, which he stayed with for about 11 years. David has clashed against recognized sounds such as Bodyguard, Bass Odessey, Killamanjaro, Barry G and Stone Love. David joined the British Forces Broadcasting Services in 1984, where he had a weekly show and stuck with it for 25 years. David was added to the Sony Radio Academy hall of Fame in late 2005. In 2014 he combined with Chase & Status, Shy FX and MC Rage to make the sound “Rebel Sound” for the Red Bulls Culture Clash, which they won.

How He Motivates The Crowd & What Equipment He Uses/Used

David motivates the crowd by talking to the crowd a lot through his microphone, which he also uses to make random out bursts of noise to express his passion for DJing. In addition David sometimes, even uses a Caribbean accent during some of his performances, bounces and even adopts the poses of various animals. David used to use and still uses a unique set of Dubs.

Island Records

Island Records Background

Island Records was founded in 1959, Jamaica, by Chris Blackwell, who claims he "never expected Island Records to grow into the international phenomenon it became. When I was starting out making my first record with Lance Hayward in 1959 all i wanted to do was get that one album released."

It is also said Island Records proved themselves in the 1960's-'70's aka the musical revolution.
In 1973 Jimmy Cliff helped reggae music earn its place as a music genre from the songs "Wonderful World, Beautiful People", and so on.

In addition Bob Marley, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Junior Braithwaite, Beverley Kelso and Cherry Smith were called the Teenagers who later changed their name to The Wailing Rudeboys, then to The Wailing Wailers, which was when they were discovered by record producer Coxsone Dodd and this is when they finally agreed on The Wailers. Furthermore their single "Simmer Down"

Dj-Performance Scratch Task

I chose Mix Master Mike as the DJ I will be researching as he seemed to enjoy the sound of scratching from young and he interests me.

Background Information

Mix Master Mikes real name is Michael Schwartz. He first got an urge to scratch whilst listening to his uncles’ extensive record collection in San Francisco where he grew up. A few years later he came across Grandmixer D.ST. alongside Herbie Hancock this probably played the most influential part to making Mike want to become a DJ and ultimately become a DJ who uses scratching in his performances. Michael was born on the 4^th of April 1970. He won the 1992 New Music Seminar/Supermen Inc. DJ Battle for World Supremacy in New York City, becoming the first West Coast DJ to win the award. In the same year he won the DMC World DJ Championships using his steady rock turntable style.

Favoured Music Style

Michael mostly played Hip-Hop, Rap and Rock followed by Turntablism. Turntablism refers to DJs who perform by utilizing the records, stylus and mixer to create music. Turntablism describes how he scratches the record to create his unique style.

Favoured Music Equipment

·      The software Michael preferred to use was Protools HD 10, Mashcine on a 15” loaded MacBook Pro

·      The audio interface Michael preferred was Alesis iO Dock and Propeller Head Balance

·      The controller Michael preferred was Akai MPK mini keyboard which is a multi purpose device used to control reason

That was all that was stated on his website and other reliable sources.

How Michael Uses Equipment To Make An Exciting Performance

Mix Master Mike uses the Tweak Scratch, which involves moving the record back and forth while the platter motor is stopped performs the scratch. The inactivity of the platter causes the sounds to slow and drop in pitch in an unusual manner. He is also recognised for the unorthodox technique of using a wah-wah pedal, a skill most guitarists are common with and use, with his turntables.

Although Michael tends to focus on the above genres I have embedded a video of dubstep fused with hip-hop being mixed by Mike.

Task to review an album from 1969 - Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes

Hot Buttered Soul by Isaac Hayes

Background

Hot Buttered Soul is the second album released by the American soul musician Isaac Hayes who was mostly known for song writing and arranging for Stax Records born on the 20^th of August 1942. The album was released on the 23^rd of September 1969, and is recognized world wide as being a key aspect in soul music. The album was recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis and was produced by Al Bell, Marvin Thomas and Allen Jones.

“Walk On By”

The opening track “Walk On By” which is unusually long for a song, (however not the longest on the album) was composed by Burt Bacharach and the lyrics were written by Hal David. The songs original artist was Dionne Warwick and Isaac was the second out of eleven artists to cover the song. In addition Isaac was the only one out of the eleven to stretch the song to 12 minutes 2 seconds, but upon single release was shortened down to less than 5 minutes. The track reached No. 30 on the U.S. charts. Similar to all tracks in this album there’s a huge lack of lyrics in this track as Isaac must like to focus on the instrumental in his songs as it is very soothing.

“Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic”

“Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” the second track on the albums name is known for being so long due to Isaac Hayes and Stax Records making fun of people who use long words unnecessarily, so the name its self is almost a mockery. Further more the name for this song is often spelt wrong (as you could probably guess).

“One Woman”

“One Woman” is the shortest track in the album at 5 minutes 8 seconds yet manages to feel like it has the most vocals in the track. There’s not much information online about this track however I like how this track starts off with a calm slow piano which plays into the rhythm and stays on the track through out a bit quieter than the vocals but high enough in pitch and volume that you can enjoy it.

By The Time I Get To Phoenix

“By The Time I Get To Phoenix” is the longest track in the album at 18 minutes 42 seconds, this is mainly because more than half the song is Isaac Hayes telling the story and 8:40 minutes into the song the bass changes and the song truly begins. I’m sure Isaac enjoys the sound of the bass guitar as he keeps that going throughout the song from start to finish, although the song really only starts at 8:40, which I think is an interesting thing to do on such a long track. In addition the song was written my Jimmy Webb and originally recorded by Johnny Rivers in 1965, and Isaac compliments the song writer at the beginning of the song and goes on to say how he will express how he portrays the power of love through this song.

Dj Case study task Carl Cox