Microphones Used in Recording Studios
Author: Victor Epand
A microphone is an example of a transducer, a device that changes sound from
one form to another. Sound exists as patterns of air pressure; the
microphone changes this into patterns of electric current.
Microphones vary greatly in quality. A top end recording studio microphone
may cost thousands and in many cases they are needed for the very best
recordings. A variety of mechanical techniques can be used in building
microphones. The two most commonly found in recording studios are the
magneto-dynamic and the variable condenser designs.
All microphones convert sound energy into electrical energy, but there are
many different ways of doing the job, using electrostatics,
electromagnetism, piezo-electric effects, or even through a change in
resistance of carbon granules. When it comes to microphones used in
recording studios, the vast majority of microphones used are either
capacitors, electrostatic, or dynamic.
Both types employ a moving diaphragm to capture the sound, but make use of a
different electrical principle for converting mechanical energy into an
electrical signal. The efficiency of this conversion is very important,
because the amounts of acoustic energy produced by voices and musical
instruments are so small.
Different types of microphones used in recording studios
In live sound, nearly all the microphones used are dynamics. In the studio,
instruments such as drums, electric guitars, and basses are recorded using
dynamic microphones. Dynamic microphones have the advantages of being
relatively inexpensive and durable, and they don't need a power supply or
battery to make them operate.
Dynamic microphones are most effective when working with relatively loud
sound sources that do not contain a lot of very high-frequency detail. They
are also tough instruments which make them good for recording studios.
Another type of dynamic microphone is the ribbon microphone, but this is
only used in fairly esoteric recording applications by engineers who
appreciate the subtleties of the ribbon sound.
These microphones are comprised of a thin metal ribbon suspended in a
magnetic field, and when sound energy is encountered, the electrical signal
generated is induced in the ribbon itself rather than in a voice coil. The
main advantage of ribbon microphones is their smooth, detailed sound which
makes them perfect for studio environment.
Capacitor microphones are more expensive than their dynamic counterparts,
and they are also much more sensitive, and can capture high-frequency detail
much more accurately. Even though they are relatively efficient like dynamic
microphones, capacitor microphones produce such a small electrical signal
that they require a special type of built-in preamplifier to bring the
signal up to usable levels. Thus they are not fit to be used in live
concerts or open air concerts. Capacitors are used mostly in recording
studios where there is less noise.
Conclusion
The microphone is a ubiquitous piece of equipment. Found in everything from
telephones and computers to recording studios, microphones are part of our
daily life. A professional studio will accumulate a varied collection of
microphones. The top studios use microphones such as Shure SM58s and 57s,
AKG D112s, or Sennheiser 421s.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/microphones-used-in-recording-studios-452870.html
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for music gear, speakers, and
microphones. You can find the best marketplace for music gear, speakers, and
microphones at these 3 sites: music gear, DJ equipment, recording equipment
, speakers, subwoofers , and Dymanic microphones, Capacitor microphones,
Ribbon microphones .
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