How to use microphones

Glyn Chapman

Acoustic Arrangements

Microphone Types

• DynamicMoving CoilRobustVocals/Instruments

• CondenserRequire powerDelicateSpeech/Flute/

Strings/Hi-Hat/Overheads

Microphone Patterns

• Cardioid - unidirectional

Solo miking

Cardioid 130°

Supercardioid 115°

Hypercardioid 105°

• Omni – omnidirectional

Group miking

Recording

Frequency Response&

Proximity Effect

Example: Shure Beta58

Microphone TypesVocal Instrument

Gooseneck

Drum Boundary

Clip-On

Speech

Microphone Placement

• Inverse Square Law:

Double the distance it receives one fourth

of the energy (-6dB).

• 3 To 1 Rule:

The distance to an adjacent mic should be three times that of the distance from the source.

Microphone Placement

• Leader/Preacher: Lapel Mic – high & central• Speech: 30cm on stand or gooseneck• Vocals: 0.5-10cm held or stand (not 7-8cm)• Guitar Cabs: 2-5cm from cone half way

from centre• Flute: 3-10cm from mouthpiece• Clarinet/Oboe: 10-15cm from middle• Trumpet: 10-15cm from bell

Using Pairs

Handling Tips

• DOHold the microphone steady.Mount on a stand to reduce handling noiseHold it short distance (0.5-10cm but not 7-8cm) away and point it somewhere between the nose and mouth.

• DON'TWave the microphone around.Press it to your chin.Cover the microphone by holding it at the ball grille.

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