Microphones

There are a range of microphones that are available for me to use for my project which were introduced in class. The three types that were discussed were dynamic, ribbon and condenser microphones and are effective for certain types of recordings and not so much for other types of sounds.

Dynamic Microphones:
Advantages:
-They are durable and can withstand a lot of volume before they distort
-Doesn't require phantom power
-Designed to colour sound at certain frequencies, e.g. making human voices sound stronger
Typically used:
- Live situations, but also sometimes used in studio
-Close mic situations
-Recording loud sounds
Disadvantages:
-They often miss subtle sounds as it takes a lot of sound pressure to move the coil

Ribbon Microphones:
Advantages:
-Captures a smoother sound than Dynamic mics
-Doesn't require phantom power
Typically used:
-In the studio because they're very fragile
-Close mic situations
-Delicate sounding objects, particularly quiet sounds
Disadvantages:
-Colours the sound by adding a high frequency edge
-Fragile
-Will only pick up sounds that are very close

Condenser Microphones:
Advantages:
-They respond to fast attacks and transients more precisely than other mics
-They can capture sound from a greater distance
-Record a sound whilst capturing the ambience of the room
Typically used:
-In recording studios
-Can be used to record almost any sound except extremely loud ones
-Very effective with quiet sounds
-Used very often for vocals and acoustic guitars
Disadvantages:
-Fairly fragile
-Require phantom power to operate
-Can pick up extraneous sounds easily

Once I have decided on what I am going to record for the sound-walk and interview I will have to pick which microphone is most suitable for recording each piece of work.