MERVIN T THOMAS
Choosing your
Microphone?
– Home Studio
A
lmost every Home Studio enthusiast will run into the dilemma
of choosing a Microphone, whether it is to record or to buy. A
microphone works pretty much like our ear. There is no fixed
standard, meaning; there is no good or bad microphone. This is because
of the various factors that influence the sound while recording.
Choosing a Mic in the Studio :
Some of the main factors include the room, the artist, frequency
response of the mic, polar pattern (directional response) and size
of the diaphragm. Every brand or type of microphone has different
characteristics. I would like to list out some of the main factors.
- The Artist: A good artist is the first key to a great recording. In the
case of a singer, one needs to understand the timbre of his/her voice. If
time permits, setup at least three microphones before the session. Allow
the singer to try out all the mics and then pick the Mic that is sonically
pleasing to you.
- The Room: A noisy room or a studio close to heavy traffic is a boon
to recording artists. This is the sole reason why artists and engineers
spend on their Room Isolation and Acoustics. But not everyone can
afford Sound-proofing or Acoustic treatments. In this scenario, the best
way is to find the quietest spot in your room. Avoid using a condenser
microphone. Some of them are too sensitive that you can hear your
neighbor talking. Understand the polar pattern of the microphone,
use its directional character and point it directly at the source. Also,
understand the rejection points on the polar pattern of the microphone.
This will help you position the mic in the best possible way. The polar
pattern of the microphone is always mentioned on its box or you can
check it on the website.
- Frequency Response: Frequency response of a microphone is defined as
the way a microphone responds or reacts or hears different frequencies.
Different microphones have different frequency responses. From
a generic perspective, Condenser mics have an pleasing frequency
response overall. Dynamic microphones comparatively have a lower
frequency response than a condenser. A ribbon microphone is very
sensitive and has the highest frequency response, meaning, it responds
40
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