Microphone
Objectives
Describe the main characteristics of any
microphone: directionality, element, impedance,
and frequency response.
Describe a variety of microphone formats and
and several situations that would require the
use of each microphone.
Objectives
Demonstrate the proper use of microphones .
Create an on-camera interview segment using a
camcorder, a microphone, and a tripod.
Microphones
Microphones are
designed to work in
different settings.
There is no “best” or
“perfect” microphones
for all situations.
Tie-pin
microphone
“Collection” and “Selection”
Develop a collection of microphones, and select
the best microphone for each situation.
Just like a fisherman
has a variety of lures
in his tackle box, a TV
studio should have
several microphones.
Microphone Directionality
Omni directional- collects
sound from all around
360 degrees.
Microphone Directionality
Omni directional – microphone can be share by
the group.
Microphone Directionality
Unidirectional – collects most of the sound
from the front, and very little from the back
and sides.
Microphone Directionality
Unidirectional – usually
single-source mic, or
used in interviews.
Microphone Element
The part of the
microphone that changes
sound waves into
electrical energy.
Microphone Element
Dynamic Element
Durable
Good with loud noises
Good/average sound
quality
Usually handheld
Microphone Element
Condenser Element
Excellent sound quality
More fragile
Not as good with sound
A favorite of singers
Microphones
Condenser microphones require a power source.
Electret condenser –
power from a battery
Phantom-power
condenser- power
from the audio mixer
Microphone Impedance
High impedance
Low impedance
The two are not
compatible!
The impedance of the
microphones must match
the impedance of the
system.
Microphone Impedance
High Impedance
• Portable audio systems
• Consumer and some
professional camcorders
• Cable runs of 30 feet and
less
Microphone Impedance
Low Impedance
• High quality
• Professional audio systems
(theatres, TV, studios, etc.)
• Professional camcorders
• Longer cables runs
Microphone Impedance
Connectors:
Low impedance systems
almost always use the
XLR connector.
High impedance
systems almost us ¼
inch phone connector or
1/8 inch mini connectors.
Microphone impedance
Some microphones are
dual-impedance – they
can be switched from
high to low impedance
using a 3-way on/off
switch.
Microphone Impedance
A match line transformer can be
used to convert the impedance
of a microphone.
This example converts a low
impedance microphone to
high impedance. A high-tolow transformer is also
available.
Microphone Frequency Response
A microphone ability to
hear tones (high and low)
across the audible spectrum.
Microphone Frequency Response
The human ear can
hear the range of
20Hz (low bass notes) to
20,000Hz (high notes).
Microphone Frequency Response
Microphones can be compared to that range.
Generally speaking,
condenser
microphones have a
better frequency
response than
dynamic
microphones.
Microphones
Describing each microphone:
1. Directionality
2. Element
3. Impedance
4. Frequency Response
Types of Microphones (microphones formats)
Handheld Microphones
Available in…
Omni directional and
unidirectional,
Dynamic and condenser,
High impedance and low
impedance,
Various frequency
ranges.
Types of Microphones (microphones formats)
Lavaliere (Tie-Pin) Microphone
Omni directional ,
Almost always condenser ,
Advantages:
1.Small size
2.Hands-free
3.No skill require
Types of Microphones (microphones formats)
Surface Mount Microphone
Flat back,
designed to lay
flat on a table.
Great for
recording group
discussions.
Types of Microphones (microphones formats)
Shotgun Microphone
Extremely unidirectional
microphone
Great for videotaping
guest speaker and
presentations
Can be camera mounted
Wear headphones!
Types of Microphones (microphones formats)
Wireless Microphone System
Components:
-Microphones
-Transmitter
-Receiving station
Transmitter and
receiving station
tuned to the same
radio frequency
Types of Microphones (microphones formats)
Wireless Microphone System
Handheld or lavaliere
A favorite of entertainers and
reporters
Be aware of power needs.
Environmental factors can
impact range.
Practice with your wire less
microphone system in a
variety of situations.
Using microphones
Know your
microphones. Select
the best microphones
for each situation.
Wear headphones.
Using Microphones
Carefully connect
your microphone.
Don’t put the
excessive weight of
adapters onto the
microphone jack.
Using microphone
extension cable
instead.
Using Microphones
Use a widescreen when
recording outdoors.
Use the correct talent
to-microphone
distance (six-inches)
from the source
Mic is a source – not a
area.