Unit 4

1. Microphones
There are two main different types of microphones used in the sound industry.
The first microphoneis called a dynamic
microphone. Its properties include it being
very strong and tough, it being very rugged
meaning if you drop it is won’t break, it’s
only used for live shows and performances
and finally, if you shoutas loud as you can
into the microphone, it won’tbreak because
it’s not sensitive. How a dynamic
microphoneworks is that inside the
microphone, it has a small piece of plastic in
the diaphragm which has a coil attached to
a very large magnet. The diaphragm moves the large magnet up and down to
create the sound coming out of the microphone. This is how a dynamic
microphoneoperates.
The other microphone is called a
condenser microphone. Its properties
include it being very weak, it if drops, it
will break straightaway and there is no
chance of saving it, and it’s very
expensive, its used only in studios and
finally if you shoutas loud as you can
into the microphone, it will break
because the microphoneis very
sensitive. How a condenser
microphoneworks is that inside the
microphone, sound comes through the
diaphragm. As you’respeaking, it sends a current to the back of the plate.
What they use to power the microphone is a phantom power which has 48
volts. If there is too much pressureadded to the two plates, it will break. This is
how a condenser works.
In the two main microphones, the similarities:

2.  Both have a diaphragm
The differences are:
 Condenser is weak whereas the dynamic is strong
 Condenser is expensive whereas the dynamic is cheaper
Types of microphones:
One averagetype of microphones is called a lavalier microphone.
A lavalier microphoneis a microphone that you useto attach to
your clothing. This type of microphone is
mainly used in reality TV shows such as big
brother. Another averagemicrophone is called a hand held
microphone. Hand held microphones is mainly used in
talent shows such as Britain’s Got Talent. Finally, another
averagemicrophone is called a boundary microphone. This
type of microphoneis used for big speeches because it
picks up everyone’s sound.
Polar patterns is when the direction of wherethe microphoneis picking up
sound. Itgives you the opportunity to record anything from whenever you’re
facing.
There isa shape shapedlike
the number8. It meansthat it
picksup soundfromthe front
and back of the room but not
the sides.
There isa shape shapedlike an
upside downheart.It’scalled
the cardioidand itsjobis to
pickup soundfromthe middle.
There isa shape shapedlike acircle.
It’scalledan Omni andit’sjob isto
pickup soundfromeverywhere.

3. Connectors:
Jack Cables:
 Mono Jacks haveone jack end
 Stereo Jacks have 2 jack ends
XLR cables are cables that plug into any microphone. Has a male
and female end. You will know whatend is the male and the
female end becausethe male end will always go into the female
end.
A speak on cable has 2 ends. Oneend is for passivespeakers which
means you juststand in one place and speak whereas the other
end is for active speakers which means you are always moving
about.