Microphone Fun
https://vimeo.com/295439603
Dynamic or condenser? Or something else.
Shotgun microphones are condensers, sensitive to loud noises
Most USB microphones are condensers, but are there are some that are dynamic and used for vocal applications specifically.
No modern lavelier mic is dynamic. They're very small and they’re condensers
Does the mic have phantom power?
Phantom power is necessary for all condenser mics. Any dynamic mic does not.
Describe the mics frequency response. Is it flat or shaped? What frequencies does this mic pick up the best?
Shotgun mics have a shaped response which is why they are used for music. Deep bass and energetic treble
USB mics can technically be both. I would say mostly shaped because people buy USB mics for their portable studios on their computer
Lav mics are quite flat which emphasizes vocals. This is why they are often clip mics used for film, interviews, and other vocals.
Does the mic have a roll off switch?
Most condenser mics including all three of these do infect have the roll of switch to take away the proximity effect. This is when you speak close to the mic and the bass rises too much
What is the mics polar pattern? Where would you place this mic in relation to the sound source?
Shotgun mics have a very tight polar pattern because they are very one directional. For example, I would place one of these pointing at the persons mouth if I were in a room with them questioning them at a table.
Lav mics and some USB mics that are more omnidirectional have a looser polar pattern because they pic up noise from all around. These are better for interviews or other instances where you want to pick up many sounds around the space.
How sensitive is your mic (in dbVs)?
Shotgun mics are fairly sensitive, they can pick up quiet sounds from far away which is why they are widely used for sporting events and broadcasting.
Most USB mics used for recording music in the studio are a little less sensitive because they are meant to be close to the sound source.
Lav mics are similar in a sense… But with most condenser microphones the pick up is fairly sensitive. It is with dynamic mics where they have lower sensitivity
Describe your mic’s impedance?
Generally shotgun mics have a high impedance because they need to pick up distant subjects
Most USB mics do swell because they’re meant to pick up loud sounds from instruments and such.
Is you mic balanced or unbalanced?
Not too sure
If you have a condenser mic, what is the maximum SPL?
Anything above 155db is a jet engine, assault weapon, or volcano. There was a song at 191db that was not distorted. There are obviously louder sounds like sonic booms that are above 200db. But you cannot record these without distortion
