File - Athol High school Music Department

Music Technology
Speakers
Cables
Microphones
Microphones
Convert sound waves to electrical impulses
that are either recorded or broadcast.
Dynamic
Condenser
Ribbon
Polarity Patterns
Where the sound is captured
Omnidirectional
Cardioid
Figure-8
(directional)
(bidirectional)
All around
Front
Front and Back
Dynamic Microphones
- Most common for live performances
- singer
- horns
- amplifiers
- drums
- Accentuate the middle of the frequency
- Least expensive
Dynamic Microphones
Shure SM58
Shure SM57
$99
$99
Voice
Instruments
Speaches
Amplifiers
Industry Standards
Nady StarPower 1
$5.99
Condenser Microphones
- Most common for recording
- singer
- horns
- amplifiers
- drums
- Well-rounded frequency pick-up
- Fast response allowing it to
pick up high transient material
such as the initial attack of a
drum.
- Expensive
Condenser Microphones
Large-Diaphragm
- More popular than small
diaphragm
- More pronounced lower
frequency
- Lower self noise, noise created by
the microphone
Condenser Microphones
Small-Diaphragm
- More accurately captures
instruments with a high frequency
Condenser Microphones
Large-Diaphragm
MXL 990
Shure SM27
Manley Reference Stereo
Gold Microphone
$49.99
$299
$7,200
Condenser Microphones
Small-Diaphragm
MXL 993
Shure KSM137
Majave Audio
MA-100SP
$119.99
$598
$1,595
Ribbon Microphones
- Most popular from 1930s-1960s
- Taken a backseat to
condenser mics
- Fragile and expensive
- Takes only a gust of wind
or strong breath to break
the $100-$150 ribbon
- Round, rich, vintage tone
Ribbon Microphones
MXL R-144
Blue
Woodpecker
Royer R-122V
$99
$999
$5,690
Microphone Accessories
Pop Filter
Gets rid of the
“P” sound
Microphone
Stand
Holds
the Mic
QUIZ
- What are three types of microphones?
- Dynamic
- Condenser
- Ribbon
QUIZ
- What is a characteristic of each?
- Dynamic- Least expensive, least sensitive, live
- Condenser- Expensive, sensitive, recording
- Ribbon- fragile, knocked out by condenser
QUIZ
- What is the most common dynamic microphone?
Shure SM58
QUIZ
- What are two types of condenser microphones?
Small Diaphragm
Large Diaphragm
QUIZ
Name the polarity patterns and where the sound is captured.
Omnidirectional
Cardioid
Figure-8
(directional)
(bidirectional)
All around
Front
Front and Back
Cables
Carries electrical impulses created by a
microphone or instrument to a device that will
read it such as a speaker or mixer.
XLR
1/4”
Speakon
XLR Cable
- Most common for microphones
- Used for connections between
equipment
- Speaker to speaker
- Mixer to speaker
- Link cables together
to make longer cables
- Carries phantom power
Male
Female
Phantom Power
Method for transmitting DC electrical power through
microphone cables to operate microphones that contain
active electronic circuitry. It is best known as a common
power source for condenser microphones, though many
active direct boxes also use it.
Phantom power supplies are often built into mixing desks,
microphone preamplifiers and similar equipment.
Wikipedia
1/4” Cable
- Most common for instruments
- Guitar
- Bass
- Used for connections between
equipment
- Speaker to speaker
- Mixer to speaker
- Does not carry phantom
power
Male
Male
Speakon Cable
- Most common for loudspeakers
and power amplifiers
- Locking system
- Carry more currency than XLR
and 1/4”
- Plastic connectors
Female
Female
QUIZ
- What are three types of cables?
- XLR
- 1/4”
- Speakon
QUIZ
- What is each one used for?
- XLR- Microphone, equipment connections
- 1/4”- Instruments, equipment connections
- Speakon- Equipment connections
Speakers
Broadcasts electrical impulses created by a
microphone or instrument that have been carried
through a cable and possibly through a mixer.
Active (powered)
Passive (un-powered)
Active Speaker
- Self-Powered
- Built in power amplifier
- Does not require an external
power source
- Heavier than a passive speaker
- More expensive than a passive
speaker
Passive Speaker
- Not Powered
- Requires an external power
source
- Lighter than an active speaker
- Less expensive than an active
speaker
QUIZ
What are the two types of speakers?
- Active
- Passive
QUIZ
What type of microphone would you use to mic
a singer at a live performance?
Dynamic
QUIZ
What type of microphone would you use to
record cymbals?
Condenser
QUIZ
What type of condenser microphone would you
use to record cymbals?
Small Diaphragm
QUIZ
What type of microphone would you use to
record vocals?
Condenser
QUIZ
What type of condenser microphone would you
use to record vocals?
Large Diaphragm