Capture Flashcards
(19 cards)
How can you maximise the signal-to-noise ratio before recording?
Set the gains.
How can you reduce hiss / noise when recording?
- Set gains.
- Check input and output levels when chaining equipment together.
- Avoid electronics in room near microphone.
- Avoid acoustic instruments that could vibrate / make noise.
What are the main types of microphone?
- Condenser.
- Dynamic.
- Ribbon (50s).
What is a condenser mic and what is it used for?
- More sensitive, higher frequency response.
- Requires a 45V phantom power.
- Studio recordings.
- Faster transient response.
What is a dynamic mic and what is it used for?
- Microphone used for high SPLs (sound pressure levels).
- Used in live music, more sturdy and rigid.
What are the most common mic polar patterns?
- Cardioid, mostly the front.
- Omnidirectional, all around (360 degrees).
- Figure-of-8, front and back.
What is an appropriate distance for close miking?
Between 15-30cm.
What is the difference between small and large microphone diaphragms?
Small - more sensitive so more frequencies picked up, superior transient response.
Large - more characteristic quality, less consistent pick-up patterns so sounds more warm.
What is a preamp?
Amplifiers that take weak signals and boost them to be stronger in a clean way so that they can be used for mixing.
What is signal-to-noise ratio?
Compares the level of a signal power to a level of (unwanted) noise power.
What is a ribbon mic and what is it used for?
- Figure-of-8 pattern.
- More accurate to sound because of light ribbon.
- Faster transient response than dynamic.
- Very fragile.
How does a dynamic microphone work?
Electromagnetic induction. Moveable coil attached to diaphragm in magnetic field, generating current.
How does a condenser microphone work?
Two capacitor plates, diaphragm makes one vibrate and gap between plates changes, generates a current.
What does a microphone frequency response graph tell you?
The frequency it picks up in relation to the human hearing range.
What is a transient response?
Ability to respond to transient peaks of recordings.
What does a HPF / rumble filter switch on a mic do?
Cuts all frequencies below a low threshold (e.g. 150 Hz).
What does a pad switch on a mic do?
Reduces the input signal to avoid clipping at the capsule.
What do shock mounts do?
Avoid vibrations travelling mic stand and creating rumble in the recording.
What do pop shields do?
Reduce plosive sounds when recording (can also move performer away from mic).
