The source of sound often consists of multiple distinct parts, while different microphones possess varying pickup ranges. The question arises: can diverse microphone types effectively capture the unique characteristics of these sound sources? This is a critical issue that audio professionals cannot afford to overlook. Today, there is a wide array of microphones available, with the most common being dynamic, condenser, gooseneck, headset, and lavalier microphones. Each type exhibits unique pickup properties, making them suitable for different scenarios.
Vocal microphones, particularly those used in radio studios, typically employ either dynamic or condenser microphones. Dynamic microphones are robust and durable, offering high sensitivity and excellent directionality, resulting in clear, pure, and soft sound reproduction. Their frequency response spans from 40 Hz to 16 kHz. Condenser microphones, on the other hand, provide superior sound quality and sensitivity, producing full, bright, and nuanced audio. Their frequency response covers the audible range of 20 Hz to 18 kHz. Condenser microphones also boast excellent directional properties. For instance, the Neumann U89i offers five directional options—omnidirectional, hemispherical, cardioid, supercardioid, and figure-eight—allowing versatile use across various recording conditions.
In radio broadcasting, the emphasis is on clarity and resolution, and most hosts utilize cardioid or supercardioid dynamic or condenser microphones. Cardioid microphones are unidirectional, capturing only the sound in front of them. Ideally, the speaker's mouth should align with the microphone's central axis at a "0°" angle for optimal output. However, if the speaker moves significantly, the sound energy may weaken or distort. Figure-eight directional microphones, which are bidirectional, capture sound from both the front and back, making them ideal for interview setups. Omnidirectional microphones can record sound in a 360-degree radius, useful for large-scale recordings.
Recording broadcast language programs requires not only knowledge of microphone directionality but also careful adjustment of the microphone-to-sound-source distance. This distance impacts both the clarity of the sound and the proportion of direct versus reverberant sound. Too close, and the low frequencies are boosted, making the sound muddy and lacking spatial depth. Too far, and the vocal clarity suffers, becoming faint and unintelligible. Through repeated adjustments, placing the microphone within the reverberation radius ensures optimal sound clarity and balance.
Despite advancements, several factors can still affect speech clarity, such as the "popping" sound caused by strong airflow impacting the microphone diaphragm. This often results in distortion, especially when the speaker's voice is too loud. To mitigate this, one can increase the pickup distance slightly, adjust the microphone's angle away from the airflow, or activate the gain reduction switch. Variations in vocal intensity are also common, influenced by the microphone’s angle, distance, and the nature of the sound source itself. Equalization through mixers and peripherals is essential for balancing audio frequencies in practical recording sessions. Studios often employ tools like equalizers, compressors, and effects processors to enhance voice quality and ensure clear audio transmission.
In television audio systems, similar principles apply, though microphones require even greater sensitivity and directionality. Modern cameras often come equipped with dual microphones: one mounted above the body to align with the camera’s axis, ensuring consistent sound pickup; the other captures ambient sounds around the camera. Both microphones usually exhibit supercardioid directionality, aligning with the lens’s visual focus.
Advancements in microphone technology have led to innovations like handheld mics, lavalier mics, and gooseneck mics, tailored for specific environments. Recently, microphones have become increasingly discreet, with shorter gooseneck designs. Watching CCTV news broadcasts, for example, viewers rarely notice the microphones, allowing uninterrupted visuals. Gooseneck and shotgun microphones are popular choices for conferences due to their high sensitivity and directionality, effectively isolating speakers' voices while suppressing background noise and feedback. These microphones are ideal for live events, video conferencing, and interviews.
Instrument microphones play a crucial role in music performances. Instruments produce complex sounds, primarily from strings, membranes, springs, rods, and air columns. For instance, the piano generates a wide spectrum of sounds, including crisp highs, rich mids, and deep lows. Two microphones are often used—one near the high strings and another near the bass strings. Placing a quasi-string microphone about 30 cm away yields a clear, full-bodied sound. Violins produce a beautiful, bright tone, best captured by an omnidirectional microphone positioned above the bridge. Cellos, with their deep, resonant tones, are similarly recorded above the bridge. Woodwinds, which rely on air column vibrations, benefit from a cardioid dynamic microphone placed near the tube opening, yielding soft, bright tones. Brass instruments, such as trumpets, produce loud, bright sounds from their bell mouths. Using a microphone slightly offset from the bell mouth ensures optimal pickup, especially within 50 cm of the sound source. A condenser microphone can be attenuated by 10 dB for better results.
Live concerts involve large ensembles, requiring strategic microphone placement. The Neumann SM69, with its broad pickup area, captures the overall sound field and reverb in X/Y and ORTF formats. Auxiliary microphones, such as U87 and U89, can be placed in string, woodwind, brass, and percussion sections. Dynamic microphones are ideal for brass and percussion due to their wide dynamic range. However, auxiliary microphones should not match the volume of the main microphone to avoid disrupting the overall sound field.
Microphone setup demands precision. Each vocal and instrument must be carefully positioned, with meticulous adjustments to height, angle, and distance. The relationship between microphones and performers is vital. In balanced performances, singers might account for 60% of the sound field, while instruments contribute the remaining 40%. Depending on the melody and instrumentation, the balance can shift to a 50:50 ratio. Proper adjustments ensure natural sound reproduction, creating a harmonious listening experience.
In conclusion, mastering microphone techniques requires attention to detail and a refined approach. While digital equipment offers high standards, human expertise remains indispensable. Achieving natural, cohesive sound relies on complementing resources and leveraging each microphone's strengths. The result is a pleasing, immersive auditory experience.
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