Microphone Principles II

Category ON SALE, Recording & Music Production

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Associated Courses

Overview

This course covers essential microphone techniques for recording, focusing on microphone selection, placement, and the handling of common issues like phase cancellation and feedback. You’ll learn about different microphone types and their characteristics, such as polar patterns and frequency response, and how to choose the right mic for various sound sources. The course also explores phase cancellation, feedback prevention, and the use of stereo recording techniques, including XY, ORTF, and AB configurations, to achieve the best sound in different environments. By the end, you'll be able to confidently select, position, and troubleshoot microphones to create high-quality recordings.

Module One: Microphone Controls

Module Two: Impedance

In this module, you will learn about the importance of microphone impedance and how it affects your recording quality. Impedance is essentially the resistance in an audio circuit that impacts the signal strength and quality, with low impedance microphones typically offering the best performance. You will explore the different impedance classifications (low, medium, and high) and understand how improper impedance matching between microphones, mixers, and preamps can lead to distortion and noise issues. Practical advice on matching impedance for optimal signal strength and using line-matching transformers or DI boxes will help you make informed decisions about your equipment.

Module Three: Phase Cancellation

In this module, you’ll learn about phase cancellation, a phenomenon that can negatively affect your recordings, particularly when using multiple microphones. Phase cancellation occurs when two audio signals with opposing polarities combine, causing certain frequencies to cancel each other out and result in a thin, hollow sound. Understanding how phase works, including the importance of microphone placement and the 3-to-1 rule, is essential for reducing the impact of phase issues. You will also explore how to use tools like phase reversal switches to mitigate phase cancellation and ensure a fuller, more balanced recording.

Module Four: Feedback

In this module, you will explore the concept of feedback, a phenomenon commonly encountered in live sound situations but also relevant in the studio. Feedback occurs when sound from speakers is picked up by microphones, amplified, and sent back through the speakers, creating a continuous loop of increasing volume. You’ll learn how feedback can be controlled by adjusting microphone placement, using equalization to isolate and reduce certain frequencies, and ensuring speakers are properly positioned. While feedback is more common in live settings, understanding its mechanics is essential for preventing it in any audio setup, including the studio.

Module Five: Choosing the Right Microphone

This module focuses on how to select the appropriate microphone based on the sound source, environment, and desired outcome. We’ll explore how different instruments and voices have varying frequency ranges and how microphones should complement those frequencies. You’ll learn how to choose mics that handle specific volume levels and avoid damaging sensitive mics like ribbons. We’ll also cover how to pick the right microphone for different environments, whether you’re recording in a quiet space with omni-directional mics or need to reject spill with cardioid mics.

Module Six: Stereo Microphone Techniques

In this module, we explore various stereo microphone techniques that create a realistic stereo image, allowing listeners to feel immersed in the recorded space. Stereo miking is commonly used for instruments like drum kits, pianos, choirs, and small ensembles; giving a natural soundscape to any recording.

In this module, you will learn about the customizable controls found on high-quality microphones, such as the AKG C414, and how these can be used to tailor your sound for different recording situations. Key features include selecting from various polar patterns (Omni, Cardioid, Hyper-cardioid, and Figure 8), adjusting the microphone’s sensitivity with an attenuator, and applying low-frequency roll-off to reduce unwanted noise. In this module, you will learn about the importance of microphone impedance and how it affects your recording quality. Impedance is essentially the resistance in an audio circuit that impacts the signal strength and quality, with low impedance microphones typically offering the best performance. You will explore the different impedance classifications (low, medium, and high) and understand how improper impedance matching between microphones, mixers, and preamps can lead to distortion and noise issues. Practical advice on matching impedance for optimal signal strength and using line-matching transformers or DI boxes will help you make informed decisions about your equipment. In this module, you'll learn about phase cancellation, a phenomenon that can negatively affect your recordings, particularly when using multiple microphones. Phase cancellation occurs when two audio signals with opposing polarities combine, causing certain frequencies to cancel each other out and result in a thin, hollow sound. Understanding how phase works, including the importance of microphone placement and the 3-to-1 rule, is essential for reducing the impact of phase issues. You will also explore how to use tools like phase reversal switches to mitigate phase cancellation and ensure a fuller, more balanced recording. In this module, you will explore the concept of feedback, a phenomenon commonly encountered in live sound situations but also relevant in the studio. Feedback occurs when sound from speakers is picked up by microphones, amplified, and sent back through the speakers, creating a continuous loop of increasing volume. You'll learn how feedback can be controlled by adjusting microphone placement, using equalization to isolate and reduce certain frequencies, and ensuring speakers are properly positioned. While feedback is more common in live settings, understanding its mechanics is essential for preventing it in any audio setup, including the studio. This module focuses on how to select the appropriate microphone based on the sound source, environment, and desired outcome. We’ll explore how different instruments and voices have varying frequency ranges and how microphones should complement those frequencies. You'll learn how to choose mics that handle specific volume levels and avoid damaging sensitive mics like ribbons. We'll also cover how to pick the right microphone for different environments, whether you're recording in a quiet space with omni-directional mics or need to reject spill with cardioid mics. In this module, we explore various stereo microphone techniques that create a realistic stereo image, allowing listeners to feel immersed in the recorded space. Stereo miking is commonly used for instruments like drum kits, pianos, choirs, and small ensembles; giving a natural soundscape to any recording.

Requirements

Required Hardware (minimum): Laptop Computer (PC  or Mac) Specifications: Minimum 3.0 GHz Processor 16GB RAM (64 Bit) 256GB SSD

DETAILS TO KNOW

Shareable Certificate

Taught in English

Self-paced Learning

Course Evaluations: 6 Quizzes & 1 Final Exam

Estimated Time to Complete: 15-20 Hours

Course Availability: On-Demand

Overview

This course covers essential microphone techniques for recording, focusing on microphone selection, placement, and the handling of common issues like phase cancellation and feedback. You’ll learn about different microphone types and their characteristics, such as polar patterns and frequency response, and how to choose the right mic for various sound sources. The course also explores phase cancellation, feedback prevention, and the use of stereo recording techniques, including XY, ORTF, and AB configurations, to achieve the best sound in different environments. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently select, position, and troubleshoot microphones to create high-quality recordings.

Module One: Microphone Controls

Module Two: Impedance

Module Three: Phase Cancellation

Module Four: Feedback

Module Five: Choosing the Right Microphone

Module Six: Stereo Microphone Techniques