The
Ribbon mics continue to impress with a great new acoustic session from
Graham Hodge CHECK IT OUT. The
BIG IDEA is to run a studio recording materclass weekend. Look out for
details!!!!!!!!!
Dynamics microphones are generally seen as live or stage microphones
and Condenser mics as studio recording mics, though there is a
broad cross over and you will find that every recording studios
in the world has a few dynamic mics for particular applications.
Dynamic microphones are pretty tough and can take big sound levels
without distorting, making them great for live vocals, sticking
in front of a Marshall cab and especially pointing at drums. As
in all microphones, sound pressure moves an element in the mic
creating a small electrical current and in different designs this
is achieved in different ways. In dynamic microphones a small
movable induction coil, positioned in the magnetic field of a
permanent magnet, is attached to a thin diaphragm and when sound
vibrates this diaphragm the movement produces a small current
through electromagnetic induction and the principle is in fact
pretty much the same as in a loudspeaker, only reversed.
Recording
This circular diaphragm has produced the classic microphone
shape but in the other dynamic microphone type, Ribbon
microphones, the diaphragm is replaced by a stretched
ribbon of aluminium producing a generally larger, longer design.
Normal dynamic microphones don’t need any external power
supply, they are fairly cheap to manufacture, pretty tough and
resistant to moisture, and for this reason they are widely used
on-stage by singers. The vast majority of dynamic mics on the
market have a cardioid or Hypercardioid pattern which picks
up sound from directly in front of the mic and rejects sound
from the sides and rear, characteristics which make them eminently
suited for live vocal work where separation from the rest of
the musicians is needed. However there are some omni pattern
dynamic stage mics such as the Audio
Technica AT804 and omni dynamic mics like the Shure
SM63 are popular in ENG and field recording work. As technology
has advanced and new materials have been developed, so the difference
in quality between dynamic and condenser mics has narrowed and
the traditional price differential between the two types has
all but vanished. However don't be tempted to think that because
you can get a cheap Chinese condenser mic for the same price
as a SM57 that you dont need a SM57. Try miking a drum kit and
discover why the classic dynamic mics like the SM57 and Sennheiser
421 are considered classic dynamic microphones for a good reason.
