Microphones - different types and their uses in performances.

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Microphone Essay

A microphone is a transducer used to capture acoustic energy and convert it into electrical energy. The electrical energy, also referred to as audio signal, is then sent to a recording device, usually an external interface or a D.A.W. (Digital Audio Workstation). It is then converted back to audio so that it can be played back and edited if necessary. All microphones contain a diaphragm, which is a 'thin piece of material (such as paper, plastic or aluminium) that vibrates when struck by sound waves' (Modern Recording Techniques).

The Dynamic microphone works in the following way:

'When the diaphragm vibrates in response to incoming sound waves, the coil moves backwards and forwards past the magnet. This creates a current in the coil which is channeled from the microphone along wires.'

(Dynamic Microphones)

The diagram below shows this:

(http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/images/mic-dynamic.gif)

Dynamic microphones are mainly used for live on-stage performances as they are robust, can cope with high gain before experiencing feedback and are resistant to moisture. They are also relatively inexpensive, as a very basic one with a 3.5mm jack connection can be purchased for under £10, which are commonly used