Thursday, July 21, 2011

Microphones - Fundamentals Of Modern Communication

The need of microphones in the information age is undeniable and impactful. No field of science and technology is unaware of the numerous applications of this wonder instrument. When Emile Berliner create the first microphone in the year 1876, little did she knew that it would go on and find a place in most of the electronic and communicating devices of the 20thcentury. Modern telephony is almost impossible without microphones. Mobile phones and landlines have a circuit fitted with microphone, which makes communication possible. Even in the field of television and radio broadcasting, the need of microphone is undeniable. Acoustic and sound recording and engineering revolves around the concept of microphones and its use. Hearing aids, karaoke systems, tape recorders – all of these possess microphones. Latest technology like VoIP, speech recognition, ultrasonic checking, and knock sensors use modern variants of the microphones.

Different categories of mics, as microphones are colloquially famous, are available in the market. These include the dynamic, condenser, USB and tube mics. Out of the aforementioned four, the first two are used the most. While dynamic microphones are best suited for open air concerts and external environment, studio recordings need good condenser mics. Dynamic and condenser mics come in various budgets and sub-types. There are vocal mics, which are good for recording of vocals, while drums and cymbal microphones can record percussion sounds accurately. Sound of other instruments can also be recorded using dynamic and condenser mics.

USB mics, on the other hand, are used for home based computer recordings. With the help of these mics, one can eliminate the use of preamps or mixers, which would otherwise have occupied more space. Although less costly as compared to dynamic or condenser mics, they are capable of recording excellent audio. On the other hand, tube mics were previously used, and it consists of vacuum tubes and transmitter to provide a rich sound recording experience. Nowadays, it is specifically used to record high quality vocals and instruments.

Arrangements of mics are as important as the quality, in ensuring top notch reception of sound. The use of a single microphone can be easy and straightforward, but problems arise while using multiple mics. Proper positioning is needed, to avoid noise, distortion or any other kind of sound attenuation. Also, the mics should ideally be in a linear and direct path with the source of sound. This can help in maximum reception of the analog sound waves. For these, various mic accessories are used, like shockmounts and mic clips. Other important apparatus, like the pop filter, can be used for faultless and smooth recording.

 

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