Microphones

Frequency

Generally divided into three groups:

• Low-frequency: tuba

• Mid-range: human voice

• High-frequency: flutes/piccolo

Different mics are built to pick up different frequencies of sound

Type (Generating Element)

• Dynamic: diaphragm that vibrates a small coil housed in a magnetic field

• Ribbon: thin ribbon of metal surrounded by a magnetic field

• Condenser: thin piece of metal foil or coated film

Mounts

• On-Camera: solo-shooting, recording live, “scratch” audio

• Handheld: when don’t have time to set up, recording dialogue live

• Stand: stationary recording like in a studio or on stage

• Shotgun/Boom: record dialogue without the mic visible

• Lav: record dialogue discreetly, person moving around

Cabling

• Wired: cable attached to the camera or recorder

  • very reliable 

• Wireless: mic has a radio transmitter w/ antenna, sends through the air

  • prone to interference

3.5mm jacks (small) vs. XLR (large)

Filter/Screen

• Foam Windscreen

  • minimize wind/ambience noise

  • faux fur (dead cat): can be used on top of the foam

• Pop Filter/Screen

  • reduce or eliminate plosives (bursts of air maade when p/b pronounced

  • used indoors in recording studios