Microphones

The microphone proximity effect is sometimes used to great effect, and other times it’s an unwanted side effect of mic placement. It can accentuate the deep voice of an announcer, the low thud of a kick drum, the boominess of a bass amplifier. It can also cause muddiness and an overrepresentation of low-end frequencies in…

You may notice some microphones require more preamp gain than others to achieve the same amount of signal. In other words, some microphones are less sensitive than others. What exactly is microphone sensitivity? Microphone sensitivity is a measurement of a microphone’s efficiency as a transducer (how well it converts acoustical energy to electrical energy). A microphone’s…

While reading over a microphone spec sheet, you’ve undoubtedly come across values for either output impedance, rated load impedance, or both! Understanding these impedance values is crucial to master microphones truly. So what is microphone impedance? Microphone signals are AC voltages. Impedance is the “AC resistance” of audio signal voltages. Impedance controls the flow of the…

How loud of a sound can a microphone handle? When looking at a microphone’s spec sheet, “maximum SPL” may be listed with a specific value. That being said, a microphone’s maximum sound pressure level can be a misleading piece of information. So what does a maximum sound pressure level actually mean? The maximum sound pressure level…

Hear a faint hiss in your recordings? The sound could be coming from within the mic! The self-noise of a microphone is exactly what it sounds like (see what I did there?): the noise created by the mic itself. However, there’s more to it than this obvious answer. What is microphone self-noise? Self-noise is the faint sound…

In the age of digital audio, microphones of all types must be able to connect to and work with computers. Whether you’re working on the next hit record or just want improved vocal clarity in online conversation, knowing how to connect a microphone to your computer is essential. How do we connect a microphone to…

The lyrics are memorized; rehearsals are done; the spotlight is on, and you’re on stage holding the microphone, ready to sing for the audience. From my experience on the stage and as a sound technician, I have come to realize the significance of proper microphone-holding technique. So how should we hold a microphone when singing live?…

You’re free from the podium, holding the microphone, and the spotlight is on you. Everyone can hear what you’ve got to say, or can they? If you’ve ever wondered how to hold a microphone properly, this article has the answer for you! So how do we hold a microphone when public speaking and presenting? The…