Parent category for microphones.
In order to hear what a microphone is doing, we need some sort of playback device, such as a loudspeaker or a pair of headphones. But do microphones need these playback devices in order to function? If a tree falls in the wood with no one to hear it, does it make a sound? Do…
Love it or hate it, the “auto-tune” effect is a pretty cool technological advancement in the field of audio, allowing vocalists to sing into a microphone and have their voices transformed into pitch-perfect notes. How do auto-tune microphones work? Well, there is really no such thing as an “auto-tune microphone.” Rather, the microphone outputs a…
Nothing lasts forever, so how do microphones stand against the test of time and the tests of performing over and over again? Do microphones wear out? Like all electronic devices, microphones will wear out, though in most cases, this happens very slowly. There are many vintage microphones on the market that prove that mics wear…
If you’ve ever watched an NBA basketball broadcast or seen a theatre play, you’ve likely heard (in some part of the audio mix) a floor microphone. These mics, when used correctly, add quite a bit to an audio mix without being overly noticeable (if noticeable at all) by the audience. What is a floor microphone?…
If you’ve ever seen behind-the-scenes footage of television or movie shoots, you may have seen a boom microphone at the end of a long pole being held above the actors. If you have a keen eye, you may have even seen a boom mic (accidentally) peak down into frame in your favourite TV show or…
Dialogue and/or singing is a critical part of most acting performances, so hearing the actors clearly is paramount. Effectively miking of actors is essential to capturing their voices in both filmed media and in live performances. Do actors wear microphones in film, theatre, and other performances? In modern professional productions (theatre, film, television, etc.), it’s…
Opera is a truly remarkable art form. As with any live performance heavily centred around sound, it’s common to question if microphones are used or not. Are Microphones Ever Used In Opera Performances? Traditionally mics are not used in opera (for orchestral instruments or singers). Opera singers are trained to sing in a way that…
Broadway has become legendary for its high-level production of theatrical performances. How do Broadway performances (and other professional theatre performances) sound good? It all starts with microphones! Are Microphones Used On Broadway And In Other Theatres? Yes, microphones are used on Broadway and in professional theatre as well as many amateur theatres. A Broadway show…
When travelling via plane for an audio recording gig, it’s nice to be able to bring your gear with you. Microphones are the tools you need to do your job, and so it’s important to know whether you can fly with them in carry-on or checked luggage. Are microphones allowed on airplanes? Microphones are not…
It’s not often that we think about how microphones work. Microphones are part of our day-to-day lives and are somewhat taken for granted, so I’m glad you asked about how they function! How do microphones work? Microphones work as transducers, converting sound waves (mechanical wave energy) into audio signals (electrical energy). The microphone diaphragm vibrates…
In my deeper research into how microphones work, I found that transformers and transistors are key components in many microphones. Do all microphones have transformers? Although transformers are common in microphones, they are certainly not required. Nearly all passive ribbon and tube mics have output transformers. Many dynamic and condenser mics have transformers. Active ribbon…
After about a year of building the My New Microphone blog, I realized I never took the time to write an article to define exactly what a microphone is. What is a microphone? A microphone is a transducer that converts mechanical wave energy (sound waves) into electrical energy (mic/audio signals). There are many types of…
