Roland VS-CDRII User Manual download pdf (Page 9)

sound. Therefore, they are very useful as the “workhorse” microphones for

your studio. Try them on drums, background vocals, guitar and bass amps,

and just about anything else. However, dynamic microphones often do not

have the frequency response needed for some critical applications, such as

lead vocals, cymbals or overhead drums. If you have a condenser microphone

available, use it for these types of applications.

Ribbon microphones are a less common type of microphone, which use a

ribbon suspended in a magnetic field rather than a coil. Ribbon microphones

have somewhat more high-end frequency response than dynamic

microphones, but have traditionally been more fragile as far as handling and

sound pressure level. Therefore, they are commonly used for instruments

which have a higher-range frequency content, but aren’t too loud, such as

orchestral instruments, hi-hat or vocals.

Condenser microphones simply use two plates, one of which vibrates

according to sound hitting it, with a magnetic field between them. Condenser

microphones typically have a very wide frequency response along with a very

realistic, transparent sound. However, condenser microphones require a

separate power supply and are often many times more expensive than

dynamic microphones. Therefore, most small studios will buy one or two of

these and only use them for critical applications, such as lead vocals, room

mics, cymbals or acoustic instruments.

Polar Patterns

Each microphone has a distinct polar pattern, also called a pickup pattern. This

defines the area around the microphone in which the microphone will “hear”

sounds. It is important to know the polar pattern of your microphone so you

will know how to place it effectively. For example, if your microphone only

picks up sound right in front of it, you’ll need to place it directly in front of

your instrument.

Most microphones have a cardioid pickup pattern. This

means that it will pick up sound directly in front of it, and

to a lesser extent along each side.

Hypercardioid microphones will pick up sound

in front from a greater distance, but less along the

sides.

Supercardioid microphones will pick up even a

greater distance in front and almost none along

the sides.

8 The Basics of Modern Recording

Microphones (continued)

Cardioid

Hypercardioid Supercardioid

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Roland VS-CDRII User Manual Page 9