Type of transducer
About Frequency Response
Suitable for working at controlled environment, or for acoustic
measurements. Although people persuit flatness, but for none-professionals,
it is a challenge to makes it works as expectation.
Flat
Based on years of practical experience of pro users. There are curves to be
build for various applications, so that it is very simple to use the
microphone for the purpose. Limiting bandwidth, and emphasing are typical
skill.
Popular curve response
Incorporating switchable filters to elliminates interference, such as sub-
sonic filter to cut air-conditioner and floor vibrations. And allows full flat
when used in controlled environment.
Variable response
Directivity
Knowing your microphone
Superlux provides variety selection of microphones for professionals and
amatures. To know your microphone is the first step to successful result.
Mounting the microphone
Maintainence
Pressure gradient microphone is very sensitive to vibration. Suitable shock
mount for high performance microphone is necessary for extreme low noise
recording. Sturdy stand can set the microphone excatly at the sweet spot
and keep it there. Choose heavy duty microphone stand for studio
condenser microphone which weights much more than handle microphone.
Superlux provides wide range of microphone stands for various demands.
Big Foot Willie is specially developed for large condenser microphones that
able to support 2 large microphones with stereo bracket for single point
stereo recording.
Extension foot on all the 'E' versions serve to mount heavy studio
microphone in limit space live sound applications.
Condenser microphone shall be kept in low humidity environment for best
sound performance. Store the condenser microphones in airconditioned
room or dehumidifier to keep away form moisture. Clean air is another
important factor. Keep away from smoking environment to avoid tar
residuals.
Durable and simple structure, operates in all kinds of environments. A good
dynamic microphone is capable to operate at very high sound pressure level
without distortion. Due to structure limit, dynamics cannot be built as small
as condenser, but dynamics doesn require power to operate.
Dynamics
90
20-50 mm
180
0
90
120 ~135
120 ~135
Monitor
Loudspeaker (s)
P.A. System
Loudspeaker
Recommended
Loudspeaker Locations
Omni
Distance to source
Close miking or distant miking sound very differently. Vocal recording or
live performance practice close miking mostly. Suitable proximity effect is
one desired target, and lower feedback problem is another factor for live
sound application.
While distant miking is common practice for recording, especially stereo
pair recording with large group of performers, such as orchestra or choir.
Distant miking generally picks up less bass section with pressure gradient
type of microphone (cardioid, figure-8, shotgun...) due to acoustic nature
and lack of proximity effects.
Rich bass with distant miking can be recorded with pressure type of
microphone (Omni), which performs the same frequency response with
close or distant pick-up.
Using a handheld microphone
For best signal to noise ratio, distance from the handheld microphone to the
sound source shall be as short as possible.
For higher gain before feedback and lowest background noise, the
microphone shall be pointed directly to the sound source. (refer to the
illustration below) The sensitivity of a super cardioid microphone is highest
on axis and lowest at 120 to 135 degrees.
To avoid interference between multiple microphones, each sound source
shall be picked-up by one microphone, use as less microphones as
possible in one space, or turn-on as less microphones as possible at the
same time.
To reduce crosstalk between microphones, an 1:3 guide line shall be follow:
The distance between microphone A to the sound source A is "1", the
distance between any other microphone to the sound source A shall be more
than 3 times.
When the (super) cardioid microphone get closer to the sound source, the
low frequency response is boosted, as so call "proximity effect". Experience
singer takes advantages of the proximity effect to improve the richness of
his/her voice or to increase the bass of the instrument as if an extremely
high quality equalizer is used. Same idea to reduce the bass by increase the
distance to reduce the bass when needed.
Reflecting surface affect sound as well. Beware of these surfaces such as
wall, table, or floor. Place the microphone away from the hard surfaces or
directly contact these surfaces to form a pressure zone microphone.
When using the microphone outdoor or in windy environment, additional
foam wind screen helps to reduce wind noise.
Keep grill pop screen clean to avoid degrading the sound quality. Do not
expose the microphone at high humidity/temperature environment to avoid
damage.
