WEEK 5 - AA1 - Microphone Experiments

Above is a screen shot of five microphone samples. You can almost tell the pickup pattern by the waveforms. Please click to enlarge.

I tested the responses and pickup patterns of a Nuemann U87 condenser microphone with phantom power, and two dynamic mics - a Shure Beta 57 (super cardioid), and a Behringer 2000 (cardioid). The Nuemann U87 I tested on all three settings - figure of 8, cardioid and omni - by making a consistent note with my voice and walking 360 degrees around the mic, pre-set on a stand. The problems with this method were quality and consistentcy of my voice and varying distance from the mic. The reason I didn't hold the mic and manipulate it? Handling noise.

Omniu87MP3.mp3
Shown above, the Nuemann U87. Set to omni. The deviations from an even, consitent signal are probably due to my lack of vocal skill and varying distance from the mic as I walked around it.

F8u87MP3.mp3

The U87 set to figure 8 pattern. I begin in front of the mic (zero degrees) and proceed around it. You can hear the volume begin to decrease as I approach 90 degrees and increase as I approach 180 degrees (the back of the microphone). Same as I head back to zero again. Excellent pattern for some situations. Backup harmonies where you don't want spill from the sides could be one application (vocalist front and back).

cardoidu87MP3.mp3

Same 360 procedure. Obvious decrease in volume as I approach the 180 degree point and pick up again as I head back to zero.

Beta57MP3.mp3
Dynamic, Super Cardioid
BehringerCardioid2000MP3.mp3
Dynamic, Cardioid

For these two mics I went from 180 – 0 degrees, the pick up pattern quite obvious. Back sounds distant due to direction of diaphragm and design of casing, front clear. The Behringer has a slightly warmer sound to my mind. Not sure why as the Behringer is rated at 40 - 16, 000Hz and the Shure 50 - 16, 000Hz. They appear to be designed for the same purpose. Thinking ...

All microphone photographs from EMU Microphone Guide, accessed 31/3/2007 :

http://www.emu.adelaide.edu.au/resources/guides/hardware/microphones.html