For this week's task, we began to look at different Microphones, their Polar Patterns, and the levels needed to ensure that they record excellent quality sound. We started by looking at two of the most common types of Microphones – Dynamic Mics and Condenser Mics. Dynamic Microphones are used for general, hand-held use. These types of Microphones are made with a magnet and coil, which receive the sound waves when the mic records sound. Another reason why Dynamic Microphones are commonly used is because they do not require any external electrical source, such as batteries. Furthermore, we also looked at Condenser Mics. Unlike Dynamic Microphones, these Microphones do require power from an external source to be able to operate. Also, in contrast to the audio signal in a Dynamic Microphone, the signal in a Condenser Microphone is much stronger and more sensitive. Therefore, this means that this microphone can record sound at a high quality, picking up the slightest noise. However, if the sound being recorded is at too high of volume, the sound may appear crackled because of the microphone's sensitivity.
In addition to this, we also looked at Polar Patterns in Microphones. Polar Patterns are the sensitivity in each microphone and at what angle of the microphone sound is recorded. There are multiple different polar patterns which are used to record different sounds.
One of these Polar Patterns is Omnidirectional. An Omnidirectional Polar Pattern is when the sound is recorded from one angle only, meaning that sound can be recorded at a good quality from any angle of the microphone. Omnidirectional Microphones are most used by musicians as it allows for multiple instruments and sounds to be picked up at one time. Another Polar Pattern that we explored was a Cardioid Polar Pattern. These ‘heart shaped’ polar patterns pick up most of the sound from the front part of the microphone. It does not pick up much noise from the sides or the back of the microphone. Cardioid Polar Patterns are most used for Interviews. Furthermore, Hyper-Cardioid Polar Patterns are similar in shape to Cardioid Polar Patterns but are also able to pick up some sound at the back of the microphone. Even though most of the sound recorded is picked up from the top of the microphone, some noise is picked up from the bottom, with very little sound being recorded at the sides.
After exploring these three common types of Polar Patterns, we were challenged to find some more Polar Patterns that are used. After doing some research, I was able to find the Bidirectional (or Figure of Eight) Polar Pattern. Like the name, the shape of this Polar Pattern is in a figure of eight shape. This means that this microphone can record sound well from both the top and bottom of the microphone, whilst recording little sound from the sides. This Polar Pattern is useful for recording two voices at the same time, particularly when side rejection is necessary. Another Polar Pattern is a Shotgun Polar Pattern. Again, much like its name, this Polar Pattern is created through a shotgun shape. This type of polar pattern records sounds mostly from the front of the microphone, with some sound being recorded at the back, and very little at the sides. Similarly to the Bidirectional Microphones, Shotgun polar patterns are most used for talks and interviews. I have included some diagrams of each Polar Pattern below.
Hyper-Cardioid
Shotgun
Audio Recording Task 1
For this task, we had to use two different sources of sound recorders – a Zoom Microphone Sound Recorder and a Phone – and record ambience of both inside noise and outside noise on each. I have now listened to all four recordings and evaluated the similarities and differences between the sound recorders.
Firstly, we began by recording some inside ambience in E113. We positioned ourselves and the microphones at the back of the room. Surrounding us was an Electronics Cabinet, Students, two Air Conditioning Fans and Computers. We started by using the Zoom Microphone and ensured that our levels were correct. Before starting to record, we made sure that the levels on the microphone were reaching somewhere between -12 and -6. After doing this, we pressed record and recorded the ambience for around 10 seconds. The recording on this microphone picked up various sounds in the room. The most prominent sound was the students talking in the background. This is the sound that is the loudest and would be most focussed on. However, there are also other noises underlying this sound. The microphone also recorded the sound of the Air Conditioning Fans blowing out air and the slight hum of the Electronics Cabinet. Listen to the Indoor Zoom Microphone recording with the following link:
After recording the indoor ambience on the zoom microphone, we then used a phone to record in the same place, with exactly the same surrounding subjects. Interestingly, the phone picked up the same sounds as the microphone, yet at different volumes. After listening and comparing both recordings, it is clear that the sound of people talking on the phone recording is a lot quieter than on the Zoom Microphone recording. In addition to this, unlike the Zoom recording, the phone recording picks up the noise of the Air Conditioning Fans and Electronics Cabinet at a higher volume. In conclusion, the differences in what sounds were recorded on each recorder would be due to different polar patterns used on each microphone. It is possible that the Zoom Microphone could have a super cardioid polar pattern as it picked up more sound in front of us, (Students Talking and Air Conditioning Fans), than behind us (Electronics Cabinet). Whereas, the phone microphone could have a Bidirectional polar pattern, meaning that the recorder picks up equal sound from both the front of the microphone (Students and Air Conditioning Fans, which we the closest to the microphone out of the two) and behind the microphone (Electronics Cabinet. Listen to the Indoor Phone recording with the following link:
After recording the indoor ambience, we then took our equipment to an outside area in a car park. Again, we checked the levels were correct on our Zoom Microphone and that they were reaching between -6 and -12. Surrounding us this time was multiple parked cars, trees, students passing by, and Extractor Fans. We then began to record the outside ambience for around 20 seconds on the Zoom sound recorder. After doing so, we listened to our recording back and it appeared to sound crackled and distorted. We once again checked the levels and concluded that we would try adding the wind protector on top of the microphone. After doing so, we recorded the same ambience a second time. After listening to the recording from the Zoom Microphone, we were able to hear the trees gently swaying in the breeze, the distant sounds of the extractor fans and multiple birds squawking. The most prominent noise in this recording was the trees swaying in the wind; most probably because this ambience acts as a form of white noise. However, this changes towards the end of the recording when the harsh sounds of birds squawking can be heard loudly. Listen to the Outdoor Zoom Microphone recording with the following link:
After recording the outdoor ambience on the zoom microphone, we then used the phone to record in the same place, with exactly the same surrounding subjects. Once again, by using the phone, we were able to record different sounds which stood out more than those from the Zoom recorder. On the phone recording, the overall ambience is a lot calmer and quieter, with the microphone not picking up the harshness of the wind. Unlike the recording from the Zoom Microphone, it focuses more on the sounds of people talking and birds tweeting. The sounds that were recorded on the phone (students talking and birds tweeting) were closer to us and the microphone than the sounds which were not as prominent (extractor fans and wind). Therefore, the recording range on the phones microphone may not reach as far as the Zoom Microphone. The Zoom Recorder could have a super cardioid polar pattern as the most prominent sounds recorded through this device were in front of us, where the microphone is the most sensitive. Whereas, the phone recorder could have a bidirectional polar pattern, picking up equal sounds of the fans in front of us and the trees behind us. Alternatively, the phone recorder could have a shotgun polar pattern, where the microphone records sound both in front us, behind us, but also slightly to the side of the microphone, where the students were placed. Listen to the Outdoor Phone recording with the following link:
Overall, I think that by using each microphone recorder in different places, we were able to record different sounds on each which were more prominent than one another. It also allowed us to think about what possible polar patterns each microphone might use. I have included a copy of my sound maps below.
Audio Recording Task 2
For this task, we had to once again take the Zoom Microphones and record sounds that represented the following terms –
-Nature
-Education
-Technology
-Rhythm
-Creativity
The main objective of this task was to ensure that the sound quality was good on our recordings. Before attempting to record our sounds, I made sure that the levels on our Zoom Microphone were set correctly, somewhere between -6 and -12. For my first sound, for the first word, Nature, I took the recorder outside and near some bushes where the wind was gently swaying them. I found that the best way to capture a sound that represented nature was to record outside. However, as I learnt in Task 1, it is important to use the wind protector on the microphone when recording outside so that the audio does not appear crackled. After recording the sound, I listened to the recording back and the sound of the leaves was clear and crisp. When recording a sound like this next time, I might attempt to move the microphone different distances from the subject of what I am recording. This may improve the sound, or, on the other hand, make it sound more distorted.
After recording the first sound, I then begun to consider what noise to record for the Education term. After some thought, I decided that the sound of fingers tapping on a keyboard could demonstrate an educational environment. I once again checked the levels were correct on the microphone and recorded the sound. I held the microphone close to the keyboard so that it was clear what the main subject being recorded was, as there were some other people talking close by. After listening back to the recording, It was clear of what the sound was, however, If I was to record this sound again, I would hold the microphone at a further distance away from the keyboard, as the sound recorded was quite harsh and loud. Another way of fixing this issue would be to lower the levels on the microphone.
After recording the sound for Education, I began to think about what sound I could record for the word, Technology. I considered the depths to which technology is advanced and so decided to record the Audio Reading of some of my own work. Using Word, I highlighted a piece of text and used the ‘Read Aloud’ tool, so that that piece of text was read out loud through a speaker. I held the microphone close to the speaker and recorded the text being read aloud. After listening to the recording back, I was pleased with how the audio sounded. If I was to do this task again, I would think of other subjects that I could record which represent the word, Technology.
After recording the sound for Technology, I was challenged with finding a rhythmic sound to record. Instead of searching for a natural rhythm, I decided that I would create my own. I once again adjusted the audio levels on the Zoom Microphone so that the levels were correct and held the microphone recorder close to the table. I then created by own rhythm by tapping several times on the table. After recording this sound, I listened to it back and was satisfied with the result. However, if I was to do this recording again, I would perhaps hold the microphone closer to the table so that the audio recording was capturing a more dramatic sound. Furthermore, I could also turn up the levels on the Zoom Microphone so that the audio sensitivity was higher.
After recording the sound for Rhythm, I had to decide what sound I would record for the term, Creativity. After some thought, I chose to record the sound of people talking excitedly. I felt that this sound reflected the creative environment in which we were recording. After doing so, I listened to the recording back and I was pleased with the quality of the audio track. If I were to complete this task again I would try and find other sounds that represent creativity – perhaps the sound of a pen writing on a piece of paper.
Please find all audio recordings in the Audio Recordings section of the website.
When using the recording equipment, such as the Zoom Microphones and Headphones, it is important to consider the health and safety aspects. Before listening to any recordings using headphones, it is important to make sure that the volume is turned down low so that any high volumes do not cause damage to the ears.
Overall, this task allowed me to focus in more depth at the levels of recording sound through a Zoom Microphone, as well as thinking creatively about the sounds that we were recording.
Comentarios