Category: Microphones

This Category will describe the microphones that we have in class

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Warm Audio WA-47 Tube Condenser Microphone

The Warm Audio WA-47 is a large-diaphragm tube condenser microphone with a switchable polar pattern, designed to emulate the sound of the classic Neumann U 47. (Presumably the 1958-1965 version with the VF 14 tube and the K 47 capsule.)

WA-47 price: $1 200 CAD

Neumann U 47 (second-hand in 2021): $15 000 CAD (Yes, fifteen thousand.)

Uses: The WA-47 can be used on any source as long as the volume isn’t high enough to overload the tube. Especially pleasing results can be achieved if a warm and slightly dark sound is desired for your source. The WA-47 also has a switchable polar pattern, which allows it to be used in many different multi-mic configurations such as A/B, X/Y, or M/S. Its ability to switch polar patterns would also allow you to control room reflections and the amount of proximity effect when close-miking.

Components:

  • Capsule: Neumann K 47-style capsule, with the same hole pattern and frequency response as the original. Externally biased, centre-terminated, dual 6μ mylar diaphragms, single backplate.
  • Electronics: 5751 Vacuum tube, TAB-Funkenwerk transformer, Wima, Solen French, and polystyrene capacitors.

Technical Specifications:

  • Frequency Response (Cardioid): 20Hz-20kHz / 50Hz-18kHz, ±3dB
  • Selectable Polar Patterns: Full range from omnidirectional to figure-of-eight.
  • Self-Noise: 10dBA
  • Signal/Noise Ratio: 82dBA
  • Maximum SPL: 140dB (<0.5% THD)
  • Output Impedance: 200 ohms
  • Rated Load Impedance: ≥2kOhms

Warm Audio link: https://warmaudio.com/wa47/

Neumann U 47 Wikipedia link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neumann_U47

-Nick Andreev

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KSM32 SHURE

$628 CAD

  • Reduces pop and breath noise
  • can reduce background noise and has low self-noise
  • fight proximity effect – doesn’t distort low frequency when you get close
  • can handle high sound pressure
  • high output-input level, also has -15dB limiter
  • no cross over distortion (won’t get messed up during transduction)
  • wide-angle to pick up sounds (surface of the mic)
  • blocks and suppresses radio show frequencies
  • clear and warm sound
  • includes high pass filter option

Good for:

  • Voice — solo, background, voice-over, broadcasting
  • Acoustic instruments — such as piano, guitar, drums, percussion, strings
  • Wind instruments — brass and woodwind
  • Low-frequency instruments — such as double bass, electric bass, kick drum
  • Overhead miking — drums or percussion
  • Ensembles — choral or orchestral
  • Room ambiance pick-up — guitar amplifier or drums

Experiment with environment and placement of mic for different effects!

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Piano Recording Resources

Type of sound:

You’ll need slightly different setups based on the type of sound you’re going for.

In my case I’m going for an accompanying  background sound, which should be somewhat soft. This can be achieved by playing the piano slightly quieter rather than all out loud piano.

Upright Piano Recording Samples:

  • The bigger the room the better
  • Condenser or Ribbon Mics yield the best sound for piano, ideally cardioid as well

In order to get the sound needed from above, either place a pair of microphones on the outside of the instrument for a more natural sound, or just one. They should be cardioid condenser mics like stated before. The mic(s) should be placed close but not too close, and placed either close to the front or back of the piano for a singular mic or in both spots for two. Optimal distance is 8 inches (more or less) for the most dynamic sound. The piano can also be opened. In most cases, you can put a mic on top of the piano.

In short, all you really need is the piano, condenser mics that have a cardioid setting and distance proportional to the volume of the piano you want.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/xv4YFVzD90aNl6pLXfGXUdJ1WPw70piG9MRFCfV-pfNrLeC2Y13BGo35F5Nd2Y5LuUVr4r9RXAVzLDtNNAgAHBfYhPWfIRfXJBGhHsvsTPvS8uWHYBkYXA

https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/support/basic-recording-techniques-wpiano-sound/https://www.dawsons.co.uk/blog/how-to-record-piano

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Piano Microphone technique

Spaced Pair (A/B) Technique 

Two cardioids spaced a foot or two apart are placed at or around the unhinged side opening of a grand piano. The mic closer to the keyboard can be thought of as a treble mic, the other as a bass.

How it works:

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piano microphone technique

Blumlein Technique 

This technique uses two figure-of-eight pattern ribbon mics as the benchmark for producing an authentic representation of a performance in a room. The Blumlein method uses the two mic elements angled at 90 degrees and mounted in close proximity to each other along the vertical axis.

  • more natural sound
  • used for ribbon and condenser microphones
  • popular technique for recording in studio

 

How it works:

 

 

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Clarinet Miking Techniques

CLARINET MIKING TECHNIQUES 

By Cavin Lee

Resource #1

How to Mic a Clarinet for Live and Recording

In this resource,  Range of Sounds, Robert Ruby blogs on recording clarinet in a studio. He recommends using a large diaphragm condenser microphone, Neumann U87. It is known to highlight high frequency sounds. It would also be useful for if the player and producer wants to capture a breathy production. However, if they seek smooth tones, the ribbon mic is the best choice. Ribbon mic’s are known for the dark and warm tone but also highly responsive to the EQ. The clarinet should be 1-2 feet away from the microphone if the person seeks a bright and modern tone and 4-8 feet for a classical-like sound.

Resource #2

From 1:56 to 2:40, the speaker begins talking of recording techniques for the clarinet. He recommends using the AT4040 Cardioid Condenser microphone and to place it 10 inches away aimed at the bottom of the right hand. That way, the producer can get a mix of the clarinet sounds and the finger noise. He also mentions that miking the bell of the clarinet is the not the best choice as not all the sounds will come from the bell. It will also come from the empty holes that are not played.