Microphones

Microphones. Every studio needs them. They are used to capture sound by converting acoustical energy (which are sound waves) into electrical energy (which is the audio signal). We also need to know the microphones that we use and what are their characteristics. Here are the mics that we have in our recording studio and a little bit about them.

First of all, here are the types of polar patterns that mics have.

AKG C451B

This is a small diaphragm condenser microphone. It has a cardioid polar pattern. The microphone has a frequency bandwidth of 20-20000 Hz. However, the polar pattern starts rolling off at 200 Hz  and below and gets unstable after 5000 Hz. It has a bass cut filter option of 75 Hz and 150 Hz so we can get rid of the low frequencies that may be unwanted. It also features an attenuation pad option of -10 and -20dB in case the source signal is too loud. 

C451 frequency response

Shure SM58

This is a dynamic microphone. It features a built in pop filter and is most famously used for vocals, Its frequency is range is from 50-15000 Hz and has a cardioid polar pattern.

Shure SM58 frequency response

Shure SM57

This is another dynamic microphone by Shure. It has a cardioid polar pattern and a frequency bandwidth of 40-15000 Hz. It isn't known for vocals but rather on instruments because the sound it produces is quite favoured.

SM57 frequency response

Sennheiser MD421

This dynamic microphone features a unique bass roll off switch. There are 5 positions with both extremes labeled 'M' and "S'. 'M'' being music with the least bass roll off while 'S' means speech which has the most bass roll off. There are  3 more options in between these two options to adjust a more specific level of bass roll off. This microphone has a frequency bandwidth of  30-17000 Hz and a cardioid polar pattern.

Sennheiser MD421 frequency response

Audio Technica  AT2050

This is a large diaphragm condenser microphone which has a frequency range of 20-20000 Hz. Unlike other microphones, this does not have a fixed polar pattern. It is interchangeable between omnidirectional, figure-8 and cardioid. It has a 10dB pad which can be used in case the signal input is too high.

Audio Technica AT2050 frequency response

Neumann TLM 103

The Neumann TLM 103 is also a large diaphragm microphone and shares the same frequency range as the AT2050, 20-20000 Hz. It has a cardioid polar pattern. It is quite versatile and is used for vocals and instruments too.

Neumann TLM 103 frequency response