Chapter 5: Understanding Microphones
In This Chapter
Looking at the various types of microphones
Positioning microphones for the best sound
Exploring a variety of preamps
Taking care of your microphones
A microphone’s job is generally to try to capture, as closely as possible, the sound of an instrument. You can also use a microphone to infuse a specific sound characteristic into a performance. Likewise, a preamp — which boosts the signal of a microphone as it travels to the recorder — can be used to accurately represent a sound or to add texture and dimension to it. The fact is that microphones and preamps are the center of the sound engineer’s palette. Just like a painter has his paints and brushes, you have your microphones and preamps. And just like a painter can create a stunning variety of visual textures with his tools, you, too, can make your creative statement with the judicious use of these two pieces of equipment.
In this chapter, you explore the two most versatile tools of your auditory craft. You look at the various types of microphones and preamps, and you gain an understanding ...
