In the last post I talked about how surprised I was to learn that my mic choices had been largely dictated by my habit of close miking everything. Many instruments and stage setups do not require close miking, and some even sound worse with it. Think of all of the opportunities for phase cancellations that you introduce by using so may microphones in close proximity! How about eliminating some of those microphones by single miking multiple sources using a condenser microphone? You're afraid … [Read more...]
Condenser Microphones For Live Sound
Last week's podcast with Philip Graham revealed some of my misconceptions about condenser microphones being a bad choice for live sound. Most sound engineers and musicians are so used to close miking with dynamic mics like SM57s that they don't really know how to use condenser mics for live performances. I know that I'm guilty of this, but many situations do not require close miking and actually would sound better without it. Let's take a look at some of Philip's ideas from his post, Condensers … [Read more...]
Condenser vs. Dynamic Microphones For Live Sound
Subscribe on iTunes or SoundCloud. In this episode of Sound Design Live, I speak with Philip Graham of Ear Trumpet Labs in Portland, OR about condenser versus dynamic microphones for live sound, close miking, and and why Shure SM57 microphones sound terrible from more than a few inches away. We compare the Ear Trumpet Labs Edwina microphone to a Neumann KSM105. Plus, we talk about stage monitor feedback, building condenser microphones, and quality control. If you're playing an acoustic guitar … [Read more...]