There's no such thing as a bad microphone. Even a broken microphone has its uses...like making drummers happy who want mics on every element of their kit. Bad Mic = User Error The most common microphones in the industry, the Shure SM57 and SM58, are considered by some to be bad mics because they basically require close miking. (For further discussion, see my podcast with Philip Graham on Condenser vs. Dynamic Microphones For Live Sound.) These mics have a crazy built-in EQ curve, can handle … [Read more...]
Condenser Microphone Review: Edwina
You probably know that hearing is highly susceptible to outside influence. If not, watch this Audio Myths Workshop, it's amazing. (The good stuff starts at 5:27, with Poppy Crum playing Led Zeppelin.) https://youtu.be/BYTlN6wjcvQ?t=5m27s It's Sexy The Edwina microphone sounds good, and its sound quality is augmented by its sex appeal. I brought this large diaphragm cardioid condenser microphone from Ear Trumpet Labs to review during a festival of mostly acoustic bands at Freight & … [Read more...]
Single Miking Groups On Stage With Condenser Microphones
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...]