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Capture Methods - Coggle Diagram
Capture Methods
Polar Paterns
The Polar Pattern is the sensitivity to sound relative to the direction of which sound arrive, or in other words, the area in which sound is picked up by a microphone. The most common types are Omnidirectional, Cardioid and Supercardioid
Cardioid
It is the most common polar pattern and can be found on most dynamic and condenser microphones. Its shape looks like a rounded off heart, due to its sensitive pickups at the front, and reduced pickup at the rear of the mic. Because of this it is quite directional, and won’t capture as many unwanted sounds such as reverb, making it good for both live and studio work. 
Omnidirectional
This polar patern captures sound equally in all directions, (However there is a slight drop from behind due to the microphone’s body being in the way). The microphone is most commonly used for ambient recording. By careful positioning of the microphone relative to the sound source in good acoustics, the mic will capture both the sound and the ambience of the room.
Figure of 8
As the name suggests, the shape remenists a figure of eight. This means that it sensitive to both the front and rear, but rejects the sides. The polar pattern is commonly found on ribbon microphones, as well as some higher end condenser microphones. The pattern is useful for part of mid-side microphone configuration, or confident pair drum overheads.
Super Cardioid / Hyper Cardioid
Despite what the name says, the polar pattern’s shape resembles more of a figure of eight, but with a larger pickup at the front, and a narrower pickup ant the back. The microphone is used for capturing sounds with more percussion and greater rejection of the surrounding sound. Particularly useful for capturing stringed instruments as part of an ensemble, as well as vocals.
Shotgun
It is the most highly directional, meaning it is a very narrow polar pattern. It has a lobe in the forward direction. It also has very small lobes on the left, right and rear, and it rejects sound from any other direction. Due to its narrowness and sensitivity, shotgun mics are usually used in commonly in areas such as film and Tv sets, stadiums and field recording (e.g. recording wildlife)
Ribbon Microphones
Characteristics: Relatively flat frequency response, Expensive, Better high-frequency response compared to dynamic mics, Fragile and require care during handling and operating, Don't need internal or external power.
Applications: Cymbals, Bass, Piano, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Bass Instruments
Royer R-121:
Released in 1998, is an industry flagship mic, world's first radically reengineered ribbon mic, the model reintroduced ribbon mics to engineers around the world.
How they work:
A light metal ribbon is suspended between the poles of a magnet. As the ribbon vibrates, a voltage is induced at right angles to both the ribbon velocity and magnetic field direction and is picked off by contacts at the end of the ribbon.
Dynamic Microphone
Used for: Live events, Guitar miking, sound reinforcement, and snare drum miking
Characteristics: Robust and durable, relatively inexpensive, not sensitive to humidity, can operate without external or internal power, usually have a resonant peak in the mid frequency range, and can have a weak frequency response above 10kHz
Shure SM58- this dynamic microphone is used in lots of live events for lead and backing vocals, it is also used for professional audio amplification, and studio recordings.
Condenser Microphones
In the condenser mic, one of these plates is made of very light material and acts as the diaphragm. The diaphragm vibrates when struck by sound waves, changing the distance between the two plates and therefore changing the capacitance. A voltage is required across the capacitor for this to work (Phantom Power - 48V)
Application: Ideal for recording vocals or acoustic guitars. Perfect for precision recording and capturing subtle nuances on pianos or acoustic guitars. Condenser mics need a power supply and they're very sensitive to breathing and “popping”
Characteristics: Can be as good as 20 Hz to 20kHz or better. High quality sound recording, some sound support systems where additional sensitivity is needed. Care needs to be taken when using and handling these microphones. They can be damaged more easily that dynamic microphones.
The condenser microphone, invented at Western Electric in 1916 by E. C. Wente, is also called a capacitor microphone or electrostatic microphone—capacitors were historically called condensers. Here, the diaphragm acts as one plate of a capacitor, and the vibrations produce changes in the distance between the plates.
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