MICROPHONES Definition of a microphone A microphone is

MICROPHONES

Definition of a microphone � A microphone is a gadget that amplifies sound

Types of microphones � � There are very many different types of microphones used in television production and these can be categorised basing on their ability to produce sound in different ways. They are three major ways Directional sensitivity Frequency response Sound sensitivity

Directional sensitivity � Directional sensitivity: here the microphone responds to different sources of information from different directions.

Frequency response � � In other words it is the ability to pick up sound of different wave length or pitch. Different microphones produce frequency and sound is portrait in wave font.

Sound sensitivity � This is the ability to pick up sound quickly.

Directional sensitivity � � Different microphones have different ability to pick up sound from varied directions. Its ability to gather sound at various degrees of the axis is what determines hoe the directional microphone works.

� The further the distance away from the sensitive part of the microphone, the lesser the ability of the microphone to transduce (pick) up sound. ”

Types of microphones begin

Omni directional microphone � � This one picks up sound from all its angles that is 360 degrees from all around it. If you place it in the center of the circle of people the sound level coming from each of them is almost identical assuming that they are all equi distant from the microphone and that all of them are speaking at about the same level.

Omni directional microphone continues � However, if you have a leader in the choir or any other primary source of information, this one should stand nearer the microphone so that their sound stands out.

Omni directional microphone ADVANTAGES � � It can pick evenly information presented in a form either a song, or group presentation It be used in interviews to pick up the voices of both the interviewee and the interviewer DISADVANTAGES � It is limited to group presentation only

Bi- directional microphone � � This type of microphone picks up sound equally from only two directions. For example if an interview is held with two people looking at one another a bi- directional microphone is very handy and it operates at 180 degrees.

Advantages of bi- directional microphone ADVANTAGES � It is good for interviews DISADVANTAGES � They are limited to interviews only and can not be used in group presentation

Uni directional microphone � This is a type of microphone which is sensitive at only one point and so it receives the signal from one direction. Some people call it the cardioids microphone because it looks like an inverted heart.

Uni directional microphones continues ADVANTAGES � � It can exclude unwanted background noise It can be used in interviews It can be moved freely to different areas. In other words they are versatile Reporter can move freely from one area to another so that they do not DISADVANATGES � � � It is limited in use It has too be used with care lest they do not give you what you want If you fail to get the angle of the source and the sound waves do not hit, you will not get what you want.

Boom microphone � � This is the type of microphone used in shooting movies. It is always raised over the heads of the people acting the movie.

Advantages of boom microphone ADVANTAGES � � � It can pick up sound 360 degrees Good for shooting films, movies, presentation It is DISADVANTAGES � � � It is tiresome to hold It needs to be fixed on machines always It’s use is limited to shooting movies and can not be used in interviews

Jacket microphone/ lavavia /lapel/ coat microphone � This is the type of microphone that is hanged on the clothes of people speaking.

LAPEL MICROPHONES ADVANTAGES � � They do not need lifting They are small in size They can be hanged on clothes It can be used in interviews � � It must be connected to the camera It s movements are limited

Hand microphone � A hand held microphone is bigger than the lapel microphone but it is small enough to fit into the hand.

Mounted microphones � These are types of microphones which require special devices to support them. These can be mounted either on the camera, studio boom (stand) or portable boom.

Importance of microphones � � It helps in recording audio It helps in amplifying sound It helps in making interviews It helps in making presentations to many people.

ASSIGNMENT � � Differentiate between a boom microphone and a lapel microphone How important are microphones in your society?