Sound for Interaction class 4
Signal flow- Block Diagrams (how audio moves though a system) Tranducers
Transducer = a device that converts one type of energy to another. A microphone converts acoustic energy to electrical energy. A speaker converts electrical energy to acoustical energy. They are both transducers.
Microphones
good readin Audio Technica Guide to Microphones
Types of microphones
- Dynamic
- Condenser
- Ribbon
- piezo electric (contact Mic)
other (Stereo, binaural, PZM- pressure zone microphone http://www.crownaudio.com/mics.htm)
Microphone Comparison
Dynamic Condenser Ribbon Frequency Response Good Best Worst Dynamic Range Good Best Worst Durability Best Good Worst Sure SM57
small diaphragm dynamic
Live sound instruments sm57.gif (10837 bytes) Shure Sm58
small diaphragm dynamic
Live Vocal and dragging behind trucks sm58.gif (12933 bytes) AKG C414
Large Diaphragm Condenser akgc414.jpg (11019 bytes) Nueman U87
Large Diaphragm condenser u87.gif (12988 bytes) Shure SM81
small diaphragm condenser sm81.gif (5669 bytes) RCA 77
Ribbon Mic rca77.gif (10078 bytes)
Condenser mics usually have better dynamic range and frequency response but are more fragile than dynamics. Ribbon mics are the most fragile but have a very characteristic sound. The larger the diaphragm the better low end response the smaller the diaphragm the better the high end response.
Proximity Effect
http://www.csun.edu/~record/prox/prox.html Polar Patterns Omni-directional - all directions
Bi-directional - front and back rejects on the side
Uni-directional - one direction
Cardioid - one direction with lobe
Hypercardiod - really one direction with lobe
http://www.mikelights.com/micpolar.htmlALC Microphone Directionality Some pictures
http://www.csun.edu/~record/polar.html Some more Pictures
Stereo Mic Techniques
Spaced Omni's - two spaces Omni mics
XY - Coincident cardioids at 90 degrees
ORTF (Office de Radiodiffusion -- Television Francaise)110 degrees 17cm apart - Near Coincident Pair About.com Microphones Part 1
Dat Heads mic-FAQ.txt
Good Level
Audio Levels
Mic level - The level (or voltage) of signal generated by a microphone. Typically around 2 millivolts. Compare this with the two normal line levels (1.23V:+4dbV and .316V:-10dbV)
Phono Level - little larger than mic level also has equalization based on standardized RIAA curve. use phono input a line
Line Level - . There is an international standard for the level of inputs; it is around -10dBV for semi-pro equipment, and about +4dBV for "pro" equipment. Line level outputs can come from tape decks, CD players, tuners, DAT decks, effects, etc.
Speaker level - higher voltages for speakers Audio connectors
* 1/8" (3.5mm) Connectors
mono stereo
* 1/4"(6.35mm) Connectors
* Banana Plugs/Binding Posts
speaker level British Naval Connector type of signal varies
* RCA-Type
video left audio right audio
* XLR Microphone
Bluffers guide to WIRES AND CONNECTORS Recording stuff
Digital Media
Dat - Digital audio tape 2 track
MiniDisc -from Sony only
MDM (modular digital Multitracks)
Tascam - DA-88, DA-98, DA-38 (digital 8 track uses Hi-8 Media)
Alesis - ADAT, M20
sampler
akia MPC4000
Computer Based Sound Packages (Multitrack)
Hardware
Digidesign Pro-tools
Event
creative audigy
MOTU
Digital busses
Serial vs Parrallel
SPDIF - sony philips digital interface format RCA Cable
AES/EBU Audio Engineering Society/ European Broadcasting Union XLR or fiber
Toslink Audio equipment resouces Discussions
* Audio Forums.com * rec.audio.pro * alt.audio.equipment * alt.audio.pro.live-sound * more rec discussion rec.audio.*
software
* sharewaremusic.com -hitsquad blahhh * partnersinrhyme
reference
* audiovideo101
