Midterm Exam Submission Summer 2023

Name of Student Syed Ashar Uddin Reg. No. 12574

Subject Sound Design Program BMS
Facilitator Hafeez Ur Rehman Time Allowed 3 Days
Date 15/8/2023 Maximum Marks 25
Last Date 18/8/2023

Instructions:
1. Fill in your name and registration number on your answer copy.

2. Write down all types of microphones and explain them with their polar patterns and their use in specific situations.

ANSWER:

1. Dynamic Microphone:

A dynamic microphone works in the same way as a speaker does in reverse. Sound pressure changes cause the
diaphragm to move. As the flux lines from the magnet are cut, this moves the coil, causing current to flow. So, rather
than sending electrical energy into the coil (as in a speaker), you extract energy from it.

Polar Patterns:

 Cardioid Pattern: Dynamic microphones often feature a cardioid polar pattern, which means they are most
sensitive to sound coming from the front (0 degrees), less sensitive to sound coming from the sides (60
degrees), and least sensitive to sound coming from the back (180 degrees).

Uses in specific situations:

 Live vocals: Dynamic microphones are often used on stage for vocal performances due to their ability to
reject background noise and handle loud sound sources.
 Instrument amplifiers: They are frequently placed in front of guitar amplifiers, bass amps, and other
instruments to capture their sound.
 Drum kits: Dynamic microphones are used to capture the individual elements of a drum kit, such as snare
drums, toms, and even the kick drum.
 Podcasting and broadcasting: Dynamic microphones are popular choices for recording spoken word content
due to their resistance to plosive sounds and ambient noise rejection.
 Public speaking: They are commonly used in public speaking events and conferences to capture the speaker's
voice without picking up unwanted room noise.

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 2. Ribbon Microphone:

A ribbon microphone is a type of microphone that captures sound waves by using a narrow strip of metal (typically
aluminum) as its diaphragm. It is a type of microphone that fits within the larger category of dynamic microphones.
Ribbon microphones are well-known for their distinct sound qualities and are frequently used for certain recording
purposes, notably in studio settings.

Polar Patterns:

 Figure-8 Polar Pattern: For ribbon microphones, this is the most frequent polar pattern. The sensitivity of the
microphone is greatest at the front and back (0-degree and 180-degree angles). Generating an 8-shaped
shape. As a result, ribbon microphones are ideal for capturing two sound sources at the same time.
 Pure Bidirectional Polar Pattern: Some ribbon microphones have a true bidirectional pattern This means that
the microphone collects sound with similar sensitivity from the front and back but rejects sound from the
sides totally.

Uses in specific situations:

 Studio Vocal Recording: Ribbon microphones are frequently used in studios to record vocals. Their smooth,
vintage like tone can add warmth and character to vocal recordings, making them especially ideal for jazz,
blues, and classic rock.
 Instrument Recording: They are frequently used to record acoustic guitars, violins, brass instruments, and
other acoustic instruments that require a genuine, warm tone.
 Electric Guitar Amplifiers: when placed close to the amplifier speaker, can catch the complex harmonic
content and natural distortion created by the amp, resulting in a rich and full sound.

3. Condenser Microphone:

Condenser microphones, also known as capacitor microphones or electrostatic microphones, are a type of microphone
that works on the capacitance principle. Condenser microphones are well-known for their high sensitivity, extended
frequency response, and ability to capture tiny sound nuances.

Polar Patterns:

 Cardioid: This is the most widely used polar pattern in recording applications. A cardioid microphone picks
up sound from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and behind. This pattern is excellent for isolating
a sound source while reducing background noise.
 Super cardioid: It primarily catches sound from the front and has a narrower sensitivity to the sides and back.
This pattern is handy when you want to concentrate on the sound source while rejecting some off-axis noise.
 Hyper cardioid: It has narrower front sensitivity and stronger rejection of noises from the sides and back.

Uses in specific situations:

 Studio Vocal Recording: Condenser microphones are frequently used to record vocals in a controlled studio
environment.
 Instrument Recording: Acoustic instruments such as acoustic guitars, pianos, violins, and woodwinds benefit
greatly from condenser mics.
 Podcasting and Voiceover: Condenser mics are frequently used in podcasting and voiceover work due to
their ability to record crisp, professional-sounding speech.

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