Microphones Course: Microphone Types and Build, Part 1 (Session 3)
A hands-on comparison of dynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones, listening to how each is built and how that shapes frequency response, sensitivity and polar pattern.
Training dates: 7 July to 24 August 2020
Training overview
Session 3 compared the three main microphone types, dynamic, condenser and ribbon, and showed how the way each is built affects its frequency response, sensitivity and polar pattern. In August 2020 the practical sessions introduced the whole ROHM microphone stock, with trainees speaking into each microphone in turn and comparing the results. The comparisons ran from stage dynamics such as the SM58, SM57 and Beta range, through small and large diaphragm condensers from AKG, DPA, Neumann, Schoeps and Shure, to Beyerdynamic and Royer ribbon microphones.
- SM58 and SM57 compared, including the SM58 without its grille
- Dynamic microphones compared: M88, M201, SM58, SM57, B58A, B57A, B87A and B52A
- Small and large diaphragm condensers compared: AKG 414, DPA 4011, 4006, 4091 and 4099, Neumann TLM170, KM184 and KM183, Schoeps MK4 and MK21, Shure SM81
- Ribbon microphones: Beyerdynamic M160 and Royer R-122, with build and best practice
- Dynamic and condenser designs compared for frequency response and proximity effect
Training milestones
- Practical listening sessions completed (16 to 20 August 2020)
- Build differences between dynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones identified by ear
- Pre-quiz assessment and final quiz completed (24 August 2020)
Next steps
Part 2 of Microphone Types and Build completes the topic, before the microphone choices are applied in live sound sessions.
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