Common audio and microphone terminology
Materials and techniques used to control sound reflections and reverb in a room. Includes absorption (foam, panels), diffusion (uneven surfaces), and bass traps.
Example: Placing acoustic panels at first reflection points improves recording quality.
A device that converts analog audio signals to digital (and vice versa) with higher quality than computer sound cards. Provides XLR inputs, phantom power, and low latency.
Example: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a popular 2-channel USB audio interface.
An audio connection method using three conductors (positive, negative, ground) to reject interference and noise. Used in XLR cables and professional audio.
Example: Balanced XLR connections can run 100+ feet without signal degradation.
Also called figure-8 pattern. Picks up sound from front and rear, rejects from sides. Useful for two-person interviews or room sound capture.
Example: Position two speakers facing each other with a figure-8 mic between them.
The number of bits used to represent each audio sample. Higher bit depth means greater dynamic range and less noise.
Example: 16-bit (CD quality) or 24-bit (professional recording)
A heart-shaped pickup pattern that captures sound primarily from the front of the microphone while rejecting sound from the rear. Most common polar pattern.
Example: Cardioid mics are ideal for isolating a single speaker in a noisy environment.
Distortion that occurs when an audio signal exceeds the maximum level the system can handle.
Example: Speaking too loudly into a mic can cause clipping and distorted sound
An audio processor that reduces dynamic range by turning down loud parts, making the overall level more consistent. Essential for professional-sounding recordings.
Example: Use a 3:1 ratio compressor to even out vocal dynamics.
A microphone type using a capacitor to convert sound into electrical signal. Requires power (phantom), more sensitive, better frequency response. Ideal for studio vocals and detailed recordings.
Example: The Neumann U87 is a famous large-diaphragm condenser microphone.
An audio processor that reduces sibilance by compressing harsh high frequencies (4-8 kHz) only when they exceed a threshold.
Example: Apply a de-esser to tame harsh S sounds in vocal recordings.
The thin membrane in a microphone that vibrates in response to sound waves. Large diaphragms (1") are warmer and more sensitive; small diaphragms (<1") are more accurate and detailed.
Example: Large-diaphragm condensers are preferred for radio broadcast vocals.
A microphone type using electromagnetic induction (moving coil in magnetic field). Rugged, no power needed, handles high SPL. Great for live performance and loud sources.
Example: The Shure SM58 is the industry-standard dynamic vocal microphone.
The difference between the quietest and loudest sounds a microphone can capture without distortion.
Example: Measured in decibels (dB); higher is better
The process of boosting or reducing specific frequency ranges to shape the tonal character of audio. High-pass filters remove rumble, cuts reduce problems, boosts enhance.
Example: Apply a high-pass filter at 80 Hz to remove low-frequency rumble from vocals.
The pitch of a sound measured in Hertz (Hz). Low frequencies = bass (20-250 Hz), midrange = body (250 Hz - 4 kHz), high frequencies = treble (4-20 kHz).
Example: Male voice fundamental frequencies range from 85-180 Hz.
The range of frequencies a microphone can capture, and how accurately it reproduces them.
Example: A mic with 20Hz-20kHz response captures the full range of human hearing
Amplification applied to the microphone signal. Proper gain staging captures audio at optimal levels without clipping or excessive noise.
Example: Set your mic gain so peaks hit -12 to -6 dB for spoken word.
The amount of space between your normal recording levels and 0 dBFS (clipping). Provides safety margin for unexpected loud sounds.
Example: Recording peaks at -12 dB provides 12 dB of headroom before clipping.
The electrical resistance of a microphone, measured in ohms (Ω). Low impedance (150-600Ω) is professional standard and allows long cable runs without signal degradation.
Example: XLR microphones use low impedance balanced connections.
The delay between sound input and hearing it in headphones/speakers, measured in milliseconds. Lower is better. Under 10ms is imperceptible.
Example: USB mics typically have 10-30ms latency; XLR with audio interface can achieve <5ms.
The level of background noise in an audio signal when no sound is being recorded.
Example: Lower noise floor means cleaner, quieter recordings
A polar pattern that picks up sound equally from all directions (360 degrees). Captures natural room ambience and reflections.
Example: Omnidirectional mics are great for recording a group discussion.
A method of providing power to condenser microphones through the same cable that carries audio. Typically 48 volts.
Example: Condenser mics need phantom power to work, dynamic mics do not
A burst of air from consonants (P, B, T) that creates a low-frequency thump in recordings. Reduced using pop filters and proper mic technique.
Example: The word "pop" contains a plosive that can overload the mic capsule.
The directional sensitivity of a microphone - where it picks up sound from.
Example: Cardioid (heart-shaped), omnidirectional (all directions), figure-8 (front and back)
A screen placed between the speaker and microphone to reduce plosive sounds (P, B, T) that cause sudden bursts of air and distortion.
Example: Position the pop filter 2-3 inches from the mic capsule.
An amplifier that boosts the very low signal from a microphone to line level. Quality preamps add minimal noise and color.
Example: High-end preamps can cost thousands but provide transparent, clean amplification.
Bass frequency boost that occurs when a sound source is very close to a directional microphone. Can be used creatively for warmth or should be avoided for accuracy.
Example: Radio DJs use proximity effect by getting close to the mic for a deep, warm voice.
A microphone type using a thin metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field. Warm, natural sound with figure-8 pattern. Fragile and sensitive to wind/phantom power.
Example: Ribbon mics are prized for their smooth, vintage sound on vocals and brass.
The loudness of a sound measured in decibels. Maximum SPL is the loudest sound a microphone can handle before distorting.
Example: Normal conversation is about 60 dB SPL; a rock concert is 110 dB SPL.
The number of times per second that audio is measured and stored digitally. Measured in Hertz (Hz) or kilohertz (kHz).
Example: 44.1kHz means 44,100 samples per second
How much electrical output a microphone produces for a given sound pressure level. More sensitive mics produce louder signals but may pick up more room noise.
Example: Condenser mics typically have higher sensitivity than dynamic mics.
A suspension system that holds the microphone and isolates it from vibrations, handling noise, and mechanical interference.
Example: A shock mount prevents keyboard typing sounds from being picked up.
Harsh, exaggerated "S" and "SH" sounds in recordings. Can be reduced with mic placement, de-esser plugins, or EQ.
Example: The sentence "She sells seashells" is prone to sibilance.
The ratio between the desired audio signal and the background noise floor, measured in decibels (dB). Higher values indicate cleaner recordings with less noise.
Example: A mic with 80 dB SNR is considered excellent for professional recording.
Tighter directional patterns than cardioid with a small rear lobe. Provide better side rejection for isolating sound sources in noisy environments.
Example: Shotgun microphones for film use hypercardioid patterns.
An audio connection using two conductors (signal and ground). More susceptible to interference. Common in consumer gear with 1/4" TS or 3.5mm cables.
Example: Guitar cables are typically unbalanced and should be kept under 20 feet.
Foam or fur covering that reduces wind noise in outdoor recording. Essential for field recording and outdoor interviews.
Example: A "dead cat" furry windscreen can reduce wind noise by 25+ dB.
A three-pin balanced audio connector used in professional audio. Provides superior noise rejection and allows long cable runs. Standard for professional microphones.
Example: XLR cables use pins 1 (ground), 2 (positive), and 3 (negative) for balanced audio.
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