Re: Live Mics for Mandolin
Originally Posted by
Charlie Bernstein
Glad you said that. I've used condenser mics only rarely and didn't know that. I generally like dynamic mics more because they seem less fussy. But my mic experience is limited.
So thanks!
Off-axis patterns vary a lot - especially at different frequency points. This is one reason why some mics might be easier to work with than others. If you have a very wide, or uneven pickup pattern, then you will get a lot of 'bleed' or 'spill' from other instruments, from monitors, or reflected mains (and possibly even audience noise). On the other hand, a really super-tight pattern can be tricky in itself, as it will be highly directional, and if you move even a few inches away from where it is 'aimed' you might experience a very acute drop-off in volume, or tonal changes as the 'focus' moves from say, lower F-hole to fingerboard... it is also a question of finding a compromise YOU can work with and feel comfortable with.
On dynamic vs. condenser, one major difference is (typically) the voltage they put out. An SM57 puts out only 1.6mV compared to 15.8mV for *exactly the same sound pressure level* with an AE5100 - the AE5100 is a very 'hot' mic (as is the Blue Encore 300). Consequently, if you have the same input trim settings as for an SM57 you will a) blow the roof off and b) get feedback. If you compensate on the input trim, there will be no difference in that regard.
The higher the sensitivity of the microphone, expressed as millivolts output referenced to a 1kHz signal at 94dB SPL or 1 Pascal (Pa), the less GAIN is required of the preamp stage of the mixer. So, if you have a rather insensitive condenser mic, for example, a Shure SM94 rated at 3.5mV/Pa, you will need to turn the input gain up quite a lot more than you would for a Rode M2, which is rated 6.3mV/Pa, and a heck of a lot more than you would for a Blue Encore 300 (12mV/Pa) or an Audio Technica AE5100 (15.8mV). This is one reason why condensers have a 'reputation' for being harder to work with - though in fact it is not necessarily true. Pickup pattern and the amount of gain required have far more direct effect on than simply dynamic vs. condenser. As always, there are trade-offs...
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