Library

Before You Start
 

• Consider your environment - If you are not recording in the Audio Rooms, try to limit ambient noise coming from your environment. 
• Hydration - Make sure you have consumed enough water that day and have a sealed bottle of water available. 
• Wear appropriate clothing - Do not wear clothing that ruffles or makes noise easily.
• Choose the right microphone - Understand different microphones and make sure you have placed the speaker in the right position. View a summary of microphone information
• Choose the right device - Review the options in our guides for portable recording and recording remotely, or record in our Audio Rooms.
• Understand digital audio files - Choose your audio file properties.
• Accessories - Make sure you have sufficient headphones, SD cards and batteries. Headphones and SD cards are available for loan from the Service Desk.
• Decide on software - Review your options for editing and/or recording in our guide and leave time for editing.
   

Types of Microphones and Inputs

There are two main types of microphones - condenser microphones and dynamic microphones. Each is constructed differently in order to convert sound waves into electrical signals.

Condenser microphones - These microphones need phantom power. This means that whatever you are plugging it into wil need to provide the microphone with 48V of power supply. Zoom H5, Zoom H6, and audio interfaces have the option to provide phantom power. Condenser microphones are more sensitive and record quieter sounds more easily.

Dynamic microphones - Dynamic microphones DO NOT need phantom power. You can plug them in to any kind of interface or recorder without needing phantom power. These microphones can handle recording louder sounds than condenser microphones.

Microphone pickup patterns - Each microphone, whether condenser or dynamic, also has a specific pick-up pattern, or way of picking up sound. The diagram below shows where different pickup patters pick up the sound around a microphone in the middle.

• ​Omnidirectional - Picks up sound evenly 360 degrees around the microphone. You may also potentially pick up unwanted noise.
• Bidirectional - Picks up sound primarily at either side of the microphone. This microphone pattern is good for interviews where you have two people facing each other and you would like to place the microphone in-between the two speakers.
• Cardioid - These microphones will pick up far more sound at the front of the microphone than in the back. Think of a stage - you’ll use these microphones when you want to pick up a singer, but not the crowd. Super-cardioid mics have even more concentrated sensitivity at the front of the microphone, making it very directional.

Bidirectional and cardioid microphones are directional. They need to be pointed in the right direction to optimally pick up a speaker.

Microphone input types - Professional microphones often require XLR cables. These cables deliver a high quality signal using three prongs that plug into an input with three holes. XLR cables are available from the Service desk and need to be booked separately from microphones.

The female end of the cable on the left (plugs into the microphone) and the male end of the cable on the right (plugs into your recording device). XLR cable connectors by Omegatron is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike​ 2.0

You may alternatively have a microphone that connects using a 3.5mm or 3/8 inch jack. This input can sometimes be plugged in directly to a portable recorder, or connected to a 1/4 inch input using an adapter. You can borrow 3.5mm to 1/4 inch adapters and XLR to 3.5 mm adapters from the Service Desk.

 
Audiojack 3,5mm stereo by Galak76. The 1/4 inch jack looks very similar to the 3.5mm jack, but it is double the length.

Microphone Set-up

Once you have selected your microphone and have the correct cords or adapters, you can consider microphone placement and levels.
 
Microphone placement - You can adjust the position of the mic further or closer to the speaker to control their volume. Transom.org recommends placing the mic at around at least six inches away from your speaker. Positioning the microphone slightly to one side reduces puffs of air caused by p-sounds, or plosives.

The mic position should look something like this:

Checking levels - Remember to check the gain level on the interface or audio recorder for each input to make sure it is not contributing to too high or too low levels. Gain controls how strong of an audio signal is sent through the interface or recorder. Remember, dynamic microphones like the Rode Procaster will require more gain than condenser microphones. Read NPR’s FAQ on levels on your recorder or interface to avoid peaking (reaching the top of the meter).

Summary of microphone types, pickup patters and placement: