Microphones

Question 1

What is a transducer

Answer 1

A devise which converts energy from one form to another, mics convert acoustical energy (soundwaves) into electrical energy (audio signal)

Question 2

What is mic level

Answer 2

The electrical currentgenerated by a mic

Question 3

What are some waves the mic level can be amped

Answer 3

1. Some mics have tiny built in amplifiers which boost the signals to a high mic or line level
2. The mic can be fed through a small boosting amp, often called a line amp
3. Sound mixers have small amplifiers in each channel. Attenuators can accommodate mics of varying levels and adjust them to an even line level
4. The audio signal id fed to a power amplifier - a specilised amp which boosts the signals to enough to be fed to loudspeakers

Question 4

What are dynamic mics?

Answer 4

They are relatively sturdy and resilient to rough handling, better suited to handling high volume levels, they do not require batteries or external power

Question 5

How do dynamic mics work?

Answer 5

When a magnet is moved near a coil of wire an electrical current is generated in the wire. Using this electromagnetic principle, the dynamic mic uses a wire coil and magnetic to create the audio signal. The diaphragm is attached to the coil. When the diaphragm vibrates in response to incoming sound waves, the coil moves backwards and forwards past the magnet. This creates a current in the coil which is channeled from the mic along wires