ABSTRACT
The sound quality of a recording is determined by the acoustics, the microphone and its position. A microphone for example, converts the pressure of sound waves into an electrical current. The sound waves of an instrument set the membrane of a microphone in motion. This movement generates a current that is sent to a tape machine. The way a microphone picks up sound is reflected in its polar pattern. Omni mics pick up sound from all directions, cardioid mics pick up sound from their front side and “figure-8” microphones pick up sound from the front and the back. Different microphones use different methods for converting sound pressure into an electrical current. Dynamic microphones have an electric coil that moves in the magnetic field of a magnet. USB microphones are typically condenser mics fed by the USB socket of a computer.
