a question about mic positioning

  • Thread starter Thread starter uchihaclan
  • Start date Start date
U

uchihaclan

New member
I have recently been watching a few video's on miking techniques, and I've noticed that all the large diaphragm condensers the technicians use in these videos have been turned upside down. Does turning the mic upside down change the way the mic sounds, or is it just the way some of those mics were designed?
 
Neither. They used to put them that way so vocalists could read lyric sheets while they sang, and it just caught on. I usually stick 'em capsule side up.
 
It makes sense also to turn tube mics over, to keep the capsule from getting heated up!

War
 
Some people also consider it a subliminal way of getting the singer to raise their head a little to improve their projection.
 
Warhead said:
It makes sense also to turn tube mics over, to keep the capsule from getting heated up!

War
Click to expand...

I've read that, but I've also read it was a myth. [shrugs]
 
The main purpose is the whole "Read lyrics/project voice" thing, but also the "keep capsule cool" theory does hold a bit of truth.
A thrid reason is for Ribbon mics, in which the mic is turned upside-down in order to "balance" the ribbon sag of storing the mic right-side-up.

But these days it seems to be more of a "cool" way of placing the mics for photos/videos
 
ermghoti said:
I've read that, but I've also read it was a myth. [shrugs]
Click to expand...
Well, it is true for some tube mics, but for others the heat generated and/or capsule design is not a threat to the mic's proper functioning.
I like 'em upside down because they look cooler that way.
 
Funny you asked that. My recording class just made a trip to a stuido and the question came up why the mics were upsidedown. My prof said that's pretty much done because that's how it's always been done, which probably holds a lot of truth. I'll have to let him know the 'real' reason.
 
darrvid said:
Funny you asked that. My recording class just made a trip to a stuido and the question came up why the mics were upsidedown. My prof said that's pretty much done because that's how it's always been done, which probably holds a lot of truth. I'll have to let him know the 'real' reason.
Click to expand...

just remember, professors usually don't like smart asses.
 
So can you turn any old condenser mic upside down? I'm using a Studio Projects B1 and an Apex 430. Will the shock mount take the weight of the mic if i turn them upside down?
 
the studio projects b1 will explode if you turn it upside down.
 
Flip for effect [/IMG]flip.jpg
 
Totally unstable It will cause your bowels to come out of your ass.

Not a good thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top