Mic Recording Need To Understand Language

[knockdown]

I have a feeling that idf I understood this and the mics capabilities I would be far better off. Im not to engineering savvy so please if possible explain in a "simple" way...

thnx


GC-1 Large Capsule True Condenser Microphone
Type: True 26 mm Condenser Pressure Gradient Microphone
Frequency Range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Sensitivity: -38.5 dB
Polar Pattern: Cardioid
Off Axis Rejection: >=15 dB
Output impedance: <=200 ohm
Self noise: <=20 dB
Connector: 3-pin XLR
Power Requirement: Phantom power 48V ±4V


WHERE could I go to actual learn and understand this

 

[chessrock]

I have a feeling that if I understood this and the mics capabilities I would be far better off.

You'd probably be better off not knowing. Seriously, most published specs are bullshit, anyway. The best way to make any sense of this stuff is to use your ears.

The only stuff on there that you should absolutely know is type, and polar pattern. Type refers to whether it's a condenser, dyamic, ribbon, etc. Each type has it's benefits, drawbacks, etc. Condensers require phantom power (electric charge) in order to operate. They tend to be more accurate. Dynamics and ribbons don't require an electric current, and they tend to sound warmer and more musical as opposed to accurate. These are very general statements, mind you.

Polar pattern refers to the geography of what it's picking up. A cardiod pattern is the most common, and it picks up whatever is in front of it or in it's general proximity, moreless. A hypercardiod picks up mostly only that which is directly in front of it, and mostly ignores any sounds coming from the sides and back. So it's more "focused," so to speak. An omnidirectional is the opposite; it picks up sound from all sides and angles.

Real world example: If you want to mic an entire choire, stick an omni in front of the group. If you want to zero in on just one singer in the choire, stick a cardiod or hypercardiod right up on that singer's mouth. You get the picture. Worry about the rest of the specs later.

There are lots of books on the subject. Go to your local Barnes & Noble, or check out what's available on Amazon.

You can also read the very first thread in the Mic Forum, entitled "How does diaphragm size . . ." Lots of good info there. Especially on the "26 mm" spec, which relates to the size of the diaphragm. And it, of course, goes in to a lot more detail on the polar pattern and microphone type as well. And tons of other fun things.

Good luck.

 

[Recording Engineer]

Contrary to chessrock's statement of you being better-off not knowing because for the most part, specs. don't tell you anything and to simply use your ears...

While his statement certainly holds TONS of validity that I agree with, I say educate yourself enough about specs. and you will have VERY TRUE knowledge of what IS bullshit, what is NOT, and WHY!!!

I say check into this book: "The New Stereo Soundbook, Second Edition" by Ron Streicher & F. Alton Everest

www.stereosoundbook.com

I'm not sure how in-depth it into the specs. of mics, but maybe email the author and ask!

For a quick reference page of what specs. mean, try:
http://www.neumann.com/infopool/mics/glossary/gloss17.htm

But still buy books; it gets MUCH more involved than that!

And yeah, as chessrock says, be sure to read the first thread in the Microphone Forum!

 

[knockdown]

Thnx alot you 2 and other to reply in the future. I will definitely check outt the mic forum thread as well.