We had a Mixing and Recording session with Rory which was mainly for the audio paper module but I found more interest in using it for my portfolio work. We went through different microphone types and applications as well as analysed different pieces and considered how they were recorded. What each recording offered and how the technique either enhanced the mood of the recording or clashed with it.
We also discussed polar patterns, frequency response and other aspects of microphones. Which ones require power, and why do they operate as they do. As well as different recording techniques and ways of capturing sound.
We also recorded vocals in the foley room through the control room and set up numerous microphones and listened to what sounded best or perhaps what each microphone offers. Rory also purposely was doing errors in order for us to detect what is wrong with the recording and how to fix it. After the session it made me consider my own microphone uses and application. I’m considering why I use the microphones that I do and why if I have a certain idea for the sound I shouldn’t use perhaps a dynamic microphone instead of a condenser. I love the sound of a dirty, not clean microphone and the AKG D-190 seemed to sound perfect for my portfolio ideas.
It’s from 1971 which is my favourite era of music. I checked online and did research and AKG reported it as a low-handling noise microphone which made it popular for live events and performances and PA/conferences. After hearing Rory use the microphone and setting it up with a pop shield it really interested me to use it. I’m going to use it with my 424 Tascam Tape machine and record straight into the cassette.
I was also curious to learn a bit more about the microphone and study it properly. It says there’s a 4K slight emphasis to give it brilliance which is interesting. As well as this the frequency response is only up to 15Khz. This is probably what makes it sound dark and not as bright as the other microphones I listened to. The interesting part is the Tascam 424 MK1 which is the medium I want to record to only records up to 16KHZ. So they almost are a perfect match.
I’m going to make sure I test or use this microphone for my ideas.