Microphones - Boss BR-1180 User Manual

Microphones.

A microphone-or mic- is what your recorder uses to capture live sounds, turning them
into electric signals that can then be converted into digital audio through the BR-1180's
24bit converters.
There are basically two categories of transducer microphones. Dynamic mics and
condenser mics.
How a dynamic microphone works.
A sound wave strikes a thin plastic membrane called a diaphragm causing it to vibrate.
A small coil of wire attached to the back of the diaphragm called a voice coil
subsequently vibrates along with it. The voice coil itself is surrounded by a magnetic
field created by a small magnet in the microphone. As the voice coil moves through this
magnetic field it creates an electrical signal that corresponds with sound that is being
picked up by the microphone.
Dynamic microphones can withstand extremely high sound levels and they do not require
any external power to operate. They are generally very rugged and can serve multi-
purposes. Shure SM-57's are probably the most common instrument mics found in the
mic cabinets of professional studios. Dynamic mics are most useful for close miking of
instrument amplifiers and close miking of drums.
How a condenser microphone works.
Condenser mics are more sensitive and allow for a wider frequency response than
dynamic mics. They're also usually more expensive and more delicate as well. You will
want to use condensers for vocals and for most acoustic instruments.
A condenser microphone works by utilizing an electrically charged diaphragm and a
metal backplate placed closely together to form a capacitor. A capacitor, also called a
condenser, has the ability to store an electrical charge. The sound waves strike the thin
metal or metal coated plastic diaphragm , causing it to vibrate, thus creating
corresponding variations in the spacing between the diaphragm and back plate. In turn
this causes the stored electrical charge to change generating an electrical signal that
corresponds with the incoming sound.
Condenser mics require a phantom power supply or a battery to operate. The BR-1180
can supply phantom power through its XLR inputs to condenser mics. Generally it is ok
to connect a dynamic mic to a phantom power supply if you find yourself in a situation
that would require connecting a condenser mic to one of the BR-1180's inputs and a
dynamic to the other. To turn on the phantom power supply use the following procedure:
1) Press UTILTY
2) CURSOR to "System" and Press ENTER.
3) CURSOR to "Phantom" then rotate the VALUE wheel to "On."
4) Press EXIT 2 times.
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