Dynamic microphones are great all around workhorses for recording. This article will describe the general basics of setting up and using a dynamic microphone. Because of their great dynamic range and ability to handle very high sound pressure levels, dynamic microphones are great for capturing almost any sound.
Instructions
1. First you will need to plug a cable into your microphone. Depending on the microphone model you may need an XLR microphone cable or a 1/4" microphone cable. Most microphones will use XLR cables, however a few lower end microphones use 1/4" cables and some even have a 1/4" inch cable built in.
2. Plug the other end of your microphone cable into one of the channels of your mixer or audio interface. Again, depending on the cable you are using this will be either an XLR cable or a 1/4 inch cable.
3. Next you will need to decide what type of sound you are going for. The distance you place the microphone to the sound source will be crucial. Do you want the source to sound close and hi-fi or do you want it to sound distant or more far away? For example, it is common for a dynamic microphone to be placed directly on the speaker of a guitar cabinet to get a very detailed and "in your face" sound. The further you place the microphone away from the sound source, the more of the "room" sound you will get. For instance, if you record a vocalist in a in room with the microphone far away you will capture not only the singer's voice, but also the "reflections" or echoes bouncing off the walls. If you don't want to hear these reflections, then move the microphone closer to the singer to capture much more of the detail of the singers voice. Experiment and you can achieve some great effects!
4. Once you have determined the distance you will be placing the sound source from the microphone it is time to set the levels on your mixer or audio interface. Make sure that the level coming into the mixer is not too "hot" or loud. Most mixers and audio interfaces will have a red light or meter that will light when the signal is too loud. Too loud a signal will cause distortion and other sound artifacts that are generally displeasing.
5. Perform! Once your levels are set you are ready go go!
Tags: microphone cable, sound source, your mixer audio, audio interface, cable into, dynamic microphone