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A recording microphone and a shouting caterpillar – two great things that go great together!

I know nothing about recording microphones and I have often wondered, “What would I use a microphone for?”, until I read about a screaming caterpillar on Curiosity.

The above video was obtained from Science News.

Okay, so it’s not really shouting or screaming as we know it, but apparently, the Nessus sphinx hawkmoth caterpillar makes a series of clicks and hisses when disturbed as if to say, “OH, NO YOU DON’T!!” These noises are loud enough to frighten off a predator.

So, after briefly searching online for microphones that are great for recording vocals, I found the Audio-Technica AT2020. This microphone has been available for a while now, but this brand and model seems to be respected by audio recording enthusiasts as being a great microphone at a budget price. It has the following features: it is an affordable studio condenser microphone (good for recording vocals and individual instruments vs. a dynamic microphone which is good for recording live performances), has a cardioid polar pattern which reduces the sensitivity to sounds from the sides and the rear of the microphone, and,

Its low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease.

The Audio-Technica AT2020 Cardioid Condenser Studio Microphone is available from Amazon for $99. Is this a good microphone to detect and record the angry roars of the Nessus sphinx hawkmoth caterpillar? I have no idea, but if I had this microphone and access to this caterpillar, guess what I’d be doing?

The post A recording microphone and a shouting caterpillar – two great things that go great together! appeared first on The Gadgeteer.

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A recording microphone and a shouting caterpillar – two great things that go great together! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 30, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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The Rode NT1-A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is music to the ears


Although I am very much into photography, I am also a videographer, and I spend just as much time and effort seeking out good audio and video equipment. I have had more than one opportunity to film musicians performing in-studio, and good microphones are a critical part of a shoot if it is going to be successful. Apart from the instrument microphones, the vocal microphones for the singers are critical and should be chosen with the desired sound in mind.

I am a fan of several microphones from a few different manufacturers, and on my last in-studio musician shoot I used 2 different microphones, one for the musician and a different one for the bass player who was also performing the role of interviewer. For the bass player, I chose the Rode NT1-A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone. This Rode mic has a Cardioid Polar Pattern and a 1-inch diaphragm, along with a transformer-less output stage. It is an amazing sounding microphone, and for that particular shoot, it nicely complemented the Shure Super 55 that the singer was using. The only major difference was that the sensitivity between the two microphones is quite different, so I had to make adjustments for perfect matching.

You can purchase the Rode NT1-A at B&H Photo Video or Amazon for $229.

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The Rode NT1-A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is music to the ears originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 24, 2018 at 9:30 am.

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The Shure Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone is super in every way!


Early last year, I got a great opportunity to work with a few “underground” musicians, and one in particular was so original and had such a great bluesy sound, that I decided to film a music presentation with her and a bass player. When I considered the visual effect that I wanted along with the audio quality, I decided to use the opportunity to purchase a specific Shure microphone to accomplish my vision.

The Shure Super 55 is a Super-cardioid Polar Pattern microphone with an absolutely amazing sound. The clarity and the warmth that seems to come from a unique place within this microphone, is undeniable. I also believe that its vintage styling helps the experience by setting the mood and expectations. The microphone comes in black and chrome, and for my film shoot I chose the chrome for that really vintage effect. It has a built-in shock-mounted cartridge that makes sure that its operation is free of any unwanted noise from handling or any other vibration. It is also built like a tank to withstand heavy use.

If you are in the market for a microphone that is smooth and has a pleasing effect on any performance, head over to Amazon or Adorama and pick one up for the great price of $249.00

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The Shure Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone is super in every way! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 20, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD microphone interface review

Got a favorite microphone with an XLR connector that you want to use with your computer? Do you want one small enough to work with your iOS device when you’re on the go? The IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD will do just that.

IK Multimedia makes affordable, quality audio gear, including a very clever clip-on microphone. But if you’re looking for something that works equally well in the field and in the studio that won’t break the bank, take a close look.

Hardware specs

Microphone Input

  • Microphone Input: balanced female 3-pin, XLR. Pin 2: hot / Pin 3: cold / Pin 1: ground
  • Microphone Input Level: from 6 mVpp to 1.4 Vpp
  • Microphone Input Impedance: 2 kOhms
  • Gain Range: 40 dB
  • Phantom Power: +48V ± 4V
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz +/-1.5dB
  • Input Noise: -97 dB RMS, -105 dB(A)

Stereo Headphone Output

  • Connector: 1/8” TRS Jack. Tip: right / Ring: left / Shield: ground
  • Headphone Level Control numbered thumbwheel
  • Headphone Level Power 100mW into 50 Ohms

Other Input/Output

  • Device Connector: micro-USB

Common

  • Conversion: 24-bit A/D, 24-bit D/A
  • Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz
  • Power:
    • USB bus powered when used with a computer
    • Battery powered (2xAA included) needed for +48V phantom only

Package includes

  • iRig Pre HD
  • Lightning to micro-USB cable
  • USB to micro-USB cable
  • 2 x 1.5V AA battery
  • Velcro strip

Dimensions

  • Size: 40mm/1.57″ x 110mm/4,33″ x 34mm/1.34″
  • Weight: 75g/2.65oz (batteries excluded)
  • Cables length: 60cm/23.62″

Features

  • MFi microphone interface certified by Apple “Made for iPhone and iPad”
  • Compatible with Mac and PC
  • Direct monitor switch for real-time monitoring or for playback
  • +48V Phantom Power (with 2 x AA batteries)
  • Class A mic preamp with onboard gain control
  • Onboard headphone output (works with the latest iPhone)
  • High definition 24-bit converters with up to 96kHz sampling frequency
  • Multicolor LED for easy gain settings
  • Includes IK’s renowned, professional software and apps
  • Ultra-light and compact
  • Sleek and elegant design
  • Comes with USB and Lightning cables, 2 x AA batteries and a velcro mounting strip

Without AA batteries, the iRig Pre HD weighs less than three ounces.

You get two cables:  One “normal” mini USB cable and the other is a peculiar looking mini USB to Lightning cable.  That’s for connecting the interface directly to your iPhone or iPad.

On the input end is a female XLR connector.  You’ll find a headphone jack and mini USB connector on the other end.

There’s a direct monitor switch and volume dial on the right side for headphone listening.  On the left, a mic gain dial and a phantom power 48V switch.

Note the two LEDs on the top.  One glows blue for phantom power.  The other is multi-colored LED for the signal.  Red if you’re clipping, orange/green if you’re good to go.

I was wondering what the velcro loop was for on the battery door.  It’s for attaching to things like microphone stands.

I brought the iRig Pre HD to my recording booth. Here it is sitting with the Grace Audio M101 preamp and the Yamaha AG03 mixer.

Audacity users: The iRig Pre HD is detected.  Windows 10 version shown.

My condenser mic is the Neumann TLM103. With it, I tried three different methods:

Test 1:  Neumann TLM103 mic to Grace Audio M101 preamp, Yamaha AG03 to a fanless PC recording with Audacity.

Test 2: Neumann TLM103 mic to iRig Pre HD to Audacity

Test 3: Neumann TLM103 mic to iRig Pre HD to iPhone

I expected my usual studio setup with the Grace Audio preamp to be full and warm, and it was. However, the iRig Pre HD performed admirably for something pocket-sized and value-packed.  I couldn’t discern any game-ending auditory flaws such as noise or artifacts. Unless you’re burning a hole in your pocket the iRig Pre HD is a terrific one-stop purchase for both field and home recording needs.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by IK Multimedia. Please visit for more info and order from Amazon.
 

Product Information

Price: $99.99
Manufacturer: IK Multimedia
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • AA batteries (included, but only if you need phantom power). USB port for computer, Lightning port for compatible iOS device.
Pros:
  • Flexible, inexpensive, portable and quiet.
Cons:
  • At the sub-$100 mark, this may not satisfy golden ears and gear snobs.

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IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD microphone interface review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 7, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 review

If you want to record audio on the iPhone, you always have the built-in microphone. But if you want to step up your recording game, connecting an external microphone can be a little daunting.  The IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 is a quality, affordable condenser microphone that will do the trick.

  • Microphone Type: condenser, electret
  • Capsule Size: 0.55″
  • Polar Pattern: cardioid
  • Interface Type: USB digital microphone with a built-in low-noise, high-definition preamp
  • Conversion: 24-bit A/D, 24-bit D/A
  • Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, -3 dB
  • Maximum Sound Pressure: 125 dB
  • Sensitivity: -40 dB, 10 mV/Pa
  • Windscreen: built-in
  • Sensitivity: adjustable over a 40 dB range
  • Controls: Built-in low profile input gain and headphone volume contols/li>
  • Metering: Built-in multicolor LED for status and audio level indication
  • Connector Type: standard Micro-USB
  • Headphones Output: 1/8″ TRS jack
  • Power: powered by connected device

Package includes

  • iRig Mic HD 2 microphone
  • Lightning to micro-USB cable
  • USB to micro-USB cable
  • Protective storage bag
  • Mic clamp
  • 5/8″ to 3/8″ thread adapter
  • Table top stand

Dimensions

  • Size: 188mm/7.4″ x 49mm/1.93″
  • Weight: 325g/11.46oz
  • Cables length: 1.5m/59″

For you road warriors, the scale showed 11.44 oz for the mic itself, pretty much in line with the published specs.

 I was pleased to see that the iRig Mic HD 2 came with a zippered bag that actually fits all of the included pieces.
On the front end is a condenser electret microphone with a cardioid pattern.
On the back end is a headphone jack for monitoring, and a recessed mini USB port.  The recessed nature of the port really limits the cables you can use, so I stuck with the ones that came with the kit.

Speaking of cables, the kit comes with two.  One connects to your standard USB, the other is Lightning for iOS devices.
You’ll find two knobs on the mic body:  One for microphone gain, and the other for headphone monitoring.  And LED blinks blue, red, green and orange to let you know what’s going on.

This page in the instructions shows what the colors mean. If it’s blue, increase gain.  If it’s red, you’re probably clipping and need to turn things down. Ideally, you’ll want to be in the green or orange range.

This little fold-up tripod is a great addition. I noticed the mic clip even comes with a threaded adapter to use with a standard “camera” style tripod attachment as well as a mic stand.

So how does the microphone sound? I placed these two microphones side by side in my purpose-built sound room, to eliminate variables of environmental noise.  On the left is the Neumann TLM103, and on the right is the iRig Mic HD 2.

Before you readers with Golden Ears cry afoul, I KNOW these are like apples and oranges: The TLM103 is a large-diaphragm condenser, and the iRig is an electret condenser.  But apples and oranges are both fruit for different occasions, and I would hesitate dragging my Neumann outside the house.

These two clips were recorded at the same time. No EQ or compression added.

Sample 1:  The Neumann TLM103 with a Grace Audio M101 preamp and Yamha AG03 mixer to a fanless PC recording with Audacity.

Sample 2: iRig Mic HD 2 connected directly to an iPhone 7Plus


Comparing the two samples, the Neumann TLM103 (and other gear) sounded just a little warmer. The iRig Mic HD 2 sounded terrific.  Maybe just a hint brighter and some barely imperceptible noise deep in the grass. Unless you’re doing industrial tests in anechoic chambers, or you have a serious case of “I must spend 10x more money”, the iRig Mic HD 2 is an excellent value in a compact package.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by IK Multimedia. Please visit http://www.ikmultimedia.com/ for more info and Amazon to order one.

 

Product Information

Price: $129.99
Manufacturer: IK Multimedia
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • USB or Lightning port
Pros:
  • Quality condenser microphone at an affordable price. Comes with all the cables and a mini tripod.
Cons:
  • I would have preferred two LEDs for sound level (one for signal, a second for clip). Dials are a little hard to use unless you have baby fingers.

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IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 4, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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