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Sound System Basics – Microphones II

// May 26th, 2008 // 0 Comments // Sound

Alright so say you have your vocalists mic’d just fine, but you need to bring some of those instruments out in the mix.

Another workhorse mic, the SM-57, also comes from Shure. It is more geared for instruments. Also available for a decent price, you can use it on drums, guitar amps and more. I am not saying it is always the best mic choice, but it is cheap and decent. We still use them today on snare drums and guitar amps.

In a pinch, many people have also used them for vocal mics as well.

One feature of a microphone that plays into its selection is its frequency response. This is information measured and published by the manufacturer for you to use.

Above, you see the frequency response for the SM-57 while the one for the SM-58 is below. Across the bottom of each graph is sound frequency on a log scale. The left of the scale represents very low frequencies (the “boom” from subwoofers, bass guitars, etc.) while the right depicts high frequencies (cymbal crashes, sizzling bacon, high pitched ringing).

Notice that for both mics, that below 150-200Hz, the curves drop off. This means that they do not pick up those low frequencies very well. That is fine as vocals, snare drums and guitar amps don’t produce much in the way of low frequencies.

You should also see that both mics show a rise in the curve at higher frequencies. This means the microphone picks up these frequencies with a little more sensitivity.

Alright, so the curves look pretty much the same, right? Why use one over the other? Well, look closely at the SM-58 graph around 3000-4000Hz. See how it bumps up there? The SM-57 does not do that.

The frequencies right around 4000Hz have been found to be some of the most critical in making speech intelligible to the listener. This little bump on the SM-58 makes vocals pop out in the mix a little better and easier to understand!

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Sound System Basics – Microphones I

// May 23rd, 2008 // 0 Comments // Sound

When using a sound system, for whatever purpose, you have to get something into the system to work with!  This is done in so many different ways, it can be overwhelming.  However, the most basic method is through the use of a microphone.

There are many different types of microphones made for different situations and conditions.  But the basic purpose of any microphone is to convert the sound energy of an instrument or voice into an electrical signal.

Chances are that you have seen this microphone in use in lots of places.  It is the Shure SM-58 microphone that has been used literally for decades as an input device for vocals.  They are relatively inexpensive (less than $100 each) and take a beating.  They also do a very decent job of producing a good sound in the system and preventing feedback when properly placed and used.

Chances are that if you are in a small building or very reverberant space, a couple of these for your vocalists will be a good start for your system while letting the band just play in the space without being in the system.  The band can be heard well in the room while, due to the volume of the band, the vocalists cannot be heard.  Putting the vocalists into a small sound system by themselves so they can be heard will go a long way toward a better sound.  You can always add from there.

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The Andrew Landers Project

// May 23rd, 2008 // 0 Comments // Uncategorized

I love the part of my job where I get to do some photography and Photoshop work. I also love getting to work with this guy. Here is the new 2008 promotional photo we did this week.

Sound System Basics – Intro

// May 17th, 2008 // 0 Comments // Sound

When a person first takes interest in setting up or running a sound system, it can be a very intimidating experience. The components appear very complicated and confusing. The slew of cables connecting the various items together does not make matters any more comforting, either.

Most people see only a small part of the system, usually the sound board itself, and are intimidated. They are amazed that anyone can know what all those knobs do. I am here to tell you that with a little patience and focused learning, you can know what every part of a sound system does and make it work for you in your productions.

When you break the sound system down to its most basic functions, you can really begin to understand it and gain confidence in working with the various pieces of equipment. The basic functions in a sound system are input, processing, amplification, and output.

Here’s a simple diagram:

As shown, a sound system can be as simple as one microphone, a small mixer, an amplifier, and a single speaker. In some cases, the system is simplified by using a mixer with a built-in amplifier or self-powered speaker.

At the other end of the spectrum, each of these functions can be performed by millions of dollars worth of equipment as is used in large concert or broadway musical productions. The components and interconnections in such a system can become very complex and requires a great deal of training, planning, and experience to put together and operate.

I will begin to address these functions of the sound system in greater depth especially as they apply to typical church production situations.

What questions do you have about sound systems that you would like me to cover?