How To Mic The Voice - Technology And Characteristics

Voice is probably the most recognizable sound source of all and we can easily detect whether it sounds authentic or not.

When using microphones it is important to know some of the parameters characterizing the source you are recording, its surroundings and the characteristics of the tools you use to record it.

It will certainly need a good microphone and playback chain to sound similar to what we hear. Not only is the recognizable quality a concern, but other special phenomena occur around the human voice that calls for special attention when selecting the right microphone for the job. Apart from the microphone’s tonal character and finding the right acoustic surrounding to fit the voice and style, the two most important concerns are: The human voice can easily produce SPLs above 135 dB peak in the direct sound field. Vocal microphones on stage are normally used within 10 cm, which will challenge the microphone’s ability to handle sound peaks. The human voice will create heavy wind turbulence, also referred to as pop noise.

Microphone technology and characteristics

The human voice is a pristine instrument that should not be changed by the equipment being used.

A microphone is a device that transforms acoustic energy into an electrical voltage. Sounds pretty simple and easy – but you need to know this piece of equipment and its possibilities and limitations.

Here are some of the parameters to know of and choose from: Sound color – do you consider the microphone a tool or an instrument? Should the microphone add something to the voice or should it reproduce the sound?

Transducer principles

Directional characteristics Proximity effect – the bass level will change depending on distance Diaphragm materials Sensitivity to handling and wind Dynamic range, the range between the microphone’s self noise and the SPL where 1% THD occurs. On top of the dynamic range, a particular headroom is obtainable before clipping occurs.