MICROPHONES AND

SPEAKERS
MICROPHONE is a transducer (A device
that changes one energy into another.) that
changes sounds into corresponding
electrical current (AC). It has a flexible film
that moves back-and-forth called
DIAPHRAGM.

4. DYNAMIC- has a magnet and a

coil.(similar to electric generator) The
most common type of microphone.

TYPES OF MICROPHONE
1. CARBON-uses carbon particles, its
resistance changes when applied with
pressure.

Parts of a Dynamic Microphone:

2. CONDENSER-two metal plates are

used in this type one is steady, while
the other is moving.

3. CRYSTAL- uses piezoelectric

material to produce electricity.
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 3. CARDIOID- can pick up from its
front and from its two sides. Used by
CLASSES OF MICROPHONES IN singers who perform in duet and trio.
TERMS OF THEIR DIRECTIONAL
CHARACTERISTICS:
1. UNIDIRECTIONAL-can pick up
audio signals at its front only. It is
commonly used by solo singers and
public speakers so that their voices
would not be drowned by the
surrounding noise such as shouts and
applauses from the audience. Also
called parabolic microphone.
4. OMNIDIRECTIONAL-can pick up
sounds in all sides, used by choirs or
orchestras.

2. BIDIRECTIONAL- can pick up audio

or sound signals coming from its front
and from its rear or back. It can’t pick
up signals coming from its sides. This
is used by singers and speakers who
want to have an “echo” of their voices.

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 AUDIO FREQUENCIES (AF) are
frequencies that can be heard by humans.
AFs are classified as alternating current or
AC. AF range from 20 Hertz(Hz) to 20,000
Hertz or 20KHz.

Frequencies and descriptions

Frequenc Octav
Description
y (Hz) e

The human threshold of

16 to 32 1st hearing, and the lowest pedal
notes of a pipe organ.

LOUDSPEAKER 0R SPEAKER- is a Rhythm frequencies, where

transducer that converts electrical current 2nd to
32 to 512 the lower and upper bass
into corresponding sounds or audio 5th
frequencies (AF). notes lie.
KINDS OF SPEAKER
CRYSTAL- piezoelectric material is used,
commonly found in headsets or small Defines human speech
applications. 512 to 6th to intelligibility, gives a horn-
MAGNETIC- has a magnet for increase
2048 7th like or tinny quality to
performance, designed for bigger
applications. sound.

Gives presence to speech,

2048 to 8th to
where labial and fricative sou
8192 9th
nds lie.

Brilliance, the sounds of bells

8192 to
10th and the ringing of cymbals
16384
and sibilance in speech.

Audio Spectrum Explained

The audio spectrum is the audible frequency range at

which humans can hear.

The range spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz and can be

effectively broken down into seven different frequency
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bands, with each having a different impact on the total
sound.
The seven frequency bands are:
Sub-bass > Bass > Low midrange > Midrange >
Upper midrange > Presence and Brilliance
Sub Bass: 20 to 60 Hz
The sub bass provides the first usable low frequencies
on most recordings. The deep bass produced in this
range is usually felt more than it is heard, providing a
sense of power. Many instruments struggle to enter
this frequency range, with the exception of a few bass
heavy instruments, such as the bass guitar which has a
lowest achievable pitch of 41 Hz. It is difficult to hear
any sound at low volume level around the sub bass
range because of the Fletcher Munson curves (Equal
Loudness Curves).
It is recommended that no or very
little equalization boost is applied to this region
without the use of very high quality monitor speakers.
Too much boost in the sub-bass range can make the
sound overly powerful, whereas too much cut will
weaken and thin out the sound.
Sine wave example at 50 Hz
Bass: 60 to 250 Hz
The bass range determines how fat or thin the sound
is. The fundamental notes of rhythm are centred on this
area. Most bass signals in modern music tracks lie
around the 90-200 Hz area. The frequencies around 250
Hz can add a feeling of warmth to the bass without loss
of definition.
Too much boost in the bass region tends to make the
music sound boomy.
Sine wave example at 100 Hz
Low Midrange: 250 to 500 Hz
The low midrange contains the low order harmonics of
most instruments and is generally viewed as the bass
presence range. Boosting a signal around 300 Hz adds
clarity to the bass and lower-stringed instruments. Too
much boost around 500 Hz can make higher-frequency
instruments sound muffled.
Beware that many songs can sound muddy due to
excess energy in this region.
Sine wave example at 300 Hz
Midrange: 500 Hz to 2 kHz
The midrange determines how prominent an
instrument is in the mix. Boosting around 1000 Hz can
give instruments a horn like quality. Excess output at
this range can sound tinny and may cause ear fatigue. If
boosting in this area, be very cautious, especially on
vocals. The ear is particularly sensitive to how the
human voice sounds and its frequency coverage.
Sine wave example at 1000 Hz
Upper Midrange: 2 to 4 kHz
Human hearing is extremely sensitive at the high
midrange frequencies, with the slightest boost around
here resulting in a huge change in the sound timbre.
The high midrange is responsible for the attack on
percussive and rhythm instruments. If boosted, this
range can add presence. However, too much boost
around the 3 kHz range can cause listening fatigue.
Vocals are most prominent at this range so as with the
midrange, be cautious when boosting.
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Sine wave example at 3000 Hz
Presence: 4 kHz to 6 kHz
Cutting in this range makes sound more distant and
transparent.
Sine wave example at 5000 Hz
Brilliance: 6 kHz to 20 kHz
The brilliance range is composed entirely of harmonics
and is responsible for sparkle and air of a sound. Boost
around 12 kHz make a recording sound more Hi Fi.
Be cautious over boosting in this region as it can
accentuate hiss or cause ear fatigue.
Sine wave example at 10,000 Hz
TYPES OF SPEAKERS ACCORDING TO
FRQUENCY RESPONSE
1. TWEETER-A loudspeaker that
produces high audio frequency or
pitch sounds (rapid movements),
ranges from 2000Hz to 20000Hz. It is
usually connected with capacitor or
crossover network for protection
against low frequencies or unwanted
frequencies.
2. MIDRANGE -A mid-range speaker is
a loudspeaker driver that reproduces
sound in the frequency range from
approximately 300 to 5000 Hz. It is also
known as a squawker.
3. WOOFER- woofer is a slang term
for loudspeaker driver designed to
produce low frequency sounds, typically
from around 40hertz up to about a
kilohertz or higher. It needs an enclosure
to produce the desired sounds.
4. SUB-WOOFER-A subwoofer (or sub)
is a woofer, or a complete loudspeaker,
which is dedicated to the reproduction
of low-pitched audiofrequencies known
as bass. The typical frequency range for a
subwoofer is about 20–200 Hz for
consumer products,[1] below 100 Hz for
professional live sound,[2] and below 80 Hz
in THX-approved systems.[3] Subwoofers
are intended to augment the low frequency
range of loudspeakers covering higher
frequency bands. These are usually felt
rather than heard.