Listening

1. Listening Microphones, Soundwalk, & Collaboration

2. Microphones • Microphones are type of transducer (converts energy from one form to another). • Different types convert energy differently but all share the diaphragm (a thin piece of material that vibrates) (range in size from small to large)

3. Types of Microphones • Dynamic (sturdy) – do not require external power – rugged, resistant to moisture, onstage vocals (Shure SM58) • Condenser (capacitor)- require power source so audio signal greater than dynamic – fast frequency response, sensitive to loud sounds, great for studio (delicate) • Electret Condenser – specialized with permanent voltage. Good ones include a pre-amp that requires power. • NOTE: Drums need a mix of dynamic and condenser mics.

4. Directional Properties • Omnidirectional – picks up sound evenly from all directions • Capture ambient noise • Situations where sound is coming from many directions • Unidirectional – picks up sound predominantly from one direction • Cardioid / Hypercardioid • Heart-shaped pattern where sound is picked up mostly from front (some side) • Many handheld mics are cardioid • Hypercardioid (removes ambient noise) • Bidirectional – picks up sound from two opposite directions • Uses figure eight pattern to pick up sound equally such as two people facing each other

5. Microphones for Class • Electret microphone invented by Sessler and West at Bell Laboratories in 1962. • Nearly all cell-phone, computer and headset mics are electrets • NOTES: External mics are possible with jacks like the iRig

6. Listening / Soundwalks • Developing sound requires being able to listen to sounds and develop a rich soundscape or background tracks for your projects. • Variables for listening include: • Location of sound • Loudness • Pitch • Register • Timbre • Duration • Rate of Change • Order • Attack / Decay

7. Group Activity: Static Soundwalk • Using paper, identify “motifs” by listening in small groups all facing away from each other. A motif can be any distinct sound you hear. Assign a letter name for each distinct sound. A = water fountain, B = bus, etc. You need at least 5 motifs in this exercise. • Goal: Create a general map of the area you are seated in (include some landmarks and boundaries of buildings & streets) & record your motifs

8. Class Activity • Assemble into small groups of 5. • Select a location that is near the school of music building. (Can be inside or outside) • Each group will listen for a few minutes to the sounds around them. Identify 5 sounds and label A-E. • Members will form a circle but facing away from each other. • Bring pen and paper. • Listen for 5 minutes – first to the sounds farthest away and then begin to focus on sounds that are closest to you • Listen again for 5 minutes specifically to the motifs you have selected as a group. • Each individual will draw a map using the visual chart to show where the sound happened (location), variables in the sound (did the pitch change), duration of the sound (how long did it last) • Record each motif with a cell phone. (We will transfer to a sound map at the next class.)