Microphones and Recording

Week two of Technology in Music Education, we experimented with recording into a DAW. We looked at different types of microphones and their polar patterns focusing on the dynamic mic (as it is the most common type found in schools) and the condenser mic. My group used an interface to connect the microphones to our laptops as well as recording a bass guitar line through this. Some key points I learnt in this process included

1. Check the gain on the interface

2. Ensure the instrument volume is turned up

3. Beware of dodgy cables

4. Understand the microphone polar pattern and how that will work with the space you are in.

Julia offered to use Ableton on her laptop and I really struggled to understand how to use it. This DAW was not intuitive and I spent a long time trying to find the right tools. I have limited experience with recording and using DAWs. Mostly I will use free programs that are easy to use such as Soundtrap or Garageband. I realise it would be very useful to look into this further to be more flexible when approaching recording in the classroom. I aim to spend more time using different DAWs I am unfamiliar with to extend my knowledge. Learning more about recording, using microphones and editing audio would also be very valuable in the classroom for recordings of group work, compositions, class performances and any HSC material.