# Assignment (mic differences experiment) Learning Outcome = understand the differences between dynamic and condenser mics. ### Setup 1. setup a Shure SM57 (dynamic) and a Rode M5 (small diaphragm condenser) so that both diaphragms are very close to each other facing the same direction 2. when you record: * record both microphones simultaneously with the preamps for each mic set such that the amplitude of both waveforms recorded look very similar (advanced = target averaging around -18db if you can) * try to make the waveforms of every recording look similar in amplitude (vertically, similar width) no matter the distance * take note of the following for your [response](https://benjohansen.gitbook.io/musictech/units/analog-audio/assignment-mic-differences-experiment#response): * what you have to do with the preamp when you move the mics further from the source * what happens with background noise with each mic * the microphone's self-noise * the usefulness of the "pop filter / windscreen" * quality of tone of each mic (*frequency response*,) 3. the content of your recordings should be: * music from an acoustic instrument or voice * and a single clap (if you can, zoom in on the clap of each recording to see how the waveforms of each mic differ = showing their differences in *transient response*) ### Recording 1. your **first recording** should be with the microphones positioned **2-6 inches** from the instrument 2. your **second recording** should be with the microphones positioned **4 feet** from the instrument 3. your **third recording** should be with the microphones **10 feet** from the instrument ### Response 1. [email me](https://www.baylor.edu/music/index.php?id=951763) your findings!: in a short essay (paragraph) describe what you discovered especially noting how dynamic and condenser mics differ; include anything and everything you learned from this experiment