Experimental Sound - theory

Frequency is the precise timing of waves of pressure hitting my ear drum. It is measured in Hz (cycles per seconds). The more cycles per second the higher the pitch the sound will be. Range of human hearing is between 20Hz and 20KHz.

Amplitude is the loudness go the sound, 'how hard the set of air molecule hits the ear drum - how much pressure is created by the sound'. It's measured in dB.

Sample Rate is the speed in which the sound is collected. An Audio CD is 44100Hz, it means that for every second of music we hear 44100 samples of the music is reproduced. Rule: one need a sample rate that is at least double the highest frequency used.

Bit Depth determines the dynamic range of the audio file. The more bits the the wider the range of volume you can have with each sample of recording.

• Microfone Patterns

Cardioid or directional:  Named for its heart-shaped pickup pattern, these mics don't record sounds from the rear. Because of this, 'front' sound captured capability is enhanced; on there other hand, ambient and reflected sound will be lower.

Cardioid

Bi-directional: Capture the sound from the front and rear.

Bi-directional

Hypercardioid: It is said to be a favourite Hollywood boom mic. It is the best one to avoid recording off-axis sound; however, it compromises the naturalness of reproduction.

Hypercadioid

Omnidiectional mics: Sometimes also called non-directional, compared to the other patterns, this mic it the least sensitive to wind noise. Very commonly used on Lavaliere microphones,  studio recording and as handheld vocal-performance mic.

Omnidirectional