Many of us have seen that professional teams of television people, artists performing on the street, always use fur covers that they put on microphones. Why covers are needed, why not a single experienced sound engineer can do without them in our work, we will tell in this article.
The appearance of the microphone and cover
The first prototype of a modern microphone existed in a telephone device invented by Scottish businessman Alexander Bell. True, his role was played by an electromagnetic capsule, which combined the functions of a telephone capsule.
Interesting fact: the first device in world history, which was used only as a microphone, appeared in the XIX century. A Polish engineer Heinrich Makhalsky and a famous Russian inventor Pavel Golubitsky announced his appearance with a difference of several years. It is called the Edison carbon microphone. The operation of this device was based on the resistance between the particles of the coal powder when the pressure changed.
They began to put on a fur cover on dynamic microphones. The first such device was introduced by the Germans Walter Schottky and Gervin Erlaz in 1924. They have extensive frequency characteristics, today they are used for recording sound in studios.
Why do I need a microphone cover?
The fact is that when an air stream begins to run on an unprotected microphone, it collides with the hard edges of the inlet.As a result, the so-called air vortices are formed.
It is because of this that during live broadcasts or recording sound in the fresh air, howls of the wind are heard if a fur cover is not put on the microphone.
By the way, recently foam rubber has been used more and more often for this. It performs the function of wind protection, directly brakes the air right in front of the microphone.
Also, microphone covers are required for recording sound in professional studios. Singers, reciters, or speakers often exhale sharply when pronouncing explosive consonants. Most often, this happens on the sounds “p” and “b”. This greatly affects the ears of listeners, creating a negative effect. Fur or foam cover can prevent all these troubles. Without these devices professional sound recording or high-quality live sound in the open air is impossible.
Pop filter
Another option for wind protection is a pop filter. It reduces the sound interference from a person’s breathing. Often it is used for sound recording. Also, this equipment is designed to protect the microphone from saliva containing salts that can harm expensive equipment. Thanks to the pop-filter, not only increases the sound quality, but also increases the life of the microphone.
Do all microphones need a case?
True, not all microphones need such covers. A notable exception is the model used by Elvis Presley. She is still popular among contemporary performers.
The main feature of this microphone is that it has a frequency response that is specifically designed to transmit not only speech, but also instrumental music and vocals.
In addition, he has a cardioid diagram. It was designed to work in adverse acoustic conditions. Due to the shockproof capsule, vibration is reduced to a minimum. That is why he does not need a fur or any other cover.
Such equipment is intended for vocal performances. Such microphones are used for live concerts when it is required to deliver a speech with a large crowd of people to a professional speaker.
How to choose wind protection?
Wind protection is different. On the market you can find many categories of goods that will differ in the length of the fur. This equipment should be selected taking into account the scope, individual characteristics.
Windscreen is present as standard on the microphone. But, as a rule, it is of poor quality. She will not be able to protect from strong winds. In this case, an additional fur cover can be worn directly on a regular one, or replaced. In addition to improving sound quality, a good cover also protects your microphone from moisture. Therefore, it is so important to have it when recording on the street.
To summarize, it should be noted that the cover on the microphone is a necessity. It provides high-quality sound, protecting against any interference. First of all, when working on the street. In addition, indispensable for recording sound in the studio.
