Think of a microphone as a device that alters the frequency characteristics of a sound. Similar to how an equalizer works, each microphone has its unique EQ setting that shapes the sound in its own distinct way. We’ll begin our journey by looking through the lens of one of the most popular microphones in existence, the Shure SM58. ## Frequency Response The frequency response of a microphone determines which frequencies are emphasized or de-emphasized. Similar to an equalizer, higher values on the frequency response graph indicate louder specific frequencies. In this case, frequencies below 50 Hz cannot be captured by the microphone (approaching the lower range of human hearing at 20 Hz), and frequencies above 15,000 Hz cannot be captured (approaching the upper range of human hearing at 20 kHz). ![[Microphones - Microphone EQ connection.excalidraw.svg]] I’ve marked the middle line in red at 0 dB of volume, representing the microphone treating all frequencies equally, without adding or subtracting volume from any of the frequencies. If the graph were completely flat like this red line, we’d have a perfectly flat frequency response. However, you can see how some frequencies are emphasized or de-emphasized more than others. For example, the microphone boosts the volume of the 5000 Hz (5 kHz) frequency by 5 dB, as indicated by the blue arrow on the graph. This frequency range contains a lot of sibilance (think of the sound you make when you say the letter "s" or when you hiss), so boosting this sound can make the audio more airy, crisp, and defined, which might be appropriate for singers—one reason why the SM58 is such a popular choice for vocalists. On the other hand, the microphone cuts the volume of 50 Hz sounds by around 7.5 dB. The 50 Hz range is where a lot of boominess resides, which can make a recording sound muffled. This reduction is another reason the microphone is suitable for vocals, as these low frequencies are generally not desirable for this purpose. ![[EQ - Microphone is an EQ.webp]]