Volume 64, No. 1

Mic Mod: Microphone Modeling Software as an Educational Tool

Plugin software for Mac or Windows. System Requirements: 64 bit OS, with AAX Native, VST3, or AU plugin capable DAW. 4 GB of RAM minimum with Mac OS 11 or later, or Windows 10 or later. https://www.antarestech.com/products/vocal-effects/mic-mod

Two common stumbling blocks in music technology education include accessing proper equipment and developing critical listening skills. We work through these stumbling blocks so that students can bridge the gap between technical knowledge and the creative process. Recent developments in microphone modeling software (and sometimes hardware) provide an excellent resource when combating both of these stumbling blocks. Here, we will use the “Mic Mod” software plugin as a lens to discuss the educational benefits of the microphone modeling products available on the market today.

In the microphone world, audio engineers and producers often select specific microphone models or types in order to achieve their desired creative results. For example, music producers learn that ribbon microphones tend to deliver warmer recordings, and large diaphragm condensers can be great for high end vocal shimmer. Similarly, if a condenser microphone is picking up too much detail for a given application, then a dynamic microphone might be a better choice. As budding music producers learn and grow, they will more frequently select microphones based on their textural desires for a piece rather than relying on convention and rote memory. Over time, engineers and producers learn that selecting a microphone for a recording session is often a creative decision that’s driven by technical knowledge. Microphone modeling systems like the Mic Mod software use simulated experiential learning to help students leverage newly acquired technical knowledge towards building creative skill.

Figure 1: the Mic Mod plugin

Mic Mod software is added as a plugin on an existing track in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). On the most basic level, Mic Mod allows users to input the microphone used to record your audio on the left (“Source Mic”), and then select an output microphone on the right (“Modeled Mic”) (see Figure 1). Mic Mod then neutralizes the effects of the source microphone, and models a track’s sonic signature so that it sounds like it was recorded with the output modeled microphone (see Figure 2).

Figure 2: video demonstration of the Mic Mod plugin (viewers can also click here to watch the video).

Accessibility/Affordability

Mic modeling systems allow users to emulate a massive microphone cabinet at a fraction of the cost. For example, there are over 100 classic microphone models available within the Mic Mod plugin. The list is comprised of many famous recording studio staples, including microphones that are rare or vintage (see page 13 of the Mic Mod user manual for a complete list). Many of the microphones on the list cost many thousands of dollars just for a single microphone. For example, the AKG C12A currently sells for around $8,000 USD used, and vintage Neumann U47 microphones in working order often sell for tens of thousands of dollars for a single microphone. With mic modeling, students gain similar experience to that of someone with access to an equipment collection worth a fortune. Mic modeling saves instructional time and expense, since instructors can demonstrate a range of microphone traits without lengthy recording sessions, redoing takes while swapping out gear. Mic Mod itself currently starts at $2.08/month. But, with a range of mic modeling systems on the market, there is variability based on budget.

Classroom Instruction

Different microphones behave in unique ways and have varying sound qualities. Microphone choice is akin to a music producer’s paint palette or brush selection. Without concrete interactive listening examples, however, students often struggle to internalize the practical differences between the microphone models, types, and polar patterns that they’re taught in the music tech classroom. With mic modeling systems, students can compare and contrast microphone types and features with the push of a button. This type of experiential learning allows students to creatively use different microphones earlier than they otherwise would. Within the Mic Mod software, students can also explore additional features like the tube saturation slider, a knob that allows users to select the imagined microphone’s distance from the sound source, and a polar pattern selector. Students can create massive shifts in their “mic setup” with the push of a button, allowing more time to practice critical listening skills and developing an understanding of classroom material without slowing learning momentum via lengthy and expensive setups and tracking sessions.

However, while Mic Mod alleviates the accessibility problem, it does not completely solve it. Some classrooms may still struggle simply to get adequate computer access in order to run this type of software for their students. An additional challenge is gaining access to a system that enables the type of critical listening that’s necessary to learn this content. Students may struggle to hear the difference between microphone choices if they don’t have access to studio headphones, or a decent listening environment.

Overall, there is no doubt that this plugin is a valuable classroom tool. It not only alleviates accessibility and equitability issues in the classroom, but it also provides a valuable experiential resource for music tech and music production students. 

Additional Mic Modeling Systems: VMS slate, UA’s Sphere (previously Townsend Labs’), IK Multimedia T-RackS, etc.