Question 1

What difference does the mic make in creating WaveMaps?

Andrew Wild · Accepted Answer

ToneDexter II WaveMaps are built by comparing the mic sound with your pickup, so the resulting WaveMap will depend on both the mic’s response and most importantly on the mic position as you train ToneDexter.

A small diaphragm condenser mic is recommended. Large diaphragm mics can also work well, but may be more finicky about placement. Dynamic mics, such as common vocal mics, can yield usable results, though generally will not have as much high frequency information and will have the 5KHz region exaggerated. Tube (valve) mics, due to their higher non-linearity, are not recommended but may yield good results nonetheless.

Both cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns will give excellent results. Inexpensive omnidirectional measurement mics, even those with high self-noise, can give excellent results because the microphone noise doesn’t matter at all to the training. With an omni, you’ll have a more balanced perspective on what the instrument sounds like to a listener, and sometimes this can be advantageous.

Active ribbon mics may also be used. Passive ribbon mics may be used so long as they can tolerate 48V phantom power. If using a passive ribbon mics, consider turning off the 48V phantom power on the Training page.

Question 2

What difference does the mic make in creating WaveMaps?

Andrew Wild · Accepted Answer

ToneDexter II WaveMaps are built by comparing the mic sound with your pickup, so the resulting WaveMap will depend on both the mic’s response and most importantly on the mic position as you train ToneDexter.

A small diaphragm condenser mic is recommended. Large diaphragm mics can also work well, but may be more finicky about placement. Dynamic mics, such as common vocal mics, can yield usable results, though generally will not have as much high frequency information and will have the 5KHz region exaggerated. Tube (valve) mics, due to their higher non-linearity, are not recommended but may yield good results nonetheless.

Both cardioid and omnidirectional pickup patterns will give excellent results. Inexpensive omnidirectional measurement mics, even those with high self-noise, can give excellent results because the microphone noise doesn’t matter at all to the training. With an omni, you’ll have a more balanced perspective on what the instrument sounds like to a listener, and sometimes this can be advantageous.

Active ribbon mics may also be used. Passive ribbon mics may be used so long as they can tolerate 48V phantom power. If using a passive ribbon mics, consider turning off the 48V phantom power on the Training page.