MIC THEORY
Microphone Characteristics:
Pick-Up Pattern
- Cardioid
Most sensitive to sound coming in front of the microphone
- Supercardioid
A unidirectional microphone with a cardioid pattern and an extra pickup at a 115° angle behind the microphone
- Hypercardioid
A unidirectional microphone with a cardioid pattern and an extra pickup at a 115° angle behind the microphone
- Omni directional
A microphone that has a wide range and circular polar pattern. This indicates that the microphone is equally sensitive in all directions.
- Bidirectional (Figure 8)
A directional microphone thats equally sensitive in only two directions.
Frequency Response
The Frequency Response Curve of a microphone demonstrates its audible response over a 20 Hz- 20 kHz frequency range (average human hearing). Compare this to a flat frequency response curve, a response equal at all frequencies, and the mics curve may demonstrate whether it emphasizes or deemphasizes certain frequencies. An emphasis in a certain frequency range may color the sound, often resulting in a change of tonal quality from the original signal.
Proximity Effect
Proximity effect is a low-frequency bass boost that occurs within 1 of the microphone. Its usually associated with the popping of the letters p and b. A roll-off filter is sometimes added to the microphone to even out the bass frequencies so it has a flat, more natural sounding response.
Microphone Characteristics:
Pick-Up Pattern
- Cardioid
Most sensitive to sound coming in front of the microphone
- Supercardioid
A unidirectional microphone with a cardioid pattern and an extra pickup at a 115° angle behind the microphone
- Hypercardioid
A unidirectional microphone with a cardioid pattern and an extra pickup at a 115° angle behind the microphone
- Omni directional
A microphone that has a wide range and circular polar pattern. This indicates that the microphone is equally sensitive in all directions.
- Bidirectional (Figure 8)
A directional microphone thats equally sensitive in only two directions.
Frequency Response
The Frequency Response Curve of a microphone demonstrates its audible response over a 20 Hz- 20 kHz frequency range (average human hearing). Compare this to a flat frequency response curve, a response equal at all frequencies, and the mics curve may demonstrate whether it emphasizes or deemphasizes certain frequencies. An emphasis in a certain frequency range may color the sound, often resulting in a change of tonal quality from the original signal.
Proximity Effect
Proximity effect is a low-frequency bass boost that occurs within 1 of the microphone. Its usually associated with the popping of the letters p and b. A roll-off filter is sometimes added to the microphone to even out the bass frequencies so it has a flat, more natural sounding response.