Microphone characteristics

Question 1

What are pickup/polar patterns?

Answer 1

Diagrams which show how well microphones pick up sounds from different directions.

Question 2

Why are polar patterns useful?

Answer 2

• To separate signals if amplifying a band/recording a number of instruments or singers.
• If everyones sound is spread across each mic its difficult to adjust individual levels or panning.

Question 3

What is spill?

Answer 3

Trying to capture the sound of one instrument but another instrument can be heard from the same mic.

Question 4

What can be used to reduce spill?

Answer 4

• Directional microphones.

- Screens are sometimes used to maintain some acoustic separation between players as well.

Question 5

What is the proximity effect? Who is used by?

Answer 5

Enriching of lower frequencies when you sing very close to a directional microphone.
Used by skilful singers, presenters and announcers to colour their performances as they move closer to or further away from the mic.