3.1 Microphone Types and Polar Patterns
5 min read•july 30, 2024
Microphones are the ears of your recording setup, capturing sound in unique ways. Dynamic mics are tough workhorses, while condensers offer pristine detail. Each type has its strengths, from the warmth of ribbons to the versatility of multi-pattern designs.
Polar patterns shape how mics pick up sound. focuses on what's in front, while hears everything around it. and highly directional patterns offer specialized pickup for specific recording scenarios. Understanding these patterns helps you choose the right mic for the job.
Microphone types and principles
Dynamic and Condenser Microphones
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- Dynamic microphones convert sound waves into electrical signals through electromagnetic induction
- Utilize a attached to a moving coil in a magnetic field
- Known for durability and high SPL handling (rock vocals, drums)
- Generally less sensitive than condenser microphones
- Condenser microphones create electrical signals using a thin, electrically charged diaphragm and fixed backplate
- Form a capacitor requiring for operation
- Offer excellent transient response and (studio vocals, acoustic instruments)
- Available in large-diaphragm and small-diaphragm variants
- Large-diaphragm often impart flattering coloration
- Small-diaphragm typically provide more accurate, uncolored reproduction
Ribbon and Piezoelectric Microphones
- Ribbon microphones generate electrical signals using a thin metal ribbon suspended between magnets
- Produce warm and natural sound (orchestral recordings, vintage-style vocals)
- Often more delicate and may have lower output levels
- Exhibit smooth high-
- Piezoelectric microphones utilize crystals or ceramics generating electrical charges from sound wave pressure
- Commonly found in contact microphones and some measurement applications
- Rugged and resistant to feedback (acoustic guitar pickups)
- Each microphone type exhibits distinct frequency response characteristics
- Dynamic microphones often have a presence boost around 4-8 kHz
- Condenser microphones typically have extended high-frequency response
- Ribbon microphones tend to have a natural roll-off in the highest frequencies
Polar patterns and applications
Cardioid and Omnidirectional Patterns
- Cardioid polar patterns feature heart-shaped sensitivity
- Maximum pickup at the front, rejection at the rear
- Ideal for isolating sound sources (lead vocals, guitar amplifiers)
- Exhibit moderate proximity effect, enhancing low frequencies at close range
- Omnidirectional patterns capture sound equally from all directions
- Provide natural room ambience (choral recordings, )
- Useful for recording multiple sources simultaneously
- Minimal proximity effect, maintaining consistent low-end response at varying distances
- Multi-pattern microphones allow switching between different polar patterns
- Offer versatility for various recording situations (studio vocals, podcasting)
- Enable experimentation with different pickup characteristics
Figure-8 and Highly Directional Patterns
- Figure-8 () patterns are sensitive to sound from front and rear
- Reject sound from the sides
- Commonly used for stereo recording techniques (Blumlein pair, mid-side)
- Ideal for interviewing scenarios (two people facing each other)
- and patterns provide narrower pickup angles than cardioid
- Offer increased directionality with slight rear sensitivity
- Suitable for highly directional recording in noisy environments (film dialogue, stage performances)
- Exhibit stronger proximity effect compared to cardioid patterns
- Shotgun microphones utilize interference tubes for extreme directionality
- Highly focused pickup pattern for long-distance recording (film/TV production, wildlife recording)
- Can suffer from off-axis coloration and reduced low-frequency response
Microphone selection for recording
Sound Source and Environmental Considerations
- Evaluate the sound source's characteristics when choosing a microphone
- Frequency range (bass guitar vs. cymbals)
- Volume and dynamic range (whispered vocals vs. drum kit)
- Transient response (percussive sounds vs. sustained tones)
- Assess the acoustic environment for optimal microphone selection
- Room reflections (reverberant church vs. dry vocal booth)
- Background noise levels (quiet studio vs. live stage)
- Potential bleed from other sources (multi-instrument recording)
- Match microphone sensitivity and maximum SPL handling to the sound source
- Prevent distortion on loud sources (guitar amplifiers, brass instruments)
- Ensure adequate signal levels for quiet sources (acoustic guitar, soft vocals)
Technical and Practical Factors
- Consider durability and reliability requirements
- Robust dynamic microphones for live performance (handheld vocals, drum miking)
- More delicate condenser microphones for controlled studio environments
- Evaluate the microphone's off-axis coloration
- Affects overall sound when multiple microphones are used in close proximity
- Important for minimizing phase issues in multi-mic setups
- Factor in the microphone's self-noise and
- Critical for recording quiet sources (classical music, foley effects)
- Important in critical listening environments (audiophile recordings)
- Consider the microphone's proximity effect characteristics
- Can add warmth to close-miked sources (radio announcing, intimate vocals)
- May be problematic when consistent low-end response is required at varying distances
Microphone types: advantages vs disadvantages
Dynamic and Condenser Microphone Comparisons
- Dynamic microphones offer several advantages
- Ruggedness and durability (suitable for live performances)
- High SPL handling without distortion (drum miking, brass instruments)
- No need for external power (simplifies setup in some situations)
- Dynamic microphones have some limitations
- Generally less sensitive than condenser microphones
- May lack extended high-frequency response (potentially less detailed sound)
- Larger size can make precise placement more challenging
- Condenser microphones provide benefits in many recording scenarios
- Excellent transient response capturing fast, detailed sounds (acoustic guitar, cymbals)
- High sensitivity, ideal for capturing quiet sources (whispered vocals, room ambience)
- Often feature switchable polar patterns for versatility
- Condenser microphones present certain challenges
- More fragile and susceptible to humidity damage
- Require phantom power, adding complexity to the signal chain
- Can be overly sensitive in noisy environments
Ribbon and Specialized Microphone Considerations
- Ribbon microphones offer unique sonic characteristics
- Smooth and natural sound, particularly in high-frequency range
- Often preferred for vintage-style recordings (jazz, orchestral)
- Bidirectional pattern useful for specific recording techniques (mid-side stereo)
- Ribbon microphones have some drawbacks
- Generally more delicate than dynamic or condenser microphones
- May have lower output levels, requiring more preamp gain
- Traditional designs can be sensitive to phantom power
- Transformerless vs. transformer-coupled microphone designs affect performance
- Transformerless designs often handle very high SPLs better
- Transformer-coupled microphones may impart subtle harmonic coloration (often desirable)
- Specialized microphones offer advantages for specific applications
- Boundary microphones capitalize on surface reflections (conference rooms, theater stages)
- Lavalier microphones provide discreet placement for speech (broadcast, film dialogue)
- Hydrophones enable underwater recording (sound effects, marine biology research)
Key Terms to Review (23)
Ambient miking: Ambient miking is a recording technique that captures the natural reverberation and sound characteristics of a space by placing microphones at a distance from the sound source. This method allows for the inclusion of the acoustic environment in the recording, creating a more immersive listening experience. It emphasizes the spatial qualities of sound, which can enhance the overall depth and atmosphere of a mix.
Bidirectional: Bidirectional refers to a type of microphone polar pattern that captures sound from two opposing directions, typically from the front and rear. This feature allows for a unique recording perspective, making it ideal for specific audio applications such as duets or interviews where multiple sound sources need to be captured simultaneously. Understanding bidirectional microphones enhances your ability to choose the right microphone for different recording scenarios.
Cardioid: Cardioid is a type of microphone polar pattern that captures sound primarily from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and rear. This pattern is shaped like a heart, which is where it gets its name, and it’s particularly useful in live sound situations and recording settings where isolation of the source is desired. The cardioid pattern helps to minimize feedback and ambient noise, making it an essential feature in many microphone types.
Close-miking: Close-miking is a recording technique that involves placing a microphone very close to the sound source, typically within a few inches. This method captures a detailed and clear representation of the instrument or voice, while minimizing ambient noise and room reflections. By using close-miking, engineers can achieve a more focused sound, making it particularly effective in various recording situations.
Condenser microphone: A condenser microphone is a type of microphone that uses a capacitor to convert sound waves into an electrical signal. These microphones are highly sensitive and can capture a wide frequency range, making them ideal for studio recordings and detailed sound reproduction.
Diaphragm: The diaphragm is a flexible membrane that converts sound waves into electrical signals in microphones, acting as the primary sensing element. When sound waves hit the diaphragm, it vibrates and generates changes in air pressure, which are then transformed into an electrical current that can be amplified and recorded. The characteristics of the diaphragm significantly influence the microphone's sensitivity, frequency response, and overall sound quality.
Dynamic Microphone: A dynamic microphone is a type of microphone that uses a moving coil to convert sound waves into electrical signals. This type of mic is known for its durability, ability to handle high sound pressure levels, and often has a focused pickup pattern, making it ideal for live sound applications and recording instruments.
Figure-8: Figure-8 refers to a specific microphone polar pattern characterized by its sensitivity to sound coming from the front and rear while rejecting sound from the sides. This unique pattern is crucial in various recording scenarios, allowing engineers to capture specific audio sources while minimizing unwanted noise. The figure-8 pattern is especially useful in situations where two sound sources need to be recorded simultaneously, as it can pick up both while filtering out lateral sounds.
Frequency Response: Frequency response refers to the way a system, such as a microphone, speaker, or audio processor, reacts to different frequencies of sound. It indicates how effectively a device captures, reproduces, or processes various frequencies within the audio spectrum, ultimately affecting the clarity and character of the sound produced. Understanding frequency response is essential for optimizing audio quality across different aspects of sound production and playback.
Hypercardioid: Hypercardioid is a type of microphone polar pattern that is designed to capture sound primarily from the front while also picking up a smaller amount of sound from the rear. This pattern provides an even tighter focus on sound sources than a cardioid pattern, making it ideal for situations where background noise rejection is crucial. It’s particularly useful in live sound environments and studio recording, where isolating the main sound source helps in achieving clearer audio.
Live Sound: Live sound refers to the amplification and mixing of audio during live events, such as concerts, theater performances, and public speaking engagements. This field is crucial for delivering high-quality sound to audiences in real-time, ensuring that every instrument and vocal performance is heard clearly. The success of live sound relies on understanding various components like microphones, speakers, and sound mixing techniques to create an engaging auditory experience for attendees.
Microphone placement: Microphone placement refers to the strategic positioning of microphones in relation to sound sources in order to capture audio effectively. This process is crucial as it directly impacts the quality, clarity, and tonal balance of the recorded sound, while also influencing how the microphones interact with various acoustic environments. Proper microphone placement takes into account the type of microphone used, its polar pattern, the desired sound characteristics, and the gain structure needed for optimal recording levels.
Omnidirectional: Omnidirectional refers to a microphone's polar pattern that captures sound equally from all directions, providing a 360-degree sensitivity. This characteristic allows for a more natural recording of ambient sounds and can be particularly effective in situations where sound sources are not fixed or are spread out. It contrasts with other polar patterns that focus on specific directions, making it a versatile choice for various recording scenarios.
Phantom Power: Phantom power is a method used to supply electrical power to microphones, particularly condenser microphones, through the same cable that carries the audio signal. This allows for a simplified setup by eliminating the need for separate power supplies or batteries. Typically providing +48V, phantom power is essential for powering active electronic components within microphones and ensuring optimal performance in various recording environments.
Piezoelectric Microphone: A piezoelectric microphone is a type of microphone that utilizes the piezoelectric effect to convert sound vibrations into electrical signals. This microphone works by using a piezoelectric material, which generates an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress caused by sound waves. The resulting electrical signal can be amplified and recorded, making it ideal for capturing sound in various environments, especially where high durability and performance are required.
Ribbon microphone: A ribbon microphone is a type of dynamic microphone that uses a thin metal ribbon suspended in a magnetic field to capture sound. Known for their warm, natural sound quality, these mics are particularly valued in studio recordings for vocals and certain instruments, making them relevant to various microphone types and placement techniques. They typically have a figure-8 polar pattern, which means they pick up sound equally from the front and back, while rejecting noise from the sides.
Sensitivity: Sensitivity refers to the ability of a microphone to convert acoustic pressure into an electrical signal. It's a crucial specification that indicates how well a microphone can detect and respond to sound, affecting its overall performance in different environments. Understanding sensitivity helps in choosing the right microphone for specific applications, particularly in terms of capturing quiet sounds or loud sources without distortion.
Shotgun microphone: A shotgun microphone is a highly directional audio recording device designed to capture sound from a specific source while minimizing background noise. Its elongated shape and narrow pickup pattern allow it to focus on sounds directly in front of it, making it ideal for use in film, television, and field recording environments where isolating dialogue or specific sounds is crucial.
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is a measure used to compare the level of a desired signal to the level of background noise in an audio system. A higher SNR means that the desired audio signal is much clearer than the noise, making it easier to capture and reproduce sound accurately. This concept is crucial for understanding how various factors, like microphone type, signal paths, gain levels, and digital audio characteristics, affect overall sound quality.
Sound Pressure Level: Sound pressure level (SPL) is a measurement of the pressure variation created by sound waves, expressed in decibels (dB). It quantifies the intensity of sound as perceived by the human ear and is crucial in understanding how different microphone types capture audio. SPL is significant because it helps in determining the performance characteristics of microphones and how they react to various sound sources, especially in relation to their polar patterns.
Studio recording: Studio recording refers to the process of capturing sound in a controlled environment, usually within a professional recording studio, using various equipment and techniques to achieve high-quality audio. This environment allows for meticulous attention to detail, enabling musicians and engineers to create polished and refined recordings by utilizing an array of instruments, effects, and advanced technology.
Supercardioid: A supercardioid is a type of microphone polar pattern that captures sound primarily from the front while rejecting noise from the sides and, to a lesser extent, the rear. This pattern is particularly useful in situations where isolating a sound source is essential, such as in live performances or recording environments where background noise is present. Supercardioid microphones provide a narrower pickup area compared to cardioid microphones, making them ideal for focused sound capture.
XLR Connector: An XLR connector is a type of electrical connector commonly used in professional audio equipment, primarily for microphones and other sound devices. Known for its three-pin design, it provides a balanced audio signal, which helps reduce noise and interference during transmission. This connector plays a crucial role in ensuring high-quality audio capture and is often paired with different microphone types and their polar patterns.