screw/contact resonator disk disk spacer
backplate screws
diaphragm
w/ mounting ring ring spacer
center spacer
backplate
registration pins backplate spacer
backplate base
The major components of a large M-Audio condenser capsule are a solid brass backplate and an ultra-thin evaporated gold diaphragm

invariably prefer the sound of solid brass. Needless to say, we use solid brass backplates in all M-Audio mics.

The spacing between the diaphragm and backplate is critical. In order to avoid problems with barometric pressure, the spacer ring has a break in order to allow air to move freely between these two components. We precision drill approximately 100 extremely fine holes in the backplate, some going all the way through and some only going partially through. This combination further allows the appropriate amount of damping for the diaphragm.We then lap the surface in order to ensure that it is completely flat.This operation requires such precision that we measure the results not with a ruler, but with reflected light.

This level of precision is only possible due to modern computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. The important distinction is that these operations are programmed and supervised by human technicians at

every step. All-in-all, there are several hundred precision operations that go into making each of our solid-brass capsules. That￿s more than the number involved the crafting of the average Martin

guitar￿and we￿re talking about something the size of a 50-cent piece.

Patterns

The term polar pattern is used to describe the response of a microphone to sound sources from various directions. Each type of polar pattern has its own place and usage in the recording process. Note that the classic polar pattern definitions apply most accurately when sounds hit the microphone on axis￿that is to say, approaching perpendicular to the planar surface of the diaphragm. In general, microphones tend to become more directional in focus as frequencies increase. Put another way, capsules are generally less sensitive to high frequencies off axis. This phenomenon is typically less significant in medium capsules than in large capsules.

Cardioid pattern

The cardioid is the most common polar pattern found in microphones. The name derives from this pattern￿s resemblance to a heart shape. Cardioids are unidirectional, meaning that they pick up sound primarily from the front of the capsule. The back of the capsule rejects sound, allowing the engineer to isolate the signal source from other performance elements or background noise. More

noticeable in largerproximitycapsuleeffectdesigns, cardioid patterns

typically exhibit a￿a boost in low-mid frequencies as the proximity between the source and mic increases. Proximity effect is also more prominent with both larger capsules and lower frequencies.

Omni pattern omni-directional, omni

As the name implies, theor pattern, picks up sounds equally well from all directions. Omni is used to capture room resonance along with the source, thereby yielding a more open sound compared to the more focused quality of cardioid. Omni is great for vocal groups, Foley sound effects, and realistic acoustic instruments￿ assuming that acoustic space of the recording environment is desirable.

(dB)

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6 cm (1/4")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

level

 

 

 

 

 

7.5 cm (3")

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relative

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 cm (1')

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

--10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50

100

200

500

1k

2k

5k

10k

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frequency (Hz)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The proximity effect causes increased output in the low-mids as distances between the mic and source increase

Cardoid patterns are most

Omni patterns are

sensitive on the side of

sensitive to sound from all

the capsule

directions

Choosing & Using Microphones

6

Page 6
Image 6
M-Audio Microphone manual Patterns, Cardioid pattern