
invariably prefer the sound of solid brass. Needless to say, we use solid brass backplates in all
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
every step.
guitarand were talking about something the size of a
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 axisthat 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 patterns 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 aa boost in
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') |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| 50 | 100 | 200 | 500 | 1k | 2k | 5k | 10k | ||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Frequency (Hz) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The proximity effect causes increased output in the
Cardoid patterns are most | Omni patterns are |
sensitive on the side of | sensitive to sound from all |
the capsule | directions |
Choosing & Using Microphones | 6 |