Klarinet Archive - Posting 000630.txt from 2000/02

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] re: Microphones
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 19:10:47 -0500

> From: "David Blumberg" <reedman@-----.com>
> > Cardiod is what
> > the big guys use yes?
>
> Sometimes. Omnis can be used to add ambiance.
>
> Mark C.

There are a whole range of pickup patterns and they all have their strengths
and weaknesses. Cardiod is by far the most popular pattern, but all the
others are used as well. Omnis in addition to adding ambience also have
extended low frequency response. Most omnis are actually pretty directional
at high frequencies, too.

There are hyper-cardiod (very narrow pickup range) and sub-cardiods (aka
"fat" cardiod- half way between a cardiod and an omni). These can be very
useful as spot microphones inside an ensemble. Hyper's are good for sound
reinforcement as their limited pickup means good feedback rejection. There
is also a figure-eight pattern. The pickup on this is two narrow bands on
either side of the microphone (at 0 and 180 degrees) and null at 90 and 270
degrees. The 180 degree side is also out of phase of absolute phase from
the first side. This is the pickup pattern for most ribbon microphones.

In old time radio dramas, the actors would speak on either side of the old
RCA ribbon microphones. One would be out of polarity, but for mono spoken
voice, it really doesn't matter. Two crossed fig-8 patterns at 70-90
degrees is referred to as a blumlein pickup. It is a great way to make
stereo recordings (one of my favorite mic techniques in a good sounding
room). Picks up ambience and a great sound on the musicians in front. For
some interesting reading, find a copy of the book titled "The Inventor of
Stereo: The Life and Works of Alan Dower Blumlein" by Robert Charles
Alexander.

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Freelance Clarinetist and Recording Engineer
Los Angeles, CA
benmaas@-----.com
http://www.fifthcircle.com

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