7
Directivity
Cardioid
Picks up most signal on axis. Rejects side and picks up
least to the back. Suitable for live sound re-inforcement.
Apparent proximity eect and most singer likes to take
this bass boost advantages which is not good for
Using a handheld microphone
For best signal to noise ratio, distance from the handheld
microphone to the sound source shall be as short as
possible. For higher gain before feedback and lowest
background noise, the microphone shall be pointed
directly to the sound source. (refer to the illustration
below) The sensitivity of a super cardioid microphone
is highest on axis and lowest at 120 to 135 degrees. To
avoid interference between multiple microphones, each
sound source shall be picked-up by one microphone,
use as less microphones as possible in one space, or
turn-on as less microphones as possible at the same
time. To reduce crosstalk between microphones, an
1:3 guide line shall be follow: The distance between
microphone A to the sound source A is "1", the distance
between any other microphone to the sound source A
shall be more than 3 times. When the (super) cardioid
microphone get closer to the sound source, the low
frequency response is boosted, as so call "proximity
eect". Experience singer takes advantages of the
proximity eect to improve the richness of his/her
voice or to increase the bass of the instrument as if an
extremely high quality equalizer is used. Same idea to
reduce the bass by increase the distance to reduce the
bass when needed. Reecting surface aect sound as
well. Beware of these surfaces such as wall, table, or
oor. Place the microphone away from the hard surfaces
or directly contact these surfaces to form a pressure
zone microphone. When using the microphone outdoor
or in windy environment, additional foam wind screen