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polar patterns

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  • 26-03-2008 2:39am
    #1
    brow_601
    Closed Accounts Posts: 161 ✭✭


    just a quick question, may not even make sense but sure here it goes...
    is it only condenser microphones that have changeable polar patterns?


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    #2
    PaulBrewer
    Registered Users Posts: 7,790 ✭✭✭PaulBrewer


    You know I'd never thought about that before!
    Yes is the answer...

    Condensers have 2 capsules and it's how they're charged and blended that gives them their directional characteristics......... as far as I recall.

    I'm open to correction on this though!


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    #3
    studiorat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,408 ✭✭✭studiorat


    Basically, yes. Condensor microphones which have adjustable polar patterns do so electronically, by blending the signal from two opposing diaphragms in various ways.
    Other condensor types, small diaphragm microphones for example use the physical design of the capsule and body to attain particular patterns, cardioid for example. It is possible to buy microphone sets with interchangeable capsules to use the various polar patterns.

    Might also be good to point out that polar patterns change as a function of frequency.


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    #4
    Savman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,323 ✭✭✭Savman


    Don't think I've ever seen a switchable dynamic :confused:
    But I'm sure there's at least one attempt out there by some obscure Chinese company or something.


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    #5
    studiorat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,408 ✭✭✭studiorat


    Putting your hand around the back of the capsule of a SM-58 (hip hop stylee) turns it omni.


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    #6
    Savman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,323 ✭✭✭Savman


    Squeal.


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    #7
    PaulBrewer
    Registered Users Posts: 7,790 ✭✭✭PaulBrewer


    An Acoustic Reach-Around if you will......


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    #8
    studiorat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,408 ✭✭✭studiorat


    PaulBrewer wrote: »
    An Acoustic Reach-Around if you will......

    Always the Gent...


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    #9
    PaulBrewer
    Registered Users Posts: 7,790 ✭✭✭PaulBrewer


    When your out your out! Which well known engineer was comparing a C12 to a Brauner that he owned thought the C12 was very dull and lacking hi end?

    The same lad who had the C12 facing the wrong way, that's who!

    Phase cancel that!


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    #10
    eoin5
    Registered Users Posts: 2,141 ✭✭✭eoin5


    I used to think that both sides of a mic on a figure of eight setting would be very similar but its not the case either. I was messing around with a rode classic on the figure of eight setting and found a big difference between the sound of each side of the mic, the front sounded punchy whereas the back sounded a bit washed out in comparision.


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    #11
    studiorat
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,408 ✭✭✭studiorat


    eoin5 wrote: »
    I used to think that both sides of a mic on a figure of eight setting would be very similar but its not the case either. I was messing around with a rode classic on the figure of eight setting and found a big difference between the sound of each side of the mic, the front sounded punchy whereas the back sounded a bit washed out in comparision.

    That's not much use then is it? They should both be the same, particularly for middle and side applications. I do find that hyper and figure 8 patterns are narrower though so it could still be useful.


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