Sound, Lighting and Video: A Resource for Worship

CHAPTER 3

More on Microphones

MICROPHONES AND LINE-LEVEL SOURCES

Overview of Microphones

Microphones come in a variety of flavors. They are referenced primarily by their “pickup pattern.” Much like a loudspeaker has a coverage pattern, so does a microphone. There are five basic patterns categories for microphones, and these are referred to as “polar patterns.” You will seem them listed as Omnidirectional, Cardioid, Super-Cardioid, Hyper-Cardioid, and Bidirectional.

Like reading a speaker coverage pattern, polar patterns can be intimidating until you realize what you are looking at. Often times, a manufacturer will give you readings at various frequencies. For most of your work you will suffice knowing the basics. As you advance, you can really ...