Uni-directional Microphone
A unidirectional microphone is a type of microphone that is designed to pick up sound predominantly from one direction. This means that it is more sensitive to sound coming from one direction (usually the front) and less sensitive to sounds coming from other directions (such as the sides or the rear).Unidirectional microphones are commonly used in situations where you want to isolate the sound source you are recording from background noise or other sounds in the environment. They are often used in live performances, recording studios, and broadcasting settings where controlling the pickup pattern and reducing unwanted noise are important.
Advantages of Uni-directional Microphone
Noise cancellation
Unidirectional microphones are designed to reject
sound coming from other directions, making them ideal
for noisy environments. They are particularly useful
in live performances, where they can help eliminate
feedback and unwanted noise.
Less ambient noise
Unidirectional microphones are less sensitive to
ambient noise than omnidirectional microphones. This
makes them ideal for recording vocals or instruments
in a studio setting, where unwanted noise can be a
problem.
Better signal-to-noise ratio
Unidirectional microphones have a better
signal-to-noise ratio than omnidirectional
microphones. This means that they are better at
picking up the desired sound while rejecting unwanted
noise.
Less susceptible to feedback
Unidirectional microphones are less susceptible to
feedback when used with a sound system. They are
particularly useful in live performances, where
feedback can be a major problem.
Versatility
Unidirectional microphones come in a variety of polar
patterns, including cardioid, supercardioid, and
hypercardioid. This makes them versatile and suitable
for a wide range of applications, from recording
vocals and instruments to broadcasting and live
performances.
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Types of Uni-directional Microphone
Cardioid microphones
Cardioid microphones are the most popular type of unidirectional microphone. They are named after their heart-shaped pickup pattern, which means they pick up sound from the front of the microphone and reject sound from the sides and rear. This makes them ideal for recording audio in noisy environments, as they can help to reduce background noise.
Supercardioid microphones
Supercardioid microphones are similar to cardioid microphones, but they have a narrower pickup pattern. This means they are more directional and can pick up sound from a smaller area in front of the microphone. They are ideal for recording audio in noisy environments, as they can help to reduce background noise even further than cardioid microphones.
Hypercardioid microphones
Hypercardioid microphones have the narrowest pickup pattern of all unidirectional microphones. They are even more directional than supercardioid microphones, and they pick up sound from an even smaller area in front of the microphone. This makes them ideal for recording audio in extremely noisy environments, as they can help to reduce background noise even further than supercardioid microphones.
Application of Uni-directional Microphone
Live performances
Unidirectional microphones are perfect for live performances, such
as concerts, speeches, and other events where the sound source is
located in a specific direction. They can be used to capture the
sound of a singer, a musical instrument, or a speaker, while
minimizing the noise from the surrounding environment.
Studio recordings
Unidirectional microphones are also widely used in studio
recordings, where the acoustics of the recording environment are
carefully controlled. They can be used to capture the sound of a
vocalist, a guitar, or any other instrument, while minimizing the
noise from other instruments or the surrounding environment.
Broadcasting
Unidirectional microphones are commonly used in broadcasting, such
as radio and television. They can be used to capture the sound of
a news anchor, a reporter, or any other speaker, while minimizing
the noise from the surrounding environment.
Podcasting
Unidirectional microphones are also popular among podcasters, who
use them to record their voices while minimizing the noise from
the surrounding environment. They can be used to capture the sound
of a single speaker or multiple speakers, depending on the type of
podcast.
Lectures and presentations
Unidirectional microphones are commonly used in lectures and
presentations, where the speaker needs to be heard clearly by the
audience. They can be used to capture the sound of a speaker,
while minimizing the noise from the surrounding environment.
Other Things to Consider When Using Unidirectional Mics
Proximity effect
Unidirectional microphones are subject to the proximity effect - a phenomenon that causes bass response to increase as the microphone is moved closer to the sound source. Sometimes the proximity effect is employed deliberately to give voices a little more bass and warmth, however, in some circumstances it may help to either back the mic away or roll off the bass using EQ.
Off-axis colouration
A microphone's frequency response may not be uniform at all angles. This means the microphones frequency response might change as you move the mic off-axis - high frequencies are typically the most affected.
Distance factor
Because directional microphones pick up less ambient sound than omnidirectional types, they may be used at somewhat greater distances from a sound source and still achieve the same balance between the direct sound and background or ambient sound. In fact, hypercardioid mics can be placed slightly further away than a regular cardioid and still obtain the same ratio of direct to reflected sound.
Distinctions Between Unidirectional Microphone Vs Omnidirectional.
Leakage
In a multi microphone setup, omnidirectional microphones
may not be an ideal choice. “Leakage” seems to
be the buzzword that is often be heard in such situations
and unidirectional mics would be the perfect choice.
However, an omni directional mic would often provide a
better performance, because of its less vibration-,
handling-, popping-, and wind-noise, and no bass buildup.
They can be even used right side up or upside down - this
is a typical feature of omnidirectional wireless lavalier
microphone.
Channel separation
Compared to a unidirectional microphone, an omni mic
usually has less precise channel separation, because it
picks up sound from all directions. Hence, if channel
separation is a need, then the ratio between indirect and
direct sound may be a disappointment using omnidirectional
microphones.
Low frequency response
Omnidirectional condenser microphones have in general a
more extended low frequency response and lower distortion
over directional microphones in a considerably longer
distance, say, a figure of over 30 cm.
Proximity effect
This is the biggest difference between omnidirectional vs
cardioid. Professional omnidirectional microphones do not
exhibit the effect and directional mics hold it to make
changes in frequency response so that they could attach
emphasis to lower frequencies. This is also the reason why
microphone omni directional is generally not recommended
for live sound.
Wind- and pop-noises
These are commonly existing problems when using
directional microphones which, due to the inbuilt more
compliant diaphragms, are more sensitive to wind and pop
noises than omnidirectional microphones.
Distortion
Directional microphones tend to distort more than
omnidirectional microphones, which is especially important
when working with high SPL's in close miking
situations.
Process of Uni-directional Microphone
Vibrating diaphragm production
The diaphragm is one of the core components of the microphone,
and its quality directly affects the performance of the
microphone. The main material for making vibrating diaphragm
is metal film, which is usually sputtered or evaporated on the
substrate. A metallic film is formed. Then after heat
treatment, etching, cleaning and other processes, the required
vibrating diaphragm is made.
Voice coil production
The voice coil is the key component that connects the
vibrating diaphragm to the sensing ring. To make a voice coil,
the wire is first wound around the skeleton and then coated
with a layer of insulation. The voice coil is then placed on
the vibrating diaphragm, adjusted and fixed.
Permanent magnet fabrication
Permanent magnets are one of the important factors affecting
the performance of microphones. When making permanent magnets,
powder metallurgy or injection molding methods are usually
used. The permanent magnet made by powder metallurgy method
has high magnetic properties, but the manufacturing cost is
high; permanent magnets made by injection molding are less
costly, but their magnetic properties are relatively poor.
Induction of the pole ring production
The sensing ring is another central component of the
microphone that generates a magnetic field. When making
induction rings, conductive materials (such as copper) are
usually used to make the corresponding ring structure, and
then surface treatment such as electroplating is carried out
to improve its conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Assembly & testing
The above components are assembled in a certain order, and the
performance is tested and adjusted. Tests include sensitivity,
frequency response, noise, and more. Based on the test
results, the microphone is adjusted and optimized accordingly
to ensure that its performance meets the requirements.
Packing & delivery
Microphones that have been tested and qualified are packaged
and labeled accordingly. The packaging material should have
good shockproof, moisture-proof, dust-proof and other
properties to ensure that the microphone will not be damaged
during transportation and storage. Finally, the factory
inspection is carried out to ensure that the products meet the
quality requirements.
How to Clean and Maintain Uni-directional Microphone
Unplug the cables
Obvious? Yes, we know. But it's not a mistake you'll want
to accidentally make. Take a moment to unplug your mic from the
power and unplug your headphones as well. The microphone needs to
be completely disconnected before you start.
Surface clean
The first thing to do is to use a soft cloth (microfibre is ideal)
and a bit of warm water to gently wipe down the surfaces of your
microphone. This will remove the sweat, saliva, grime and dirt
that's caked itself to the top-level surface. Go slowly, even
if it adds a few minutes to the job, and make sure you go
everywhere.
Disassemble the microphone
Now it's time to take off both the grill component and the
windscreen. Remove any pop filters you normally use as well. This
will give you much-needed access to the inner part of the
microphone. Why is this important? Because all of the saliva and
sweat accumulates and collects in this area. Use a gentle
dishwashing-like cleaner to clean these parts first off. Make sure
to remove any foam or soap with either a soft cloth or even
compressed air.
Spray the components
Using the soft cleaning agent, lightly spray the rest of the
microphone's body and any other components. Once this is done,
do not leave it to air dry. Wipe it off and dry it quickly with a
microfibre or similar cloth as soon as possible.
Sanitise
Once cleaned, your microphone will be ready to be sanitised. Many
DJs use isopropyl alcohol to give a deep, sanitised clean. If you
are going to use isopropyl alcohol, we highly recommend diluting
it by around 20%. Always flush out the sanitiser when you're
done with warm water and allow all of the components to air dry.
Be patient and make sure it's all completely dry before
putting it back together. If you don't, you'll either run
into problems when you plug it back into electricity or later on
when your valuable equipment starts to rust.
How the Uni-directional Microphone Works
A directional microphone, also known as a unidirectional microphone, is a type of microphone that is designed to pick up sound primarily from a specific direction while minimizing sound from other directions. This is achieved through various design features that help the microphone focus on sound coming from a particular direction. There are several types of directional microphones, including cardioid, supercardioid, and shotgun microphones, each with its own specific characteristics and applications.
Here's a general overview of how a directional microphone works:
Polar patterns
Directional microphones have polar patterns that determine how
sensitive they are to sound from different directions. The most
common polar pattern for directional microphones is the cardioid
pattern, which is heart-shaped and picks up sound primarily from
the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear.
Supercardioid and hypercardioid patterns are more focused than
cardioid patterns and offer even greater directionality.
Acoustic design
The physical design of the microphone plays a crucial role in its
directionality. Directional microphones typically have a
front-facing diaphragm that is more sensitive to sound coming from
the front than from other directions. Some directional microphones
also have acoustic baffles or chambers that help block sound
coming from the sides and rear.
Interference tubes (for shotgun microphones)
Shotgun microphones are highly directional microphones commonly
used in film and television production. They have a long, narrow
interference tube that helps pick up sound from a narrow angle in
front of the microphone while rejecting sound from other
directions. The interference tube works by delaying off-axis sound
waves, causing them to cancel out and reducing their impact on the
microphone's diaphragm.
Electronic processing
Some directional microphones also use electronic processing
techniques to enhance their directionality. For example, some
microphones have built-in circuitry that filters out unwanted
noise and emphasizes sound coming from the desired direction.
Precautions for Using a Uni-directional Microphone
Select the appropriate microphone type
When choosing a microphone, consider that different types of
microphones are suitable for different scenarios and uses. Dynamic
microphones are ideal for high-volume environments, while
condenser microphones are better at recording in-room audio or
speaking.
Keep an appropriate distance
Microphones are highly sensitive, and if they are too close, they
can cause the sound to be distorted or too noisy. Therefore, when
using the microphone, you should keep an appropriate distance,
usually it is recommended to be about 10~15 cm away from the
microphone.
Avoid background noise
Microphones can pick up the sounds around you, so when using a
microphone, you should try to avoid distractions from background
noise. You can choose to use the microphone in a quiet
environment, or use professional equipment such as a
noise-canceling microphone to reduce noise distractions.
Pay attention to the microphone orientation
Different types of microphones have different reception
directions, such as unidirectional microphones, two-way
microphones, omnidirectional microphones, etc. When using a
microphone, pay attention to the direction in which the microphone
is received, facing it directly at the sound source.
Avoid collisions and vibrations
A microphone is a delicate device that is susceptible to bumps and
vibrations. When using the microphone, bumps and vibrations should
be avoided so as not to affect its service life and performance.
Clean regularly
The microphone can accumulate dust and dirt during use, affecting
its sensitivity and clarity. Therefore, the microphone should be
cleaned regularly, using a professional cleaner or a soft cloth.
At the same time, when the microphone is not in use, it should be
stored in a dry, ventilated place to avoid moisture and corrosion.
Pay attention to the moisture protection of the
microphone
In particular, when using condenser microphones, try to use
windproof cotton or pop proof cover to block our saliva and avoid
dampness on the sound capsule. So that the sound quality is not
affected when using.
Company Profile
Shenzhen Marquess Electronics Co., Ltd. was founded in July 2004, originating from the Japanese AOI Electric Motor Manufacturing Company as a joint venture specializing in the production of ECM (Electret Condenser Microphones).
Our Certificate
ISO 9001 2015,ISO 14001 2015,ISO 4500 12018,UL E473299,UL E473487
FAQ
Q: What is a Unidirectional Microphone?
Q: How does a Unidirectional Microphone differ from an Omnidirectional Microphone?
Q: What are the advantages of using a Unidirectional Microphone?
Q: In what situations are Unidirectional Microphones commonly used?
Q: What are the different types of polar patterns for Unidirectional Microphones?
Q: Do Unidirectional Microphones require precise positioning for optimal performance?
Q: Can Unidirectional Microphones be used for outdoor recording?
Q: What is the frequency response range of Unidirectional Microphones?
Q: Do Unidirectional Microphones pick up background noise easily?
Q: Are Unidirectional Microphones suitable for vocal recording in a studio setting?
Q: What are the precautions for using a microphone?
Q: How to use a unidirectional microphone?
Q: What are unidirectional microphones suitable for?
Q: What are the rules for using microphones?
Q: Which is better, unidirectional or omnidirectional microphone?
Q: How to hold a directional microphone?
Q: How good are directional microphones?
Q: Is a directional microphone good to use in noisy environments?