Article
Exploring proximity effect in pressure gradient microphones: A comparative study of polar patterns and construction variations (en)
* Presenting author
Abstract:
The microphone proximity effect is a well-documented phenomenon in the world of electroacoustics. A microphone's frequency response and directivity depend on the wave field and the distance to the sound source. This work delves into the intricacies of this effect, specifically within the realm of condenser microphones. We introduce an analytical model to analyze the proximity effect and its implications for various condenser microphone designs.Our study not only examines the theoretical aspects of the proximity effect but also presents empirical data, including comparative analysis with near field measurements. This comparison highlights the differences in proximity response among condenser microphones with varying polar patterns, diaphragm configurations (double vs. single diaphragm), and capsule constructions. This exploration sheds light on the practical implications for recording engineers, musicians, and audio enthusiasts to optimize microphone selection and placement for superior sound capture.