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Tim Zager Loyal user Kansas City 222 Posts |
I'm about to purchase Countryman's E6 microphone and need to decide between directional and omnidirectional.
The obvious (to me) differences are feedback issues. In most cases I work with no speakers behind me and no floor monitors. Speakers are usually at each end of the stage. Omnidir. would seem to be OK. With omnidir, I'm concerned about picking up unwanted noise around me, especially when a spectator is on the stage. Should that be a concern? I'm told the directional mic is less likely to feedback, but more difficult to "position" for correct pickup. Any other issues I should be aware of? Tim |
Dan McLean Jr aka, Magic Roadie Special user Toronto, Canada 804 Posts |
Tim,
You obviously have a pretty good grasp on the fundamentals! Congratulations! I wouldn't be concerned about picking up spectators with an omni, and here's why. I try not to get too technical here at The Magic Café, but bear with me a minute. Every time you double the distance between your mouth and the mic, you lose 3db of volume. Therefore, if the mic is 2cm from your mouth, and the mic is 3/4 of a meter from the spectator (for you non-metric types, that's just under an inch and about 2 feet), then the difference between the two is 15db. Remember, every doubling of distance equals a 3db loss in gain, so, 2cm x2=4cm, 4cm x2=8cm, 8x2=16, 16x2=32, 32x2=64 (That's five doublings times three.) 15 db is pretty substantial, so I don't think spectator pick-up should be a concern for you. Positioning an directional mic is important for a couple of reasons. Firts is that you want to pick up your voice, but reject off-axis sounds which could contribute to feedback. (You already seem to have a sold grasp on that part.) There are two other factors to consider, though. First, is what's called "off-axis colouration". That refers to the fact thatdirectional mics sound different from the front than from any other direction. For htis reason, it's important to place the mic at the same angle every night. Second, is what's call "proximity effect". That refers to the fact that directional mics sound different from different distances. This spec can be very sensitive, so you need to be sure the mic is the same distance from your mouth every time. The closer the mic is to your mouth, the more dramatic a change will be. The combination of off-axis colouratin & proximity effect are that, if you're using a directional (also called uni-drectioanl, cardioid, hyer-cardioid, super-cardioid) mic, you need to be sure it always placed the same distance from the mouth, and at the same angle relative to the mouth. Positioning a uni isn't difficult, Tim, but consistency is very important. These two characteristics do not apply to omni-directional mics, but the first concept of losing 3db every time you double the distance does apply. By the way, Tim, the uni E6s I used had two different "tips" for the end of the mic. I'm talking about a tiny, hard, plastic sleeve and not about the foam windsock. One tip makes the mic cardioid (uni-directional), and the other makes it hyper-cardioid. The hyper-cardioid tip makes the mic more directional for greater feedback rejection, but also magnifies the off-axis colouration & proximity effect. It's a trade-off you'll have to try for yourself. If you change tips, though, be VERY careful, because the capsule (right at the end of the boom arm) is VERY fragile! Do NOT apply lateral pressure to the end of an E6! Please let us know how you make out, Tim, and let us know if you have any other questions. Cheers from Toronto! Dan.
Dan McLean Jr
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Tim Zager Loyal user Kansas City 222 Posts |
Thanks Dan, for taking the time. A few light bulbs came on as I was reading your very informative message. Some of the things I "thought" I knew became much more clear.
The five people I know who own the E6 each went with the uni-directional model. I'll probably do the same. Thanks again! Tim |
illusions & reality Special user Saskatoon, SK, CANADA 859 Posts |
Quote:
On 2004-04-19 23:01, Tim Zager wrote: Hi Tim, I have the E-6 with the Unidirectional mic. Sometimes I wish I had bought the omni for the reasons Dan stated. I was concerned about feedback. All in all, it's a great mic though. Lou |
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