Figure-8 pattern

Definition

The figure-8 pattern is a microphone pickup pattern that captures sound from two opposite sides while rejecting sound from the front and back. This design allows for effective recording of dialogue or instruments in a way that emphasizes sounds coming from the left and right, making it useful in various recording techniques such as interviews or duets. The unique shape of this pattern contributes to its ability to isolate specific audio sources while minimizing background noise.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The figure-8 pattern is commonly used in live sound situations where two speakers or musicians face each other, allowing for clear sound capture from both sides.
2. This pattern is beneficial in reducing feedback issues when used on stage, as it minimizes the mic's sensitivity to sounds coming from behind.
3. In studio settings, figure-8 microphones can be positioned between two sound sources to balance their audio levels effectively.
4. This microphone type often requires careful placement to avoid unwanted noise pickup from other sources in the environment.
5. Recording with a figure-8 pattern can create a natural sense of space in audio tracks, making it suitable for capturing a more realistic sound image.

Review Questions

• How does the figure-8 microphone pattern compare to other common pickup patterns in terms of sound capture?
  • The figure-8 pattern captures sound from two opposing sides while rejecting sound from the front and back, which is different from cardioid microphones that mainly focus on front pickup with minimal side and rear sensitivity. In contrast, omnidirectional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions. This makes the figure-8 pattern particularly effective for situations where clear audio capture from two sources facing each other is necessary, allowing for a more controlled recording environment.
• What are some specific scenarios where using a figure-8 pickup pattern would be advantageous over other microphone patterns?
  • Using a figure-8 pickup pattern is especially beneficial in scenarios such as interviews with two speakers facing each other or duets where both performers need to be captured equally. Its design minimizes ambient noise by rejecting sound from the front and back, which can help maintain clarity in recordings. This pattern can also be advantageous in live settings where feedback rejection is crucial, making it ideal for stage performances with multiple musicians.
• Evaluate the impact of microphone placement and pickup patterns on the overall quality of recorded audio, particularly focusing on the figure-8 pattern.
  • The placement of a figure-8 microphone significantly impacts the quality of recorded audio because its unique shape requires careful positioning to optimize sound capture. By strategically placing the microphone between two audio sources, it can effectively balance their levels while minimizing unwanted background noise. However, if positioned incorrectly, it may pick up undesirable sounds or create an imbalanced mix. Understanding how different pickup patterns interact with their environment is crucial for achieving high-quality recordings, as they can greatly influence the final audio product.

Related terms

Cardioid: A microphone pickup pattern that captures sound primarily from the front and rejects sound from the sides and rear.

Omnidirectional: A microphone pickup pattern that captures sound equally from all directions, making it ideal for recording ambient sounds.

Binaural recording: A recording technique that uses two microphones to create a 3D stereo sound sensation for the listener, mimicking human hearing.