Are you looking to elevate your audio recording game? Understanding the fundamentals of audio equipment is crucial, and one device that often stands out is the bidirectional microphone. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a bidirectional microphone and how does it work?” you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of bidirectional microphones, their unique features, and their applications. Whether you’re a podcaster, musician, or audio enthusiast, mastering the art of bidirectional microphones can enhance the quality of your recordings. So, let’s dive in and unlock their potential in capturing pristine sound from both ends.
What is a bidirectional microphone? A bidirectional microphone, also known as a figure-of-eight microphone, picks up sound equally well in front and rear.
What is a bidirectional microphone?
A bidirectional microphone, also known as a figure-8 microphone, is a type of microphone that picks up sound from two opposite directions, typically from the front and the back of the microphone. This pattern is called a bidirectional or figure-8 polar pattern because the pickup areas resemble the shape of the number “8” or a figure-8 when viewed from above.
Bidirectional microphones are often used in recording studios and for broadcast applications where it is desirable to capture sound from two distinct sources or directions while minimizing pickup from the sides. They are also commonly used in stereo recording techniques, like the Blumlein configuration.
It’s important to note that a bidirectional microphone will have reduced sensitivity to sounds coming from the sides, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on the recording situation.
The bidirectional polar pattern is mostly found in ribbons and some large-diaphragm condenser microphones. It’s important to note that a bidirectional microphone will have reduced sensitivity to sounds coming from the sides, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on the recording situation.
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3
What are the characteristics of a bidirectional microphone
There are several distinctive features of a bidirectional microphone.
1. Symmetrically sensitive
A bidirectional microphone has a diaphragm that is shaped to get the same sound pressure from each direction. Because its diaphragm is in the middle, the bidirectional microphone can pick up sounds from the front or the back.
2. Positive polarity and negative polarity.
If the sound pressure in front of the bidirectional diaphragm increases, the microphone signal will also show an increase in volume. When a sound wave’s amplitude is positive (when the sound pressure increases), the bidirectional diaphragm at the microphone’s back will produce a negative amplitude.
3. Null points to the sides
Imagine a diaphragm being pushed on from both sides by pressures that are equal in magnitude but opposing in direction. A “null point” is created at the sides of a bidirectional microphone because sound waves cancel each other out.
On a two-dimensional polar response diagram, these directions look like angles of 90 degrees and 270 degrees, respectively. The front of the diaphragm makes microphone signals with positive polarity, while the back makes microphone signals with negative polarity. The sideway sound is just as loud as the frontal, but it has the opposite polarity, so the microphone can’t pick it up.
4. Ring of Silence
A normal bidirectional microphone has a “ring of silence” around it, which means that the signal is being rejected. All sounds from inside the “ring of silence” that is aimed at a bidirectional microphone will cancel each other out because they will hit the diaphragm from different directions at the same time.
5. Greatest proximity effect impact
The proximity effect is usually most noticeable with bidirectional microphones, compared to other microphones. This is because sound pressure might enter the microphone from any side. The difference in amplitude between the two sides of the diaphragm is smaller than the phase difference.
As the sound source moves closer to the microphone, the bass response at lower frequencies improves dramatically.
6. Sensitive to vocal plosives
The pressure-gradient idea is at the heart of the bidirectional mic’s operation. Since the diaphragm is porous on both sides, the plosive energy of the human voice can easily cause “popping” by overloading the microphone.
When plosive energy is released from the mouth, the pressure goes up and down quickly, like a gust of wind. Overload and “pop” happen when the pressure on the microphone diaphragm changes quickly and dramatically as the plosive moves around the mic.
7. Realistic sounding
At the right distance, when the proximity effect isn’t very noticeable, the bidirectional microphone makes a very realistic sound. If the bidirectional mic is pointed toward the sound source it is supposed to pick up, it will often pick up the early echoes of the room. The sound becomes more “genuine” as a result of this.
The polar response of a standard bidirectional microphone is also highly stable. This means the microphone doesn’t pick up unnatural sounds when used off-axis.
8. Low gain feedback
Bidirectional microphones’ front and rear sensitivity lobes are mirror images of one another. This means that traditional “cardioid placement” in live sound reinforcement is not ideal for these microphones. Putting a screen in front of a bidirectional mic will cause massive feedback.
However, placing monitors or loudspeakers directly to the sides of the mic will provide massive amounts of gain before feedback, providing the mic with massive amounts of gain before feedback. However, placing screens out to the side is not very effective. Due to this, bidirectional microphones are rarely used for performing vocals in a live setting.
How is the bidirectional polar pattern achieved?
The bidirectional (figure 8) polar pattern, in general, is achieved with the true form of the pressure-gradient principle. The pressure gradient is an acoustic principle with both sides of the microphone diaphragm exposed to external sound pressure.
In other words, the amplitude, phase, and angle of incidence of external sound waves play a role in the directionality of the pressure-gradient microphone. The ideal bidirectional polar pattern results from the truest form of the pressure-gradient principle, where both sides of the mic diaphragm are equally exposed to external sound pressure.
Therefore, the typical ribbon dynamic microphone works on the true pressure-gradient principle and has a bidirectional polar pattern.
When should you use a bidirectional microphone?
Below are some situations where a bidirectional microphone could be useful:
- When strong rejection from both sides is a must.
- Captures a discussion between people across from each other
- When recording in a small space yet wanting to get the sound reflections.
- Whenever you want to record “side” information, that will be fully canceled out when you sum the stereo mix to mono.
When shouldn’t you use a bidirectional microphone?
There are some scenarios where a bidirectional mic will not perform properly. Among these are:
- Live performances.
- When the acoustic effects of closeness are undesirable.
If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “Cardioid vs. Omni-directional vs. Bi-directional Mics, Which Should You Buy?” from the Podcastage YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about bidirectional microphones.
What is the difference between unidirectional and bidirectional microphones?
A bidirectional microphone, also called a “figure 8” microphone, is sensitive to sound from either the diaphragm’s front or back. Unidirectional microphones only pick up sound from one side.
Are bidirectional mics condensers?
Many bidirectional microphones are indeed condenser microphones, as condenser technology offers the advantage of high sensitivity and accurate sound reproduction.
However, it is important to note that not all bidirectional microphones are condensers. Some bidirectional mics utilize other technologies, such as ribbon or dynamic.
Can you use bidirectional microphones in live settings?
Placing monitors or loudspeakers directly to the sides of the mic will provide massive amounts of gain before feedback, providing the mic with massive amounts of gain before feedback.
However, placing screens out to the side is not very effective. Due to this, bidirectional microphones are rarely used for performing vocals in a live setting.
Conclusion
A bidirectional microphone is an excellent tool for enhanced clarity and sound quality. As the name suggests, it can help you get higher-quality audio with minimal noise when recording from different directions. This microphone is not meant to replace your standard microphone, but it can give a good boost if you need it to record better audio quality.
However, just as you can’t become an expert cyclist by reading a book, you can’t become a great music producer by reading articles alone. It’s time to take action! Go and put what you have learned into practice.
This article covered what a bidirectional microphone is, how it works, and its characteristics. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- A bidirectional microphone’s polar and pickup patterns are shaped like in Figure 8.
- Bidirectional microphones can record from the front and rear.
- If the sound pressure in front of the bidirectional diaphragm rises, so will the loudness of the microphone signal.
So, do you use a bidirectional mic? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, share it with a friend and check out my full blog for more tips and tricks on music production. Thanks for reading, and never stop making music.
I’m in a Sound for Film class and found it confusing that this article says that bidirectional mics are condenser mics. I learned that many bidirectional mics are ribbon mics. My professor told me that ribbon mics are dynamic mics.
Hey there, Film Sound Superstar! ????
You’ve got a sharp ear (and eye) for details, and you’re absolutely right! Bidirectional microphones can indeed be both condenser and ribbon mics. While it’s true that many bidirectional mics are condenser types, ribbon mics are equally common and have that delightful warm, vintage sound.(I have updated this post to make that more clear.
Give your professor a virtual high-five for sharing that knowledge ????. Ribbon mics are a type of dynamic microphone, and their bidirectional nature makes them incredibly versatile for capturing sound on both sides of the mic.
By the way, if you’re thirsty for more audio wizardry and recording tips, why not join our enchanting newsletter? Cast your magic spell (or, simply, click) on this link: https://audioapartment.com/signup/. Keep rocking that Sound for Film class, and may the audio force be with you! ????????