Little help with sound dept. at DVinfo.net

Justin Sammarco · August 5th, 2004, 08:27 AM

My company and I figure that our weak area is with our sound dept.

I had posted here before regarding mics and what would be the best to purchase for our intensions. I was recommended the Sanken CS-1 for overall audio on a film production, which I am grateful for, again thank you.

In my research of this mic and several others that were also recommended, brought me with a few questions I was hoping several of you may be able answer.

can someone explain to me what off-axis low frequency is, my understanding is that the unwanted sound comign from off the axis point of the mic is eliminated.

and

a hypercardioid has a coverage angle of 105 degrees and a rejection of about 110 degrees right? What would the difference be to that of the supercardioid?

thanks

Jacques Mersereau · August 5th, 2004, 12:14 PM

<<<can someone explain to me what off-axis low frequency is, my understanding is that the unwanted sound coming from off the axis point of the mic is eliminated. >>>

First, you should know that low frequency is usually considered as OMNI.
That means that it can be very hard to detect where the bass is eminating
(I would say yes once the room is "sonically loaded"). Therefore,
bass is mono. Personally, I don't agree with this 100%, but in terms
of *off axis low frequencies* what it means is that even though the
mic may be pointed away from a low frequency sound source, that low end
will still "load" the room. Therefore, the mic will pick it up even though
you are not aimed that way. This I agree with and if anyone tries to tell
you that any mic will reject off axis low frequencies, they are either lying
or bending the test results.

Sure, if you point a shotgun or hyercardioid
directly towards a subwoofer you'll get more low frequencies
than if you point away from the sub, BUT that's only because you are
not getting the *direct* sound waves, but those sound waves that are what
we call 2nd order (meaning that they've been reflected at least once and
have lost some sonic energy).

In any case, if you hear low end the mic will too.

A supercardioid is simply a mic with a slightly tighter pickup pattern.
Like maybe 90º or 100º.

Bryan Beasleigh · August 5th, 2004, 12:17 PM

Listen to some clips and read a bit more on polar patterns.
Jay Rose on pattern recognition

Various mic clips
More clips

Justin Sammarco · August 13th, 2004, 09:18 AM

wow, thanks a bunch guys

August 5th, 2004, 08:27 AM	#1
Justin Sammarco Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NY Posts: 57	Little help with sound dept. My company and I figure that our weak area is with our sound dept. I had posted here before regarding mics and what would be the best to purchase for our intensions. I was recommended the Sanken CS-1 for overall audio on a film production, which I am grateful for, again thank you. In my research of this mic and several others that were also recommended, brought me with a few questions I was hoping several of you may be able answer. can someone explain to me what off-axis low frequency is, my understanding is that the unwanted sound comign from off the axis point of the mic is eliminated. and a hypercardioid has a coverage angle of 105 degrees and a rejection of about 110 degrees right? What would the difference be to that of the supercardioid? thanks

August 5th, 2004, 12:14 PM	#2
Jacques Mersereau Trustee Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 1,334	<<<can someone explain to me what off-axis low frequency is, my understanding is that the unwanted sound coming from off the axis point of the mic is eliminated. >>> First, you should know that low frequency is usually considered as OMNI. That means that it can be very hard to detect where the bass is eminating (I would say yes once the room is "sonically loaded"). Therefore, bass is mono. Personally, I don't agree with this 100%, but in terms of off axis low frequencies what it means is that even though the mic may be pointed away from a low frequency sound source, that low end will still "load" the room. Therefore, the mic will pick it up even though you are not aimed that way. This I agree with and if anyone tries to tell you that any mic will reject off axis low frequencies, they are either lying or bending the test results. Sure, if you point a shotgun or hyercardioid directly towards a subwoofer you'll get more low frequencies than if you point away from the sub, BUT that's only because you are not getting the direct sound waves, but those sound waves that are what we call 2nd order (meaning that they've been reflected at least once and have lost some sonic energy). In any case, if you hear low end the mic will too. A supercardioid is simply a mic with a slightly tighter pickup pattern. Like maybe 90º or 100º. __________________ Jacques Mersereau University of Michigan-Video Studio Manager

August 5th, 2004, 12:17 PM	#3
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Listen to some clips and read a bit more on polar patterns. Jay Rose on pattern recognition Various mic clips More clips __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ".......holy smokin rubber lips...what a ride!"

August 13th, 2004, 09:18 AM	#4
Justin Sammarco Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NY Posts: 57	wow, thanks a bunch guys