Why figure 8

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jack Hammer
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Re: Re: Re: Shailat?

Freudian Slip said:

Maybe I should ask... what can I do with a figure 8 that I can't do with a multiple mic set up? Is the figure 8 somthing I really need to have in my mic locker? (baring I get a killer deal I can't pass up)

Typically, the most compelling reason for having a figure-of-8 mic is for ease in doing MS stereo, or else for the superior side rejection (e.g. when mic'ing a row of instruments or vocalists). It also may pick up certain desireable room reflections.

But one doesn't always chose a figure-of-8 mic because of it's pattern, but because of the way it sounds. For instance, a Royer or Coles ribbon mic are often selected because they sound great on horns (and many other things), and they just happen to be figure-of-8 as well.

In multiple pattern mics, figure-of-8 is often chosen because the frequency response is different from the other patterns. For instance, on my Lawson L47mp, that's the pattern that has the largest presence boost in both the upper mids and the bottom end - and it would also give the most exagerated proximity effect of the available patterns.

So I wouldn't necessarily buy a mic just because of it's pattern - but because I like the way it sounds.

(By the way, I agree with Shaillot about back-to back vocalists - if you want to use one mic, use an omni for that. But I don't agree about preferring two cardioids to one of each - I'd rather get the two best sounding mics I can find, regardless of pattern.)
 
Re: Re: Re: Re: Shailat?

littledog said:
(By the way, I agree with Shaillot about back-to back vocalists - if you want to use one mic, use an omni for that. But I don't agree about preferring two cardioids to one of each - I'd rather get the two best sounding mics I can find, regardless of pattern.)

Thats what I meant. I prefer two good Cardioids to finding a mic with a figure 8 pattern for the sake of the pattern.
 
learn something every day

This has all been a vary good learning exp. for me. Thank you very much. I can see how a figure 8 would be usefull for capturing the instrument and the room with out captureing the players on either side of your target just as much. And I can see using it to mic two sources (though not as much, I am still thinking on it).

I guess it is somthing I will more than likely never have to deal with, but it is good to know. I think I will stick with my cardoid pattern mics for now. Maybe someday I will have a good enough studio to want to capture the room with an omni or figure 8.
That time sure as hell isn't now though:D :(

Littledog, you mentioned that the sound from the front or back can vary? Is this the norm or do they often use the same cartridge on both sides? Are you talking about ribbons only?
I have one ribbon, and the casting around the ribbon is way diffent on each side so I can see how it would really vary on that.

I swear this is my last question:D Next time someone asks about a figure 8 mic. You can enail me (I meant Email, but I might have come up with a whole new business idea??:D:D) and tell me to earn my keep.


Later

Dave
 
Last edited:
Nope. Not just with ribbons. Please refer back to my posts here. It has to do with frequency response, polar plot, sensitivity, and so much more than I could probably ever know...
 
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