Samson DK707 Manuel Du Propriétaire page 6

Polar Pick-up Pattern
Every microphone has a characteristic polar pattern that
determines how well it accepts or rejects signal coming from
various areas around the microphone. For example, omnidirectional
mics accept all signals regardless of wherever those signals
originate (in front of the mic, behind it, to the side, etc.). In
contrast, directional cardioid mics are specifically designed
to accept mostly signal coming from directly in front, and to
reject signal coming from behind or from the side. The Q71 and
Q72 have a supercardioid pattern, which is a slight variation
the standard cardioid pattern with a slightly tighter pick-up
pattern that helps increase the side-to-side rejection giving
better isolation from drum to drum. For this reason, the Q71
and Q72 excel in environments where there is a good deal
unwanted ambient sound (like a live sound stage) as they deliver
those signals originating directly in front of the mic capsule itself
while rejecting those that originate from behind. The C02 has
standard cardioid pattern offering good rear rejection, but with a
wider pick-up pattern which make them ideal for miking cymbals as well as the entire kit when
used as an overhead mic.
In addition, the polar pattern also determines how prone a particular mic is to inducing
feedback. Feedback is that nasty howling sound that occurs when a mic is placed too close to
a loudspeaker. The signal from the loudspeaker is fed into the mic, then into the loudspeaker,
then into the mic, over and over again until an oscillating tone is generated. Because the
supercardioid pattern utilized by the Q71, Q72 and the cardioid pattern used by the C02 is so
good at rejecting signal not coming from directly in front of the mic, you'll find that using these
mics will greatly minimize feedback problems.
Frequency Response
Each of the Q71 and Q72 microphone has been designed with a frequency response that
has been tailored for the drums it will be placed on. The response is created by the careful
consideration of the microphone element and the design of the capsule porting. The C02 has
been designed to have a flat frequency response with just a slight lift in the highs making it
great for overhead cymbals and hi-hat. You can see the individual frequency response of each
mic included in the specification pages.
Proximity Effect
Unidirectional or cardioid microphones,
exhibit a phenomenon known as "proximity
effect." Very simply put, proximity effect is a
resulting change in the frequency response
of a microphone based on the position
of the mic capsule relative to the sound
source. Due to the result of the proximity
effect, slight adjustments of the microphone
position and angle can make a big difference in sound. Specifically, when you point a cardioid
mic directly at the sound source (on axis) you will get the best frequency response, however
when you start pointing the microphone slightly away (off axis) you will notice the low frequency
response dropping off and the microphone will start to sound thinner. Knowing that the bass
will decrease as you change the mic angle can be a big help if you are getting a "boomy" sound
from your drum.
Cardioid Pattern
Supercardioid Pattern
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