Microphone Pickup Techniques: Distance and Angle
1. Performer-to-Microphone Distance
Distance can be Close, Medium, or Distant.
1) Close Pickup (1~5cm)
Ideal for low-pitched hosts and pop singers. Offers high realism and intimacy due to direct sound. Results in pure, clear timbre.
EQ for Speech:
Attenuate 100Hz~200Hz by 3~6dB (proximity effect).
Boost 200~300Hz by 3~6dB (fundamental speech range).
Boost 1~2kHz by 3~6dB (adds brightness/clarity).
Attenuate 8kHz+ by 3dB (reduces HF noise; speech has fewer harmonics).
Avoid effects for authenticity.
2) Medium Distance (5~10cm)
For hosts with mid-pitched voices and folk singing. Mid-pitched hosts sound relaxed, lively, cheerful.
Folk singing demands clear articulation, resonance, brightness, purity, and ethnic style.
EQ:
No boost/cut at 100Hz (no proximity effect).
Boost 256~440Hz by 3~6dB.
Boost 1~3kHz by 3dB (enhances clarity).
Boost 10kHz by 3dB (improves detail resolution).
3) Distant Pickup (10~20cm)
Suited for classical vocals. Classical technique focuses on beautiful timbre with abundant, strong harmonics. Requires full-bandwidth systems.
EQ:
Boost LF by 3~6dB.
Boost 256~315Hz by 3~6dB.
Boost 1~2kHz by 3~6dB.
Boost 10kHz by 3~6dB.
2. Microphone Angle
(1) Close Pickup (Pop): 15°~30° angle avoids plosives.
(2) Medium Distance (Folk/Classical): ~15° angle.
(3) Distant Pickup: 0° angle (mic axis aligned with source). Used for groups (e.g., choir section, violin section).
Distance can be Close, Medium, or Distant.
1) Close Pickup (1~5cm)
Ideal for low-pitched hosts and pop singers. Offers high realism and intimacy due to direct sound. Results in pure, clear timbre.
EQ for Speech:
Attenuate 100Hz~200Hz by 3~6dB (proximity effect).
Boost 200~300Hz by 3~6dB (fundamental speech range).
Boost 1~2kHz by 3~6dB (adds brightness/clarity).
Attenuate 8kHz+ by 3dB (reduces HF noise; speech has fewer harmonics).
Avoid effects for authenticity.
2) Medium Distance (5~10cm)
For hosts with mid-pitched voices and folk singing. Mid-pitched hosts sound relaxed, lively, cheerful.
Folk singing demands clear articulation, resonance, brightness, purity, and ethnic style.
EQ:
No boost/cut at 100Hz (no proximity effect).
Boost 256~440Hz by 3~6dB.
Boost 1~3kHz by 3dB (enhances clarity).
Boost 10kHz by 3dB (improves detail resolution).
3) Distant Pickup (10~20cm)
Suited for classical vocals. Classical technique focuses on beautiful timbre with abundant, strong harmonics. Requires full-bandwidth systems.
EQ:
Boost LF by 3~6dB.
Boost 256~315Hz by 3~6dB.
Boost 1~2kHz by 3~6dB.
Boost 10kHz by 3~6dB.
2. Microphone Angle
(1) Close Pickup (Pop): 15°~30° angle avoids plosives.
(2) Medium Distance (Folk/Classical): ~15° angle.
(3) Distant Pickup: 0° angle (mic axis aligned with source). Used for groups (e.g., choir section, violin section).