Microphones Course: Shure History and Polar Patterns (Session 2)
Session 2 looked at the history of Shure microphones and demystified polar patterns, using measurement software and side-by-side listening tests at ROHM.
Training dates: June to 10 August 2020
Training overview
Session 2 looked at the history of Shure, one of the main microphone manufacturers used at ROHM, and explained polar patterns: how a microphone’s sensitivity changes depending on the direction sound arrives from. After the online assignment, the practical at ROHM used Room EQ Wizard (REW) measurement software to display frequency response, and the group listened to the same voice through different microphones to hear the differences for themselves. Tests included the SM58 with and without its grille, cardioid against omni condensers, and the proximity effect, where the bass builds up as a source moves closer to a directional microphone.
- REW (Room EQ Wizard) used to show frequency response and voice intelligibility
- Listening comparison of the Shure SM58 and SM57, including the SM58 with and without its grille
- SM58 compared with KM183, KM184 and 414 microphones in omni and cardioid, covering linear and non-linear frequency response
- The two diaphragms of the Shure KSM8, and how it acts as omnidirectional at low frequencies
- Proximity effect tested across cardioid, supercardioid and omni microphones
Training milestones
- Frequency response measured and compared in REW
- Proximity effect demonstrated across polar patterns
- Pre-quiz assessment (19 to 23 July 2020) and final quiz (10 August 2020) completed
Next steps
Session 3 builds on this with a wider comparison of dynamic, condenser and ribbon microphones and how their construction shapes the sound.
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