Microphone Techniques; Proximity Effect - Shure PG42-USB User Manual

Microphone Techniques

APPLICATION SUGGESTED MICROPHONE PLACEMENT
Vocals Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or touching the
windscreen, on axis to microphone.
15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth, just
above nose height.
20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth,
slightly off to one side.
90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away.
Guitar & Bass 2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, on-axis with center of
Amplifiers speaker cone.
2.5 cm (1 in.) from speaker, at edge of speaker
cone.
15 to 30 cm (6 to 12 in.) away from speaker and
on-axis with speaker cone.
60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft.) back from speaker, on-axis
with speaker cone.

Proximity Effect

Unidirectional microphones such as the PG42-USB progressively boost bass frequencies by 6 to 10 dB below 100
Hz when the microphone is at a distance of about 6 mm (1/4 in.) from the sound source. This phenomenon, known
as proximity effect, can be used to create a warmer, more powerful sound.
TONE QUALITY
Robust sound, emphasized bass,
maximum isolation from other
sources.
Natural sound, reduced bass.
Natural sound, reduced bass and
minimal "s" sounds.
Thinner, distant sound; noticeable
levels of ambient noise.
Sharp attack; emphasized bass.
Sharp attack; higher frequency
sound.
Medium attack; full, balanced
sound.
Softer attack; reduced bass.
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