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Other Varieties (Highly Directional) of Mics
Shotgun Microphones
Shotgun mics use an interference tube to achieve a highly directional pickup. They’re ideal for film and field recording, focusing on distant sound sources while rejecting off-axis noise.
Contact Microphones
Contact mics pick up vibrations from solid surfaces instead of air. Often used for acoustic instruments, they can be attached directly to a body of wood, glass, or metal.
Parabolic Microphones
These use a parabolic dish to focus sound waves onto a microphone at the focal point. Common in sporting events, nature recordings, and surveillance, they can capture sounds from long distances.
Headset Microphones
Headset mics combine a microphone with headphones. They allow mobility and are used by performers, broadcasters, and call center workers. Their close positioning provides consistent sound levels.
Boundary Microphones
Also known as PZM (Pressure Zone Microphones), these are placed on flat surfaces to capture sound reflections. They are effective for conference rooms, stages, and theatrical productions.
Stereo Microphones
Stereo microphones contain two capsules arranged for different pickup techniques (X/Y, A/B, Mid-Side). They create a stereo image in one unit, making them useful for location and field recordings.
USB Microphones
USB microphones include an internal preamp and digital converter. They connect directly to computers without external audio interfaces, making them popular for podcasts, streaming, and home studios.
Multidirectional Microphones
These mics can switch between polar patterns (omni, cardioid, figure-8, etc.), offering flexibility for different recording situations. They are usually found in higher-end condenser mics.
This page titled 6.15: Other Varieties of Mics was last modified on Fri, 01 May 2026 02:55:06 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Geoffrey Dunbar.
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