Shure Incorporated
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Application Suggested Microphone Placement Tone Quality
Vocals
Lips less than 15 cm (6 in.) away or touching the wind-
screen, on axis to microphone.
Robust sound, emphasized bass,
maximum isolation from other
sources.
15 to 60 cm (6 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth, just
above nose height.
Natural sound, reduced bass.
20 to 60 cm (8 in. to 2 ft.) away from mouth, slightly
off to one side.
Natural sound, reduced bass and
minimal “s” sounds.
90 cm to 1.8 m (3 to 6 ft.) away.
Thinner, distant sound; noticeable
levels of ambient noise.
Proximity Effect
Unidirectional (cardioid) microphones 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. To prevent explosive low frequency sound during close-up use, the bass response
gradually rolls off. This provides greater control and helps the user take advantage of proximity effect.
Avoiding Pickup of Unwanted Sound Sources
A supercardioid microphone has the greatest sound rejection at points 120° toward the rear of the microphone. Place the mi-
crophone so that unwanted sound sources, such as monitors and loudspeakers, are at these angles, not directly behind it. To
minimize feedback and ensure optimum rejection of unwanted sound, always test microphone placement before a perfor-
mance.
Recommended Loudspeaker Locations for Supercardioid Microphones
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